By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – For 25 years, Sandie Wheeler, who owns Pets Gone Healthy in Marlborough with her husband Ken, has organized an annual Cookie Swap. But this event is not just a way for friends to share holiday treats; indeed, it, as Wheeler notes, has become so much more.
“We started this exchange in 1993 at Digital Corporation with 12 of us baking 144 cookies,” Wheeler said. “We have shared happy and sad times moving along in life. The camaraderie is outstanding and we genuinely care about one another. It’s more than just getting together. It’s about the Christmas spirit and also giving back.”
Each year, the 12 women who participate donate extra baskets of cookies to a charity in honor of “Brandy’s Angels.” Brandy was the Wheeler’s beloved dog and the store’s original mascot.
“The name ‘Brandy’s Angels’ was suggested by one of my bakers after we lost Brandy,” Wheeler explained. “This is in honor of her, the love for animals and the extended pet family, and to continue our Christmas spirit of giving.”
The theme of this year’s Cookie Swap was “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Twelve dozen cookies were baked by each of the 12 participants with each baking a different kind. Each participant then received 11 dozen with each dozen festively wrapped.
Wheeler also asks her participants to bake an extra dozen to donate to local charities. Over the years, groups such as homeless shelters, senior centers, the Salvation Army of Framingham, veterans’ groups and local food pantries have all benefitted. This year, the cookie donations went to Roland’s House, a shelter for the homeless in Marlborough.
“We were first asked to make cookies for the Central Worcester Housing Alliance’s biggest concert. This was a huge fundraiser,” Wheeler explained. “Then we were asked to help charities under Brandy’s Angels. Animals are our extended family and this helps to keep the legacy alive.”
Over the last 25 years, there have been 37 bakers. Today, three of the 12 current participants have been involved for more than 22 years. The Cookie Swap is in such high demand that there is a waiting list of women who want to participate. Once someone leaves, they have to be put back on the wait list.
Wheeler, dubbed “the cookie police,” judges the cookies every year. This year, the meringues made by Annette Evers of Marlborough won “most festive.” She received a collectable pin to put on the lapel of her jacket and a framed certificate. Other categories were “best tasting” and “most festive.”
Wheeler’s noted her favorite this year were the sesame cookies. Among other entries were stained glass sandwiches, cookie elf hats, chocolate cinnies, white chocolate caramel almond biscotti, and peppermint snowballs drizzled with chocolate.
Each baker also received gingerbread cookies in a basket as well as a bottle of champagne to celebrate the 25th anniversary.
For Wheeler, the cookie swap has become a symbol of sorts.
“My energy comes from the people around me,” she said. “I think the exchange has evolved into something bigger than myself. It’s about all of the people in it, the great conversations, charity donations and more.”
“This holiday season has brought me many small, but very meaningful gifts. I am always so grateful each day to live a positive life and in this crazy world right now, an optimistic one!” she added. “I think it’s true – the energy you throw out into the world is what comes back, and of course, loving Christmas just adds to it; both in fun and faith.
Pets Gone Healthy is located at 505 Boston Post Road West (Rt. 20), Marlborough. For more information call 5080- 485-3881 or visit www.petsgonehealthy.com.
(Photos/submitted)
