The Canine Crunchery, Rockford’s dog treat bakery, to close after 14 years
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Canine Crunchery plans to close at the end of the month, wrapping up 14 years as Rockford’s dog treat bakery.
Owner Jane Femminella said her lease at 1888 Daimler Road — along Perryville Road across from the CherryVale Mall — is up at the end of April and it’s a fitting time to semi-retire. She plans to continue the business from home, where it initially started, with a scaled back menu focused on the popular birthday cakes.
“I started off in my home and I’m going to finish in my home,” Femminella told the Rock River Current.
The last day in business for the boutique dog biscuit bakery will be April 30.
“The past 14 years have been a blessing to us,” she said in a news release. “Not only have we loved creating fresh, wholesome treats for your furry family members, but we’ve also cherished every human we’ve met along the way. Our customers have become our family, and we truly love you all.”
The shop employs eight people, and Femminella said they’ve found new jobs for all but one so far.
The store will be closed Thursday through April 9 to prepare for a final closing sale, which will begin on April 11 and end April 26. The owner says it’s a good time to stock up on biscuits and other treats that will be limited in the home-based iteration of the business.
The first Canine Crunchery storefront was on Charles Street, where it operated for about two years before moving to 20th Street and Broadway. It then moved on May 1, 2018, to Daimler Road.
No matter the location, Canine Crunchery prided itself on offering delicious dog treats while making cherished community canine connections.
“Since opening its doors, Canine Crunchery has been more than just a bakery – it has been a gathering place for pet lovers, a home away from home, and a testament to the power of small businesses in bringing people together,” the news release stated.
The next iteration of the business will focus on cakes, and Femminella also plans to offer dog-walking. The new name will be The Canine Crunchery Cakes and Walks. You can still reach it through its current social media and website, thecaninecrunchery.com, for those future orders.
Femminella said she’s looking forward to new adventures in semi-retirement, including long-awaited visits with out-of-state-loved ones such as her 96-year-old mother.
“Canine Crunchery extends its deepest gratitude to every customer who has supported them over the years,” the news release states. “While the bakery may be closing its doors, the memories, friendships, and paw-sitive impact on the community will last a lifetime.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
