As I stood outside the door, anticipating barking dogs and the one and only Fletcher Corny Dog Heiress Amber Fletcher to meet me at the door, I couldn't help but recall a couple dads making the same dad joke: "I bet she has a weenie dog!"
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Amber and her mom Glenda "GG" Fletcher welcomed me into GG's home where it's obvious the Fletcher family is proud to be from Texas with their warm greeting and Texas-shaped pool in the backyard.
The Corny Dog Heiress has taken on her role in the family business with pride, but while she is the Corny Dog Heiress of Texas by day, she's a gentle and loving mom to her own dogs, two Maltipoo mixes Jack and Sophia, both 2, and her Goldendoodle Finnegan, 5—no weenie dogs.
Amber, who wore red in honor of her late father Neil Fletcher Jr. (aka Skip the "Corny Dog King"), is a kind, compassionate and strong-willed woman with a love for dogs whether they're the deep-fried corny dogs at the fair or her own fur babies waiting to greet her after along day at work. Sophia, Jack and Finnegan couldn't have asked for a better dog mom and Texas couldn't have asked for a Corny Dog Heiress.
Jack and Sophia, Amber Fletcher's two Maltipoos, sit on her lap with Finnegan her Goldendoodle sitting proudly next to them.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
What has it been like to carry the Fletcher Corny Dog Legacy?
Carrying on the legacy of my father and grandfather is a role that comes with its blessings, challenges, family dynamics, and a lot of corny dogs! To be part of something bigger than yourself (as big as the state of Texas) requires you to rise above your own insecurities. Working to be that person who fulfills the role they were raised to be has been one of life's sweetest gifts to me. Working in the family business also allows me to still feel close to my father, who passed in 2017.
Jack, Finnegan and Sophia sit together on the sofa.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
You're the Texas Corndog Queen but where did your love for dogs come from?
I have been an animal lover since birth. In my early childhood I think I "barked" more than I talked. Growing up in the country we always had cats, dogs, and a couple horses. Dogs are the ultimate furry companions in my experience. They are so special and in-tune with us. They know when we've had a rough day and greet us with wagging tails and kisses; they are our companion on walks, vacations, and family nights. They share in our joy with new additions the family, or comfort us when we are in a time of grief. They never judge, never tell our secrets, and are always loyal to us.
Amber and her pups sit for a picture in the damp grass after a nice Texas summer rain had blessed fields the night before.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
What made you want to foster and adopt three furbabies?
I remember that year during the fair the breeder would send me weekly photo updates all fair, and with each photo I grew more and more excited about my doodle love that I would soon be bringing home. My German shepherd at the time had no idea her life was about to change! She was very high maintenance and often bored, I thought adding another dog would help. Bella (my shepherd) instantly took to him and for the next 4 years they played nonstop. I'd wake up at night and have to tell them to quiet down! He will be five years old in a couple weeks. I like to joke with people that he is my biological dog since we are both redheads.
Can you share a favorite characteristic or story about each dog?
Finnegan (Goldendoodle/age 5) is my constant ray of sunshine. He is the ultimate definition of a happy dog. In fact he easily reminds me of the dog in UP and the look in his face always saying, "I love you!" Everything in his world is the most exciting wonderful thing. I'll be working in my office or getting ready and I can hear his tail hitting the wall, something must have made him smile. He is often found with his chin on my window seal gazing out into the neighborhood watching the birds, the kid's play, or anything that catches his eye. He has also taken the role as my protector since Bella passed but mostly just when he hears bugs hit the window, a balloon, or a black trashcan.
Jack (Maltipoo mix/age 2), has really come out of his shell this past year. The first year he was a little skittish and distant as he was bonded with his sister. I'll never forget the day he climbed into my lap for the first time while I was at work and he wanted to nap while I responded to emails. Everything used to make him shake and run to his kennel and hide, I couldn't take him anywhere without a fuss. Now after working with him over many months, he is now becoming quite the bold and brave little guy! In fact, he gets so excited now for car rides and walks that he yips and yelps like a little monkey, almost like he is so excited for the adventure that waits him. When I first got him I remember thinking, "I've never seen a dog that didn't know how to be a dog!" He was awkward at playing, affection, or anything outside his schedule but now he walks proud in his little pack and I can tell he's quite happy.
