A place where dogs and dogs are loose
39 S. Goodman St. | 585-319-4088
bonesdogbakery.com
Every Saturday around lunchtime my dog Gold starts to get a little restless and nags me to go for a walk. Once I give in to his pleading greyhound eyes, my noodle horse ass walks two blocks away to the Bone Dog Bakery.
He loves donuts for the dog, so I bought him one and he would tear it down outside the shop to the delight of onlookers, and there are often people strolling by.
Danny Fisher, owner of Bones, said she hears similar stories from many of her customers. People see their dogs as family, and she wants the bakery to be a place where people and their pups can spend time together and the focus is on the dogs.
“I think it’s interesting that people can relate to their dogs and how close they are and have a sense of family,” Fisher said.
Fisher in 2010 Before starting Bones in 2016, she worked as a pasta chef for 20 years – starting as a hobby for her dog. While Bone Shelf is filled with treats, cookies, cakes and other goodies made from certain human ingredients, the storefront is more than just a bakery. It also operates as a dog-oriented coffee shop (and Bones serves excellent coffee for its two-legged customers).
Unless some excited wallets decide to let loose with a round of bark or a squeal, the shop has a relaxed atmosphere. Human customers waiting to order chat about each other’s dogs and the simple joys and frustrations of dog grooming, training, or living with a dog. The dogs are introduced as well – lots of sniffing and tail wagging, maybe a few darts and occasionally some light slobbering.
Beyond the products, the shop has a doghouse-turned-fireplace selfie station that artist Laura Wolanini paints with new colors three times a year.
Bones is also a family operation, with Fisher’s son Matthew Lawson overseeing production and her other son, Tariq Kaduri, serving as business manager.
Fisher Border Daximus and Nova frequently greet visitors to the store.
When a dog-oriented business is supposed to appeal to pet parents, they’re the ones with the money, the dogs begging (or pulling) to go there.
“They just know it’s for them and I think that’s because of the environment, the treatment and the attention they give,” Fisher said. “They came here not just with their owners, but for them. They are their priority.” – Jeremy Moll
Final winners: Park Ave Pets | Pet Supplies Plus
