Samantha Mendoza was in vet tech training school when Covid hit, pausing that plan.

While the pandemic forced everything to close, it opened up an idea for Samantha — Paw Paw Barkery & Meowery.

Samantha said the baker is focused on “having something more focused for the dogs to eat other than giving them chemicals and preservatives." 

Samantha gets the word out about her business through social media and word of mouth. She also hits up lots of local markets.

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“I started off with cakes,” and then I slowly started doing treats,” Samantha said. “And I believe like a year ago, I just started doing markets for the treats."

These treats are made with more than just love.

“All my ingredients are all natural and human-grade; so if you wanted to try them, you can,” Mendoza said. “Everybody loves seeing the hand-decorated treats, the human-inspired bakery treats, for the dogs, like the conchas and stuff."

Flavors include chicken, apple and peanut butter.

Samantha also makes treats for cats.

“I only have a few options available flavor wise, but I don't have decorated treats because… you can't really give cats dairy,” Samantha said. “I am working on getting cat cakes out for their birthdays."

Samantha is hoping to expand beyond just treats. 

“I'm looking into building a website so I can ship treats nationwide, and then hopefully one day having a store front which would be with everything,” Samantha said. “Not just my bakery, but it'll be my bakery, doggie day care, boarding, hopefully training — I just want everything there.”

It’s something we're sure her four-legged customers are really going to enjoy. 

You can order from Paw Paw Barkery & Meowery through their Facebok and Instagram pages.

Paw Paw Barkery & Meowery, Made in the 956.