Interview of the Week

with Debbie Hendsbee, Sechelt, British Columbia

PUPCAKES AND YAPPUCCINO

 

Photos B. Calonego (if not stated otherwise)

 

Debbie Hendsbee originally comes from Nova Scotia and has relatives in Newfoundland. After a long career in the mining industry, she spends her semi-retirement in Sechelt, British Columbia, baking and selling delicious dog cookies and cakes in her new store.

Debbie, what delicacy are you preparing right now?

Pupcakes with pink icing. The Pupcakes will be baked right here in this oven. I bake all kind of treats for Valentine`s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do People buy homebaked dog treats for Valentine`s?

Sure, people come in and ask for Valentine treats. For instance I bake “Puppy Love Cupcakes” and “Heart Woffie Pies”. I do birthday cakes too. Some people have parties with their dogs.

What is the pink icing on the cupcakes made of?

It is yoghurt, buttermilk, honey – and to make it pink I put some beet in it. So it is still natural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the most popular cookie for dogs?

“Peanut Butter Brindle” is such a favourite for fussy dogs. I don`t know why. They just love peanut butter. All the dogs that come in get a sample of this treat or many of the others.

What names do you give your cookies?

Pet Me, Roll Over, Puppy Luv, Puppermint Patties, Pawlines, Boston Terrier Crème Pies, Dino Bone, Gracie`s Rollovers, Snowman Cupcakes, Let`em eat Carot Cake and many more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is in the carrot cake that you bake for dogs?

Yoghurt, buttermilk powder, apple sauce, canola oil, cinnamon, honey, baking powder, dried egg product, wheat flower, puffed carrot.
There is a cook book on the shelf if you`re interested.

What are your costumers looking for?

Some people get treats for their neighbour`s dog. Or when they visit friends, they bring a treat for their dog. This is huge around Christmas. People buy gifts for other people`s dogs.

 

I see that you even have gluten-free cookies for dogs!

Yes, many dogs have allergies nowadays. So I bake without wheat, I use rice flour instead. I also have peanut butter cups, they are grain-free. Some dogs have to keep their fat content low. So I recommend water buffalo chews with just 1 per cent fat. My chews are without additives or preservatives.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

The cookies are good for 20 to 30 days. But those that are fancier and have icing need to be refrigerated and they are good for a week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What made you open a dog bakery?

I have always loved dogs. I used to work in the mining industry as a geophysisist. I also love treats. Treats are good for all of us, to keep the dogs healthy and to have fun along the way.

Why is your store called Three Dog Bakery?

It is a franchise from an American company. The founders wanted to sell healthy natural food for dogs. And you should also read “Amazing Gracie”, a book about the founders` dog Gracie, one of their three dogs.

 

Would you like to learn about the story behind the company Three Dog Bakery?

Click here:
http://www.threedogstl.com/about-us-2/three-dog-bakery-story/