[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMENDING BARKWHEATS DOG BISCUITS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
successful and thriving business of a young and insightful entrepreneur 
from my home State of Maine whose line of dog treats is truly one of a 
kind.
  Barkwheats Dog Biscuits was founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Chris 
Roberts. A native of the Bangor area, Mr. Roberts left Maine to attend 
college and pursue a career as a recording engineer in Nashville. Upon 
returning to Maine, Mr. Roberts found himself baking frequently, a 
skill he developed while a baker at the University of Maine. This 
gradually led Mr. Roberts to begin baking for his two dogs, Baxter and 
Sabine, both rescued mixed-breeds. His passion for cooking soon led him 
to open Barkwheats, and he began making two varieties of all-natural 
dog biscuits: sea vegetables and chamomile, as well as ginger and 
parsley, the latter of which provides relief from dogs' bad breath.
  In November 2007, Mr. Roberts began selling the biscuits at local 
farmers markets and organic cooperatives in the midcoast Maine region, 
near his home in Stockton Springs, as well as online. In very short 
order, the product gained immense popularity, due in large part to 
tourists who purchased the biscuits for their dogs. Upon returning 
home, these people began clamoring for Barkwheats at their local 
stores. He now ships his biscuits to dozens of pet stores across the 
country, including as far away as Alaska. Additionally, Barkwheats' 
products have been featured in newspapers, blogs, and magazines across 
the country, including Animal Wellness Magazine and ModernDog. To keep 
up with the demand, Mr. Roberts also purchased a machine that makes 
2,300 biscuits per hour!
  Barkwheats biscuits are completely organic, and over 95 percent of 
the ingredients come from local, Maine farmers in neighboring towns and 
counties. To support the State's economy and ensure that all items are 
fresh, Mr. Roberts purchases buckwheat from farmers in Union, eggs from 
Gouldsboro, parsley from Pittsfield, honey from Swanville, and even 
seaweed from off the Machias coast. Unable to find a farmer who 
produced ginger locally, he collaborated with Sustainable Harvest 
International, a Maine company that helps Central American farmers 
improve their lives while simultaneously restoring tropical forests, to 
purchase ginger from southern Belize. As a result of its efforts, 
Barkwheats Dog Biscuits is expected to be named the first Fair Trade 
Certified pet treat later this summer. Additionally, in an effort to 
care for the environment, Barkwheats dog biscuits are packed in 100 
percent compostable recycled boxes, as well as bags made from wood 
pulp.
  Chris Roberts' tasty treats represent a truly innovative way to 
combine supporting the local economy and giving pet owners a healthy, 
gluten-free option for their dogs. I commend Chris Roberts for his 
innovation and determination, and wish him continued success with his 
burgeoning business.

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