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Holmdel bakery is strictly for the dogs
The Doggone Bakery
offers pets a healthy
food alternative
By cindy tietjen
Staff Writer
HOLMDEL — When Brandy Bonilla, her husband John and their children went in search of a family pet, they never thought it would lead to a business venture.
"We knew we wanted to adopt a dog," said Bonilla. "So I started researching greyhound adoption."
The search paid off when Ripley the greyhound became the newest member of their Holmdel family.
"While I was researching adoption, I started to read about the food that the greyhounds were fed," said Bonilla. "It was disgusting. The food and the treatment these dogs receive are just awful."
That’s when the proverbial light bulb went off in Bonilla’s head.
Bonilla asked herself, "If I feed my family healthy food, why wouldn’t I feed my dog healthy food?" And with that the Doggone Bakery was born.
The Doggone Bakery specializes in all-natural organic pet treats and provides delivery in Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean counties.
"I thought it was a great idea because there is really no other business like it in the area," said Bonilla. "And people are interested in feeding their dogs healthy food."
The Doggone Bakery offers several varieties of wheat-free, dairy-free and vegetarian treats.
According to Bonilla, all treats can be adapted to meet a particular dog’s special needs. There is even a nondairy "vegan" treat for dogs.
Although the Doggone Bakery operates mostly through its Web site, Bonilla has recently branched out to a retail operation, renting space from the Firehouse Specialty Store located on Broad Street in Red Bank.
Gift baskets and other treats are available at that location.
Besides providing healthy treats for animals, Bonilla is also trying to promote healthier lifestyles for them and has teamed up with the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Eatontown to donate half-pound "welcome bags" for the SPCA to give to owners of newly adopted dogs.
"When an animal is successfully rescued from the streets and placed in a loving home, it is a time for celebration," said Bonilla. "Our treats are of the highest quality, and these pets deserve the best. I encourage anyone who is considering a pet to contact the Monmouth County SPCA, or other rescue organization and visit a dog or cat who is in need of a loving home."
According to Ursula Goetz, executive director of the Monmouth County SPCA, the Doggone Bakery’s donated welcome bags are a delight for all the dogs.
"Both the dogs and their new owners were thrilled with the baskets," said Goetz. "We know of many people who plan to order more treats after their basket is done.
"The SPCA does not euthanize any animals that are fit for adoption; therefore. we sometimes have a huge number of animals," said Goetz. Right now the shelter, which sometimes keeps animals for more than a year until they can be adopted, houses 200 animals.
The SPCA is a private organization.
"We survive through donations, and through the modest service fees we charge when a pet is adopted," said Goetz. "We also have a low-cost clinic which offers spaying and neutering services only."
According to Bonilla, the Doggone Bakery will continue to provide welcome bags as long as there are animals still waiting for homes.
"Besides providing the dogs with the healthy food, I think the welcome bags make the adoption day more special for both the dog and the new owner," said Bonilla. "A new family member is being welcomed and memories are being made. It’s great for me to be a part of that."
For more information on The Doggone Bakery, visit the Web site at www.doggonebakery.com, or call (732) 335-9094.
Pet adoption takes place seven days a week at the SPCA. For more information about the services offered call (732) 542-0040.
MARIE ORTIZ
Ripley studies the organic bacon, tomato and garlic biscotti Brandy Bonilla just whipped up for him and her Doggone Bakery customers, while her daughter Nathalie, 6, plants a kiss on him.
