Home Business Specializes in Pet Treats, Doggie Outfits

On any given day, there are a variety of tempting aromas emanating from Kathryn Hanaghan's oven.

However, the home-cooked treats that emerge aren't for human consumption. They're for Hanaghan's canine customers.

With her mother, Penny, Hanaghan operates a home-based business called Maxx & Gigi's Dog Bakery & Boutique.

The mother-daughter duo launched their business two years ago when Penny Hanaghan began making handmade dog apparel to sell at flea markets and craft shows.

"I decided to make some dog treats to go along with the outfits," said Kathryn Hanaghan. "We sold out of dog treats that first day."

Now, Hanaghan spends her free time creating grain- and gluten-free natural treats for dogs using her own dogs, a greyhound/pointer mix and a chi-weenie (chihuahua and dachsund) to test her efforts.

Together, the Hanaghans sell their handmade dog apparel and homemade treats at venues throughout Tampa Bay.

"My mom does all the sewing and I do all the baking," said Kathryn Hanaghan.

In addition to doggie outfits, Penny Hanaghan makes seasonal scarves and collar charms for dogs.

Together, the two collect Beanie Babies and other stuff animals at yard sales, which they restuff with a dog-safe polyfill and dog-friendly squeakers. They then resew the stuffed animals to create doggie toys.

"We recycle as much as we can," said Penny Hanaghan, who also cuts up old neckties and turns them into doggie bowties.

They've also developed Belly Bands for male dogs who like to lift their legs inside the house.

Belly Bands are made of a thick absorbent type of fabric. They are wrapped around the dog and fastened by means of a Velcro strip sewn at each end of the wrap. Usually a good-fitting belly wrap requires no elastic and will stay in place quite well.

"They are also great for the older male dogs with little or no bladder control," said Penny Hanaghan. "You can also use a self-adhesive feminine pad or an incontinence pad inside the Belly Band. These will hold more urine than the Belly Band alone, and you won’t have to launder as often."

Belly bands are machine washable and reused as needed.

As for the dog treats, Kathryn Hanaghan has developed several popular recipes that she sells including peanut butter vegan treats, carob chip cookies, pretzels made with pumpkin and her most popular item, Cheesy Barkin' Bacon treats.

"My newest treats are Carolina Barbecue Ribs made with beef broth and faux barbecue sauce," she said.

To order items, visit the Maxx & Gigi's website or call the Hanaghans at 813-685-5259.