WAIMEA — In a country where almost every day of the year has been named a national holiday, Aug. 26 was designated National Dog Day in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige. She also named National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. Dog Day celebrates all dogs — mixed breed and pure.
One of the holiday’s biggest fans is Stephanie Wallace, owner of Lava Dogs Treats & Things. Her booth at the Waimea Midweek Farmers Market is a popular stop for dog owners. Canines catch a whiff of her treats from a block away, and all training goes to the hill when they get there. Paws often go up on the table looking for a better view of samples she may be offering.
Next Wednesday, in honor of the holiday, Wallace is adding special puppy cupcakes to the menu and every dog that visits the booth will get a free heart-shaped donut.
Canines have developed a discerning palate thanks to the rest of her menu: smoked chicken and salmon skin lollypops, pork lau lau, fried chicken bone and wild-caught Alaskan salmon skin treats. Comfort treats are chicken and waffles, dawgfather pizza woofles and smoked sweet potato pumpkin chews. All are wheat-free, natural, and chemical-free, with no additives. Some are baked in creative heart or waffle-shaped tins.
Wallace uses fresh ingredients, mostly local, from her garden and farmers at the market.
“My chicken and waffles are made with Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free pancake mix and local apple bananas from Tess Garden,” she said. “Then it has a peanut butter yogurt gravy.”
One of her biggest sellers are the gourmet bones.
“I smoke 35 pounds of Hawaiian grass-fed beef marrow bones,” Wallace said. “My customers call it the ‘babysitter bone.’ It’s great if you need to do a day trip and you don’t want your dog to get into trouble or if you have company coming over and you need some peace and quiet. They stay busy with the bone for 6-8 hours people tell me.”
The treats have become so popular that they are also sold at Puako General Store and Aloha Pawz, a dog and cat boutique in Hilo. She is currently collaborating with several Oahu stores to expand off island as well.
Info: www.facebook.com/lavadogstnt
