My Michael Vick Chew Toy
In our quest to stay on top of the latest dog products, we bring you the Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy.
The Vick Dog Chew Toy is available from Showbiz Promotions through the web site vickdogchewtoy.com, which describes its product as the "world famous ... undisputed 100 percent original" and sells it for $13.50.
Meanwhile, the "Official Vick Dog Chew Toy" is available from Aim to Beginn -- which claims Showbiz is infringing on its trademark -- through its web site vickdogchewtoy.net, or officialvickdogchewtoy.com and sells for $14.95.
Confused yet?
Basically there were some guys in Florida who dreamed up the idea, had a parting of ways, and have since gone on to try to brink Vick dog chew toys to the market, despite some pretty big obstacles.
In the case of Showbiz Promotions, 20,000 toys were sold -- before any were even made.
With a million hits on its web site within the week it was launched -- and scads of publicity about their "bite back" idea -- the company found itself in above its head.
On top of that, there were issues with the NFL, which wanted to make sure the toy did not infringe on licensing agreements, difficulties in finding a manufacturer, and further delays prompted by an industry-wide lead paint scare
Then came the split, and the dispute over which toy was the original, which the imitator.
Difficulties getting items shipped have plagued both companies, and led to the creation of another web site, vickdogchewtoyscam.com, from an 18-year old who -- though admittedly buying and reselling the toys for a profit on eBay -- questioned the ethics of Showbiz Promotions.
Both companies say they've worked the kinks out.
Darren Usher, of Aim to Beginn, says a percentage of profits from his "Official Vick Dog Chew Toy" will go to rescue groups and humane organizations, but adds that no particular organization has yet been chosen, and one, the Jacksonville Humane Society, turned him down.
"Our goal is to give 10 percent back," Usher said in an interview with Mutts (no, our name isn't trademarked). He said he planned to contact the organizations who are rehabilitating Vick's dogs to gauge their interest.
Meanwhile, he says his company is pursuing legal action against Showbiz Promotions.
Usher was kind enough to send me an "official" Vick toy (that's it in the picture). I was hesitant to give it to my dog Ace -- something about encouraging an animal to chew on a human form rubbed me the wrong way.
But I did find a good use for it, and to find out what that was, tune in tomorrow.
Comments
I'm all in favor of Vick chew toys. I just ban "dog-shaped" chew toys in our house. Anything that lets pups bite back at someone like Vick is okay in my book. :-)
Posted by: danielle | February 1, 2008 7:50 PM
WATCH OUT, DO NOT FALL FOR THIS, THOUISANDS OF PEOPLE PAID FOR THIS ITEM AND NEVER RECEIVED IT, THERE IS A SUIT PENDING AGAINST THESE PEOPLE!!!!!
Posted by: GEORGE | February 9, 2008 11:55 AM
Thank you John for writing about The Official Vick's Dog Chew Toy(tm). We are thankful that we have so many supporters of our endeavor and look forward to continuing to Give Back and raise Awareness through our efforts. If any person has purchased a toy through our website, they have received the toy pictured in this article and our fulfillment rate is 100% with a money back guarantee. We would like to stress that our company is not affiliated in any way with any other organization that believes personal profit is more important than consumer satisfaction and helping those organizations that assist pets every single day. I can assure every reader of this article, we are not involved in any suit against our company, Aim To Beginn, LLC. due to the outstanding service and persistent dedication to this product. Thanks again, John and looking forward to reading more great articles in the future.
Posted by: The Official Dog | March 4, 2008 12:25 AM