The Story Behind The Barkery: A Journey Born Out of Love for Bucky

The Story Behind The Barkery: A Journey Born Out of Love for Bucky

Every journey has a beginning, and for our business, it began with Bucky - a loyal companion, a beacon of joy, and an irreplaceable part of our family.

This is a story of love, loss, and lessons learned, a narrative that has now become the backbone of our business. As I journey down memory lane, I invite you to share in the love we had for Bucky and understand why we're so passionate about offering health-conscious dog treats.

We got Bucky in 2016 from horrible people. They had assured us that all of her vaccines and deworming had been done. We ‘reimbursed’ them for this fairly certain they were lying. But seeing this sweet pup in their hands was too much for me to bear. My kids were little (5,3 and 1) and were so excited to have a new puppy.

 After making sure they understood that Bucky would be scared in a new house they all promised to let her get used to everything and to leave her alone. Well, Bucky had other ideas. From the moment she was let out of her carrier all she wanted was to be with those kids. After 2 days it was clear she was full of worms - I’ve never seen anything like it. She was admitted to the vet and kept under 24 hr observation for 4 days.

At one point I called the vet to see if she needed to be put to sleep, and the doctor simply responded, ‘Please let me keep trying, this dog is too special to give up on.’.

And that was Bucky. So weird, so sweet, so infuriating, so very special.

Bucky as a small puppy

In 2022, our lives took a heart-wrenching turn when we found tumors on our beloved Bucky. Following an intense surgery and a tough recovery, we were faced with the daunting reality that the tumors were an aggressive, malignant cancer.

Anyone who has dealt with cancer knows the fear, confusion, and despair that such a diagnosis brings. Yet, it also lights a spark of resilience, determination, and a quest for knowledge.

Having grown up in California, the idea that food can be medicine was deeply ingrained in my mindset. The news about Bucky drove me to explore this concept further, focusing on what I could do to aid her healing and enhance her overall health. 

As I delved deeper into the world of canine nutrition, I found myself astonished and inspired by the power of superfoods and their transformative impact on our furry companions.

Bucky smelling a calming chamomile treat

I spent countless hours researching, testing, and perfecting dog treat recipes, each one brimming with ingredients like turmeric, spirulina, and other superfoods. What began as a labor of love for Bucky quickly evolved into a passion for enhancing canine health through the right nutrition. 

Every new recipe was a glimmer of hope, a testament to my love for Bucky, and a potential lifeline for other pets grappling with health issues.

I decided to start sharing these healthy dog treats with the world. I wanted to not only help dogs to be healthier, but I wanted to help dog owners easily add nutritious ingredients to their dog’s daily diet without adding another thing to their already long to do list.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Bucky on May 17, 2023. The pain was, and still is, indescribable. Losing her left an emptiness that can never truly be filled. 

Bucky happy

The questions - "Could I have done more? Would she still be with us if I had known about the benefits of these superfoods sooner?" - they linger.

But amidst the pain and heartache, something extraordinary happened. The seed for our dog treat business was planted. From the sadness of loss, an idea grew - an idea to share the knowledge I had gained, to help other pet owners make informed choices about their pets' diets, to potentially spare them from the pain we experienced. In essence, Bucky's legacy was beginning to take shape.

Our mission now extends beyond selling dog treats. It's about spreading awareness, about helping pet owners understand the profound impact that nutrition can have on their dogs' well-being. Every product we offer, every recipe we develop, is a part of our promise to Bucky. A promise that her story will continue to inspire, to make a difference in the lives of other dogs.

Bucky happy and smiling

We believe that through love, knowledge, and the right nutrition, we can positively impact the lives of our four-legged friends. Every treat we sell carries Bucky’s spirit - her strength, her love, her unwavering loyalty. It’s our way of honoring her and it's our commitment to you, to offer nothing but the best for your furry companions.

The journey that started with Bucky continues today with our ever-growing community of dog lovers. In sharing this story, we want to thank you for being a part of this mission, for your trust in us, and for allowing us to be a part of your dog's health journey.

Bucky sunbathing in the garden

Here's to the incredible bond between humans and dogs, to the undying spirit of Bucky, and to a healthier, happier future for all our furry friends. 

Here’s to transforming pain into purpose, and loss into a legacy. 

Here's to the love that started it all and continues to fuel our mission.

From our hearts to yours, and to the hearts of your beloved pets, thank you for being a part of our story.

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