• Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
    • College Sports
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • High School Sports
    • Black Hills High School
    • Capital High School
    • North Thurston High School
    • Northwest Christian High School
    • Olympia High School
    • Pope John Paul II High School
    • Rainier High School
    • River Ridge High School
    • Rochester High School
    • Tenino High School
    • Timberline High School
    • Tumwater High School
    • Yelm High School
    • Rec League
    • Semi-Pro Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
Search
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Counselor JJ Pritchett meets with an Olympic View Elementary student. at a table.

      North Thurston Public Schools Strengthens Support for Mental Wellness Among Students

      child in mask at a school cafeteria being handed food by a lady in a mask

      North Thurston Public Schools Provides Valuable Summer Support for Minds and…

      South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

      Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and…

      Morgan with her forehead touching Scout's in a field

      A Pandemic Purchase Helps Grieving Family, Puts Daughter on the Path…

  • Sports
    • AllCollege SportsSouth Puget Sound Community CollegeHigh School SportsBlack Hills High SchoolCapital High SchoolNorth Thurston High SchoolNorthwest Christian High SchoolOlympia High SchoolPope John Paul II High SchoolRainier High SchoolRiver Ridge High SchoolRochester High SchoolTenino High SchoolTimberline High SchoolTumwater High SchoolYelm High SchoolRec LeagueSemi-Pro Sports

      Local High School Fastpitch Teams Head To State Tournament

      justin erickson 2022 capital marathon

      2022 Capital City Marathon

      Tumwater High School Senior Ryan Orr Strikes Out 17 Batters, Eyes…

      Area High School Track Athletes Compete At 56th Annual Shaner Invite

  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      bins of apples at the Olympia Farmers Market

      Springtime High Season Arrives at the Olympia Farmers Market

      Iron Rabbit's bacon bleu burger on a plate

      Iron Rabbit in Olympia Cooks Up Gourmet Fun Food for Your…

      outside street view of Dancing Goats Coffee's new location in Olympia,

      Springtime Movin’ and Groovin’ at Dancing Goats Coffee

      Where To Get Thai Food in Lacey

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      Woman sitting at a desking looking over life insurance documents

      Melanie Bakala State Farm: Benefits of Owning a Life Insurance Policy…

      Sensory room in Sensory Tool House with different textures on the wall and soothe with fiberoptic lights.

      Sensory Tool House in Lacey Supports the Neurodiverse Community

      Ed Schlich a wine educator and owner of Oly Wines in Tumwater, standing buy a rack of shelves full of bottles of wine

      Ed Schlich Offers His Wine Knowledge To Olympia and Tumwater Through…

      man in business shirt holding a tablet and talking on the phone in a modern kitchen

      Heritage Bank: Advertising That Works

  • History
    • Marie Rowe Towle’s graduation picture from the 1914

      Marie Rowe Towle, Pioneering Woman Journalist

      The Governor’s Mansion in 1958.

      Governor’s Mansion on the State Capitol Campus

      Ariel view of The Evergreen State College

      Ken Balsley: The Evergreen State College, a History of Its Origin

      E. R. Thoma (back row, center) and staff of Olympia High School in the 1913 Commencement issue of Olympia High School’s Olympus yearbook.

      People in Public Service: Earl Raymond Thoma, Founder of Olympia High…

      Group of Olympia Orthopaedics doctors in the past

      Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Celebrates 50 Years of Memories

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

      Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and…

      Young child playing with a wooden trail at South Sound Parent to Parent

      South Sound Parent to Parent Initiates Early Intervention Transition Program

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: Christlike Agrotourism for Racial Equality

      group photo of people from Transitional Living

      Ta-Da!’ Virtually Attend a Red Carpet and Auction to Support Truly…

      billiard table at the Coastal Community Action Program Youth Shelter

      Coastal Community Action Program Gives Homeless Kids a Walkthrough of Life…

  • LocalTalk
    • Thurston County Scenic Olympia Capital

      Inslee Issues Update to Vaccination Requirement for Outdoor Contractors and Volunteers

      Capital Lakefair Grand Parade to Feature Army Marching Band

      Oly Town Artesians

      Oly Town Artesians Opens USL2 League Play

      Sunrise Henderson Inlet Scenic Dr Attila Talaber

      Thurston County Health Office Letter to Community

      John Carmichael, Evergreen Vice President of Finance and Operations,

      The Evergreen State College’s Board of Trustees Considers Presidential Stability to…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      gardeners, garden committee members and Angela Jefferson from Tumwater City Council stand behind raised garden beds

      Tumwater Community Member Deb Williams Creates Tumwater Community Garden at United…

      Child at a craft table at Capital Mall

      Bring the Kids to Camp Capital This Summer at Olympia’s Capital…

      Thrifty Summer Date Ideas in Thurston County

      dozens of pairs of legs with dance shoes stepping forward to create a heart shape

      South Sound Dance Has 10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Dance

