A Cheesy Kind of Love – Mother’s Day with My Favorite Furballs

Image Credit: Vern’s Cheese

If you're a dog mom like me, you know Mother’s Day hits a little differently when your “kids” have four legs, fur, and a serious obsession with cheese.

This year, I decided to lean into the pup-parent pride and spend Mother’s Day with my favorite little fluff, Waldo—my Doodle, cheese connoisseur-in-training, and certified snack thief—and Iris, our little red Pomsky puppy, who might be tiny but has a personality ten times her size (and a serious love for cheese, too).

We kicked off the morning with a proper Wisconsin-style treat: Vern’s Fresh String Cheese paired with a swipe of Silver Spring Cranberry Horseradish Sauce—yes, you read that right. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. The creamy, salty cheese and that sweet-spicy zing? Chef’s kiss. Waldo approved, tail wagging and all. And Iris? Well, she gave me the "give me the cheese now" stare, so it’s safe to say she approved too.

If you haven’t yet tried Vern’s String Cheese, let me tell you—this isn’t your average cheese stick. It’s made the old-fashioned way, so it’s a little drier and saltier than your typical string cheese. It’s got a great pull, a satisfying texture, and that cheese flavor that sticks with you.

Pasta Filata Process

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know string cheese is thought to have originated in Southern Italy centuries ago? The cheese-making process is called "pasta filata," where the curd is stretched and pulled—hence the name “string!” It’s said that Italian cheesemakers were the original masterminds behind this stretchy, snackable goodness.

And the best part? There’s something for every kind of cheese lover. You can go with the Traditional Vern’s String Cheese, which is perfect for pairing with all kinds of dips, or you can dive into the rich, smoky goodness of Smoked Vern’s String Cheese. Either way, you’re getting a flavor-packed treat that’s miles above your standard snack.

So, whether you’re sharing a bite with your favorite fur babies or enjoying a quiet moment with a glass of wine, you’ll want to have some Vern’s String Cheese on hand to make the moment even cheesier.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the fact that Vern’s String Cheese is a high-protein snack that’ll keep you fueled while still keeping things delicious. Plus you can buy it in our King of String two pack snacks to make it that much easier to take along! It’s like giving yourself a little cheesy high-five for staying on track with those healthy snack goals! If you’re looking for a snack that’ll satisfy your cravings without the guilt, this one’s a winner—whether you’re on the go, hitting the gym, or just chilling on the couch with your fur babies.

Waldo & Iris’s 4-Paw Review: The Ultimate Cheese Pairings

Waldo’s Cheese Corner:

Waldo’s a seasoned cheese expert, and he's always ready to dive into a review. Here’s his take on the classic flavors:

• Traditional Vern’s String Cheese + Silver Spring Cranberry Horseradish Sauce: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
  Waldo gives this one a tail-wagging four paws up! He absolutely loves the tangy kick from the cranberry horseradish sauce paired with the salty, chewy goodness of the Vern’s String Cheese. He’s always been a fan of a little extra zing, so this pairing is right up his alley. Fun fact: Cranberries are a Wisconsin staple, making this combo not only delicious but full of local pride.

• Smoked Vern’s String Cheese + Cibo Bacon Jam: 🐾🐾🐾
  Waldo enjoyed this, but it’s a bit much for his refined taste buds—he’s a little more on the mild side. That said, the smoky cheese with the savory, sweet bacon jam is definitely a bold combo. He’s giving it three paws because he’s still figuring out how to feel about the intense bacon sweetness.

  He’s a classicist at heart, what can I say?

Iris’s Cheese Corner:

Iris may be small, but she’s all about the bold flavors. Here’s her review:

• Smoked Vern’s String Cheese + Lakeside Dill Pickle Mustard: 🐾🐾🐾
  Iris is all about that bold, tangy bite, and this combo really hit the spot. She’s giving it three paws up, though she says, “More pickles next time!” Fun trivia: Dill pickle flavors have been a Wisconsin favorite for generations—so you know it’s got that local edge!

• Traditional Vern’s String Cheese + Mike’s Hot Honey: 🐾🐾🐾
  Iris may be small, but she’s got big taste. She’s all in for that sweet-and-spicy pairing of the honey with the mild string cheese. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, and Iris can't get enough of it! Three paws up—she’s definitely going to be begging for more.

And honestly? That’s what today is all about—leaning into the love, the silliness, and the little moments that make life feel delicious. Whether you’re a mom to littles, grown-ups, fur babies, or even just a few too many houseplants, you deserve to be celebrated.

So here’s to Waldo, to Iris, to string cheese snacks, and to all the mother figures who make the world a softer, cheesier place.

Happy Mother’s Day from me and my fuzzy sous-chefs. 🧀🐾💖

Check out Vern’s String cheese in your local retailers or stop into one of their two cheese shops in Chilton or Green Bay. Vern’s Cheese will also ship if you are out of state and want in on all the local WI deliciousness!

We’d love to hear from you—let's make this cheesy celebration even more fun! Drop your answers in the comments below! Waldo and Iris are taking notes and might just try it next time.

What’s your favorite cheese pairing, and would you share it with your furry friend? 🧀🐾

Have you ever paired cheese with something unexpected?

Maybe you’ve tried it with apple pie (yes, that’s a thing!) or something else wild. Let us know your most adventurous cheese pairing in the comments. Who knows your pairings might just be the next blog feature!