June 01, 2025
Fresh Baked and Full of Heart: Dog Bakery Blends Wholesome Treats with Meaningful Work
Oswego, IL — June 1, 2025 — Parchment & Pawprint is creating a place where dogs — and people — can thrive.
In the heart of Oswego, Illinois, a small family-run business is making a big impact — one handmade dog cookie at a time. Parchment & Pawprint is a micro-bakery built around a simple but powerful idea: Give dogs something delicious — and give people with disabilities meaningful work.
At the center of the business is Zachary Pietrowiak, a young adult with Down syndrome who developed his love for food service through the culinary and restaurant management program at Oswego East High School. His family saw his passion and skills — and decided to build a bakery where he could thrive.
In the heart of Oswego, Illinois, a small family-run business is making a big impact — one handmade dog cookie at a time. Parchment & Pawprint is a micro-bakery built around a simple but powerful idea: Give dogs something delicious — and give people with disabilities meaningful work.
At the center of the business is Zachary Pietrowiak, a young adult with Down syndrome who developed his love for food service through the culinary and restaurant management program at Oswego East High School. His family saw his passion and skills — and decided to build a bakery where he could thrive.
"We had no experience with bakeries or farmers markets — we just knew Zach loved cooking and dogs, so we decided to give it a try in the summer of 2021,” says Christine Pietrowiak, Zachary’s mom and co-founder of Parchment & Pawprint. “We had no expectations, but the response from our community has been incredible. They’ve embraced Zach, and their dogs love the fresh-baked treats. Zach works hard and has truly taken to his role as the boss — he’s involved in everything from recipe testing and packaging to ingredient shopping and running the booth. He’s learning what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and we’re learning right alongside him."
Together, the Pietrowiak family handcrafts small-batch, all-natural dog treats made from real ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, local honey, organic apples, and gluten-free flours. Each cookie is shaped using custom-designed 3D-printed cutters and packaged simply — no preservatives, just wholesome goodness for pups who are treated like family.
Parchment & Pawprint treats are currently available at the Oswego Country Market from June through September and seasonal events where loyal customers return each week during the summer to stock up on favorite flavors like ginger sweet potato, peanut butter molasses, and grain-free pumpkin.
The company’s mission is proudly reflected in its tagline:
“Treat your dog. Build opportunities.”
By choosing their treats, customers aren’t just giving their dogs something wholesome and handmade — they’re supporting a future where individuals like Zachary have meaningful roles in the workforce and the community.
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