Check Out Wendy Strain’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Strain. 

Hi Wendy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My entire life I’ve had a passion for animals. Most of my professional experience has been working in the pet industry, from working at pet supply stores, to animal hospitals, to helping run a business that manufactured natual supplements for pets. Once I became a mother, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay home with my 2 kids. A little over 5 years ago, when my children were older and more self-sufficient, I immediately got myself back into my passion of working with animals and started volunteering in animal rescue. Volunteering in animal rescue has definitely been the most rewarding experience in all of my years of working in animal-related environments. About 4 years ago I was trying to think of another way I could support the animal rescue mission. The two things that many animal rescues need the most are Fosters and MONEY!!! I absolutely love to bake. I had been baking cute little treats for my own dogs, (all 5 of them!!), and giving my homemade dog treats to my friends as well. Many friends suggested that I should sell my treats. Then the lightbulb went off, and Gus’s Pawtastic Treats, ‘A Natural Barkery with a Cause”, was born! We are an all-natural, homemade dog treat barkery that donates a percentage of our proceeds to animal rescue organizations each month! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think it has been a really fun experience so far. I’ve created all of my pup cakes and treats recipes myself, and I’m a self-taught baker. I put a ton of research, thought, and care into my ingredients. When developing a new product, I often do “doggie taste-testing events”, and luckily most everything has gone over very well with my amazing doggie customers! It literally makes my heart smile when a customer shares a picture with me, of their pup with their treats! Happy and loved dogs are the best!!! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for volunteering tirelessly for various animal rescues, and my delicious, all-natural, homemade pup cakes and treats of course! 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is that I make a difference, and a positive impact, in the lives of animals. I volunteer mainly with the absolutely amazing Do Over Dogs Rescue, and I donate a minimum of 20% of Gus’s Pawtastic Treats proceeds to various wonderful and deserving animal rescues every month. Last December 2021, I was able to purchase one dog toy for all 74 dogs who were spending their Christmas at the Denver Animal Shelter. I feel so incredibly fortunate. I have the privilege of helping dogs in different ways, and making them really yummy treats!!! 

Contact Info:

• Email: gusstreats@gmail.com
• Website: www.gusspawtastictreats.com
• Instagram: gus_treats
• Facebook: @Guss Pawtastic Treats