[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING MARSH DOG

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique 
ability to tackle issues in their communities head on through 
thoughtful, innovative solutions. This week I am proud to recognize 
Marsh Dog of Baton Rouge, LA, as being small business of the week for 
their commitment to preserving and protecting Louisiana's vulnerable 
coastlines.
  In 1998, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries placed a 
bounty on the nutria rat in an effort to curb the reproduction of the 
invasive species, which has wreaked environment havoc on Louisiana's 
vulnerable coastal habitats. In response to the bounty, businesses 
across the State began inventing creative ways to recycle byproducts of 
the rodent.
  During this time, Hansel Harlan, the future founder of Marsh Dog, 
became increasingly concerned with the ingredients he found in mass 
market dog food products. After reading about the many recalls and the 
harmful ingredients circulating within the dog food industry, Harlan 
began toying with the idea of creating custom treats for his canine 
companion. After a few trial runs and on the suggestion of his sister 
Veni, Hansel included nutria rat meat into his recipe, creating an all-
natural, eco-conscious snack his dog immediately enjoyed. Harlan and 
Veni, with the blessing of their K-9 taste tester, began developing and 
marketing the innovative product.
  Today Marsh Dog enjoys great success and praise from their customers 
and environmental groups across the State. In addition to receiving a 
grant from the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program in 2011, 
which proved to be the endorsement that catapulted their success, Marsh 
Dog was also named Conservation Business of the Year by Louisiana 
Wildlife Federation.
  Hansel and Veni embody what it means to be innovative entrepreneurs. 
They created a solution for two impactful problems in their community, 
while also growing a successful small business, is a remarkable feat 
that deserves celebration.
  Congratulations again to Marsh Dog of Baton Rouge, LA, this week's 
small business of the week, and I look forward to having my rescue dog 
Ranger try your treats.

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