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Friday, March 29, 2024

Dog bakery and day care hosts ninth anniversary

Paws.jpg
Paws.jpg

Donning a doggy tuxedo, Rusty stood up and played a miniature piano Saturday for a crowd of 20 dogs.

At the ninth anniversary celebration for a Gainesville dog bakery and daycare, the 6-year-old Shih Tzu competed for “Best Trick” and “Best Dressed.”

Diana Sapp, Rusty’s owner and a customer at Sweet Paws Bakery, said she drove from Jacksonville to showcase her dog’s talent and support the business, located at 5330 SW 91st Terrace.

“I taught Rusty to play the piano instead of barking,” Sapp said. “Now he plays the piano any time he wants my attention or a treat.”

Started in 2007 by UF veterinary school alumna Colleen O’Fallon, Sweet Paws offers preservative-free dog treats, a day care and grooming services, along with clothing and toys.

O’Fallon said the anniversary party was a good way to thank her customers, many of whom attended the event.

“Once you start coming here, you become a regular,” O’Fallon said. “It’s a sense of community here.”

The anniversary celebration included six contests, including “Fluffiest,” “Best Kisser” and “Best Dressed.”

There was a $2 entry fee for each event, with proceeds going toward Gainesville Pet Rescue. The event raised $65 for the shelter.

O’Fallon said she came up with the idea of Sweet Paws as a UF senior, when she bought a Cocker Spaniel whom she named Abby.

Because she hated feeding Abby preservative-filled treats, she started making her own and eventually opened up Sweet Paws.

But in 2009, her preservative-free bakery expanded in size and scope of services. Since then, she has built a devoted customer base.

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“This has been a great success,” O’Fallon said.

Marilyn Mahon, a Gainesville resident, said she has been taking her Cocker Spaniel, Sunny, to Sweet Paws since she moved to the city eight years ago.

“This place is just wonderful,” Mahon said.

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