SHIP :: Ship's Log

By Maegan Belsterling ’05

A photo of Kylie, the dog behind the success.

Kylie, Melissa Oleski’s Golden Labrador mix puppy, was always getting into something. Melissa ’96 could barely keep up with the puppy but she knew she had only herself to blame because she always fed her only the best and most nutritious foods. Then, Melissa and Kylie were going to the veterinarian’s office for some routine vaccinations.

While giving Kylie her shots, the vet noticed Kylie was not feeling as well as she should, so he decided to run a few tests. The results came back a few days later to reveal it was Kylie’s dog treats that were not agreeing with her. Kylie would have to eat only all natural, preservative-free dog food and treats.

Melissa was dismayed when she heard the news and rushed out to find something that wouldn’t make Kylie sick. There was only one problem, she couldn’t find anything, anywhere!

After realizing there really was nowhere to purchase the food Kylie needed, Melissa decided to simply make them herself. Pretty soon it occurred to her there were probably other people with the same problem. Armed with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ship and a master’s in organizational management and marketing from the University of Phoenix in New Orleans, she decided to open her own store and sell the food she found worked for Kylie.

In October 2003, she opened Kylie’s Canine Treats in the Capitol City Mall, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The store was named after Melissa’s original inspiration. Although Melissa has to put a lot of time and energy into the store, it is rewarding and drawing business.

Today Kylie is a healthy, happy adult dog who tastes tests all of the items sold at Melissa’s bakery. But their adventures aren’t limited to the store, they can be found at any number of fairs, festivals, and animal benefits. They have helped sponsor both the Furball Formal, a formal dance followed by a silent auction, and Woofstock, a day of doggie parading among other fun activities. Because it is sometimes hard to catch the pair between all of their events, they maintain a website at kyliescaninetreats.com.

Melissa proudly displays her canine creations.




			By Maegan Belsterling ’05 A photo of Kylie, the dog behind the success. Kylie, Melissa Oleski’s Golden Labrador mix puppy, was always getting into something. Melissa ’96 could barely keep up with the puppy but she knew she had only herself to blame because she always fed her only the best and most nutritious foods. Then, Melissa and Kylie were going to the veterinarian’s office for some routine vaccinations. While giving Kylie her shots, the vet noticed Kylie was not feeling as well as she should, so he decided to run a few tests. The results came back a few days later to reveal it was Kylie’s dog treats that were not agreeing with her. Kylie would have to eat only all natural, preservative-free dog food and treats. Melissa was dismayed when she heard the news and rushed out to find something that wouldn’t make Kylie sick. There was only one problem, she couldn’t find anything, anywhere! After realizing there really was nowhere to purchase the food Kylie needed, Melissa decided to simply make them herself. Pretty soon it occurred to her there were probably other people with the same problem. Armed with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ship and a master’s in organizational management and marketing from the University of Phoenix in New Orleans, she decided to open her own store and sell the food she found worked for Kylie. In October 2003, she opened Kylie’s Canine Treats in the Capitol City Mall, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The store was named after Melissa’s original inspiration. Although Melissa has to put a lot of time and energy into the store, it is rewarding and drawing business. Today Kylie is a healthy, happy adult dog who tastes tests all of the items sold at Melissa’s bakery. But their adventures aren’t limited to the store, they can be found at any number of fairs, festivals, and animal benefits. They have helped sponsor both the Furball Formal, a formal dance followed by a silent auction, and Woofstock, a day of doggie parading among other fun activities. Because it is sometimes hard to catch the pair between all of their events, they maintain a website at kyliescaninetreats.com. Melissa proudly displays her canine creations.