  • Events
    • inside of Browsers Bookstore

      A Favorite Returns: Support Small Businesses, Earn Prizes During LoveOly Shop…

      Kevin and daughter, Olivia siting at kitchen table with Dirty Dave's Pizza delivery for All Kids Win

      Shop, Savor, Support: Mark Your Calendars for All Kids Win Fundraiser…

      group photo of people from Transitional Living

      Ta-Da!’ Virtually Attend a Red Carpet and Auction to Support Truly…

      concept drawing of the new Saturday Market at West Central Park

      Local Flavors and Familiar Faces at West Olympia’s New Saturday Market

      Kate Isler and Susan Gates, founders of TheWMarketplace headshot

      Get Inspired at the 6th Annual Washington Center for Women in…

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
Home Featured Business From The Field Pet Toys – Hemp Inspires Earth Friendly Pet Products...

From The Field Pet Toys – Hemp Inspires Earth Friendly Pet Products from Rainier Company

By
Heidi Smith
from the field pet toys
Pascal Bedard and Aimee Ross own and operate From the Field, a pet toy manufacturer baed in Rainier.
FacebookTweetPin

 

putnam lieb logoFrom the Field pet toys frequently – and quite literally – fly off the shelf, usually aided by a paw. By now, co-owner Aimee Ross is used to getting messages like, “I have to put your product on the top shelf in the kitchen with a lock on it,” or “The cat turned my purse inside out because I left something in it from your company.” Customers send in photos of guileless felines surrounded by the shredded remains of a box sent from the earth-friendly business, which is based in Rainier.

from the field pet toys
Pascal Bedard and Aimee Ross own and operate From the Field, a pet toy manufacturer based in Rainier.

Ross’ husband and business partner, Pascal Bedard, didn’t start out to entertain cats and dogs. His real passion is for hemp, the versatile plant that can be used to create fiber, paper, oil, fuel, cloth and more. Back in 1999, he says, “My first goal was to start a hemp retail store, with all kinds of hemp products to promote it.” But his business mentor recommended that he manufacture goods at home rather than jumping straight into retail. Thus, assisted by his mother and her sewing machine and inspired by his cat Chatoiulle, the young entrepreneur founded From the Field.

Sixteen years later, the company offers its line of over 50 cat and dog toys and products (primarily cat) in more than 1,500 independent pet stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Most of the toys are made out of – you guessed it – hemp. In the past 4 years the company has grown in gross sales by 33%, and in March, the couple moved the business from their home to a retail space in downtown Rainier. What began as a one-man show in Montreal has evolved into a thriving concern that provides part-time work for dozens of independent contractors based in Thurston County.

Bedard believes that sticking with independent pet stores, despite several approaches from big box retailers, has been a key to their success. Cindra Conison of The Quirky Pet in Vermont appreciates their shared values. “Everything in my store is from the U.S.,” she explains. “Their products are all made in America. They’re a small company. That’s one of the things I love about it.”

Another factor is the products themselves. “I sell a ton of their Shelby the Refillable Hemp Mouse, and I get repeat customers where their cat has licked the face to death,” says Conison. Another favorite is the company’s catnip essential oil, created from catnip grown in Washington State. “I keep a bottle of that up on my register,” she says. “I ask people if they want me to spray their bag with it.” Most of the time, the answer is yes and the customer is now guaranteed to return.

from the field pet toys
Cats go wild for the multiple varieties of catnip the company offers.

At The Raw Connection in Carmel, California, Vanessa Hill finds that From the Field products suit their clientele. “We get a lot of tourists plus our regular clients that are looking for fun yet safe and natural toys, preferably ones that are made in the U.S.,” she says. “The three catnip products they offer have made addicts of our customers’ cats. It’s been really wonderful, because for that 5% of cats that don’t take to catnip, they offer alternative blends that include Valerian Root and Silvervine.”

A change in public awareness has also played a role in the company’s success. Four years ago, the pair were operating out of their home and Ross was still working a day job as a real estate agent. Suddenly, reports of dogs sickening and dying as a result of contaminated food from China were all over the news, and pet lovers were demanding better and safer products. “On a specific day I came home from working in escrow and there were all these orders,” says Ross. “I thought, ‘What’s happening?’ and Pascal said, ‘I don’t know. The fax went off the hook.’ There was some sort of awakening. That’s when we saw our business change.”

As a result, she was able to drop her day job and start working full time on sales. “What inspires me is making conscious pet toys,” she says. “Pascal thought of this toy from a to z, and it’s earth conscious and pet conscious but also lighthearted. You can’t take it too seriously because it’s a toy. It’s meant to be fun. In the end you’re talking about a cat enjoying itself or a dog playing with its rope.”

from the field pet toys
From the Field offers over 50 products for cats and dogs that are sold in over 1,500 independent pet stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.

For Bedard, the local business remains a way to promote the incredible potential of his favorite plant. “I’ve always been very fascinated with what hemp can do for the environment,” he says. “You can make paper, fabric, biodegradable plastic, and biofuel out of it. The amount of seed that is produced that makes oil and protein powder is not seen anywhere else in any other plant. It’s mind-blowing, the benefit of it.”

