Vincent Scholling at Indian Country Today Media Network: St. Regis Mohawks Are Going to the Dogs—And That’s a Good Thing!
By combining her love for animals and her good head for business (a skill perhaps learned as the daughter of a chief), Ransom is trying to bring part of the hugely profitable pet industry to Akwesasne. The American Pet Products Association has estimated that there was almost $51 billion in pet-related spending in the U.S. in 2011.
“The pet industry is a growing field and proving to be resilient in the face of a national recession,” Ransom says. “In Akwesasne, the market is open, with no dedicated effort to incorporate the different components of pet care into the economic bedrock of the community.” She says areas that can be capitalized upon by the tribe include the manufacture of pet food and medicines, as well as offering veterinary care at Akwesasne, and grooming, boarding and training services.
