Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Rousseau.
Hi Heather, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2013, my husband and I set out to adopt a puppy. We had our hearts set on a little Boxer/Lab mix, but by the time our application was approved, he had already been adopted. The foster asked if we would be willing to meet another puppy instead, a 4 month old pitbull.
At the time, I was unfamiliar with the breed and only knew the stereotypes I’d heard growing up. But the moment I met Ruger, everything changed. He was sweet, gentle, and full of love. He came over full of kisses and sat on our feet and in that instant, I realized the stories I’d been told simply weren’t true.
Ruger became my soul dog. Because of him, I started volunteering with the rescue organization where we adopted him. What began as volunteering grew into a leadership role and today I am proud to serve as the President of Saving Tails Animal Rescue.
Ruger has become the ultimate breed ambassador. Over the years, he has welcomed hundreds of foster dogs into our home, patiently teaching orphaned puppies how to be dogs and helping fearful animals learn to trust again. His gentle spirit has changed countless minds about Pitbulls, just as he changed mine.
Today, at 13 years old, Ruger is slowing down but his impact is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through every life he inspired us to save and every family whose heart he helped change.
My passion for rescue also extends into my business. As the owner of SugarHigh Bakery, we create gourmet dog treats and celebration cakes, with proceeds helping support the lifesaving work of Saving Tails Animal Rescue & Outreach. Everything I do, from rescue to baking, is rooted in one simple truth: one dog changed my life and I’ve spent every day since trying to change the lives of others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Animal rescue is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the hardest. It breaks your heart over and over again. You witness neglect, abuse and loss… and there are days when it feels like there are far more animals in need than you could ever help.
We’ve learned to celebrate the small wins because they keep us going. You can’t change the world for every animal, but for one animal, you can change their entire world. Those moments make every difficult day worthwhile.
Running my businesses comes with its own challenges. Like many small business owners, we’ve had to navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs and the constant pressure of wearing a hundred different hats. I’m a very hands-on owner and I believe in leading by example. Whether it’s baking, decorating cakes, helping customers, rescuing dogs or cleaning kennels, I’m never afraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. I truly believe you have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.
At the end of the day, both rescue and entrepreneurship require the same thing: heart, perseverance and the willingness to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
As you know, we’re big fans of SugarHigh Bakery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner of SugarHigh Bakery, where we specialize in designer cakes, gourmet cupcakes, custom cookies, and other handcrafted desserts. We love creating edible art and bringing our customers’ ideas to life. Whether it’s an elaborate wedding cake, a realistic sculpted cake, or a one-of-a-kind birthday creation, we’re the bakery people come to when they’re looking for something unique and want to WOW their guests.
What sets us apart is our creativity and our willingness to think outside the box. We don’t just bake desserts – we create memorable experiences that become part of our customers’ biggest celebrations. Every order is handcrafted with attention to detail and we genuinely love taking on creative challenges.
What I’m most proud of is the businesses we’ve built and the people it supports. SugarHigh has grown into a family business that provides careers for my husband, sibling, parents and other family members. Beyond that, giving back has always been at the heart of our mission. We proudly support local schools, sports teams, nonprofits and community organizations through donations and fundraising efforts. We also create gourmet dog treats and celebration cakes for pets, with proceeds helping support Saving Tails Animal Rescue & Outreach, where I serve as President.
I want people to know that when they support SugarHigh Bakery, they’re supporting much more than a local bakery. They’re supporting a family, investing in their community and helping make a difference for animals in need. We believe businesses should be a force for good and we’re grateful to be able to use ours to give back every chance we get.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our community is the people. It’s incredible to see how often local businesses, nonprofits, volunteers and neighbors come together to support one another. Whether it’s rallying around a family in need, supporting a local fundraiser, or helping rescue an animal, our community has a big heart. I also love that people truly value shopping local and supporting small businesses, which allows entrepreneurs like me to pursue our passions while giving back.
If I could change one thing, it would be seeing more responsible pet ownership and greater awareness of animal welfare. Through my work in rescue, I see firsthand how much education and accessible resources can change lives – and not just for animals, but for the families who love them. I believe that when a community invests in compassion, education, and helping one another, everyone benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sugarhighllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarhighbakery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarhighllc
- Other: https://www.linktr.ee/starescue
