With reality TV shows like “The Voice,” “American Idol” and “The X Factor” captivating audiences nationwide, Walmart is making a play for a bit of the spotlight, with their own “Idol-style” contest called “Get on the Shelf.”

The “Get on the Shelf” competition, which launched in late January, gives small and large companies the opportunity to submit product ideas and supporting videos to the mega-retailer, in hopes of landing their products on Walmart’s store shelves.

Hugs Pet Products, an innovative pet product company that licenses many Davison-designed products, has entered several of those designs in the competition, including:

• Pugz Shoes
• Hydro Ball
• Hydro Bone
• Hydro Saucer
• Better Tether
• Dog Wash
• Auto Dish
• Cool Cot
• Cool Cottage

Since the start of the submission period, the “Get on the Shelf” contest has created quite a bit of buzz in the press.  USA Today reported on the competition and even showcased some early entries, including the Davison-designed Pugz Shoes for Dogs that our client, Kay, invented!

According to USA Today, “Some of the offbeat products competing include Pugz Shoes — boots for puppies that keep your pooch’s paws warm.”

Starting today, consumers have the opportunity to visit www.getontheshelf.com to browse all submitted entries and vote for their favorites.  According to an Advertising Age article, top vote-getters will be featured at Walmart online and may sell in select stores.

“The top three vote-getters will be sold on Walmart .com, and a grand prize winner will be featured on the home page for its 50 million monthly unique visitors and in select Walmart stores,” the article stated.

“Get on the Shelf” voting runs in two rounds:  Round 1 is March 7 to April 3, 2012 and Round 2 is April 11 to April 24, 2012.

Let’s show Walmart how powerful the Davison community can be!  Alert your friends, family, coworkers and everyone else you know to vote for all entered Davison designs!  To vote, simply visit www.getontheshelf.com!

A typical client project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.

What have puppy style, keep pets paws warm in harsh weather conditions, were designed for one of our clients and have received awesome amounts of press since their 2010 market debut?  Well, if you guessed anything other than Pugz Shoes for Dogs, we suggest you go back and read some old blog articles to catch up on these hot items!

We’re happy to announce that the adorable Davison-designed doggie boots are back in the press!  This time, Pugz were featured on none other than CNBC, as part of their Small Business section!

The article, titled “Cutting Edge Products for your Pet” showcased the faux-fur and faux-leather boots alongside several other innovative pet products, like a zebra-printed doggie pillow, canine cupcakes and a stylish puppy quilted puffer coat!

Including a photo of the booties, a link to the Hugs Pet Products website and a short write-up on Pugz, the CNBC article deems the shoes “one of Hug’s best-selling products” and a big hit over the 2011 holiday season.

CNBC writers even talked with Hugs’ spokeswoman Kristie Vossler, who gave a little advice for first-time Pugz wearers!

“The first time a dog wears them, they’re not used to them, so they walk funny,” Vossler said. “People are very, very into seeing their dogs in Pugz.”

And, we are very, very into seeing Davison designs making the news!  See the CNBC article for yourself here!

In conjunction with Hugs Pet Products, who licensed Pugz, our newly-released Dare to Invent webisode series and our social media campaigns, we’re giving away a free pair of Pugz on Facebook!  After you watch the latest episode, head on over to our Facebook page for details on how to win a pair for your four-legged friend!

A typical client project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.

Mr. Davison, our Inventionland creationeers and one of our clients are back at it in tonight’s “Dare to Invent” webisode!  This week’s episode features Michigan inventor, Kay, and her Pugz Shoes! 

For our client, Kay, and her two Shelties, Autumn Angel and Rough Spot, taking a December trot in the snow, with her neighbor, Janice, and her golden retriever, was nothing close to walking in a winter wonderland.  Instead, their faithful friends would wind up with either cold, wet snowy paws or even salt-soaked paws, from treated roads and sidewalks.

“I needed something that would stay on and protect their paws… [Something to] keep their paws from getting dry and cracked,” Kay said.

For Kay, the logical solution was boots for her pups.  Follow along  as Kay and her Pugz Shoes take the journey though project inception, development, licensing and beyond! 

