Community Corner
Doggie Treats at Farmers' Market Thursdays.
2011 Barkback Bakery opened a pet store and bakery; in 2012 it joined other vendors of the Medfield Farmers’ Market, held each Thursday from 2 until 6:30 P.M. on the lawn of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on North St. The bakery sells doggie treats, made from natural ingredients, gluten, corn and preservative free. They only use ingredients that are locally grown, when possible, and then only from USA or comparable markets such as Canada and New Zealand. Medfield market goers love their dogs and their dogs love these treats.
Chris and Dawn Porthouse are the owners of this family business located in Bellingham. The bakery resulted after the adoption of their three rescue dogs, one was a picky eater the younger two were too young to be picky so the family set out to find proper dog food. Most of the ingredients they couldn’t pronounce and much was made in China with frequent recalls. They finally found one made in USA without so many scary ingredients but then decided to make their own treats. Their motto, "Real Ingredients for Real Pets" means the treats are handmade at the Bellingham location using only human-grade ingredients. They go through a vigorous taste-testing process. All the products are tested by humans before any treat is given to their pets. It was good to know that their four legged companions were eating quality treats. When Dawn was diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease they then focused on canine allergies and ingredients that minimized allergies. They offer to work with customers whose dogs have allergies to custom make treats that they can eat.
There is another vendor this year that dog owners might visit as well. Tabers’ Closet specializes in hand-made, rot resistant, adjustable, washable dog collars. Each is made of super strong webbing, printed or covered with grosgrain ribbon to add individuality or personality to the collar. Matching leashes are available in three lengths through custom order.
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Although dogs are not allowed at the market due to the cramped space, they certainly are considered when choosing vendors. Not all vendors are present at the Market each week so shoppers may have to visit several times to see what is offered.
In addition to treating the family pet, shoppers can be assured of the freshest vegetables and fruits, seafood, mean and cheese, delicious pastries, homemade jams, mustards and relishes and middle-eastern specialties.
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Also some non-profit Medfield organizations are frequently present to explain their purpose and to recruit membership. The Medfield Garden Club was present several Thursdays in June.
There is ample parking behind the church and along North St. Most of the market staff volunteers from the Church. The Needham Bank is the 2014 corporate sponsor.