The lightbulb moment for John and Sandra Palmer-Snellin’s business came nine years ago.

Biscuit, the family border terrier, wouldn’t leave a piece of antler from Sandra’s tame red deer alone.

It got retired police officer John – formerly Prime Minister Edward Heath’s Personal Protection Officer for three years – thinking.

Could this be a future business?

John’s wife, Sandra, owns and runs the family business Farmer Palmers Farm Park at Organford with her brother, Philip.

Children often meet and feed her red deer herd at the popular attraction.

With Sandra’s business experience, a business plan with sharp branding closely followed.

And so Staglers Ltd was born.

Working from their Dorset home, overlooking green fields and entertained by both Dodger and Biscuit, John and Sandra specialise in supplying sustainable and eco-friendly naturally shed deer antler dog chews.

They not only comfort dogs but also keep their teeth clean.

Within the first six weeks Staglers had landed a contract with Pet’s Corner.

John said: “It was a huge learning curve.

“We learnt that person to person business is so much more rewarding.”

Staglers uses Spanish antlers.

John, pictured, who retired from Dorset Police in 2012, said: “The quality matters.

“Spanish red deer stags enjoy a brilliant climate and diet for growing strong, healthy antlers.

“Antlers have incredible natural regeneration.

“All deer shed and regrow their antlers annually, usually after the mating season (rut) when antlers always drop off.

Sandra and John Palmer-Snellin

“The beautiful deer then regrow a new set within 12 months.

“Our ethos and values are built on eco-friendly, sustainable desires so deer antler that replenishes itself every year, as part of a natural cycle, is perfect.

“Forget the plastic chews, it ticks all the boxes, environmentally friendly, natural and animal welfare is taken care of.”

The business strapline for Staglers is: ‘Just Ask John’.

That’s because John, who was Dorset Police’s first and only full-time Force Wildlife Officer, personally listens to owners’queries and answers questions.

He then hand cuts and selects the most appropriate shape and size chew depending on the customer’s expectations.

Working with each individual owner’s information means it’s possible to match the chew to the dog’s personality, breed and needs.

John, who was also in the Royal Marines for nine years, said: “The majority of our customers are returning customers and they understand the benefits and leave such amazing feedback across our social media platforms.

“Staglers are rich in protein, so dogs do not need to chew more than a half an inch or so per day.

“This is what makes them last a whole lot longer than your average dog chew.

“My passion has always been with animals, wildlife and nature – so to be working directly with people and their beloved pets makes it all worthwhile.”

• staglers.co.uk