Our Story

 

I have always had an unwavering love for dogs, considering them not just pets, but cherished members of our family. Over the years, our furry companions have found their way to us in various ways - through family members, as abandoned pups we stumbled upon, or by carefully choosing from a reputable breeder. Regardless of their origin, they are welcomed into our hearts and loved wholeheartedly, even long after they have become a memory.

In 2008, I made the decision that it was time for my two daughters, aged 10 and 6, to experience the joy and responsibility of having a dog. After some searching, we connected with a family who had a litter of Bichon Frise puppies. It didn't take long for us to choose our little bundle of joy, and we named her Maggie.

Maggie quickly became the center of our world, receiving an abundance of love and care. She patiently endured the countless hair bows and cute outfits that my daughters would select for her. Our family has embarked on countless adventures together - from trips to the lake and beach to Maggie's personal favorite, our visits to Chick-fil-A.

However, Maggie has faced her fair share of health challenges throughout her life. It was during one of those challenges that we discovered a valuable trick from Dr. Albright, our trusted veterinarian at Crossroads Veterinary Hospital. She suggested that we cook chicken and rice for Maggie when she was feeling unwell. Surprisingly, this simple remedy worked like magic, aiding in her recovery.

Last year, as Maggie turned 14, her health took a significant downturn, and we began to fear the inevitable. It was during a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Albright that she imparted her wisdom, telling us that when the time comes to let Maggie go, she would let us know. I took that message to heart, and I decided to let Maggie guide us through her aging journey.

Determined to make Maggie's remaining time with us the best it could possibly be, I took matters into my own hands. I started cooking specially prepared meals for her, starting with the chicken and rice that had proven to be a miracle worker. As time went on, I expanded her culinary options, ensuring she enjoyed every bite. To our amazement, Maggie's health began to improve, and it became clear that she wasn't ready to leave our family just yet.

We celebrated her 15th birthday in April 2023, and it seemed she was eagerly looking forward to reaching the milestone of turning 16 and more. Sadly, Maggie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on September 12, 2023.  While we miss her tremendously, we are thankful she is no longer suffering from her physical struggles.

As I witnessed the positive impact of nutritious, homemade meals on Maggie's well-being, I began to reflect on the treats she consumed. I wanted them to be of the same high quality as her meals. So, I delved into the world of dog treat recipes, determined to find the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

Through countless hours of research, baking, and taste testing (which Maggie thoroughly enjoyed), I finally curated a collection of dog treat recipes that were not only made from top-quality ingredients but were also loved and approved by Maggie herself.

Knowing that many other dog owners share the same deep love for their furry companions, I am starting SouthPaw Treats. It is my passion to provide high-quality treats that pet owners can trust, ensuring their beloved fur babies are "treated" well. With South Paw Treats, I aim to offer a taste of love and care to dogs everywhere, just like I have done for Maggie throughout her incredible journey.

If you'd like to join us on this journey, I invite you to follow @southpawtreatsnc on Facebook and Instagram, where you can explore our menu and stay connected with our story. We look forward to taking orders for your favorite pups!