“I would advise [future inventors] to stay positive and do some research… Don’t get discouraged, it can happen,” said Kay.  “I’m a firm believer… nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Tonight’s episode is live right now!  Tune in on YouTube or through a link at Davison.com! 

After you watch, head on over to our Facebook page for details on how to win a pair of Pugz for your four-legged friend!

The Pugz Dare to Invent webisode is the second in our interactive 12-video series, which debuted February 9th and portrays Davison clients and their inventions.  Tune in March 8th for the third interactive Dare to Invent webisode! 

A typical client project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.

We’ve recently received “paws-itively” great news about some innovative Davison-designed booties!  Pugz Shoes for Dogs have been marching their way on and off of store shelves, into the homes of happy, happy customers!

In fact, Bed Bath & Beyond, who added the adorable faux leather and faux wool boots to their line-up this fall, can’t keep enough pairs on the shelves; so, they’ve placed orders for additional supplies!

And, thanks to members of our Licensing and Sales teams, we’ve got some awesome proof at a couple stores across the nation, too!

While at a trade show this fall, our Vice President of Licensing sent us a few pictures from a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Chicago!  Look at that awesome end-shelf placement!  From the looks of the display, several customers already have had their paws on the puppy shoes, which we designed for our client, Kay!

A Managing Senior Director of New Products found some Pugz at a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Pittsburgh.  If they’re in Chicago and Pittsburgh, they may be right in your backyard; so, if you’ve got a puppy who’s made Santa’s “Nice” list this year, pick some up!

Even greater news for these comfy kicks, Bed Bath & Beyond isn’t the only retailer “begging” for the booties!  Petco representatives have expressed interest in increasing their orders, too!

Plus, Pugz recently were featured as the ”Big Steal” on meijer.com!  The site featured the regularly-priced $29.99 shoes at a whopping 40% off for the day!

It is so exciting to see the big moves these little shoes are making!  Congrats to everyone who’s worked on Pugz and special thanks to our Davison team members who spotted the Davison “D” while they were out and about!

Look for more updates on Pugz and other Davison designs in the coming weeks!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Stretching our paws in the doggie door with the Silicone Dog Treat Pan, we’re happy to report that that you may be seeing some Davison-designed edible doggie supplies on store shelves soon!

That’s right, now pet owners can fill up their bone-shaped treat pan with Doggie D’Lites cake and frosting mixes.

These D-licious dog treat mixes come in three varieties:  Carob (similar to chocolate, but safe for dogs!), Peanut Butter and Banana!

According to our Vice President of Licensing, they’re a first for both Davison and for Hugs Pet Products.

“We are entering the consumable market with Hugs,” said our VP.

While we can’t say we’d love to sample the cakes (though, they do look tasty), we’d love to share them with our four-legged friends!

Congratulations to the entire team that has worked on Doggie D’Lites!  Stay tuned for more news on this and other exciting upcoming Davison-designed products!

This was a corporate product designed for Davison’s own profit.

The prognosis is looking good for Hugs Pet Products as the innovative pet product company prepares to introduce another awesome Davison-designed product!

The newest item in their Hugs Care line, The Doggy Doctor Pet First Aid Kit is a compact, carrying case filled with all the essentials to keep your pet healthy and happy – in any emergency, accident or in everyday life!

Take a look at all the items the must-have survival kit includes:

1 Collapsible Water/Food Bowl
3 Potty Paws
1 Bottle
1 Instant Cold Compress
2×2 Sterile Gauze Dressing Pads
4×4 Sterile Gauze Dressing Pads
4 Sting-Relief Prep Pads
4 Antiseptic Providone-Iodine Prep Pads
4 Hand Sanitizer/Antiseptic Cleaning Wipes
4 Alcohol Cleansing Pads
1 Self-Adhesive Wrap
1 Emergency Survival Blanket
1 Gauze Roll
1 Pair Latex-Free Gloves
8 Cotton Swabs
1 Syringe
1 Roll Medical Tape
1 Leash
1 Tweezers/Magnifying Glass
1 Scissors

All of those items look like the recipe for success!  And, we’re eagerly awaiting the latest word from the road…  Our Licensing team has been hard at work presenting the Doggy Doctor to retailers like Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond and at industry trade shows.

