LEXINGTON — Adena Prill started a business after shopping for a Christmas present for her dog.
“My family dog Bowie is very spoiled,” she says. “My mom and I were looking for gifts for her and she came across snuffle mats.
“They simulate foraging, so dogs or cats sniff for their food or treat. It’s a puzzle. I’ve read that the mental stimulation dogs get from snuffling for 15 minutes is the same as an hour’s walk. .”
Prill’s snuffle mats are approximately one foot square made of rubber mat and fleece fabric strips. Snuffle balls come in two different sizes, one for small breeds and one for medium and larger breeds.
Balls are made of cloth circles with pockets for treats or food, while mats are made of woven pieces of cloth.
“I buy fabric and cut them myself,” Prill said. “I’m a perfectionist, so it can be a drawn-out process. If I see any frayed ends or anything, I have to cut them off.”
Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies
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Pets that use Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies featuring Bowie in the upper right corner. -
Kara Fairchild’s Chiweenie crossbreed dog named Brie. Prill said Brie goes with them to outdoor markets and helps display toys. -
Prill’s dog Kiba is playing snuffle ball. -
Prill’s painting kits called “Kiba’s Picasso Kits.” Dog owners put canvas and paint on a plastic back and put peanut butter on the back of the bag for the dog to lick. Prill sells the kits at markets and on Etsy.
Prill said he started Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies to create toys that stimulate the mind.
“I love dogs – I’ve never lost one – so I really wanted to do something that helped them,” she said. “It’s pretty perfect for keeping busy and making a little extra money.”
Prill’s mother, Shelley Siefert, ran a Dalmatian rescue for years and found Bowie through a Facebook group.
“He’s deaf, so we had to train him differently,” Prill said.
“Instead of learning from verbal commands, we had to teach him signs. He relies heavily on his sense of smell, so my mom and I started looking into snuffle mats for him.
Prill works full-time as a children’s librarian and said she makes snuffle mats and toys in her downtime. The toys can be machine washed on a cold cycle and she recommends air drying the mats.
The 32-year-old often attends craft and vendor fairs and tries to stay within an hour of Lexington. He posts anticipated shows on Facebook.
“I post where I’m going next and a handful of animal memes, because we all need that sometimes,” Prill said.
Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies are available at area craft shows
Prill started making and selling Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies in January 2023. He also started “Kiba’s Picasso Kits” this year helping dogs make paintings using canvas, paint, plastic bags and peanut butter.
Prill has sold the snuffle toys to many dog and cat owners.
“I know some people will put catnip on them or sometimes, cats just want to lay on them,” Prill said. “I’ve even sold to people who said it was for their rabbit or their bird, so it could be good for any kind of animal.”
Prill said she uses a snuffle mat as a slow feeder for her dog, Kiba.
“He eats fast otherwise, so this slows him down and makes it fun,” Prill said.
“He’ll help me when I’m doing them because he’s a snuggle bug. So I’m going to work on the mat and he lays his head down because I’m not paying attention to him.”
Prill said the mats take some time to finish while the snuffle balls are slightly faster.
Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies has an Etsy shop, but Prill said she sells at a lower price for local orders that arrange a pickup location or buy from her at a vendor fair.
He also offers custom orders for people who want a mat with specific colors or patterns.
“My wife Spencer said it would be cool if I started making them in sports team colors, so I might as well start making them,” Prill said.
“My mom and my best friend, Kara Fairchild, come with me to a lot of craft shows, which I’m really grateful for. It’s great to have all of their support.”
Bowie’s Snuffle Buddies is on Facebook and Etsy. Prill’s next show in Richland County is Bellville’s Summer Street Mart on July 13.
