JOB IDEAS
• Fuzzy Fertilizer
Your child can recycle the fur left behind at pet grooming shops into a rich business. Pull on a pair of rubber gloves and, with the shop owner's permission, bag the fur and hair in gallon-size plastic zip-top bags. (Do the same with people salons, gathering hair that would otherwise be tossed.) The cash part? Sell this nitrogen-rich Fuzzy Filler; it's a natural nontoxic fertilizer gardeners mix in and around plant soil. Bonus for clients and big selling point for your child: this fertilizer keeps rabbits and other pesky wildlife away.
• New Leash on Life
If your kid enjoys and is comfortable handling dogs, a dog-walking business is the perfect way to spend more time with pooches. Promise one or two walks daily and bring business cards for any people who show interest. (For a memorable sales pitch, tape a homemade dog biscuit to your card.) If your child always remembers the clean-up bags and dog treats, his business could become more popular than the corner fire hydrant.
• Pampered Pups Salon
Beautify neighborhood dogs by offering a canine wash-and-brush service. Start by consulting a dog care book for tips on handling, washing, and brushing, then add a few special pampering ideas. Cut triangles from fabric remnants to create doggy bandannas as a finishing touch, then use an instant camera to snap a photo (write the company's name and phone number on the back before you give it to the pet's owner). Try to schedule clients for return visits to keep up a regular flow of business.
• Backyard Bird Care
Here's a business that's definitely for the birds. Maintain bird-lovers' paradises by filling bird feeders and birdbaths on a regular basis. The birds and neighbors will sing your child's praises.
