CHANNAHON – Let's face it. Dogs aren't often fond of wearing booties.
But a romp outside in cold temperatures can damage the soft pads of their paws. What's an owner to do?
Try paw wax.
Jennifer Parshall of Channahon, owner of the online business, Molly's Bees Honey, developed the product as a solution to two problems: keeping Molly, Parshall's beagle miniature pinscher mix, pictured above, safe in the elements and using up extra beeswax.
Parshall said she began making it last year after she searched Pinterest boards looking for ideas.
"There's nothing I make in the paw wax that's bad for the dogs," Parhsall said. "It's just basically beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil. No petroleum products, nothing like that."
Paw wax is good for cats, too, but good luck trying to get some on them, Parshall said. She also makes lip balm and hand cream for people, too. When summer arrives, paw wax will also protect delicate pads from hot asphalt, too, Parshall added.
Why did Parshall name her honey products for Molly? Because Molly likes to sit and watch the bees.
"So we referred to it as 'Molly's Bees,'" Parshall said.
Parshall said she started keeping bees after the death of her father, also a beekeeper. But keeping bees also meant finding a home for the honey.
"I don't like honey," Parshall said. "People think that's an odd thing for a beekeeper, but it's not all about the honey. I put the hive in my yard three years ago and my garden produce probably doubled that first year."
Parshall (left) said she currently has eight hives and would like to expand to a maximum of 10 to 12. She is pictured with Chris Boland (right), whom Parshall is mentoring.
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To purchase paw wax or any products from Molly's Bees Honey, call 815-922-5321 or visit www.mollysbeeshoney.com.