The grainy, black-and-white picture says it all.
In it, a 3-year-old Jeff Schmidt is cradling a snowy white kitten while a Chihuahua and a curly-haired poodle flank him on either side. The grin on his face stretches from ear to ear, expressing a depth of joy known only by kids who are surrounded by what makes them happiest.
Almost 50 years later, Schmidt’s love for animals continues.
The Fort Myers resident, who works as a refrigeration consultant for area supermarkets by day, has started the Dog-gone Sauce Co., a food business dedicated to raising funds for animal rescue shelters throughout the state.
“I always gave money to the Humane Society, but when the economy went bad and business tanked I had to stop,” Schmidt said. “So I thought: Why don’t I create residual income that’s just for them?”
Schmidt partnered with a sauce developer and bottler in West Palm Beach. He found a printer and a graphic artist who were also animal lovers, and by June the first bottles of Dog-gone’s Chipotle, Louisiana and Pineapple Honey hot sauces were hitting store shelves along with Dog-gone’s BBQ Sauce.
Lawhon’s Grocery and Meat in North Fort Myers was the first to carry the products, which are now also available at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, Trader Craig’s at Fleamasters Flea Market in Fort Myers and the UPS Store on Daniels Parkway in south Fort Myers.
In just six months Dog-gone Sauce has raised more than $1,300.
To learn more call 245-2128 or visit doggonesauce.com.