I get so excited when I “find” things. It can be the re-emergence of something I’ve misplaced, tasting a new wine, or successfully reaching my destination in the car W/O the assistance of OnStar! In this particular case, it was the “hidden gem” of a bakery. It was the Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique that got me excited.

Nestled in a tiny section of Northern, Virginia – a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of our Nation’s Capital, sits this incredible village. It’s called the Village of Shirlington, and I love it.

Only a few blocks long and several blocks wide it caters to many – offering much. Restaurants, boutiques, art and culture, live music and theater. To top it off, it’s very pet friendly making it a favorite with us!

Amazingly after all these years, walking down this street I never noticed this hidden treasure. Harley found it for me…

I gasped and shouted the name of the store aloud when I saw the sign on the door…

When Fidose of Reality hosted Hollywoof in September I remembered a gift card with this same logo.

I ran to the car and ransacked the secret compartment under the arm rest. SIDE NOTE: Have you emptied out your secret compartment lately? I hadn’t, it was mind blowing how much “dog paraphernalia” I found:

• Poop bags
• Poop carrying containers
• MORE poop bags
• a zip lock bag of treats
• sanitary wipes
• a collar?
• three disposable water bowls
• a clicker training tool (why?)
• a half eaten best bully stick
• the one glove I thought I lost last winter…

You get the visual by now I’m sure.

OKAY THEN, BACK TO MY STORY:

So I found the gift card and ran back to Harley and Doodle Dad. In between wheezing, huffing and puffing, I managed to utter “let’s go inside.” #gottaworkoutmore

What a welcoming place! Super friendly, and the lay out entices you to walk in further. I liked it immediately! There isn’t an abundance of merchandise to overwhelm you, yet there’s just enough to make you look longer and touch more.

Harley was free to roam and smell to his furry hearts content…

While he did – I chatted with the employees, and here’s what I found out:

• They opened in 2000
• They bake their treats in the store – using only human grade ingredients minus salt, sugar and preservatives
• And they also support local rescues and shelters hosting adoptions and fundraisers regularly #Ilikethat

I squealed a tiny bit when I saw his dry kibble on sale – it’s never on sale – EVER! Once Harley decided on his “one item” I placed everything on the counter and realized this little Doodle shops “a little too much”…

As we said our goodbyes – Harley waited patiently in front of a lawn sign. I thought about getting it for the neighbors on the corner, they are so abused when it comes to poop violators…

I know DOGMA will be a familiar place for us. Ladies, I’m coming back soon to get that wall plaque I had my eye on as we were leaving. I so choose Harley…

Have a great Friday, and click on over to Harley’s “favorite things” page. He’s added some great “stuff” this week.

Be kind to someone and as always, thank you so very much for sharing me with all your friends!