In 2008, Germantown resident Gayle Mandt was matched with 14-year-old CeCe through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentoring program. Both shared a love for animals and the two decided to create handmade, healthy pet treats as shelter donations and gifts for friends. Due to the positive response, The Lovin’ Oven Pet Bakery was founded in 2013. During its first official year, the company donated more than $2,000 in retail value to shelters, rescues and pet pantries. Mandt and CeCe were matched for more than six years and now Mandt continues to run the business on her own out of her home. Today, the bakery’s donations total more than $3,850 in retail value.
“I think it’s important to help others if you can and I donate often to shelters and rescues. I just donated 800 treats to MADACC’s Walk Run Wag event,” says Mandt. “The Lovin’ Oven wasn’t started as a way to make money, but a way to be able to meet other dog lovers and rescues and, most importantly, to donate. I haven’t shown a profit so far and may become a nonprofit in the future.”
Additional organizations Mandt has donated to include Brew City Bully Club, Helping Pitties in the City, Canine Cupids, Seniors Rock, Animal Foundation & Pet Pantry of Wisconsin, Elmbrook Humane Society, Tailwaggers 911 and Door County Sled Dogs. She is also introducing a new jumbo heart rescue cookie to be exclusive to Central Bark Downtown, which will be donating part of the proceeds.
The treats are made of healthy ingredients for dogs with no preservatives and are available at The Lovin’ Oven Pet Bakery’s online store at thelovinovenpetbakery.com. For more information, contact Mandt at 262-532-0952 or info@thelovinovenpetbakery.com.
