SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A dog biscuit business called The Barkery is run by special education students at the Sioux Falls Community Campus. This unique business isn't about making money, it's about making lives better.
We first observed classes in the lobby of the district's Instructional Planning Center. Students were selling dog biscuits. Ted, the class mascot, also helped with marketing efforts.
They invited us to Axel Park School where they make snacks. They work at stations, rolling out the dough to the right thickness and using special cookie cutters to shape the biscuits. The biscuits are then baked, and once cooled, they are sized, packaged, and prepared for sale.
“We work with students who have no work experience, or with work experience, to improve their vocational skills. So some of them work here, follow instructions, maintain teamwork, It’s important to ask for help, and the rest is sales and customer service,” said Kati Pudwill, special education teacher at Community Campus.
“This prepares them for life beyond 21, so we take students in for a short period of time from 18 to 21 and then move into community service, so these students are the ones we prepare for. They may be looking for a job or volunteer opportunity,” said Soina Lyons, a special education teacher.
“We learn how to tie bags, we learn how to bake things and make things happen,” said student Cole Frazier.
One of the goals of such programs is to help students gain some level of confidence. For example, some students are nonverbal. But Ev Bascall jumped in front of our cameras and she wanted to tell us about something special in her life.
Tom: What is your dog's name?
“Daisy,” Eve answered.
Tom: is that your dog's name?
“Daisy,” Eve said.
And Dax HuezoVargas wanted to teach me how to say dog treats.
Tom: is this a dog?
“Yes, it's a dog,” said Dax.
Tom: eat?
“Eat,” said Dax.
Tom: I learned something new today. well done!
And Casa Chancalde wanted to make sure we knew about the ingredients in dog biscuits.
“Peanut butter, four eggs, water, and a little flour,” Kaza said.
Tom: Have you eaten flour yet?
“No, I'm not a dog!” Kaza said.
Tom: That was my stupid question, wasn't it?
“Yes,” she said with a laugh.
“I think building confidence is a big part of it. And many of them are very proud to be part of The Barkery. They are very excited to come and work here. And obviously I'm very excited to be here and talk about it,” Pudwill said.
Tom: Were you surprised that some people wanted to get in front of the cameras? “I was very surprised by some of the footage that came out on camera,” Pudwill said.
It is further proof that The Barkery is making a difference in the lives of these young people and helping them prepare for the challenges they will face in this world.
They sell the treats in bags of 10 for $3.
The Barkery's long-term goal is to build an online ordering system, but that's probably several years away.
Next year, they hope to sell the dog biscuits at high school sports days.