16-year-old business owner gets generous donation for 'barkery'
One teen's dog treat business is expanding, thanks to generosity from the community.
One teen's dog treat business is expanding, thanks to generosity from the community.
One teen's dog treat business is expanding, thanks to generosity from the community.
A 16-year-old business owner in Malone will soon have a new way to deliver his homemade dog treats thanks to a generous donation from the community.
Logan McArdle is the owner and baker at Logan's Barkery, a homemade dog treat bakery that he operates out of his parents' home in Malone.
McArdle, who has Down syndrome, has been running the Barkery since February. The family's yellow lab, Gus, is the official taste-tester for all of Logan's treats.
Earlier this month, Pat Verillo, the owner of Tony's Mobile Marine Repair and a family friend of the McArdles, donated a golf cart to help Logan deliver his dog treats.
"It's amazing the drive he's got. He inspires me every single day," Verillo said. "I think of the stuff he's been through and what he's doing at such a young age and it just amazes me."
Several other local businesses then helped turn the cart into a delivery vehicle.
Logan's mother, Shannon McArdle, said her son's passion for baking began in his school's home and careers class.
And she said Logan's business is putting his education to the test beyond the classroom.
"It's an opportunity for him to use the life math skills he learned in school this year, with a bank account and money and transactions," she said. "But it also helps him get out in the community and work on his social skills."
The Barkery's slogan is "Anything is Pawsible". It's a message that reflects the family's belief in Logan and in his business.
"People with developmental disabilities can do anything," said Shannon McArdle. "The sky's the limit! And we certainly believe that about Logan."
Logan's brother Keegan said he could not be more proud of what his brother has achieved.
"Seeing him grow as a businessman is amazing," Keegan said.
Logan's Barkery doesn't have a website yet — but they do have a Facebook page.
While the golf cart isn't road-ready yet, Logan and his family say they are excited to begin delivering dog treats across the greater Malone area.