Connor Rodriguez, an eleven-year-old with Down Syndrome who adores dogs, has opened a little dog treat shop — and he’s only getting started.
According to Connor’s mom Marian, when he was younger, he would spot a dog, admire how cute it was, and give it air hugs and kisses. So, after careful consideration, their family decided to help Connor overcome his apprehension by adopting two lab-mix puppies named Max and Scoob.
Connor and the pups had become inseparable over time, so it was only natural for him to try to share his food with them. One day, Connor wanted to offer the dogs some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Marian suggested that they search for recipes dogs could consume after explaining that chocolate is bad for them.
When they saw how much Max and Scoob liked the treats, they decided to share some with their canine pals around Rockaway, New York. They were such a hit that the other fur parents requested that they prepare some goodies for their dogs, too.
However, their big break came during the Rockaway Hotel’s Christmas market in 2020. Connor’s Canine Cookies immediately sold out on the first weekend. Since then, the family’s story has appeared in various newspapers and journals.
Connor’s treats are all natural. He has a hand in selecting the fresh ingredients, ranging from bacon and peanut butter to oats, pumpkin, and cheddar cheese. Connor comes up with a variety of combinations, while Max and Scoob serve as tasters.
Connor’s Canine Cookies not only brings joy to dogs around. It also helps the community by donating to animal rescue organizations. Every month, the family looks for an animal rescue organization to donate to that month.
Eventually, the family wants to expand their business to a larger commercial kitchen with the necessary equipment to keep up with their orders. They also intend to hire people with special needs from the community. But, for the time being, the family is content to promote Connor’s Canine Cookies at Rockaway’s outdoor markets.
Credit: This Dog’s Life