Gourmet Dog Treats Grow in Popularity

Lisa St. Clair dreamed of becoming the Mrs. Fields of dog treats. Ten years into business, Tail Bangers (24832 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro, 877-725-2469) is becoming every bit as recognizable as the cookie magnate. The Millsboro-based business has grown at least 20 percent in each year of its existence, thanks to its hand-cut, -dipped and -decorated line of doggie treats, which delight customers and their furry friends on the premises, as well as in 1,600 stores across the country, including Concord Pets, Pet Supplies Plus and Pet Valu. The original, bone-shaped Bangers, braided Tail-Waggers and Doggie Doughnuts are Tail Bangers’ most popular items; each is made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients. “There’s nothing in my shop that you couldn’t eat yourself,” St. Clair says. “As long as you’re not allergic to peanut butter.” The name Tail Bangers pays homage to St. Clair’s own dogs, who would excitedly whap their tails against the kitchen counter whenever their owner began baking. Today, her five dogs—Oscar, Charlie, Mikey, Annie and Sky—serve as more than willing taste testers. “I wanted this to be something for people to celebrate their relationship with their dogs,” she says. “They give so much unconditional love, and we can have such solid relationships with animals, and this is a fun way to celebrate that.”