Contestant's Case to Win

LATEST HOT NEWS:
- American Kennel Club (AKC) chooses Gertie Gear for 2009 Holiday Gift Guides: http://bit.ly/nNm2Y
- HollyWOOF vouchers distributed to celebrity dog lovers: http://twitpic.com/e9xzx
Press Release: http://bit.ly/5L9s3
- Gertie Gear proudly supports Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), all-volunteer org formed by Katrina 1st responders: http://twitpic.com/eay4x

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Several years ago, I adopted a senior beagle named "GERTIE." Inspired by Gertie's special needs for a supportive, comfortable bed, and my own need to conquer excessive laundry and the regular purchase and disposal of traditional pet beds, I designed and created a line of pet air beds with fashion slipcovers and launched the brand, Gertie Gearâ„¢.

To answer your first question, "NO, the air chamber doesn't pop or leak from use — not even from scratching dog or cat claws." This is because the inflatable is completely encased in, and protected by some of the toughest marine canvas the industry has to offer.

Picture the construction: essentially, a round inner tube, encased in a canvas undercover with a zipper opening, topped off with a fashionable fabric slipcover with elastic that works just like a fitted bed sheet. But, this pet bed offers many other thoughtful features and benefits that are healthful for your pets, and considerate of your time, your wallet, your style, your planet and other animals too.

PET HEALTH: vet recommended for its orthopedic benefits, especially for senior and special needs pets. The weight of the animal in the center creates a natural nesting area and full-circle body support when the animal is curled up or using the edge for a headrest.

Concerned about temperature control? Lay the bed over a floor vent for heated/cooled air that rises up through the fabric which is suspending your pet like a hammock. Skin problems and other germs? All covers are washable and the vinyl tube is not porous — just wipe clean with water.

EASY BREEZY: both the canvas and slipcovers are machine wash/dry. The canvas' extra-wide zipper opening means you never have to deflate/re-inflate the tube, unless of course you want to for compact travel. The elastic of the slipcovers makes changing them a snap and they don't have to conform to odd shapes like most foam beds. No special pump needed to inflate the tube — takes just a few minutes and some deep breathes.

VALUE: how many times have you washed stuffed/foam beds before they start to compress or fall apart? Is it even possible to wash the bed (and stuffing) of your large breed dog? How about those special Orthopedic beds that start at $100 or more for the small size? You still can't wash the odors out of the foam.

Gertie Gear air beds NEVER compress and don't have stuffing or foam that hold odors and allergens. If the tube becomes punctured while outside the protective canvas, it can be replaced for just a few dollars. Changing your home decor or want an extra slipcover? There are always new styles and patterns available. Don't worry about the construction of a Gertie Gear air bed. The canvas, zippers, elastic, fabric, even the thread is commercial quality, hand crafted to withstand continuous use and regular washing, so they last several times longer that other pet beds.

SNAZZTASTIC!!!: I've always wondered why so many pet beds look like they belong in a log-cabin or a princess movie. And how much comfort is added by the fake "lambs wool" covers? Can dogs and cats even feel that stuff with the coat of fur between their skin and the bed?

Gertie Gear slipcover fabrics are fabulous, fun and fashion forward to fit ANY style or decor. Plus, if you change your decor or just want something for the holidays or other occasion, there are a wealth of covers to chose from. If your pet sheds or likes a smooth, cool surface to lay on, try a silky fabric. Want to hide multicolored fur or mud in the winter? How about a fleece animal print. Obsessed with a sport, teddy bears or butterflies, we've got all of the hottest themes and even some for the individualists out there. Or, we'll make it to order — unless the fabric says, "special care/dry clean only" — we don't and won't do that!

SUSTAINABLE: Gertie Gear air beds are hand-(and home)-crafted in the USA by grown-up US citizens. They are not cut, sewn, nor packaged in a big factory somewhere overseas. All materials are also purchased from domestic suppliers. Materials used to make Gertie Gear air beds are commercial quality and because the beds never compress (nor decompose like foam/stuffing) they last many times longer then most other pet beds.

Much of the fabrics used are made of natural fibers such as cotton and cotton blends, including some organic choices (more organics to come as we grow). We only choose apparel fabrics that are washable and durable enough to withstand the intended use. Regular washing of the bed, usually just the outer slipcover, minimizes energy and water consumption because they can be laundered with other everyday fabrics.

RECYCLE, REUSE, RE-PURPOSE: Whenever possible, fabric and other scraps are donated or re-purposed into other products. A plan for a line of pet toys and accessories made from re-purposed materials will launch this summer. Our packaging is minimal, using a thick clear poly bag that is reusable or recyclable (#4), and a simple card stock header that duals as a hang tag for minimal shelf/display space in stores.

SHARE THE LOVE: Beginning Earth Day, April 22, 2009, Gertie Gear joined Animal Rescue New Orleans in its efforts to help area animals and their owners by pledging $1 for every bed set and fashion covers priced $25 or more to this ALL-volunteer organization formed by first responders of Katrina. More fund-raising efforts to launch later in 2009.

WHAT'S MY STORY?: I'm one of the many advertising/design pros in the region who have been adversely affected by the struggling economy and forced to reinvent themselves to survive and thrive. I love animals (have 2 dogs, 2 cats) and hate waste. So about 2 years ago, I designed the first Gertie Gear air bed and had a friend make the prototype. Since then, I developed the logo, brand and all marketing materials, learned to sew and have crafted and packaged about 95% of the product myself with occasional and much appreciated assistance from a few friends and family. I perform all business activities including accounting, materials acquisition, cost/sales forecasting, internet and event sales and distribution, social media (Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, etc), you name it!

NOTABLE REWARDS: For my efforts, Gertie Gear has achieved a superior product with a price point that is competitive with mass produced, foreign made alternatives while maintaining a profitable sales margin. The beds have been well received, particularly by the dog show and agility community, as well as consumers interested in more sustainable, quality products. The bed sets/covers are currently available in a local pet boutique and retail distribution efforts continue. Gertie Gear was chosen among much larger companies to participate in the Earth Day in Hollywood 2009 gift bag campaign and has been invited back for a dog specific event this August. BARK magazine included us in their "solutions for senior pets" feature. PetLifeRadio.com has taken interest with a recent interview. Gertie Gear has and continues to be highlighted in blogs, Etsy favorites and hand-picked treasury collections. Recently, Etsy.com placed Gertie Gear in the top three picks for it's pet gift guide.

Please take a moment to visit the website and online ETSY store as well as links to the blog and press releases:
www.gertiegear.com
www.gertiegearstore.etsy.com

Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Julie King, Owner / Innovator / "Whatever-it-takes DO-er"
and "GERTIE", CSB (Chief Senior Beagle)
—Gertie's Nose Knows Great Gear—