our roots
WE ARE THE HARPERS
Our lives together started over 25 years ago. We have our two little girls, Lucy and Phoebe, who inspired the Sweet Licks name with the many licks they love to give us! Our lives revolve around being a family, going on adventures, serving the community, and trying not to take any moments for granted. We are so thankful to be in a position to bring Sweet Licks to life and share our journey with you.
Sweet Licks Barkery began in our small kitchen, with a desire to create simple and wholesome treats. It is important what we put in our bodies and just as important for our fur babies. We started researching dog friendly foods that offered nutritional benefits, as well as working with our veterinarian to validate our findings. Our focus was not to produce just another single-sourced meat treat, but to create a balanced product which included essential vitamins and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
With organic and natural products, shelf life is a major concern. Dehydration methods create a hard texture as well as heat the product, further losing nutritional value of the food. Freeze drying methods have the highest retention of nutrients, color, and shape all while being lightweight, which is essential for those long walks with your fur babies!
Sweet Licks Barkery is a representation of our love from our home to yours, in which the heart-shaped treat was born. We are excited to have you join us on this adventure! We hope to bring joy, creativity and love with Sweet Licks Barkery.
LUCY
❤️
LUCY ❤️
LUCY!
The “OG” Sweet Lick
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 〰️
PHOEBE!
OUR MISUNDERSTOOD MOMMA!
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 〰️
Tito!
Sweet little man!
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.