Made for dogs ... tested on humans
Jack Russell terrier Woody is inspiration behind their business
Barbara Adams / Estacada News
Woody (right) was the inspiration for Chris and Patrice Snook’s natural organic dog product business called “Snook’s.”
Once upon a time a man fell in love with a woman–and her dog.
He knew right away that this was a package deal. But it was an easy sell.
“As far as little dogs go, he’s a really cool little dog,” said Chris Snook.
Woody is a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier. Woody’s smart, cute and personable. He loves to meet new people, and he shows them his sadness when they say goodbye.
“My life would not be the same without him. I love him so much,” Patrice Snook said. “He’s made us more aware of how we speak. We both agree, he’s good for our relationship.”
Patrice and Chris Snook own and operate Snook’s Pet Products, based in Estacada. Woody is the inspiration behind the business. “When Woody started chewing all the skin and fur off his legs the veterinarian told me he was allergic to grass,” Patrice said. “After doing some independent research I learned that he was allergic to his dog food–a highly recommended dog food.”
The processed grains in the dog food caused a yeast infection in the pads of Woody’s feet. Patrice discovered that the products available for dogs included processed grains or were chemically treated.
Patrice began working at Atlantic Rising Healing Center in Portland and educated herself on natural healing for humans and animals. She learned that the number one recommended vegetable for nutritional value is sweet potatoes.
“We noticed that our dogs were starting to develop tarter and we were very concerned about the dangers of rawhides and bones,” Patrice said. Knowing that Woody liked sweet potatoes, they dried some and created a dog chew, a digestible alternative to bleached animal bones.
“We prepared some for our dogs and were amazed at how much buildup it removed from their teeth. We gave some to our friends to try and got the same results,” Patrice said.
They’re not only nutritious and safe for dogs, but for people too.
Snook’s business slogan is “tested on humans.”
“We’re the lab rats first,” Chris said.
Chris and Patrice patented their product and began selling it at the Portland Saturday Market. Four years ago they moved their production shop in the same building as Mike’s Second Hand Store. It’s located in the lower level, and is accessed by driving around the building to the back side.
Seven thousand organically grown sweet potatoes are delivered to their production shop every month. They are then dried in a huge food processing drier. After three days, the potatoes are ready to be strung together with chemical free hemp. The dried sweet potatoes look a lot like bones.
Chris and Patrice also produce sweet potato dog chips, herbal salve and shampoo, tooth oil, ear oil and a variety of other natural dog care products. All of their products are approved by the Department of Agriculture.
Their business has grown through sales at the Portland Saturday Market, often to travelers from out of state. These customers take the products home and share them with their veterinarian or local pet supply store. Patrice said she receives a few calls a week from out-of-state businesses inquiring about carrying their products.
“Ninety-five percent or more of our store accounts contact us. It’s all through the Saturday Market,” Patrice said.
Sales are also made through their web site, Snookdog.com.
Local customers can place orders directly by calling 503-630-3646, then arrange to pick up their products at Snook’s production shop.