Would you buy gourmet, all-natural biscotti for your dog? Are you the kind of person who might highlight your walk through the park with a stop for a wholesome energy bar for your pooch? Brother and sister team Angela and Sal Milioto are betting that there are enough dog lovers in Buffalo to put a bite into the huge commercial dog treat business.
Sonnyis Doggie Bakery and CafE is a sparkling new shop at 1008 Elmwood (next to J.P. Bullfeatheris). Gleaming bakery cases are filled with tempting, freshly baked products with wacky names like iSonnyis Cinnabites,i and iMamais Parmesan Twists,i all in colors and shapes (like hydrants), to appeal to their canine clientele. Not your average pre-packaged, hyper-preserved dog food, these doggie treats are all-natural, whole foods which have no preservatives and are baked fresh daily. All the treats have been analyzed by the NYS Department of Agriculture at Cornell and are labeled for protein, fiber and fat content. The State Department and Markets requires strict oversight of each product. When they started formulating their recipes, the Miliotosi mom Maria was hesitant to test dog treat recipes in her home kitchen. She was completely won over when she saw the lists of pure, whole ingredients that make up Sonnyis Bakeryis treats. Now mom is an enthusiastic supporter of her entrepreneurial childrenis unusual venture.
Who is Sonny? The Miliotos 2-year-old Old English Bulldog, Sonny and his step brother Tyson are in charge of testing products. Sonnyis favorite is Cheddar & Garlic Bites. Tyson likes Milky Bonez which are named for him and shaped like a bone, of course. The Miliotos custom make gift baskets and they specialize in doggie birthday cakes and party packs. iPeople love their dogs,i says researcher Karen Allen of Kenmore. iIill go to Sonnyis with Sami(her perky 6 year old poodle.) Story written by Trudy Stern in BRis Summer/Fall i04
--------