Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael and William Caruso.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My brother and I are the inventors of Raptor Shield. Raptor Shield was created after a Red Tail Hawk attacked my 9 lb. Silky Terrier, Daisy. Luckily, Daisy survived the attack. After the incident, I went on the Internet to see if there was anything out there to protect small dogs from hawks or other birds of prey, but I found nothing. The web was full of “ideas & techniques” to try and scare a bird away in a potential attack. I needed a solution, not distraction techniques.
After endless searching, I decided to design a product to give small dogs a chance, and dog owners a peace of mind when taking their pets for a walk or most of all, letting them out in the yard. In 2014 I began creating prototype Raptor Shields out of various materials, and shapes. After numerous failed shapes, Raptor Shield finally began to blossom into the dog protector I originally had in mind. After the shape was determined, I then began to shift my focus to which materials Raptor Shield should be made out of, to best protect dogs, while being comfortable enough to wear. And after trying various plastics, polycarbonate was decided upon. Polycarbonate is actually the material typically used in bullet proof windows.
Now that I had decided on the shape and materials I wanted to use, we brought the prototype product to local wild life foundations, and had the material tested against the talons of a Hawk, and was shown to not puncture. Raptor Shield was finally ready to be taken to the masses and begin saving the lives of dogs across the world. Raptor Shield is located in Illinois and all of our Raptor Shield products are made to keep your beloved pet as safe as possible. Made in the USA.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When our first prototype was designed, we used Velcro straps to secure the Raptor Shield. Knowing now that there are many different size dogs, long, short and skinny.
We decided to upgrade to vinyl 5/8 adjustable strapping with extensions for the front and back of the shield, then we found a heat shaping company to form the shield to fit more comfortable on your pet. We then incorporated an extension tail piece for longer dogs, such as dash hounds, ext.
Raptor Shield is now so lightweight & easy to put on your pet, our business is now a growing success, with more people realizing this very real threat are sales have doubled in the past year. Our customers have been overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing now that their pet is much safer with Raptor Shield. We will continue to improve with all of our products, because to save a life of an animal is such a great feeling of accomplishment.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Raptor Shield story. Tell us more about the business.
RAPTOR SHIELD is the ONLY product on the market, made to protect your dog from being attacked by Hawks, Raptors, and other Birds of Prey. The number of reported attacks on small dogs, relating to Birds of Prey, Red Tailed Hawks, Eagles and Owls have been increasing throughout the years. Built out of necessity, Raptor Shield was originally developed to protect my dog from being attacked by Hawks. After she survived after a Hawk attack, I knew I needed to protect her. Give your dog a fighting chance with Raptor Shield – the only vest specifically made to protect your beloved pet!!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Very good luck has come out of Raptor Shield, we are now saving lives, interviewed by Lift FM Radio NJ, also featured in Modern Day Dog Magazine.
We love to work with, and provide such a wonderful heartfelt feeling for our customers.
Keeping all Pets Safe is our number one goal.
Contact Info:
- Address: River Grove, IL
- Website: www.raptorshield.com
- Phone: 773-990-0356
- Email: Raptorshieldvest@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Rapto Shield
- Facebook: Raptor Shield
- Twitter: Raptor Shield
- Yelp: Raptor Shield
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