Well, let’s see. Black Dog Bakehouse was conceived in 2007 but wasn’t born until 2017. Yes, that is 10 years in the making. But like good wine and cheese, it needs to be aged and cared for so that when the time comes, it will be amazing.
Black Dog Bakehouse actually started off as just a bakery with treats. I baked some treats, sold some treats, made cakes, more treats but deep down I knew something was missing.
In July of 2016 I spent my 50th birthday in Telluride with my dog Guinness (he’s that sweet face on my logo). I stopped at the dog shop in town and browsed the selection of doggie items. I spotted treats and purchased them, and a few other items. I asked about the treats and the shop owner told me that a local company makes them for her and puts the shop name on them. She also mentioned that the business may be up for sale. Interesting… Off I went.
The bakery has always been on my mind, but for the last 6 months it’s been nagging me constantly. The tough question is “what do I want to represent with Black Dog Bakehouse?” In June of 2017 I remembered the Telluride shop owner mentioning that the business was for sale and it just so happened that when I opened my desk drawer, the treat company’s business card was on top of everything. I went to her website and didn’t see anything about the business being for sale. BUT I did see that the owner was a ‘holistic chef for animals’. What was this? Could this be what I’m looking for? I spent the rest of the evening searching and researching. I found a holistic chef for animals program but when I contacted the school, they were not taking any new students, so I dug deeper into my search. That’s when I found it, Canine Nutrition. Canine Nutrition!? I emailed the school and the next thing I know I have a batch of books and coursework for the program. It is fascinating and I am learning so much. I have not completed the course; it’s around 500 hours of study for me to receive my Clinical Pet Nutritionist Certification. When I am finished I will be able to help animals with nutrition and holistic care.
So this was it, this why I took all of those classes in the mid 1990’s focusing on the human body’s energy systems, why I took all of those classes on spirituality and why I completed the coursework to become a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner. This is why I am studying to be a Clinical Pet Nutritionist. I even took a cake decorating class! It all fits, it finally makes sense. This is what I wanted Black Dog Bakehouse to be, this is what I have worked toward for the last 10 years. And THIS is what was birthed into existence.
So what is Black Dog Bake house all about? It’s a place that “Nourishes your pet’s body, mind and spirit.” Once I wrote those words things started moving fast and furious towards this goal, towards this business, this website. It makes my heart sing with joy.
Happy Birthday Black Dog Bakehouse, so glad you finally came into this world.
May your pets feel love, joy, health and peace always…Joan