From A Miss-Step
|
|
|
Used around the world and lauded from coast to coast, VSI Pet Care Products evolved following an accident that at first seemed anything but positive.
Jane Hylton of rural Liberty, Mo., was enjoying a trail ride in 1992 when a horse was severely cut on barbed wire. After being forced to use cloth strips and duct tape as a makeshift bandage, she decided that something better had to be available. Randy Hylton, Jane's brother-in-law and executive director of VSI, is another long-time animal lover who agreed that horses and other pets deserved something better. He also saw an way to improve opportunities for employees with disabilities.
After months of work, a prototype Vet Kit was sent for evaluation to the Center for Business and Technical Development at Central Missouri State University. Following tests and modifications, the first Vet Kits were shipped in June, 1995. Consumer requests led to the addition of Trail Kit, Mini-Trail Kit, Deluxe Trail Kit, Barn Kit and Foal Kit for a wider range of equine uses. In 1996, the popular Pet Kit, Bird Kit and Sport Dog Kit additions were offered.
One of the first to appreciate these new products was a veteran rodeo champion and a star of his own television program. In 1995, Vet Kit was featured on "Horseworld," the nationally syndicated program on the cable network, Prime Sports. The show is hosted by World Champion rodeo cowboy Larry Mahan who hand-picks products for review.
Charlotte Winter of Irving, Tx., is another animal lover who found out first hand about the quality of VSI kits. She is now the proud owner of a filly born Feb. 9, 1996, one of the first recorded uses of the new VSI Foal Kit, a self-contained foal delivery kit for horse owners. It even includes critical contents such as a clock for timing contractions.
It was literally a dark and stormy night when Kelly Tarwater of rural Cleveland, Mo., returned from her job as a dog groomer. She was horrified to find her pet bird hanging upside down with a toe stuck in the S-hook of a toy. A small pool of blood had already collected in the bottom of the cage.
After carefully freeing Otto, Kelly called her friend and neighbor Chrissy Craig, owner of Brothers Pets in Independence. The two worked for an hour to stop Otto's bleeding, then they carefully bandaged the wound. A key factor in the success of their work was the VSI Bird Kit which Kelly had purchased from Chrissy only one week before.
Today, Otto is very much alive, despite an accident that is often fatal. "I think he's alive thanks to having the right materials on hand to doctor him with," Chrissy explained. "We were very lucky that he made it through the ordeal. I highly recommend having a first aid kit on hand for any type of animal you own. You never know when you may need it!"
Dogs In "Blue"One of the most unique applications of VSI kits is now underway in Racine, Wisc. The Racine Police Department is among the many law enforcement agencies who appreciate Sport Dog Kit for its portable protection. The department's K-9 corps recently adopted the Sport Dog Kit as part of their often dangerous work.
Sport Dog Kit was designed initially for hunters, field trial enthusiasts and other pet owners who need a heavy-duty level of care, including treatment of gunshot wounds. Law enforcement personnel, including owners of "drug dogs," have quickly picked up on the product because it offers heavy-duty protection, including a special gunshot wound section.
