Gone to the dogs

A champion’s heart

Hellen Mercier’s 6-year-old male, Titan, took first place in the Newfoundland Breed category at the recent 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. “It’s very political, so for us to go there and beat the best of the East Coast and Canada is wonderful,” says Mercier, who lives in Jackson, La. “It’s like winning the Kentucky Derby.”

Mercier celebrated the victory with a post-show dinner, and the next morning Titan was rewarded with a first-class ticket to Denver, where he beat out 100 Newfoundlands for Best in Show honors at another competition.

A breeder, Mercier retired from the film industry a year ago. She and Titan are unusually close. The dog once saved Mercier’s life by waking her husband in the middle of the night while she went into cardiac arrest. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery, and doesn’t think she would have made it in time without Titan.

“I’ll probably retire him later this year,” Mercier says of her prize-winning, life-saving dog. “There’s just nothing left that he hasn’t accomplished.” —JEFF ROEDEL

More healthy treats

Another Baton Rouge business is making healthy food for dogs.

Delightful Bites is the brainchild of licensed dietician Marlene Most, whose fledgling business was inspired by her German shepherd and husky mix, Heidi. When Heidi developed unusual health problems a few months of age, Most created special treats to help nurse Heidi back to health.

Now, Most offers Delightful Bites to local dog owners. Her canine treats feature ingredients like Louisiana sweet potatoes, red tart cherry juice (believed to promote healthy joints) and cinnamon. “I know I have a quality product I’d like to get out to people and their dogs,” Most says.

Jake’s Cuisine is another Baton Rouge maker of healthy dog treats. Founder Mary Sullivan nursed her own English bull terrier, Jake, back to health with homemade foods after Jake was poisoned. Her experience eventually led to Jake’s Cuisine, which is available at Petz Plaza and jakescuisine.com.

Delightful Bites can be found at several stores, including Calandro’s Supermarket, Petland and Ralph’s Market. mostdelightfulfoods.com —MARY GELPI