He hopes that their success will inspire others and promote awareness. “We’re trailblazing a niche and expanding it and starting to slowly but surely become mainstream. If people copy me and start making products out of hemp because our products sell so well, then I’ve accomplished my mission,” he says. “If I get people interested in hemp and it starts to create pressure to grow it here in the U.S., then I can sleep at night with a light heart.”

From the Field pet toys can be found around Olympia at The Pet Works, Bark Avenue, and Mud Bay.

You can also order from the Rainier-based company online at www.fromthefieldpet.com or by calling 360-446-7689.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin
Previous articleThurston Teens Graduate from Washington Youth Academy
Next articleOld Is The New Gold: Mining Your Senior Discount Around Olympia
Heidi Smith

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Woman sitting at a desking looking over life insurance documents

Melanie Bakala State Farm: Benefits of Owning a Life Insurance Policy To Cover Your Final Expenses

Sensory room in Sensory Tool House with different textures on the wall and soothe with fiberoptic lights.

Sensory Tool House in Lacey Supports the Neurodiverse Community

Ed Schlich a wine educator and owner of Oly Wines in Tumwater, standing buy a rack of shelves full of bottles of wine

Ed Schlich Offers His Wine Knowledge To Olympia and Tumwater Through Oly Wines

Upcoming Events

May
24
Tue
all-day Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
May 24 all-day
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-ups Are Open! @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater United Methodist Church is proud to announce the first community garden in Tumwater. We are now taking applications for a garden plot. We have 12 raised beds, two of which are elevated. The cost[...]
May
25
Wed
all-day Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
May 25 all-day
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-ups Are Open! @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater United Methodist Church is proud to announce the first community garden in Tumwater. We are now taking applications for a garden plot. We have 12 raised beds, two of which are elevated. The cost[...]
8:00 am Martin Way Online Open House and... @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
Martin Way Online Open House and... @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
May 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Martin Way Online Open House and Community Survey @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
Help shape the future of the Martin Way Corridor. Now through the end of May, take a few minutes to explore the Martin Way Corridor via an online open house, which walks through the land[...]
9:00 am Master Gardener Foundation of Th... @ Dirt Works at Yauger Park
Master Gardener Foundation of Th... @ Dirt Works at Yauger Park
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale continues. There is still a wonderful selection of high quality plants with reasonable prices. Native plants, shrubs, trees, perennials, and more are awaiting new homes. Hours: 9 a.m. – 1[...]
9:30 am Senior Services for South Sound ... @ WA State Library
Senior Services for South Sound ... @ WA State Library
May 25 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Senior Services for South Sound Speaker Series: A Field Trip To The WA State Library! @ WA State Library
Join us as we take a field trip the amazing resource of our State Library! Learn basic research skills, and find out more about the State Library collections! Transportation for up to five people will[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Woman sitting at a desking looking over life insurance documents

Melanie Bakala State Farm: Benefits of Owning a Life Insurance Policy...

Submitted by Melanie Bakala State Farm Anyone who has ever had to assist with funeral arrangements for a loved one who didn’t have life insurance knows how...
Sensory room in Sensory Tool House with different textures on the wall and soothe with fiberoptic lights.

Sensory Tool House in Lacey Supports the Neurodiverse Community

Ed Schlich a wine educator and owner of Oly Wines in Tumwater, standing buy a rack of shelves full of bottles of wine

Ed Schlich Offers His Wine Knowledge To Olympia and Tumwater Through...

man in business shirt holding a tablet and talking on the phone in a modern kitchen

Heritage Bank: Advertising That Works

Jennifer Penrose demonstrates that simple exercises using a chair can help build strength

Penrose Physical Therapy Busts Myths About Arthritis and Aging and Can...

Trending Now

Local High School Fastpitch Teams Head To State Tournament

bins of apples at the Olympia Farmers Market

Springtime High Season Arrives at the Olympia Farmers Market

The Gay '90s Special Pizza with cashews, pepperoni, sausage and onions

Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor: Half a Century and Going Strong

Editor Picks

gardeners, garden committee members and Angela Jefferson from Tumwater City Council stand behind raised garden beds

Tumwater Community Member Deb Williams Creates Tumwater Community Garden at United...

Child at a craft table at Capital Mall

Bring the Kids to Camp Capital This Summer at Olympia’s Capital...

inside of Browsers Bookstore

A Favorite Returns: Support Small Businesses, Earn Prizes During LoveOly Shop...

Recent Posts

  • Springtime High Season Arrives at the Olympia Farmers Market
  • Local High School Fastpitch Teams Head To State Tournament
  • ThurstonTalk is Looking for Freelance Writers
  • Inslee Issues Update to Vaccination Requirement for Outdoor Contractors and Volunteers
  • Capital Lakefair Grand Parade to Feature Army Marching Band
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.