You’ll be the first to know when we find out where you might be able to pick up this “home-veterinarian’s” best friend!

This corporate product was invented and licensed by Davison for its own benefit.

The first full week of fall is wrapping up and with it, the first two trade shows of our Licensing Department’s fall travel season!

Our VP of Licensing was on the road with the Hugs Pet Products president, showcasing the latest innovative pet items at “The Pet Industry’s Hot Spot,” SuperZoo 2011, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from September 13-15.

At SuperZoo, they introduced several new items, like the Grass Twine Bird House, Deluxe Dog Butler and Hugs Care Line. Pugz Tennis Shoes, a new design of the product invented by our client Kay, were also introduced. The client has not made a net profit on this product.

According to our VP of Licensing, the new Davison-designed pet items were well-received at the conference.

“The show was amazing as it allowed Davison to stand with Hugs in their booth and answer questions from buyers, retailers and inventors.  It really adds strong credibility to what we do on a daily basis,” he said.

Also, at SuperZoo, a national show that provides networking and educational opportunities for pet retailers and suppliers, the duo was able to talk with representatives from PetPR, a pet product news distribution resource.

“Pet PR did an interview with [Hugs] and really enjoyed learning more about the Hugs line of products.  Afterwards, we had a good conversation about the product line and everyone stopped for a quick photo [opportunity],” our VP of Licensing said.

Earlier this week, our VP of Licensing made a stop in Louisville, Kentucky, for the ABC Kids Expo 2011 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

From the looks of the trade show schedule, which you can easily find on our website, the Licensing Department’s next stop is back to Las Vegas for AAPEX 2011, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo!

We can’t wait to hear the latest news from the road as Licensing “Tries Longer” to bring our products to store shelves!  Stay tuned!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.  The Grass Twine Bird House, Deluxe Dog Butler and Hugs Care Line corporate products invented and licensed by Davison for its own benefit.

Hugs Pet Products, a pet company we frequently design products and packaging for, is introducing a new line of innovative items to enhance the lives of pets and the owners who love them!

What’s even more exciting about Hugs Pet Products’ new “Hugs Care” line is that the products are also showing some extra love to the environment!  The eco-friendly line is made of all-natural, reliable, must-have products that will make pets feel better, without making Mother Nature feel the effects!

We are even more excited to announce that we’ve had a hand in “D-veloping” the packaging for these awesome new products, which are to be out this fall!  The Hugs Care line includes:

Flea and Tick Multi-tool:  With this tool, nothing will be bugging your four-legged friends!  The multi-tool includes two stainless steel pin combs, a brush and tweezers.  It’s ideal for removing pesky ticks from any pet – short or long-haired!

Ear Wax Removal Syringe:  Straight from an office visit with the vet, this syringe provides a safe alternative to rubber bulb syringes.  With its flared design, tri-stream tip and exit portals, ear wax doesn’t stand a chance of disturbing your pet!

Eye Mist for Pets:  There won’t be a dry eye in the house, thanks to Hugs’ new Pet Eye Mist!  The 100% natural product is designed to safely relieve eye discomfort and instantly rehydrate tear film.

Natural Antiseptic for Pets:  Whether your pet is big or small, even the tiniest scrapes can hurt.  With this all-natural tea tree oil antiseptic, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings just fade away!

Pet Cold Pack:  Sometimes, a little TLC involves a little tender, loving chill!  This instant and reusable cold pack helps soothe pets suffering from any swelling.  Plus, it remains flexible, even when frozen, so it’s convenient and easy to store!

Pet Pill Pack:  Even the busiest owners can keep their pet’s pills organized thanks to Hugs’ Pet Pill Pack!  The seven-day pet pill box includes individual compartments that can hold several pills and is conveniently labeled with the days of the week in both print and braille.

We can hardly wait to see Hugs’ new eco-friendly care line launch to success and we’ll keep you updated as they introduce more innovative Davison-designed products and packaging!

This corporate product was invented and licensed by Davison for its own benefit.