Doggie Cakes Made by USF Alum/Staffer and Wife in New Port Richey

New Port Richey, Florida – February 25, 2009 – Good dogs can now enjoy bow wownies, cinnamunchies, peanut barkers, tail waggers, and many more gourmet treats baked fresh at Main Street's newest addition, Doggie Cakes – Dog Bakery and Boutique.

Doggie Cakes, which opened its doors in May of 2008 is owned and operated by Trina Messano and husband, Jason Longo. Jason is a USF Art Education alumnus and is currently Assistant Program Director of Marketing at the USF Center for HIV Education and Research where he has been employed for fifteen years. Trina brings many years of experience in retail, management, and marketing and both have a love of animals, sharing their home with three dogs, five cats, and a bird named Bam Bam.

Since September of 2007, Doggie Cakes has been perfecting its recipes, selling, and taste-testing at the USA Fleamarket, craft shows, farmer's markets, festivals, yappy hours, and other bay area events that have gone to the dogs.

Even with the current state of the economy, the timing was right for Doggie Cakes to join the multi-billion dollar U.S. pet industry. Animals are playing a larger role in our lives, and people are choosing to provide well for them. Past issues with contaminated pet food have caused concern and opened the market to safe, freshly-made treats, and organic food options.

Doggie Cakes was listed as a Tampa shopping destination in the February 2009 – Air Trans Airways Inflight Magazine – GO. According to the publisher 100,000 copies are in circulation and may be viewed by over two million travelers.

Many say that the treats and cakes “look good enough to eat,” says Messano, “but the items that we bake and prepare on-site are only for lucky dogs and do not contain sugar, salt, or preservatives.” She added, “We are using human-grade ingredients that dogs love, including meat, poultry, cheese, peanut butter, and fish.” As some dogs have known allergies the bakery case includes options which are non-dairy, non-wheat, or non-corn, and there are even a few vegetarian treats for pups that share their owner's lifestyle.

In addition to the munchies, Doggie Cakes sells greeting cards for any occasion, collars, leashes, harnesses, carriers, strollers, toys, outfits, pet beds, bowls, cookie jars, organic food, and gifts for animal lovers and cats too. Gift Cards are available, and items can be gift wrapped and shipped upon request.

Doggie Cakes adds to its charm by featuring handmade plush dog toys by crafters such as New Port Richey resident, Judy Benjamin and Michigan artist Sarah Mann, creator of Little Monsters. “Once a specific design sells, the listing will be pulled from our website, www.DoggieCakes.com,” says Longo.

In addition to shopping at the Doggie Cakes website, you can enjoy over 100 blog entries, become a MySpace or Facebook friend and fan, and follow them on Twitter. Their dogs even have Doggyspace pages and lots of friends. Upcoming events are cross-listed on the web and are even a part of TBO Extra, Yahoo, and Eventful.com.

Friendly dogs and their owners are welcome. Doggie Cakes, 5644 Main Street is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 to 6; and Thursday from 10 to 2:30.