Invention and Inspiration: Bowling’s idea for Pound Puppies was born while driving with his young daughter, who was attached to her doll. He noticed the strength of her attachment and began thinking about the bond between humans and pets. He created a soft-sculpture toy dog with floppy ears and droopy eyes, which he called Pound Puppies.
 
Partnership and Corporation: Bowling partnered with Rebecca Manning, a crafts maker, to develop the toy. Manning designed the original pattern, and the two shared royalties and decision-making responsibilities. However, when the corporation was formed, the partnership agreement was translated into stock ownership, with Bowling holding the majority (65%) and Manning owning 35%.
 
Success and Licensing: Pound Puppies became a massive success, topping toy sales charts worldwide. The brand was licensed to Irwin Toy in Canada and Tonka in the US, and later sold over $1 billion in retail sales globally. A cartoon show and movie were also produced.
 
Patents and Trademarks: Bowling emphasized the importance of patents, trademarks, and copyrights in protecting intellectual property. He advised entrepreneurs to consult with IP attorneys to determine the viability of their ideas.
 
Later Ventures: After selling Pound Puppies to Hasbro in 2011, Bowling retired but later relaunched the brand in a new form, Splashlings, featuring sea creatures.
 
Legacy: Mike Bowling’s creation, Pound Puppies, remains a beloved toy brand, and his entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on intellectual property protection serve as a testament to his innovative legacy.
 
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