LOCAL BUSINESS CATERING TO FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS
Downers Grove, Illinois—Local entrepreneurs and sisters Beth and Cheryl Staley left jobs in corporate America in 2004 with the goal of working with their own pets and owning their own business. Beth Staley was motivated by her own dog’s allergies. A baker since childhood, her Labrador Retriever Payton, was suffering from severe food allergies and there seemed to be no existing healthy treats on the market for Payton.
Eight years later, located in the heart of downtown Downers Grove, the Happy Dog Barkery specializes in baked dog and cat goods, made on premises, for our four-legged friends—including finicky and ingredient-allergic pets. Happy Dog Barkery has been voted one the best dog bakeries 4 years running by the readers of Chicagoland Tails and West Suburban Living Magazine, an accomplishment they are proud of.
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Store dogs Koko and Hazel are proof that the Staley sisters have succeeded. The women pride themselves on making some of the finest treats available in the Midwest, including Birthday Cakes for their canine customers. And their pet customers agree, each “visitor” to the store receives a cookie sample—usually of the sisters’ own famous liver cake.
The Barkery is also well-known for carrying an extensive line of natural made and raw foods, in addition to a well-stocked section of dog chews, all made in the U.S.A. Toys, natural pet hygiene items, supplements, leads, collars and beds are all available as well. The store also features a “human-gifts” and Cool Cats section as well.
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been eight years since we left our corporate jobs to create our little slice of doggie heaven,” said Beth Staley, co-owner of Happy Dog Barkery. “We have faced some challenging economic times, but it seems that people’s love for their pets have helped our business succeed,” she added. “As a matter of fact, March saw our most successful birthday cake month ever, we had 126 pet parents celebrate their pet’s birthday/adoption anniversary by special ordering a cake—and that does not include the dozens of customers who opted for a special birthday cookie or cupcake!” said co-owner Cheryl Staley.
The Happy Dog Barkery will be hosting Shorewood Cocker Rescue on Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 – 2:00. This wonderful organization will be available to answer any questions you might have on how to 1) adopt a new family member, 2) become a volunteer or 3) donate to this wonderful cause. A portion of the day’s proceeds at Happy Dog Barkery will be donated to the rescue.
The rescue is a 501(c)(3) federal nonprofit rescue. "The mission of Shorewood Cocker Rescue, Inc. is to assist homeless Cockers find permanent homes with responsible, loving families. We spay or neuter all Cockers prior to placement and check references on all adopters. We make every effort to carefully match each Cocker with the right family to maximize the adoption's success."
Shorewood is actively recruiting Foster Homes at this time because the need is so great. Please consider fostering, it's a very rewarding experience! You can make a huge difference!! Check out their website for more details: www.cockerrescue.net
Come out to visit Shorewood Cockers and meet some of their friends that are up for adoption. Don’t forget to bring your canine companion to enjoy some of the delicious homemade treats from Happy Dog.
The Happy Dog Barkery is located in Chicago’s western suburb, Downers Grove, at 5118 Main Street. Further information on the store is available at www.happydogbarkery.com, at (630) 512-0822 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/happydogbarkery.
For more information:
Happy Dog Barkery
