The revamped logo is a blend of old and new, each element speaking about the company and the products they produce. The shield is symbolic of the longevity and endurance of each piece, while the German Shepherd perched on top of it represents the company roots. Tibor Hattayer, founder and president of THE WAG INC. began by creating leads and collars specifically for working and show German Shepherds, before branching out to all breeds.
The German Shepherd image is modeled after a real-life counterpart, "Panjo vom Kirschental."
"I couldn't find collars or leads that were of the quality I wanted for my dogs. So I decided to learn how to work with leather, and started making my own products. I learned from someone who was a master leather worker, and I know my pieces are excellent because of this," says Hattayer. The business has rapidly grown over the past few years, and THE WAG INC. now supplies up-market pet retailers and retail customers with products internationally.
LA Dogworks, a world-class pet spa and retreat in Los Angeles, stocks the products, which are purchased by dog enthusiasts and celebrities in L.A. and Hollywood. Hattayer will attend an exclusive red carpet event in September 2009, as a featured guest, to raise awareness about his "Leading the Way" program and launch the new brand direction.
After successfully launching his business, Hattayer wanted to use his craftsmanship to give back. Having worked with people with autism for over 20 years, he decided to launch "Leading the Way", raising funds and awareness to provide service dogs to children with autism. "Children with autism can have a hard time socially, and can really benefit from a relationship with a service dog. I've seen some amazing success with these dogs," says Hattayer.
THE WAG INC. donates a portion of each sale to "Leading the Way", supporting National Service Dogs in Canada and Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in the United States. Hattayer is passionate about dogs and his cause, and is confident the rebranding will both expand the business and increase awareness about these organizations.
For more information about THE WAG INC. and "Leading the Way", and to purchase products, please visit www.thewagcanada.com.
About National Service Dogs:
This important organization was founded in 1996 in Canada, after a mother pleaded for help for her then-three year old son, Brodie. Brodie has autism and has since benefited greatly from his dogs, Shade and Shadow. Since then, NSD has been committed to helping children and families living with autism through their dog training and matching service. They were the first school in the world to provide this service and have been improving the lives of people with autism ever since. Their dogs "increase safety levels and alleviate the bolting behaviors common in children with autism by acting as an anchor when tethered to the child." For more information about NSD, and to see how you can help, visit www.nsd.on.ca.
About Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation:
Founded in 1960 by Charlie and Robbie Kaman, the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation has been training and matching German Shepherd guide dogs to help people with visual impairments. The Foundation has gained international recognition as a leader in the guide dog industry. They are dedicated to helping men and women with visual impairments achieve more independent lives, by matching them with a superbly-trained German Shepherd. Fidelco has many opportunities for donors, volunteers and sponsors. To find out more, please visit www.fidelco.org.
