Lives of Consequence
Alexander D. Fisher '93
Alexander Fisher is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Planet Dog, a company that specializes in environmentally-friendly dog products. He is also on the board of directors of the company's philanthropic division, the Planet Dog Foundation, which has donated more than $700,000 to programs and organizations that train, place and support service dogs helping people in need.
Committed to reducing the carbon paw print of dogs and their people, the company's motto is "Think globally, act doggedly." In addition to making recyclable dog toys from Orbee-Tuff and "regrind" - excess material that would have otherwise been thrown away - Planet Dog also sells collars, leashes, and harnesses made of hemp instead of synthetic material. Furthermore, in accordance with its Alternative Transportation Program, Planet Dog covers half the sales tax of hybrid vehicles purchased by its employees.
In 2000, the Planet Dog Foundation was born with a mission to provide funding for programs that benefit the environment, education and well-being of animals. The company has renewed its commitment to its philanthropic endeavors by donating 2 percent of all purchases of Planet Dog products, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the company's Glow for Good Ball to the foundation.
The Foundation has donated both cash and products to deserving organizations, including NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, Service Dog Project, Inc., New England K-9 Search and Rescue, Puppies Behind Bars, Teacher's Pet and Pawprints Visitation Program at Children's Hospital in Boston.
Fisher not only works toward improving and protecting the world in which humans and their four-legged friends live, but creates a positive environment within his workplace. In March of 2008, Planet Dog received the Maine Governor's Award for Business Excellence, and Outside magazine named the company one of America's best places to work.
An English major at HWS, Fisher is the co-author of "A Kid's Best Friend," of which a portion of profits benefit the Global Fund for Children and Planet Dog Philanthropy. In addition, he is a contributing editor to Pet Business Magazine and writes the Planet Dog catalogue copy.
Prior to founding Planet Dog, Fisher honed his entrepreneurial skills as co-owner of Casco Bay Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. He was instrumental in expanding the company, which has since developed into one of Maine's largest breweries.
While working toward his B.A. at Hobart College, Fisher was captain of the squash team, played golf, and a Sigma Chi brother. He received his M.F.A. in creative writing from the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts at Bard College.