It’s all for the love of dogs
Renita Gallant’s business began by trying to help a sick dog
What started out as a way to get her sick dog to eat turned into a business idea for Renita Gallant when she realized she had a potentially life-saving product in the oven.
Three years ago, Gallant started baking pumpkin-based dog treats to feed to her sick pet, Spot.
Two years old at the time, Spot was lethargic, her eyes were sagging and she was nearly skin and bones, said Gallant.
“She was really sick. She had stopped eating. She’s been a sick puppy since we got her. Out of desperation, I heard pumpkin was good for their bellies, so I made some pumpkin treats and she loved them.”
The treats calmed Spot’s stomach, which made the dog want to eat dinner, said Gallant.
“The treats didn’t cure her. I’m not suggesting that at all. They just kind of brought her around.”
Now Gallant sells those pumpkin treats and other pet products at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on Wednesday and Saturday, the artisan market at The Guild on Tuesday and at Blue Ribbon Pet Supply. She sells out of her home in the winter.
The business is called Two Beggars, named after her two dogs, who can usually be found in the kitchen, tails wagging, when treats are about to be taken out of the oven.
Gallant makes pumpkin-flavoured treats, bacon cheddar treats (her bestsellers) and cupcakes for dogs, Pupcakes.
“Dogs love it,” said Gallant, adding that the treats are edible for humans, too
She also makes and sells dog clothing and accessories, such as ties, jackets and reversible bandanas with reflectors.
She gets orders for weddings from time to time, so canine friends can also look sharp on the big day.
Her bandanas focus on Island themes, featuring potatoes, the provincial tartan, lobster and Anne of Green Gables.
Gallant recently purchased an embroidery machine to use on pillows, bandanas and other products.
“The possibilities are endless now. Sort of.”
Spot still has her ups and downs, but is doing a lot better now than she was a few years ago. And she’s still a fan of the pumpkin-flavoured treats.