This Week's Herman Trend Alert Demand-Driven Workforce Development

The Herman Trend Alert February 7, 2007 Dog Nannies and Other Evidence Beginning in 2000 we have written about the increasing humanization of pets. (http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_11-21-2000.html, http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_4-2-2003.html) Now, we have even more evidence. As futurists, we "connect the dots." It usually starts with anecdotes and eventually moves to proven fact, usually when some other entity conducts the research. Lately, we have seen an increase in this pet trend. Literally billions of dollars in the United States is spent every year on the care, feeding, and pampering of pets. In fact, according to a report issued by Packaged Facts, by 2008, the market is expected to top USD$16 billion. From doggie daycare facilities that are multiplying like rabbits in metropolitan areas large and small to the advent of mobile pet groomers, there are few markets growing as fast as pet care. However, surely the most phenomenal new development to support this growing pet trend is the coming of "dog nannies." Like their human counterparts, dog nannies are responsible for the well-being of their charges. They take care of the pets both physically and psychologically. One dog owner put it this way, "The dog psychologists say that dogs need three things: proper nutrition, discipline, and exercise. When dogs are left alone all day, they do not get the exercise they need to stay healthy." This healthcare professional wants her pets to be as healthy as her patients. They are important members of the family. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Paris Hilton and have long engaged dog nannies, but now ordinary people are hiring them as well. What a great occupation for animal lovers! Further evidence of this trend comes from the dog nutrition producer Nutro. The company has a line of "healthy pet desserts". From their "Apple Torte" to their "Berry Cobbler" and "Carrot Cake", Nutro includes "no added sugars", real fruit or carrots and oatmeal, and of course, natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals. Nutro, we think you have a real winner there. As the Baby Boomers age and younger people put off child-bearing, expect to see even more expenditures on these four-legged family members. The pet care market will continue its steady growth. © Copyright 1998-2008 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! If you've been thinking about attending our valuable Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program, don't delay--only three spaces remain. With the employment market heating up, many positions are literally impossible to fill. Attend this course and you will learn dozens of low-/no-cost valuable strategies to attract and retain the talent you need. Recertification credit from HRCI. Next program: May 22-23, Charleston, SC. Call Carol at 336-282-9370 or visit http://www.employeeretentionspecialist.com. GET INSIDE THE MINDS OF YOUR EMPLOYEES Find out what's really going on inside the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-648-1918 or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. NEW BABY BONUS Book Joyce to speak on the West Coast in 2008 and receive 100 of her books of your choosing. There is a new baby in the family, Spencer Jay, and Joyce would appreciate more opportunities to watch him grow. For more about Joyce, visit http://www.hermangroup.com/joyce.html or call Joyce at 336-210-3548. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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