Another bakery is coming to downtown Oxford, but the existing one won’t have to worry about competition because the new one’s clientele has four legs and a tail.
P&P Country Pet Treats is moving from its current location in Orion Township to 14 N. Washington St.
Owned and operated by Genevieve Otlewski for about a year, the ‘full-fledged bakery? features all-natural, fresh-made treats specifically for pooches including cupcakes, cakes for special occasions like birthdays, biscotti, pretzels and cookies in different shapes and flavors such as chicken-flavored Santa cookies for Christmas.
‘I’m known as the cookie lady,? said the 38-year-old Oxford resident, whose popular treats are available at Art & Dick’s Party Store on W. Burdick St. ‘I can’t keep them in that store.?
‘You could eat the cookies yourself. I have several people that do taste them,? she noted.
Although she’s trying to open her new Oxford location before Christmas, Otlewski said realistically, it probably won’t happen until after New Year’s.
The idea for the business evolved as she began cooking for her own dogs because they were ‘picky eaters? and she wanted them to live longer, healthier lives.
All her treats are gluten-free and corn-free, which makes them great for pooches who are sensitive to eating those ingredients.
In addition to treats, P&P Country Pet Treats carries a locally-made, all natural dog food called Pet Mix.
Made by her business partner Tom Peters, it consists of two pounds of dehydrated fruits and vegetables to which the purchaser can add five pounds of meat and one gallon of water to make 10 quarts of dog food.
Otlewski said it’s better for pets than eating commercial dog food, which she likened to eating McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets at all three meals, every single day for your entire life.
‘What do you think that’s going to do to your system?? she said. ‘It’s the same with pets. If you don’t change their diet, that’s what’s going to end up happening.?
In Otlewski opinion, dogs should be eating a diet that consists of 75 percent protein and 25 percent fruits and vegetables.
‘That’s how your pet should be eating as well as us,? she said. ‘If you feed your dog that way it will stop ear infections, stop skin infections, stop them from chewing on their feet. You would be amazed as just what eliminating corn or wheat would do.?
Once her new Oxford location is open, Otlewski plans to have an indoor cafe for pets and their owners as well as an outdoor one during the warmer months. She wants to give them a place to rest, relax and shop during their walks.
‘That would be an asset to the community because so many people do walk their dogs around here,? she said. ‘I see so many people on the Polly Ann Trail and through Powell Lake (Park).?
Prior to opening in Orion, Otlewski said she originally wanted to be located in downtown Oxford, but it didn’t work out at the time. She’s glad she didn’t give up that dream.
‘I fought to be in Oxford,? she said. ‘I love Oxford. It’s such a homey little town. There’s so many pets here.?
Besides treats and food, her store will also sell leashes, pet beds, dietary supplements and even pet clothing.
She’s hoping her new location will be complemented by her two next door neighbors ? Lori’s Pet Paradise, a pet grooming facility, and the Metamora Canine Academy, an obedience school and training facility.
It looks like downtown’s northeast quadrant has definitely gone to the dogs.