Meet Sam And Rachael Vandyke | Dog Barkery Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam And Rachael Vandyke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam and Rachael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There wasn’t really a formal plan, the idea came to us after visiting a dog bakery while on vacation in Hawaii. It was such a fun and unique place, and we realized there was nothing like it in our area. We’ve always loved our dogs, they’re a huge part of our lives, so the idea of combining that love with a small business felt like a perfect fit.

Our oldest dog, Tucker, a Mini Sheepadoodle, has allergies that have caused chronic ear infections, so we knew from the start that we wanted to focus on offering wheat and grain-free options. All of our treats are made with natural, human-grade ingredients, with no artificial colors or preservatives, because we believe dogs deserve the same quality we’d want for ourselves.

Since opening a physical store wasn’t something we could take on right now, we decided to start online and will also be selling at our local farmers market this summer. It’s truly been a passion project, inspired by our own dogs and our desire to give all pets access to fun, healthy treats.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We both work in local government, so our day jobs are more structured and don’t really tap into our creative sides. Starting Woof n’ Wag Snack Shack has been such an exciting way to satisfy that creativity, especially because it involves dogs, something we’re both passionate about. What makes it even more rewarding is that we get to do it together.

As for my (Rachael) career, I’ve worked in a very by-the-book environment for the last 7 years, which has required a lot of continuing education and 23 certifications. It hasn’t always been easy, and there were times when I didn’t think I could keep going with all the studying and testing. But those challenges have taught me discipline and perseverance, qualities that have been incredibly helpful as we’ve navigated the ups and downs of starting a small business. The lessons I’ve learned in my professional career, like the importance of organization and pushing through tough moments, have really helped me stay focused and motivated as we grow our business.

Ultimately, what I want people to know about our brand is that it comes from a place of love and dedication. We’re passionate about making high-quality, healthy treats for dogs and want to share that passion with others. It’s been a journey full of growth, and we’re so excited to see what the future holds!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since we live in the Salida area, here’s how I’d plan the perfect day for a friend. We’d start with a breakfast at Bunny and Clyde’s, their food and smoothies are incredible and a great way to fuel up for the day ahead. After that, we’d head out for a walk or run, enjoying the amazing trails in the area.

Visiting on a Saturday between June and October? We’d check out the local farmers market. It’s a great spot to find local vendors, including Woof and Wag Snack Shack (where you can grab a treat for your furry friend) and Ride On Smoothies & Eats (where we’d grab a refreshing smoothie).

Next, we’d head over to Sweeties for lunch. They’ve got the best sandwiches and baked goods in town, so we’d grab a couple of sandwiches to go and enjoy them by the Arkansas River. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the views.

After lunch, wander through downtown Salida, checking out the unique local shops and art galleries. You can find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage treasures. We’d stop by Topo Coffee for a pastry and, if it’s in season, their amazing orange ginger oat milk chai, it’s so good!

In the afternoon, you could spend more time outdoors, kayaking or surfing on the Arkansas River, or continuing the exploration of the trails. There’s always something to do in nature here, from hiking to simply enjoying the fresh air.

For dinner, we’d head to Sushi Thai downtown for sushi, their rolls are some of the best in the area, and the cozy atmosphere is the perfect way to end the day. If we had more time, I’d take them to the local hot springs for a relaxing soak or to Buena Vista a nearby mountain town to explore their offerings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The support and advice from other small business owners has been absolutely invaluable to us. One person who deserves a special shoutout is our good friend Betsy, owner of Ride On Smoothies & Eats, a mobile food trailer with a bike-powered smoothie blender. Her shared wisdom from starting and running her own business has been such a huge help, and her willingness to listen to all of my business related ramblings has meant the world. Having a community of fellow business owners who truly understand the ups and downs has been such a gift, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.

Website: https://woofnwagsnackshack.com/

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