New dog treats available in Armstrong are Sissy approved.
And proceeds from the treat’s sales will benefit their creator.
Emma’s Puppy Lovin’ Dog Treats are the work of Emma Tucker, four, daughter of Wayne and Jennifer Tucker who own Tucker’s Restaurant in downtown Armstrong.
Emma suffers from Canavan disease, an inherited disorder that causes progressive degenerative damage to nerve cells in the brain by degeneration of myelin, which is the fatty covering that insulates nerve fibers.
Because of her disease, Emma can’t crawl, walk, sit or talk. But she can feel.
So, a baking exercise with her worker, Charlayne, which is a good sensory activity for Emma, has turned into a business to help fundraise for certain medical equipment. In this case, a new comfortable chair for Emma.
“Emma mixes the ingredients, and picks out what shape they’ll be,” said Wayne.
“She cuts out the puppy treats and counts out the treats for the bag.”
One day a week, Emma spends the morning in the kitchen making the puppy treats. She measures out the correct amount of flour, water, honey or eggs, mixes the ingredients, and, when completed, packages them for sale in her parents’ restaurant.
She also selects what kind of treats will be made and what shape to cut them into.
“Emma really does enjoy making these treats, and she especially loves letting her puppy, Sissy, be the taste tester,” said Jennifer Tucker.
Sissy, the family’s rough collie, finds the treats delicious.
“All of these treats are made with her love and help and all are approved by Sissy,” said Jennifer. “Emma is so excited to offer something for your four-legged family members.”
Said Wayne: “I’m a very proud father. It’s nice to see something that she gets so much enjoyment from.”
Because this is Emma’s “business” from beginning to end, every single dollar goes directly back to Emma to meet her needs, and in the process she gets to give your puppy some lovin’ treats.
Emma’s Puppy Lovin’ Treats are $5 per bag.