Small Batch, Big Joy: The Sweet Licks Story
We Are the Harpers
We are just a couple of kids at heart who joined lives over 25 years ago. Today, we share our home with four amazing rescues who wandered into our lives from all over the place and made us who we are today. They say a rescue rescues you right back, and for us, that couldn’t be more true! In fact, their endless kisses are exactly what inspired the Sweet Licks name.
Between our love for animals, our passion for cooking, and our constant search for the next fun hike with our pups, Sweet Licks Barkery was born. We try to lead with kindness, keep our sense of wonder, and never take the joyful moments around us for granted. We are so thankful to be in a position to bring this barkery to life and share our journey with you.
From Our Kitchen to Yours
Sweet Licks Barkery began in our small kitchen with a simple desire: to create wholesome, nutritious treats for our four-legged kiddos. We believe that what we put into our pets' bodies is just as important as what we put into our own.
After deep dives into pet nutrition, extensive research, and plenty of trial and error, we finally crafted recipes that got tails wagging. We focus on thoughtfully blended treats featuring single-source meats—perfect for dogs with food sensitivities—paired with essential vitamins and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and superfoods.
The Sweet Licks Process: Safety & Nutrition First
Crafting a natural, organic treat with a great shelf life can be tricky. That’s why we developed a unique process right here in McKinney, Texas. Starting with 100% organic, human-quality ingredients sourced from trusted partners, we lightly flash-bake our treats to safely eliminate any pathogens found in raw meats.
Next, we freeze-dry every batch. Freeze-drying is our method of choice because it locks in maximum nutrition, color, and flavor without a long-term heating process. All of our treats are AAFCO-rated and tested for continued safety. Our own fur babies act as our Chief Taste Testers to ensure quality is held to the highest standard. Simply put: we only serve your family what we feed ours.
Heart-Shaped Happiness
The result is a low-calorie, heart-shaped treat with a satisfying crunch. Because of our unique freeze-drying process, these treats are incredibly versatile and perfect for all life stages! You can serve them whole for a rewarding crunch, break them into smaller pieces for training puppies or treating seniors, or even crumble them easily over a picky eater’s dinner as a tasty food topper.
While our primary inspiration is dogs (hence the "Barkery"!), our treats are loved by feline friends, too. No preservatives, no fillers—just pure love. Sweet Licks Barkery is a representation of our love from our home to yours. We are so excited to have you join us on this adventure!
LUCY
❤️
LUCY ❤️
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In the bustling heart of Bellevue, Washington, amidst the flurry of wagging tails and hopeful eyes at the Humane Society for Seattle/King County, a little soul named Lucy waited patiently for her forever home. The year was 2013, a year marked by a record number of adoptions, and destiny had a special plan for Lucy.
As fate would have it, the Seattle Times was on site that day, capturing the heartwarming stories of these lucky animals finding their families. Amidst the excitement and joy, a family named the Harpers walked through the doors, their hearts open to welcoming a new furry friend into their lives.
Their eyes met Lucy's, and an instant connection was formed. As they knelt down to greet her, Lucy, overwhelmed with happiness, showered them with grateful licks, a moment forever immortalized by The Seattle Times.
That photo, a testament to the power of love and compassion, became a symbol of hope and second chances. You can see this heartwarming image and read more in the Seattle Times article at https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/humane-society-reports-record-number-of-pets-saved-in-2013/.
Lucy's story, captured in that single frame, touched the hearts of many and reminded everyone of the unconditional love and joy that rescue animals bring into our lives.
From that day forward, Lucy blossomed in the Harpers' care, her days filled with warm cuddles, playful adventures, and endless belly rubs. Her story serves as a reminder that every life deserves a chance at happiness, and sometimes, all it takes is an open heart and a loving home to transform a life forever.
PHOEBE
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PHOEBE 🐾
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Phoebe, a deaf Boston Terrier with a perpetually tilted head and a tongue that lolled out with endearing goofiness, found herself at the Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas. She bounced around, completely oblivious to the whispers of "special needs" and "extra care." Suddenly, a family, the Harpers, walked in, and something in Phoebe's heart (or maybe her stomach) told her these were her people. She trotted over to the Harpers, plopped down beside them with a dramatic sigh, and proceeded to shower their hands with enthusiastic, slobbery kisses. The Harpers, charmed by her audacious affection, were smitten. It was a love connection orchestrated by fate and sealed with a generous helping of dog drool.
The Harpers renamed her Phoebe and whisked her away to her forever home. There, she met Lucy, her new furry sister, and immediately launched into an elaborate game of chase, punctuated by excited snorts and the occasional tumble. Life was good. Walks became a daily ritual, filled with the joy of sniffing every blade of grass and chasing elusive shadows that only Phoebe could see. Evenings were spent curled up on the couch, receiving endless ear scratches and belly rubs. Phoebe, the once-overlooked deaf dog, had found her happily ever after, proving that love, like a dog's sense of smell, can find its way around any obstacle. She's a testament to resilience and the power of love, proving that even after a difficult beginning, every dog deserves a happy ending!
For more information about the Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas, please click this link.
TITO
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TITO 🦴
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Tito, a scrappy little guy with a heart as big as Texas, was toughing it out on the streets of Harlingen. He was a pro at dodging traffic, charming the local food vendors for scraps, and finding the snuggest cardboard boxes for shelter. But deep down, Tito yearned for something more – a place to truly belong, a family to call his own. Luckily, fate had other plans for this charming vagabond. A group of kind-hearted humans spotted Tito on his daily hustle and knew they had to help. They scooped him up and connected him with the Southwest Animal Transport Team (SWATT), a network of amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to giving pups like Tito a second chance.
Before he knew it, Tito was soaring through the skies, leaving his old life behind. He touched down in DFW, where a loving foster family welcomed him with open arms and a mountain of chew toys. Life was suddenly filled with warm beds, gourmet kibble (okay, maybe it was just regular kibble, but it sure tasted gourmet to Tito!), and endless belly rubs. He blossomed in their care, rediscovering the joy of play and the comfort of companionship. But Tito's journey wasn't over yet. His foster family knew he was destined for greatness, for a home where his unique brand of goofy charm would be cherished.
One day, while browsing online, the Harpers stumbled upon Tito's picture. His mischievous grin and soulful eyes melted their hearts instantly. They knew they had to meet this special dog. The connection was immediate - Tito showered them with sloppy kisses, and they, in turn, showered him with affection. It was a match made in doggy heaven! The Harpers welcomed Tito into their home and their hearts, where he quickly became an indispensable member of the family. He embraced his role as official taste tester at Sweet Licks Barkery, offering his expert opinion on every batch of treats (with a wagging tail of approval, of course!). He also appointed himself "Head of Playtime," reminding everyone that a good game of fetch or a rousing tug-of-war session was the perfect way for starting the day, ending the day, and anytime in-between, helps keep the soul young!
Tito's life had done a complete 180. From scavenging for scraps on the streets to snuggling on the couch with his loving family, his story is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the transformative power of kindness. Tito's tale reminds us that every dog, no matter their past, deserves a chance to find their happily ever after.