My name is Matthew Justus; I am a 14 year old home-schooler from New Mexico. I came up with my invention one day when my dog Titian was whining at the back door. I fed him, but then came to find out my dad fed him before he left for work. This happened a lot at my house. With five members in my family it was very hard to keep track of the dog’s diet. My dog Titian also had a thyroid problem and had to have a pill every day and night. I looked up on the internet if there was anything to buy that would help keep track of his feeding, but there was nothing.
Keeping pets at a healthy weight is a very important part of making sure they have a long and healthy life. My invention, the Weight Watch Collar, helps people take great care of their pets. It keeps track of food, meds, treats, and the day of the week. Every day you simply turn the knob for the date and then after you feed the dog, you turn the knob for the food. If you give treats, then turn the treat knob, or meds then turn the meds knob. This device is perfect for house pets but can also be used for farm animals. You can clip it on a fence or just have it in the house.
Some of the challenges I faced were what to make the prototype out of, who would buy it, and who would make it. On the construction of a prototype I tried to think about what would be the easiest and quickest way to get my idea across. I tried to find something that was already made. I was able to make the prototype out of a baseball counter by making a few modifications to the dials and the labels, and by gluing clips on the back. I am now trying to find a manufacturer to produce my product so I can pitch my idea to a veterinarian or to a pet product company.
My suggestions to any kid who wants to be an inventor are:
- Never give up.
- Confront your problems head on.
- Keep pursuing what you love.
- A notebook is a must. Write down all your ideas, even the ones you think might be silly, date it and have a witness sign it.
Another great thing to do is enter contests on BKFK which is how my invention was discovered. Through BKFK I was able to be on a Canadian TV show called Think Big. It has been a great ride so far and there is much more to come. I am exited to keep pursuing my dreams and coming up with new inventions.
—Matthew Justus, Kid Inventor
Matthew Justus was a finalist in the 2008 BKFK Akitas to Zebras Animal Challenge, sponsored by the Weather Channel. The contest challenged kids to come up with products or ideas to help animals. Matthew's idea, "Weight Watch Collar," helps pet owners keep track of the number of times a pet is fed.
That's awesome! I'm homeschooled too!
Comment #1 | Posted by: Dollar on January 31, 2010 at 10:22 AM
thats pretty cool...
Comment #2 | Posted by: izzy1990 on January 31, 2010 at 10:57 AM
wow! how do u do those kind of stuff???????
Comment #3 | Posted by: 888f888 on January 31, 2010 at 01:33 PM
kwl rock on dude.
Comment #4 | Posted by: kayla on January 31, 2010 at 05:15 PM
I'm home schooled 2!!!
bye!! catch u later!
Comment #5 | Posted by: smiley2do on January 31, 2010 at 05:31 PM
Wow, thats amazing. I still cant wrap my mind around the fact that you are only 14. Very inspiring!
Comment #6 | Posted by: Leah on January 31, 2010 at 07:08 PM
I have two cats but ... that's SO cool! :)
Comment #7 | Posted by: misstiara08 on January 31, 2010 at 07:16 PM
I'm homeschooled too! That's pretty cool! :D
Comment #8 | Posted by: Crystal on January 31, 2010 at 07:57 PM
I agree with Matthew and I homescool to how funny Keep doing what you love to do and you will have success
Comment #9 | Posted by: Sarah on January 31, 2010 at 08:35 PM
very cool
Comment #10 | Posted by: icie913 on January 31, 2010 at 10:05 PM
omg if only if only
Comment #11 | Posted by: nick4ever on February 01, 2010 at 09:37 AM
wow i like your picter
Comment #12 | Posted by: taylore on February 01, 2010 at 10:02 AM
who is matthew because i have a boy in my class nammed matthew
Comment #13 | Posted by: taylore on February 01, 2010 at 10:10 AM
thats pretty coll that your home skooled that way u dont have to listin to the teachers but u get to stay with ur mom or dad all day
Comment #14 | Posted by: taylor on February 01, 2010 at 08:46 PM
wow
Comment #15 | Posted by: bob on February 02, 2010 at 04:31 PM
NICE DOG THAT DOG IS COOL WAT KIND OF DOG IS THAT
Comment #16 | Posted by: XD on February 03, 2010 at 02:34 PM
thats totally cool I wish I could invent something like that
Comment #17 | Posted by: amanda on February 03, 2010 at 07:45 PM
wow that is so cool!
Comment #18 | Posted by: Adam and Jarod on February 12, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Wow! thats amazing. If i had a dog,I would really buy it from you, really i would!
Comment #19 | Posted by: Jarod on February 12, 2010 at 02:55 PM
LOL i just thought that you can turn soda bottles into valentines. LOL 2 more days till' it comes!!!!
Comment #20 | Posted by: Michaela on February 12, 2010 at 07:42 PM
cool i have an envention to
how do i write what my idea
Comment #21 | Posted by: jaz on March 26, 2011 at 03:06 PM