The Happy Dog Barkery to the Rescue

There will be many visitors to the downtown area throughout the summer, including those of the four-legged variety.  , a canine boutique which offers specialty baked goods and accessories will be hosting a variety of dog rescue organizations at their front entrance on Saturday mornings.

“Before I even got involved with the store, I was fostering, so I was into the dog rescues already,” said Beth Staley who co-owns the shop with her sister Cheryl Staley. “We like to promote adoption so it’s a natural thing to have different groups each week to show what they’re about.”

Groups that will be hosted include those rescuing Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, shih tzus, and more. On Saturday, June 11, As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois was on-site, with several dogs and literature promoting their services.

The group reports that more than 200 golden retrievers required rescue services in Illinois last year. The number represents animals of all ages that have been abandoned, mistreated or are unwanted. Like other rescue groups, As Good As Gold promotes the idea of rescuing a pet rather than buying one.

Staley is a huge proponent of fostering, which happens between the time the animal is rescued, and the time it’s adopted by a family. The animals typically have come from a kill-shelter or puppy mill, have been abandoned, or have health issues.

“Not everyone can keep a shelter going. They require a lot of money and work, she said. Fostering, which takes place in peoples’ homes, allows the dog to get some care, attention and socialization, while it allows the rescue organization the chance to get a good feel for the unique characteristics of the individual dog.

Over the past 10 years, Staley has fostered more than 100 dogs. “The last few years I’ve concentrated on puppies. I have an older dog that really doesn’t like other adult dogs around, and the puppies get really socialized here at the store. Plus they get lots of attention,” she said.

The fostered animals are all ultimately adopted by households that have been carefully selected by the rescue group in order to ensure a good fit. The occupational risk of fostering is falling in love with the dog, Staley said. “A lot of people foster one dog and that dog never leaves their house.” The dogs, she said, typically do well “adapting to a new home.”

The Happy Dog Barkery, which was founded in 2004, specializes in baked dog and cat goods, natural and raw foods, and treats, toys, and accessories. Despite the sagging economy, business at the barkery remains strong, Staley said. “We are fortunate. As a whole, the dog or pet industry hasn’t taken a huge hit. We have really loyal customers and keep getting new customers. They may cut back on some of the extras and toys but they’re still buying good food and special treats."

Dogs are part of the family,” she said. “Just about each month in the seven years we’ve been here, we’ve been on a gradual incline.”

Staley said promoting the dog rescue organizations works to everyone’s benefit. “It creates a good attraction. Golden retrievers always attract a lot of attention,” she said about the June 11 crowd. “Everybody loves to see dogs.  They’re always happy to see a bunch of wagging tails.”

For further information on As Good As Gold visit www.asgoodasgold.org. For further information on The Happy Dog Barkery, or to view upcoming rescue events, including this Saturday's Animal Rescue Foundation from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., visit www.happydogbarkery.com.