Sundogz founder Julie Johnson has been named as finalist for the Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Asia, Australia or New Zealand (all other industries) category of the Stevie Awards Women In Business.
Sundogz is an invention that allows people to take their dog anywhere and keep them safe, fed and sheltered.
It also provides security for people’s keys, phones and wallets.
“This is an outdoor recreational product that tethers the dog and means that they can always be by your side,” Ms Johnson said.
The idea stemmed from her desire to spend more time outdoors with her dogs.
Ms Johnson said the idea stemmed from her own desire to spend more time outdoors with her three dogs, border collie/blue heeler-cross Tess, Maltese Dessie and miniature poodle Mojo.
“The Sundogz is ideal for campers, fishermen, surfers and people with babies.
It means I can go out for a run or a walk then sit down for a drink or read a book and the dog is happy, fed and watered,” she said.
Ms Johnson, 52, of Greenbank, said the product had already been received overwhelmingly at the Pet Expo in July and was being shown at the Dog Lovers Show at the RNA showgrounds recently held on November 4 and 5.
Ms Johnson said her dream was to create a philanthropic charity that provided legal services to represent dogs and other animals that have been abused, maimed or killed.
This may include financing the costs of bringing animal abusers to trial and the rehabilitation and healing of animals.
Ms Johnson works as a manager for a disability support organisation and is passionate about social justice, human and animal rights.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honours women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the companies they run worldwide. It is hailed as the world’s premier business awards.
Gold, silver and bronze Stevie award winners will be announced during a gala event to be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on November 17.
More than 1500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 90 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women Run Workplace of the Year.