I had never owned little dogs before and had always been a "big dog" person but this little girl, Sophia (Maltipoo mix/age 2), completely stole my heart. She is this hilarious combination of a helpless princess that needs to be carried and reassured of her love, and the sassiest, spunkiest, wild dog. She is also the dog I am most in tune with when it comes to my emotions. She can tell when I am upset and she will come running to me and basically throw herself on my face to cheer me up. She is my little shadow that goes everywhere I go.
I understand how single women become "dog moms" because having these three little dogs in my life keep my heart happy and full of joy.
You said Jack's original name was Max when you first adopted him and he has a few nicknames. Can you tell me about the evolution of his names?
I wasn't very crazy about the name Max from the get go, it just didn't fit him. I found myself calling him Jack and he responded well to it. In our family, adding the word "pooh" to the end of a name is an endearing nickname, so he become Jacky-Pooh, which now, he just gets called "Pooh-Pooh." Its hysterical but he responds. Of course when he is trouble I still call him Max. I guess it's his alter ego.
Amber holds Sophia and rocks her Fletcher's Corny Dogs t-shirt.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
In 2015, you introduced the Veggie Dog as a new, wonderful addition to the menu. Do you have any thoughts on new flavors of corndogs in the works or even plans for a new addition to your own four-legged family?
The Fletcher family is working on a few new ideas for Corny Dogs to add to our line-up. My dad always said, "stick to your knitting" and the Original Corny Dog has always been our number #1 seller so we try not to wander too far from it. Anything we introduce has to be able to be prepped, fried, and delivered quickly to the customer. I come across great recipes all the time for fun, bold flavors, but in our company I would say quality and efficiency are key over new trendy flavors.
I have wanted to add another dog to my home. Since my Bella passed in March 2019 Finnegan has not quite been the same. I would love to rescue again so he can have a playmate but only time will tell.
Finnegan the Goldendoodle lounges in the sun.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
Jack and Sophia live, love, and sniff smelly things together. And sometimes when Sophia is feel especially mischievous, she likes to roll around in it.
Alana Holt, staff photographer
Do you ever find it difficult to find a balance between being the Fletcher Corny Dog Heiress and being the best dog mom for your family, especially during fair season?
I am incredibly grateful for my role in the company as it allows time working from my home office during the weeks. The only difficulty is phone calls and zoom meetings with 3 dogs zigging and zagging behind me, or when the doorbell rings.
Working during the Fair has always been challenging when the family is essentially away from home and on site at fair grounds for 24 days straight. I do have a wonderful pet sitter who takes great care of them while I am gone.
It's no secret that this year has been difficult for evertone. Some people see some hopein the future that things will be okay or that there will be some type of "normal" again. Having a crispy Fletcher's Original Corny Dog might be the normal that many people are looking forward to.
Although the State Fair of Texas decided not to open this year for the first time since World War II and won't return again until 2021, what are your thoughts on keeping Fletcher's Texas State Fair spirit alive?
The year 2020 has been a new world for all of us, presenting different challenges and change. The thing I love about my family business is that we truly bring happiness to people with our Corny Dogs. When the pandemic first hit, we began to reach out to neighborhoods around Dallas-Fort Worth and hold pop-ups. When we bring our truck to the events and neighborhoods people's faces just light up. The joy and excitement comes to them like they are little kids again. We have also partnered with the fast-casual restaurant chain, Golden Chick, to serve our Original Corny Dogs in 1 87 of their locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana through October 25. It's that sense of normalcy, nostalgia, and comfort food all at once — plus it's deep-fried!
2020 has had its ups and downs but we are hopeful that 2021 is bright. We will continue to carry on the tradition of bringing Fletcher?s Original Corny Dogs to folks through our pop ups, events, and catering.
