Skip to contentQ+A with the Salmon Sisters
At Polkadog, making dogs happy is at the heart of what we do, but it’s the people behind the scenes - the fishermen, farmers, and families - who truly drive our mission. Their hard work, dedication, and love for the land and sea are what make real, lasting change possible. We love teaming up with like-minded people who are as passionate about sustainability as we are, like the Salmon Sisters, whose work inspires us everyday inside (and outside) our Boston Fish Pier kitchen.
We’re thrilled to share a Q+A with the Emma and Claire, two incredible women who are deeply embedded in the Alaskan fishing community. They’ve built a brand that celebrates wild-caught, sustainable seafood and honors the hardworking families behind it. We chatted with them about their journey, their love for nature, and how sustainability plays a central role in everything they do—both for people and pets.
Supporting local fishermen is a huge part of your story. Can you share a fun behind-the-scenes moment or a story about working with Alaskan fishermen?
We grew up commercial fishing, so our family and friends are all part of the fishing industry and community! We were raised with a fisherman’s entrepreneurial spirit, as all of our fishing peers ran their own small businesses and boats. Supporting the families that work hard in such a risky occupation to bring beautiful wild fish to tables around the world is a beautiful story and also crucial to keeping working waterfronts thriving for future generations.
If you made a dog treat, what would it be?
Our dog loves the crispy salmon skin leftover in the frying pan or on the grill, and so do we!
What’s your dogs’ go-to Polkadog treat?
We’re all about using only the best ingredients for our dog treats. What’s one ingredient you’re always excited to work with?
We love seeing wild fish skins used, because they generally go to waste otherwise. They’re crispy and crunchy and super tasty to snack on. We love seeing the whole fish being utilized.
What are some simple ways you think people can live more sustainably?
Living and eating with the seasons, getting to know where their food comes from and how it’s grown or produced. Sourcing food locally, from real people (farmers, fishermen) in our communities. Spending time outside, creating a relationship with the land and water around us. Simplify the *things* in our lives and try to choose quality over quantity, especially if they will last a bit longer.
As a brand that values the ocean and its resources, what’s your favorite way to connect with nature in your free time?
We have young kids and a dog, so we spend a lot of time playing on the beach. Picking up rocks, digging in the sand, building fires, watching the birds and float planes fly by, setting a net for salmon, taking walks down to the tide pools at low tide. Where we live in Kachemak Bay, the tides are huge - so the beach is always changing, and there is always something marvelous to discover.
What do you think the future of sustainable food looks like for people and pets?
Minimizing waste and using up all the healthy parts (of the fish, the animal, the vegetable, etc.) seems like an important focus for future food sustainability.
We’re all about community. How does community play a role in your work?
We work hard to tell the stories of the hard work and beautiful seafood our community of fishermen spends their lives harvesting in Alaska. We also use our business to support our community in other ways, whether it is donating wild salmon to the Food Bank of Alaska to help fight food insecurity, or donating to our local land trust to help protect baby salmon habitat on the Kenai Peninsula so salmon continue to thrive here for generations to come. We have brick and mortar shops in Homer, Alaska, and are grateful for the community here that has supported us since we started our business in 2012 and also the greater community who continues to support our business online and from afar! We couldn’t do it without them.
At Polkadog, we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring brands like the Salmon Sisters. Their work not only supports their local fishing community but also sets an example of how small actions can make a big impact. Together, we’re helping to create a better future for both pups and the planet.