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Methow Dog: Interview with Val

January 8, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

They love us unconditionally no matter what, but we still cannot seem to help doting on our favorite canine friends. Dog lover and now business owner Val Stouffer decided to create Methow Dog,  launching own line of healthy dog treats. The product line is all-natural and comes in scrumptious flavors named after Val’s pets. A new business owner, Val is now doing what she enjoys and creating a product for the ones she loves.

Business Description/ What is your story?
Methow Dog manufactures a line of delicious, healthy dog treats. They’re made with high-quality, all natural, human-grade ingredients, grown and manufactured here in the Northwest. Our treats are made by hand in small batches in a commercial Seattle kitchen.

What are your most popular products or services?
Methow Dog Healthy Treats are available in four delectable flavors. Our current best-seller is “Aurelia’s Peanut Butter Carrot Kisses.” However, our newest treat, “Larry’s Wild Cherry Squares” is very popular in beta testing. Look for ‘Larry’s’ treat in stores and online in early January.

People may be surprised to know…
Our treats are named after our three greyhounds Larry, Aurelia and Ducati. “Madeleine’s Liver Peanut Butter Brownies” are named after our dear canine friend Maddie, who we love very much. She was was our yellow lab tester. Maddie is no longer with us.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Our dogs. They are very important members of our family. We want them to enjoy long and healthy lives. That includes good nutrition and high-quality foods with no by-products, preservatives or anything artificial. We want to know where our food comes from and what’s in it, and we also want to know the same for our dog’s food. We strive to offer premium products for your pet and ours that reflect our love of animals and our values of high-quality and sustainability. We also love the Methow Valley, located on the eastern edge of the North Cascades and hope to become full-time Mazama residents in 2010.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I don’t have any one person I can claim as a role model. I find inspiration in ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I’m so new to all this I don’t yet know what I don’t know. Ask me in a year…

How do you spend your free time?
Cycling and hanging out with my dogs.

What is your indulgence?
Quitting my job in TV news last year to focus full-time on Methow Dog.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
A bike ride around the south end of Lake Washington. We’ll throw in a loop around Mercer Island if it’s a nice day.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
In business I hope to continue to make beautiful products and achieve financial success without compromising my standards. In life I hope to gain the wisdom to make good choices and the courage to act upon them.

Where to Find:

Phone: 206.619.8251

Website: www.methowdog.com

Twitter: @MethowDog

Four-legged Frenzy: Our Fav Boutique Pet Shops

March 23, 2009 by Jessica | Comments (2)

Share your bed with your pooch? Splurge on pet extravagances like massages and manicures? Not afraid to wear a sweater that matches your K-9’s? It is ok to be pet obsessed! We go to great lengths to ensure our pets’ happiness, and love to spoil them rotten. Here is a sampling of some of the most exciting spots we have found so far:

Since 1988, Mud Bay Natural Dog and Cat Foods has been helping people choose healthy foods, supplements, and supplies for their dogs and cats. They carry over 500 unique formulas of dog and cat food.

From kibble to cashmere, Bow Wow Meow in San Francisco combines the product selection of a pet food store with that of a pet boutique. Pet grooming is available seven days a week, and they always strive to keep both pets and pet guardians comfortable. They offer training classes, vaccine clinics, teeth cleaning, and adoption fairs.

For pets with discriminating taste, Austin’s Dogadillo has a wide assortment of food bowls, chic pet carriers, toys, training products and more. Dogadillo’s monthly “Yappy Hour” offers wine and appetizers, treat samples, in-store specials, raffle prizes, and guest experts to answer pet related questions.

Barker and Meowsky is a Chicago-based ‘paw firm’ that offers the latest styles in pet couture. They carry a huge selection of exclusive dog apparel, beds, collars, harnesses, leads, cat furniture and pet carriers, and can help you find the perfect product to match your personal style or even your home’s décor.

Portland’s Furever Pets strives to treat you and your furry friends like family. They believe you and your pets deserve the best so they carry only premium pet foods and treats, fun toys, stylish pet apparel, and unique accessories. You’ll be thrilled with the products they carry and the personalized service they offer.

What is your favorite pet splurge?