National, Regional Dog Treat Brand Opening First Store In Vernon

VERNON, CT — A popular company that makes and sells its own brand of "healthy" canine treats in the regional and nationwide will be opening its first storefront location in a Vernon shopping plaza.

Signs went up this week announcing the arrival of The Dog Bone at 500 Talcottville Road. The business, owned by Jackie Cecchini, has been around for about four years. Cecchini had being doing an online and pickup ordering business out of her South Windsor home while making stops at local fairs, but she said it was time to venture out.

In essence, she was outgrowing her own kitchen.

"People have been asking me, 'really ... now .., why'? Cecchini said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic. "I think every crisis is an opportunity so here were are."

The Don Bone will be joining another Pet-themes establishment, Dog Essentials in a plaza that employs one of Vernon's most unique marketing campaigns — name your own rent.

"My husband and I were driving around one day and we saw the name your rent sign," Cecchini said. "I called the landlord and he said he's meet me in 45 minutes. It's the erect location with two levels inside one storefront. I wasn't looking for a storefront exactly because I'm basically setting up a bakery. This location is perfect."

The Dog Bone specializes in dog treats made of all-natural ingredients. They are derivatives of the dietary needs of Cecchini's English bulldog, Tank. Tank had various allergies and skin issues.

"Noticing how much he enjoyed my cookies and how much they were helping with his issues, I started making more treats as gifts to my family and friends who were dog lovers like me," Cecchini said.

Then, her brother called.

"He said 'thanks, now my dog won't eat anything else,'" she said. "I started to realize how popular they were."

They were selling through the company website and selling out at local fairs. The dog treat production then began taking over the house, Cecchini said.

"My kids and my husband were saying, could you please ...," Cecchini said.

People at the fairs were chiming in to ask if she'd ever open up a store.

So a store was born.

Cecchini said no opening date has been set, but added the conversion will begin soon.

Click here for more on The Dog Bone.

In addition to the all-natural treats, the store will feature custom T-shirts and sweatshirts and an an all-natural paw wax.

A flea and tick powder is being developed.

Treat flavors include:

• Peanut butter
• Apple cinnamon pumpkin
• "Fresh breath"
• Peanut butter and banana