Dog inspires biscuit business

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A California man said the gourmet dog biscuits inspired by his Jack Russell terrier are now available at several local stores.

Ron Borden of Watsonville, a town on the central coast, said his landscaping business collapsed along with the souring economy and he looked to his recently acquired dog, Lucky, to inspire his next business venture, the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury-News reported Friday.

"After 20 years of doing the same thing, I asked myself, What do I do now?" Borden said. "I had an interest in baking. Why not make dog biscuits?"

Borden said he took classes at the San Francisco Baking Institute, convinced a local bakery to let him use the facilities at night and got his products certified as organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers.

He said his biscuits, which include peanut butter and organic chicken liver flavors, are now available at Aptos Feed & Pet Supply, Seascape Foods in Aptos, Today Pet Pals in Soquel, the New Leaf Community Market and Surf City Coffee.

Borden said the treats even appeal to some non-pet owners.

"There's one lady who regularly comes in and buys a bag, and she doesn't have a dog," he said.