Goodness Baked In

Written by Megin Potter  |  Photos Provided

Pets are both calming and stimulating, a source of comfort and love. It is a duality that helps humans both grow and develop. When we embrace these creatures with empathy and kindness, they offer us a very special kind of confidence-instilling companionship. Pets are an important part of the family.

Like most children, 13-year-old Leahna Long, from Malta, loves her pets. To show them, one day she made horse treats. Next, she baked up a batch of dog biscuits for her 6-year-old hound, Bailey.

Bailey knew right away he’d tasted something good.

“He kept wanting them and would paw at the pantry door to get them,” said Leahna. 

That’s when Leahna knew she could do something else that was good. 

Making Mutt Munchies

In February, Leahna launched Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks offering small and medium-sized dog biscuits with yummy ingredients including pumpkin, cinnamon, and peanut butter. 

Leahna said that, compared to store-bought, she’s found dogs like the fresher, homemade goodies more. 

An active student who, in addition to horseback riding, runs track and plays soccer, Leahna is using her time afterschool and on weekends to cook for a cause close to her heart.

Caring for Canines

From the start, the endeavor has been a way for Leahna to generate funds for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. 

“I’m just really proud of her for taking what she enjoys – baking and animals – and helping the community,” said Leahna’s mom, Lisa. 

Helping her daughter with the shopping and delivery, Lisa has also spread the word about Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks to her co-workers in the Amsterdam school district. 

Learning Along the Way

Like all entrepreneurs, Leahna is learning how to build the business as she goes. 

“I’m learning how to keep track of orders, improve my baking skills, and how to talk to the community,” she said. 

Leahna’s responsibility and self-discipline produces many rewards, central to which is the opportunity to slow down the pace of life long enough for the important act of appreciation - there every time you hold out your hand with a treat in it. 

Buy Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks by direct messaging Leahna on Facebook.
16/count bags are $8. Of every bag sold, $1 benefits the
Saratoga County Animal Shelter. For updates, add them on Instagram.