KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffOrganic dog food business in Jackson expanding
By Crystal Britt - bio | email
JACKSON, MO (KFVS) - A local family business has yet to feel the effects of the recession--their secret, organic dog food.
The owners of Miss Autumn's Barkery in Jackson are about to bite into something they never guessed would happen.
"This is our garage that has taken over our lives," said Victoria McDowell
She's running out of room. From stuffed freezers to piles of boxes, it's easy to see there's more than just plain living going on at this Jackson home.
"This is our factory."
The McDowell's basement is the home of Miss Autumn's Barkery.
The inspiration... the couple's two dogs, Missy and Autumn.
Five years ago Victoria and Robert McDowell lost a dog to a rare cancer.
"We just said that's not going to happen again to another dog, and I'm simply going to cook for my dogs," said Victoria McDowell.
So, five years ago that's where it began, and now their business is global.
"From that point we've grown 400 percent every single year," said Victoria. "That is un-heard of during a recession, we have not slowed down. Our company, knock on wood, has just exploded."
They make organic dog food, buffalo and brown rice, turkey and rice, turkey and sweet potato, plus a number of dog treats. Victoria says it's all human grade food.
"You can eat this..absolutely you can eat this," said Victoria.
They've gotten the governor's attention, plus other local lawmakers.
Victoria recently wrote up a proposal to try and get support from the American Recovery and Re-investment Act.
"They were looking for people with sound business proposals," said Victoria. "They liked ours and contacted us."
So, within a week they could learn if they're chosen to receive funds to help jump start a new facility for this business, getting them out of their basement and into a plant.
"It's a $100 million proposal to put 100 to 200 people located in Jackson and Cape Girardeau to work," said Victoria.
If they get the green light, she says they'll get started immediately.
"We are ready."
You can find Miss Autumn's Barkery Organics online at www.missautumnsbarkery.com or locally at Schnucks.
They're currently working on new lines, including dry dog food, plus food for cats and fish.
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