Volunteer buys biscuits from disabled relative, gives to humane …
North County Times – Escondido,CA,USA
ENCINITAS —- When his nephew started a business selling homemade dog
treats, Larry Abgarian came up with a plan that would help his family and
benefit a …

ENCINITAS —- When his nephew started a business selling homemade dog treats, Larry Abgarian came up with a plan that would help his family and benefit a local organization he has volunteered with for years.

Abgarian, of Encinitas, said he is buying North Country Critters dog treats made by his nephew, Danny Kozan, and his two business partners, and then donating them to be sold at the North Coastal Humane Society, located at 389 Requeza in Encinitas.

Abgarian, who has been a North Coastal Humane Society volunteer since the early 1990s, said the organization will keep all proceeds. ÝÝ

“I started thinking that it may be a novel approach to help my nephew, his business partners and the shelter,” he said.

The Humane Society is selling small bags of Beef Barley Biscuits for $2.50 or large bags for $4.75. Ý

Abgarian said he is planning to make the selection even bigger. In mid-March, he will start donating a variety of types of North Country Critters treats, including dog pretzels, peanut butter honey treats and vegetarian “pup treats.”

Patty Brooks, who oversees marketing and public relations for the North Coastal Humane Society, said the organization is grateful for Abgarian’s continued support.

“Larry has been a volunteer and donor for years and has a strong relationship with the organization,” she said, adding that “Larry is the kind of guy who just does nice things.”

Abgarian said the North Coastal Humane Society is the only area location selling the Beef Barley Biscuits, which are made from natural ingredients like rye flour, barley flour, beef broth, olive oil and parsley. Ý

In addition, Brooks said the organization is also planning to sell the treats at events, including the 12th annual Ugly Dog Contest on March 11 in Del Mar.

Abgarian said the idea for his nephew’s business stems from an altruistic purpose.

He said the Michigan-based business partners, who have various disabilities, started baking homemade dog treats in March 2005 to raise money for an area animal rescue organization. When the products became popular, the trio turned their charitable efforts into the North Country Critters, which also sells homemade cat treats. Ý

While the business started out as just “something to motivate them and keep them active,” he said its scope changed when people kept requesting the products. Ý

Since his nephew and his business partners have limitations, the business’s success wasn’t expected. In fact, his nephew and his partners live together but need a round-the-clock caregiver.

Abgarian said he is proud of what the partners have accomplished, including doing their own shopping, developing the recipes and making the treats at home. Ý

“They have just gone beyond everyone’s expectations,” he said.

He also said they have motivated him to become more active in volunteering for local animal organizations.

“When I see them doing what they are doing it gives me a little more fuel,” he said. “It really puts fire under my passion.”