Brykal's Treat Houses

ABOUT US 2007

See product information below

 I was born an animal lover.  I began picking up stray anything as a child.  I have rescued wild birds and raised a few. Not to mention the frogs, horned toads, a chick, a rabbit, hamsters, small snakes and of course kittens, cats, puppies and dogs.  This is one of the things that I am most proud of that I passed down to my children (Krystal and Ryan).  

We all have soft hearts for animals and want to help those that are lost, unhealthy, mistreated or abandoned.  We never hesitate to speak up on an animals behalf or call the authorities when we feel the animals are in need. 

I have always wanted to provide financial help to the animals and decided to start this website and contribute a percent of sales not profit; towards animal welfare.    We will contribute a minimum of 10% with an additional 5% of sales during the month of December.

About "Brykal" and the beginning of our product line.

In April of 1993,   I surprised my children with an eight week old long-haired, tri-colored,   Pek-A-Poo.  From her beautiful coat colors, I named her Brickle (almond brickle candy).  I soon revised the spelling to make it an original name which resulted in; BRYKAL.

Brykal was and still is my inspiration.  Due to our love for her and desire to provide her with a long, happy, healthy life, I began making homemade gourmet dog treats.  I never stopped thinking of new ideas to honor her and  other beloved canine companions. 

On April 12, 2007 I had to let my Brykal go.  She became very ill and would not regain the quality of life she deserved and that I would want for her or any other animal.  It was the hardest thing I have endured especially for a deerly loved and daily missed member of my family.  I sincerly felt I lost of part of myself after I held her and kissed her for the last time.  I am trying to carry on with this business in her memory and to honor her and other pets and animals in the world. 

After making my first gingerbread house for a co-worker in 1992, I came up with the idea to make gingerbread houses for dogs by combining several different dog treat recipes. During this process, I decided to shape them into miniature dog houses.  The accents are my original ideas and most are hand-crafted by me or are purchased from others that sell hand-crafted items.

I want to thank many of the people that have helped make my passion a reality.

• Milton Rice (my father) spent a lot of time with me on the telephone answering questions and advising me on what power tools to buy, the best materials to use, as well as his proven techniques.

• Mike Sipp (a good friend) who tolerated all of my constant changes as my vision evolved into the product that I wanted to offer to other animal lovers like myself. 

• And most of all to Ryan Thompson (my son) who took the initiative 100% and began production to meet my standards with the utmost pride and skill!

My daughter (Krystal) handles some PR, marketing, sales and gift baskets.

From my existing product, another friend made a suggestion to convert the dog treat house into an self-dispensing feeder for dry food and/or treats.  This has been another great addition, Therefore, I want to thank Tony "TJ" Ray Wood Jr. from Wheat Ridge, CO.

In 2004, I added the votive candle holder or mini treat holder.  These mini houses are also converted into business card holders.  We are in the process of transforming the medium houses to urns for the ash remains of our beloved cannines.

In 2008, we are adding "Dozzers" which are special beds that dogs and cats both love!  You will be able to view the photos and items for sale under the "products" tab in the near future.

We will have a variety of Christmas ornaments that can be personalized with the year as well as the name of the pet or owners name.

In 2005, we were approved for non-profit status for "Brykal's House".  We will be planning various events in which to raise money for search and rescue.  Please be on the look out for new or slightly used pet items which can be used for resale or consignment. The profit from these sales will be contributed to assist other pet and animal lovers to be used for animal adoption, care, and rescue.  

Other primary motivators that have assisted me with production, marketing, distribution and sales are:  Vicki Kotsaftis (my sister),  her daughters (my nieces): Rebekah and Rachel, and my daughter Krystal Stearns all of Colorado Springs, Colorado.