INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Vancouver Gourmet Dog Treats: Dante’s Doggy Delights // Naiwa (She/her) & Dante!
“We see dogs as more than just pets- we see them as family.”
is one of the ideas that stuck with me after reading Dante’s Doggy Delight’s website. https://dantesdoggydelights.com/ And this is an idea that I truly resonate with.
There is so much love and appreciation that can truly be felt and seen in all of Naiwa’s beautiful gourmet dog treat creations!
Dante’s Doggy Delights offer cute, colourful, and vibrant gourmet dog treats that truly have your dog’s health in mind. They use only natural & organic ingredients like all natural peanut butter, pure pumpkin, and organic flax and take pride in never using preservatives, soy, or corn in their recipes! Dog friendly icing and gluten free options can also be found in their selections.
Naiwa and Dante’s story:
“Dante’s Doggy Delights is a labor of love, powered by a passion for animals. The idea to spend my free time crafting dog treats began in late October of 2015 when, after months of contemplating and prepping, I invited a three-month-old Chihuahua mix into my home and my heart. I instantly fell in love with my new puppy, who I named Dante. With his pointed, fuzzy ears and big, curious eyes, he charmed his way into my lap and brought me more happiness and purpose than I ever could have imagined.
I found myself thinking and acting like a new mother, only wanting the best for my new companion, whether it was long walks, new toys to play with, and above all healthy food and treats that I could give him and feel good about. Finding treats that were natural that he actually enjoyed was at times an adventure all on its own, until I took matters into my own hands and started baking for him. I knew I could feel good about the ingredients in my treats because I could actually understand them; they were simple, just as they should be.
Since opening, I have had the pleasure of creating new, fun treats for my dog (and yours) that look and smell so good that even I want to eat them! Dante has his paw in everything- from inspiring each new cookie collection to watching me carefully throughout the process to ensure our customers are receiving only the best products from mom & pup.
From our gourmet dog treats to our pawsh boutique products, we are sure you will find something you love. Our products are unique, the ingredients in our treats are simple and natural, and your pup is guaranteed to feel as spoiled as ever!
I look forward to many more years with my best friend and continuing to create new, exciting products that both you and your dog will love!”
-Mom and Pup
https://dantesdoggydelights.com/
What is the most rewarding thing about your business and what you do?
The most rewarding aspect of my business is having the opportunity to be creative during the process of creating new products and getting to be a part of the lives of other dog parents and their beloved dogs. When I create something special for a celebration or milestone and hear how it brought joy to a customer, it feels like I get to be a part of helping to create a special memory for a dog parent and their pup, and I cherish that.
Have there been challenges? If so, how did you overcome them and what positive things came out of it?
My business began as a labor of love. At the time, I was not expecting it to turn into the business it is today. As things progessed, I learned everything along the way through hands on experience, researching, and making mistakes. The obstacles I faced along the way became my greatest teaching moments and how I adapted to them and found ways to improve in the future is what helped propel me forward.
What has been your proudest moment in your business journey so far?
I don’t know if I have a proudest moment. I think everytime I have succeeded at a goal or been surprised by achieving something I had not expected has been a moment of pride for me. When I look back at where I started my business and where it is today, I am proud of the journey it has been and how much I have grown.
I’d love to hear about your dog! What is their name, age and type?
My dog (and business partner), Dante is now 8 years old. He is a Chihuahua x Lhaso Apso. Our business was born because of him. It started with me baking all natural dog treats for him at home because I struggled finding treats with ingredients I could trust and during the process, we created so many wonderful memories together in the kitchen. Dante has truly been the brightest light of my life ever since I brought him home.
What are some things that you love about Dante and why?
I love everything about my dog. Dante and I truly have a soul connection with one another and our personalities are very similar. He has a calm temperament and enjoys the quiet. He is always by my side and has been a light through difficult times for me. His unconditional love and affection is an anchor for me and our special bond continues to inspire and uplift me.
Does Dante have any special quirks or personality traits that are unique to them, or just simply make you melt?
Dante is very in tune with me and always seems to keep a close eye on me. He very much enjoys being a home-body, and when I do take him out to socialize at a dog park, I love how he plays with other dogs, but doesn’t want to stray too far from me and constantly runs back to my side as if to make sure I am okay. I have never met a dog who is as calm as he is. Even when I come home to him, he wags his tail and waits patiently on the couch for me to greet him and never barks. I know he feels safe and secure in our home together and that makes me truly happy.
Dogs can teach us so much about ourselves. What have been some lessons you have learned about yourself?
Dante has taught me the meaning of unconditional love and accepting another exactly as they are. When I have had moments of sadness or when I am not at my best, he seems to know and stays right by my side, making me feel safe to be exactly as I am. His companionship has helped me love myself more and to be more present in each moment. I know dogs are not with us nearly long enough so I cherish every moment I get to spend with Dante.
What does the perfect day, time spent together, look like for you both?
Dante is happiest when we are cozying up at home together, cuddling in bed or on the couch. In addition to all the treats I bake fresh for Dante, once in a while, I like to order one of our favorite snacks- movie theater popcorn- and share a little with him while we watch a spooky movie. Dante and I also enjoy the Autumn season together. Dante loves running through piles of leaves and finding the perfect one to take home with us.
Thank you Naiwa and Dante!!
Follow Dante’s Doggy Delights on Instagram here @dantesdoggydelights and for more info on all the wonderful things they offer, check out their website dantesdoggydelights.com.
HAUS OF RUFUS
“Your pet is your best friend for part of your life,
but you are their best friend for all of theirs.”
Haus of Rufus is a pet friendly, photography studio in Vancouver that was born out of the love for our Goldendoodle, Rufus. We invite you to Haus of Rufus, a space where we help you capture meaningful, authentic and vibrant portraits of you and your loved ones.
And if you are lucky enough to be the guardian of a pet, we’d love to capture your bond, at any stage of their precious and significant life.