15 years ago when Karry & Chris Barolo walked into a doggie bakery in Santa Monica California they had no idea what it would mean to their future. At the time they both thought the store was really fun so they purchased something special for their dog Daisy who was waiting at home in Michigan. Ten years later the couple was successfully working at separate jobs but Karry had the feeling something was missing. She wanted to find a business that they both would love and could do together. One morning the thought of that dog store in California popped into Karry’s head and she was off and running.
Within 4 months the couple had consulted with an established dog bakery owner to learn some basics, Karry had quit her longtime job as a business manager and the D.O.G. Bakery was born. D.O.G. stands for Daisy & Oscar’s Gourmet – their two dogs. The first two years were very difficult as they struggled to find their way but by the third year there was enough business to hire Christle, who has since become the manager. Christle has an amazing ability to remember each dog customer by name and make the store feel like home to everyone who walks through the door. In the third year they also reached their biggest goal when Chris was able to give up his job and join Karry at the bakery full time. Chris now bakes all of the treats. Most people are surprised to find that every treat is cut by hand – just like you would do in your own kitchen and last year that equaled 6 ½ tons!
The D.O.G. Bakery offers over 20 different flavors of healthy treats such as Apple Jacks made with real apples and cinnamon, Thin Mints made with mint, parsley and carob (they help with bad doggie breath) and Organic Whitefish & Sweet Potato treats which are certified organic by the USDA. Whenever possible they use local food producers for ingredients like the honey, cherries, blueberries and eggs. Even though it costs them more money, Karry and Chris know it’s the right thing to do for their customers and the community. D.O.G. Bakery customers do not have to worry about where their dog’s treats are made or what they are made from. The treats are made right in the store from ingredients they could find in their own cupboards.
Along with a huge variety of regular treats there is a fun assortment of decorated treats that celebrate all different occasions whether it be a birthday, holiday or new puppy there are frosted to treats make any dog feel extra special! The D.O.G. Bakery has a dedicated decorator named Lily who takes great pride as she creates each and every paw print on each treat. Lily loves knowing that her beautiful dog treats make tails wag all over the country. You can see pictures and read descriptions of these great treats at www.dogbakeryonline.com.
We wanted to do something we loved…. And we love our dogs. So when the idea struck us it seemed like the perfect fit. We knew that other people loved their pets as much as we did and having a place where people could take their dogs to pick out their own freshly baked treats and toys would be a fun way to help socialize both the dogs and their owners! The best part of our business is talking to people about their dogs. We understand what it means to have a great dog. It’s wonderful to see our customers eyes light up when they talk about the latest greatest thing their dog has done. Giving people a comfortable place to express their love for them is rewarding in ways we never expected.
-Karry & Chris Barolo, Owners D.O.G. Bakery