Pittsburgh native, Michele Vento, is launching a homemade dog treat brand. Michele is no stranger to baking dog cookies. She began baking in 2009 after adopting two labradoodle puppies, Flaps and Rudder. Disappointed in the quality, price, and ingredients in store-bought treats, Michele knew she could create the highest quality for her dogs in the comfort of her own home. Today, Cookies by Flaps are vegan, grain free and gluten free to avoid any dog allergies.
Michele had Flaps and Rudder during one of the toughest points in her life. But, she always knew that she could come home from a tough day at work to lotsa’ love and kisses from her puppies. Her labradoodle, Flaps, specifically holds a special place in her heart. She recalls their bond, “As a puppy, she always had a connection with me. She knew when I was happy or sad, she never left my side. She was meant to come into my life. She just had a bond with me. Flaps knew me more than anyone. You could see it in her eyes. She had a soul in there.” Sadly, Flaps passed away in 2019. Cookies by Flaps was created in memoriam for Michele’s one-of-a-kind relationship with Flaps.
Since Flaps’ passing, Michele has adopted another labradoodle, Mishka. Very early on Mishka struggled with ear allergies. She took Mishka to the dermatologist, only to find out that dairy may be the root of the problem. Michele changed her recipe to adhere to Mishka’s needs. The cookies are now dairy and wheat free, and Mishka’s allergies are completely gone.
Cookies by Flaps includes a philanthropic twist. With each purchase, proceeds will be donated to Band Together Pittsburgh, an organization that creates music programs for people on the autism spectrum (www.bandtogetherpgh.org). This organization hits close to home for Michele, as her nephew is on the autism spectrum. Additionally, she is looking to hire young adults on the spectrum to assist her in all aspects of the business, ranging from baking to technological assistance. She emphasizes, “We want to create jobs.”
Michele wants to make her treats easily accessible to any consumer. She recalls, “Treats that are healthy, are so expensive. I don’t want to gauge people. I want to sell my cookies that are at a decent price.” The treats’ ingredients include: grind rolled oats, peanut butter, banana, green beans. sweet potatoes, pumpkin, vegetable stock, and blueberries. Cookies by Flaps treats can be purchased by emailing order@cookiesbyflaps.com . She emphasizes that she wants to start slowly, and hand deliver every order, there are no preservatives, and the treats must be refrigerated. Hopefully soon she’ll have an affordable method for shipping.
Michele cares deeply for what dogs are eating, and bakes her treats with pure love. She expresses, “Dogs give you unconditional love, and they trust you to take care of them. They’re my kids, they’re my buddies.”