Hayle is the official taste-tester for a new small business in Maryland, Love of Dog Bakery, which was opened this month in Laurel by Julie and Rob Newman.

Without a two paws up verdict from the flat-coated retriever mix, adopted from an animal rescue organization when she was 10 weeks old, the Newmans' handmade mutt munchies don't leave the kitchen. (Hayle also has her own blog, which you can find here.)

In late 2006, Julie tried her hand at making homemade dog treats as gifts for her friends' dogs over the holidays. When a friend suggested she sell them, she and Rob, a marketing professional, turned to the Internet and launched their website in October. 

Every month, they choose a different animal-related charity and donate 5 percent of all sales to it. Last month it was the Humane Society. This month, it's the ASPCA.

Rob contacted me last week, interested in looking at making Rolling Dog Ranch, the sanctuary for disabled animals in Montana, a beneficiary in the future. (The ranch was featured in the Mutts blog all last week. To see those stories, scroll down a bit.) 

Julie, who is finishing up her PhD program in clinical psychology, personally bakes every treat herself, including a chicken and parmesan treat, a beef and cheddar one, peanut butter carob chip and Peanut Butter Carrot PupCakes. 

As for Hayle, she says on the website that she'll answer your email, though she prefers checking "pee-mail" while out walking in the neighborhood.