Two ‘Leggeds’ Not Only Customers Addicted to Girdwood's Sunday Market

Jazz riffs from a stage during Girdwood’s Sunday Market, complements Nick Petumenos, on keyboards, and his music students who represent “a mash up of bands.” (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Once you hear the flavors of cookies arranged neatly on three trays, you're tempted to pluck a free sample.

"Rolled Oats Pumpkin Tahini", "Wild Blueberry", and "Savory Sesame with Seaweed."

Ah. But wait.

These are treats for the four-legged grazers at Girdwood's Sunday Market. And though the snacks sound delicious, Mountain Mutts owner Gus Brewer has local dogs in mind.

"Dogs are addicted to my ingredients," says Brewer, who started making his dog treats four years ago and is a regular vendor at the market.

Sun and bubbles fill the air at Sunday’s scene in the park. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

The lucky guinea pigs for Brewer's recipes are Betty and Marley, his boxers. 

"They are addicted to the treats," he says. 

A booth or two down, a poodle sniffs at a table, a two-legged leashed to her. 

Before the eager future Mountain Mutt junkie approaches, Brewer is saying that though the business takes up much of his time, it's a side hustle. He has a winter gig at the Resort. ("I learned I'm a natural teacher," he says.)

"Mountain Mutts is more than a dog business," Brewer says, lifting a brochure. Proceeds help the Food Pantry and Friends of Pets.

"We like giving back to the community," he says.

Along comes the poodle. Look out! One Mountain Mutt treat disappears. She's addicted.

Mountain Mitt treats can be found locally at The Grind, Alyeska Resort and Mother Hubbard's. 

Gus Brewer stands beside his Mountain Mutts booth at the Sunday Market. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)