Hemp and More.org

What are the benefits of Hemp fabric for dog beds?

Hemp stretches less then any other natural fibers, gets softer with use and is porous by nature and breathes, thereby making it cool in warm weather and warmer in cool weather when your dog is laying on our beds!

Via the North American Industrial Hemp Council & the European Industrial Hemp Association:

• Hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton.
• Fabrics made of at least one-half hemp block the sun’s UV rays more effectively than other fabrics.
• Hemp grows well in a variety of climates and soil types. It is naturally resistant to most pests, precluding the need for pesticides. It grows tightly spaced, out-competing any weeds, so herbicides are not necessary. It also leaves a weed-free field for a following crop.
• Hemp can displace cotton which is usually grown with massive amounts of chemicals harmful to people and the environment. 50% of all the world’s pesticides are sprayed on cotton.
• Hemp can displace wood fiber and save forests for watershed, wildlife habitat, recreation and oxygen production, carbon sequestration (reduces global warming), and other values.
• Hemp can yield 3-8 dry tons of fiber per acre. This is four times what an average forest can yield.
• Hemp is an extremely fast growing crop, producing more fiber yield per acre than any other source. Hemp can produce 250% more fiber than cotton using the same amount of land.

About Better Buddies…

Better Buddies, Inc. was not yet an idea when we found ourselves buying pet products for our own furballs at home. While rummaging through an endless stock of uninspired, low-quality pet toys, we found ourselves asking, “Why aren’t there more eco-friendly options out there?” The probability of finding a high-quality, sustainable and attractive product for our pets was slim. Even more of a challenge, a pet-adoption in the store was begging us not to leave without adding another adorable, yet needy pet to our clan!

And then it hit us…why not change the world of pet goods and service all three of the above demands? Make high-quality “green” products that are actually thoughtful in design and style, while simultaneously giving back to animals in need! And right there, in that mess of pet store mania, Better Buddies, Inc. was born.

Our team came together under our combined love for animals. While we all bring different facets to the company, collectively we are three individuals inspired, supported and motivated by our own crazy pets at home. With an itch for entrepreneurship, Mike Grady made the switch from a suit and tie to pet fur and drool, all fueling his passion for the happiness of our animals and the world around them. Directing the designs and company aesthetics, Julie Grady knew her support would come from many, many years of obsessive pet consumerism, but mostly from her desire to give back and make larger strides for homeless pets everywhere. William Busch and his aspirations to change social consumption through sustainability and socially-conscious products rounded out the team to perfect the Better Buddies trio into eco-conscious, pet-lovers on a mission!

We aim to not only challenge the pet market’s standards, but also standards in business practices. Our business model is an important part of our mission, and we hope to inspire other people to think about the bigger picture. Thank you for supporting your environment, animals in need and ultimately, our dream.

Mike Grady
Julie Grady
William Busch

What is Best Friends Animal Society?

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets. By building no-kill programs and partnerships, helping animals find homes, and addressing problems at the very root of animal homelessness, Best Friends has become a leader in the animal welfare movement. But its heart and headquarters is still in the place where it all began, at the nation¹s largest no-kill sanctuary for homeless pets in Kanab, Utah. This work is made possible by the grassroots support of people, partners, and organizations who care about animals across the nation. In 2009, Best Friends celebrated its 25th anniversary. Go to www.bestfriends.org for more information.

What is the Guardian Angel Program at Best Friends?

Some homeless animals have such special needs that it’s hard to find a shelter or rescue group able to look after them. But because of Guardian Angel members of Best Friends, many of these animals are able to come to the Sanctuary, where they receive state-of-the-art vet care once unimaginable for homeless pets. They receive world-class gentle training to help them overcome behavior problems. And they receive love and individualized care in a spacious, sociable setting, where they feel accepted, exactly the way they are. For many of them, Guardian Angel care is just their first stop – the next one is a loving home! For every bed sold, 10% of the profit of each bed goes back to the Guardian Angel program at Best Friends. Go to www.bestfriends.org/guardianangel for more information on the pets that you are helping with your purchase! Check back often, there are new pets being helped in the program all the time!

Visit Better Buddies and get our Hemp Dog Bed!