In early 1999, the principals of WellDog recognized a general need for new, harsh-environment chemical sensors for the natural gas industry. Our initial sensors were built to address pressing needs in characterization of deep sea natural gas and gas hydrate deposits. That work continues today, in partnership with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. By the end of 1999, we began to focus on addressing key challenges encountered in developing a new unconventional source of natural gas, coalbed natural gas. In 2000, we incorporated as a Wyoming C-corporation. By 2001, coalbed natural gas had become the fastest growing segment of U.S. natural gas production.