Business: Woman helps people memorialize pets

Sherri Shawgo has used her self-described "God-given artistic gift" to express her love of animals and people in the form of beginning her own Overland Park-based business, "behind this collar."

Shawgo developed the idea for the company after her beloved Chihuahua, Oreo, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in June 2008.

"I had to prepare myself to lose her," Shawgo said. "I wanted a way to save her collar in memory of her."

Shawgo thought of creating a shadow box featuring Oreo's collar. The idea expanded to include Shawgo's best friend M.B. King's gift with poetry, and King's friend Frank Wise's portrait-drawing ability. In a matter of months, Oreo had inspired Shawgo to begin her own business, with the featured item being the shadow box.

The company's name came from Shawgo's belief that a pet's collar represents the love and devotion pets and their owners show each other.

"I wanted to create a visual memorial that (pet owners) can keep," Shawgo said.

The "behind this collar" Web site launched in March. In addition to shadow boxes, the site features designer pet carriers and clothing, collars, leashes, and handmade blankets and fleece toys. Wise also creates and sells animal portraits.

"(He) makes black and white or color pencil portraits," Shawgo said.

The shadow boxes are custom-made and can feature pet items, personal stories, poetry and artwork.

"We cater to the customer," Shawgo said.

Shawgo hopes to expand her business in the future with the inclusion of new product lines and expansion of existing lines. She wants to offer charms, homemade urns and more pet clothing. She would also like the site to become a place for story and picture posting.

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