Webkinz Insider

IndyandLucky · 05-05-2009, 12:19 PM

Introduction:
Did you know that 6-8 million perfectly loveable pets enter shelters every year? And only 3-4 million of those loving animals find a home. What happens to the rest you ask? Well, they either spend that year being lonely and unloved, or they are euthanized. These animals deserve a loving home. So, what I am asking my fellow WI members is this – would you buy a Webkinz “Shelter” pet if you knew that it would be helping animals that desperately need support, love, and a home?

Being an allergy sufferer, I know that some families simply can’t have animals in their home. Why, allergies affect 40 to 50 million Americans. Of course there are other reasons as well, like money, responsibility, restrictions in your area (like an apartment that doesn’t allow pets), and changes (like moving, new job with more traveling, etc.). But, there are ways around these barriers. I have allergies, but that doesn’t stop me from loving my two former shelter cats.

Who I am:

I am a fellow Webkinz lover, just like all you Webkinz aficionados out there. Mostly, my life is my cats, though. I adopted them from my local no-kill animal shelter four years ago, and my life has been changed forever. Indy and Lucky (wonder how I got my username ? ?) love living with me, and really love their “forever home”. If I got into their very detailed lives, believe me, you would be reading this all day. Anyway, ever since I adopted them, I have become fascinated with shelters, and do whatever I can to help them. So, a while back, I figured out how to combine my two “hobbies” into one idea. Webkinz Shelter Pets was born.
Now, (I know, finally) I will explain my idea.

My Idea:

This would be a wonderful sales opportunity for Ganz, (as many of you fabulous readers pointed out). The general idea is to have “special” cats and dogs that are not one specific breed become a part of the Webkinz family. In short, Webkinz Shelter Pets is like Signature pets combined with Caring Valley Pets. These pets would probably cost more than a regular Webkinz, (probably adding $3-5) because that way, Ganz still has their profit, and the shelters still get a good portion of the money.
As with any product, there is only so many animals that can be Webkinz. Webkinz already features lots of dogs and cats which are already a specific breed. This product would greatly increase their ability to branch out to new Webkinz, because they could have a grey tabby, brown dog, black dog, (I think you get the picture)
In order for people to be encouraged to pay more, it is almost obvious that they would have to include something else with the pet. I thought it would be really cool if each specific pet would be completely different from the other. All mixed breeds are unique in their coat and coloring, so I think this would be a great way to show kids that being unique is a benefit, not a disadvantage. I am aware that this might be impractical, but Ganz has done harder things. Just like any pet, it’s pet item is very important. A basket bed, or perhaps a paw print mattress would be great pet items in my mind. Also, one thing that Webkinz have never had is collars. On the dress your pet section, maybe Ganz could make a new box for collars.

Here are some other suggestions from WI’s fabulous readers :

A new adoption center that lets you pick out a specific pet based on a bio.

A new “things to do menu”

A menu similar to Caring Valley that lets you pick which organization or shelter your money is donated to.
Adding Endangered Animals to this idea

Making the plush pets look similar to that “Precious Moments Look”

A new Wshop theme like a vet’s office or an animal daycare

A way to heal a pet with a special Doctor Quack kit that gives these pets some TLC

A short note that describes a shelter pet’s life and encourages the owner of the plush to adopt from a shelter

Conclusion:

So, in conclusion, I want this idea to happen very much. It has always been my dream to make a difference in the lives of shelter pets, and by doing this, I hope I can achieve that dream. Thanks to all for making this all possible! Without you – my thread would be nothing like it is today. So, I just want to say . . . .
Thank you.

Also, please post your thoughts on this, believe me, I would LOVE to hear them.

Your friend,

IndyandLucky

P.S. My cats, Indy and Lucky, also want to say thanks for helping their former “Cage-Mates”!

Please spread the word about this thread! Tell your friends, and feel free to use these signatures that I made. It should help spread the word!

Here are some signatures that I have made to support the Webkinz Shelter Pet cause. Feel free to use these.

jla3523 · 05-05-2009, 12:21 PM

IndyandLucky I think that is a great idea!! I have always adopted my pets from a shelter or the SPCA and I have seen that "boy and I lucky" look also

IndyandLucky · 05-05-2009, 12:32 PM

Thank you so much to all the fabulous members who contributed a graphic to help the cause! I hope you know how much I appreciate it! These members have made these for anybody to use - So please, use them! If you ever "run across" them on the forum, please thank them!
These 13 FABULOUS signatures were made by Brtswim! Thanks SO much!

These 2 AWESOME graphics were made by Hawaiianbreeze! Thank you SO much!

These 2 GREAT signatures were made by Labsrock! Thanks SO much!

Thanks for this AWESOME signature, BloogleJ!

This is a FABULOUS signature made by Kayrocks1!

IndyandLucky · 05-05-2009, 05:31 PM

These 3 GREAT signatures were made by Katey577!

These 5 GREAT graphics were made by WebbieLuvr1924! Thanks!

Here is the graphic that won the 1st ever Webkinz Shelter Pets Contest! Congrats Cookiecrumbs830!

Here is the graphic that won 2nd place in the 1st ever Webkinz Shelter Pets Contest! Congrats BalletDancer97!

palmisland · 05-06-2009, 02:54 PM

This would be a great idea, it would encourage people to adopt real animals from shelters, and it would make people who love animals buy some to support the animals

IndyandLucky · 05-06-2009, 03:21 PM

Saved for future use...

palmisland · 05-06-2009, 03:25 PM

I would be one of the first to buy one of them, I love animals, unfortunately, I couldn't get one (real shelter pet I mean) cuz dad wanted a certain breed DX but maybe someday... At school, our school raises money, and a few charities apply for the money, and the school votes on which one to give the money to, this year the humane society won!

IndyandLucky · 05-06-2009, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by jla3523

IndyandLucky I think that is a great idea!! I have always adopted my pets from a shelter or the SPCA and I have seen that "boy and I lucky" look also

Aw! Thank you! It is nice to meet someone who has adopted pets from animal shelters! That look is priceless and makes my heart warm! Thanks so much for posting!

Originally Posted by palmisland

This would be a great idea, it would encourage people to adopt real animals from shelters, and it would make people who love animals buy some to support the animals

Thank you so much PalmIsland! I really appreciate your post! That was the thought I had in mind also. I am a huge animal lover and would definitely buy a shelter webkinz to support cats and dogs like Indy and Lucky.

Originally Posted by palmisland

I would be one of the first to buy one of them, I love animals, unfortunately, I couldn't get one (real shelter pet I mean) cuz dad wanted a certain breed DX but maybe someday... At school, our school raises money, and a few charities apply for the money, and the school votes on which one to give the money to, this year the humane society won!

Thanks so much! That means a lot! Animals are my life! That is too bad. I have two former shelter cats, and I could care less if they were a certain breed. I hope you eventually get one! I am so glad the humane society won! That is good! I am sure your school will do lots to help animals in need.

Originally Posted by iluvwarriors

That is a wonderful idea! I'm posting a link for this in my signature! Brilliant idea LuckyandIndy! BRILLIANT!

Aw! Thanks so much Warriors! You are a brilliant person.

Thanks so much!