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IN THE NEWS! Read about Doggylicious Delights Barkery featured in the Battle Creek Shopper.
©2007 Battle Creek Shopper News/Cheryl Pierce
Three years ago brave, beautiful Izabel was discovered with her litter mate in a foxhole near an apartment complex. Already three months old at the time, she required human patience while she got used to being touched, fed and loved by
people.
Eight-year-old Franky came from a breeder as a puppy. Although a huge, intimidating presence today, she is really just an adorable, furry marshmallow with separation anxiety.
Izabel and Franky are the canine children of businesswoman Krista Howard, owner of Doggylicious Delights Barkery in Battle Creek. They are also the inspiration for her vocation.
"These two definitely inspired me," Krista said, petting both pooches. "I knew I
wanted to start a home-based business, but I wanted it to be something I could
be passionate about."
And passionate she is.
Since starting her business in the summer of 2005, Krista has become vegetarian.
She is as concerned for her and others' animals' health as she is for her own.
"I turned 40," Krista said, "and I started looking at my diet. Then I looked at the dogs' diet, including
their treats. You can't believe the ingredients in dog treats!" Armed with information, passion, and a desire for health, Krista started eating better and creating nutritious, tasty treats for dogs.
Here is a sampling of what she offers her canine public,
along with her description:
Sweet & Sassy Spinners - Sweetened with honey, these treats have pumpkin seeds
and a touch of cinnamon rolled in them to bring out the sassiness in your pooch.
Cheese & Veggie Snaps (regular or reduced fat) - A snappy blend of cheddar
cheese, spinach, and carrots. Oat flour used for wheat-free treat.
Yappy Banapys - A lip smackin' blend of bananas and "peamutt" butter your best
buddy will go ape for! Wheat-free.
Icy Izabel Bones - Izabel loves that minty taste of getting her teeth brushed.
These treats are made with peppermint, one of her favorites. Wheat-free.
Bribing Bon Bons - Does that pooch of yours need a little persuasion with 
certain activities? Perhaps a bribe to bathe? Bring a bag of these to the tub with you. Rice flour, alfalfa, & sunflower seeds are just a few of the to-drool-for ingredients.
Franky's Favorite Carob Kitties - A tantalizing taste of carob powder and
molasses your K-9 won't refuse. Wheat-free.
Krista offers 11 more items, all with names and ingredients as unique as those already mentioned. One of her new offerings is birthday cake (or any day cake) made with sweet potato and peanut butter, which she says will "have them slobbering for more."
"I try to go organic as much as possible," Krista said. "That goes for me as
well as the dog treats I make. It's expensive but worth it. There are no
pesticides or chemicals involved in the growing or manufacturing of these
ingredients, and it is better for the environment."
Franky and Izabel never left my side as I interviewed Krista; they appeared
to hang on her every word. Turns out they just wanted more of the To Beg For Biscotti bits bagged up on the table. Wise hounds.
To learn more about Doggylicious Delights Barkery or to place an order,
please call 788-5348. Small, $2 bags of treats can also be purchased at Dog Zone/K-9 Hair Force, Lakeside Florist, Continental Pastries & Deli, and Lakeview Vet Clinic.
Cheryl Pierce is associate editor for the Battle Creek Shopper News.