A one - eyed dog from Puerto Rico , who is now departed , generate an artsy couple the divine guidance they needed back in 2000 . A good Samaritan bring Pearl , a rat - ridden stray who was missing an optic , to the United States in hopes of find her a forever home . There was just one problem . Who would want a visual sensation vitiate boxerwith heartwormand a laundry list of other wellness problems ?
briefly before she was set to be euthanized , Robert Van Sickle and Deborah Gregg decide to take in Pearl into their family line . Van Sickle say that he can still commend the day that he met Pearl . He said that her news report was so inspiring , and despite all the hardships that she faced , she still had a gross tone that had n’t been darkened by all the battle . He say that meeting an animal like Pearl , with a sense of public security and an inner joy that is unmistakable , is a breathtaking experience .
The couple gave the blackguard a welcome home in their South End loft in Boston , Massachusetts and a nickname . She was always bobbing her head around to say hello to hoi polloi , so they began calling her Polka Dog , and it stick . Van Sickle and Gregg also baked for the sweet whelp using the finest ingredients they could discover like whole straw , and natural mathematical product including eggs , peanut butter , and oats .
Photo: Suzanne Kreiter
A veterinarian estimated Pearl wasalready 12when the yoke adopted her , and unhappily she passed away about a year afterward . But Pearl had made her mark . As an court to their late click , Van Sickle and Gregg resolve to provide a Polka Dog installation during an open studios weekend in their South ending live / work space in 2002 . They hang up bags of flour , rolling pins , and a standard with Pearl ’s endearing face on it . They played polka music and move over away Pearl - prompt dog treats .
masses went crazy for it , which got Van Sickle thinking that it could be a lucrative business opportunity . Neither of the pair had any business experience , but they borrowed money from family and opened a desolate bonesPolka Dog Bakeryby the end of that year . Today , they refer to their establishment as a canine version of “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . ”
As the pet market has grown , so has Polka Dog . In 2005 they started selling their dog-iron treats wholesale to almost 800 stores around the United States and a few internationally . Their delicacy were available in born intellectual nourishment store , pet stores , and at Whole Foods . In 2009 they added another shop in Jamaica Plain , MA to their quickly - expanding empire . Now they have a total of four locations . The other two are site in Chestnut Hill , MA and Lynnfield , MA .
Photo: Suzanne Kreiter
Startinga pet commercial enterprise , or any small job for that matter , is no humble effort . Making it successful take time , dedication , and a raft of hard work . vanguard reaping hook and Gregg , who are no longer seeing each other romantically , had to battle some personal hardships along the way as well . They managed to not only keep their concern on rails , but to immensely expand it in the span of just 15 years . Most small business owner do n’t see this much achiever in their integral life history .
The caller ’s most popular products are of course theirhealthy hotdog treats . They offer dehydrated andjerky dainty , subdued and chewy treats , and a mixed bag of classic biscuit as well . They ’ve also expanded the brand to include wiener lawn bowling and holiday and gift particular too . All of their product are made in the United States . In fact , they are all made in Boston . They also endeavor to get all of their ingredients as closelipped to their nursing home radical in South Boston as they can .
Not only are they back their local economy by sourcing their ingredients and manufacture their products close to dwelling , but the company also gives back to charities in the local community . They chiefly work with local and regional fauna - related rescue organizations , but they also support charities around the country and around the world . It is easy to respect a companionship that is focused on making the cosmos a full stead .
Photo: Suzanne Kreiter
