About Us

Our Story

Our family has been blessed to have four Golden Retrievers over the past thirty plus years. However, our first dog, Nicholas, was allergic to many pet treats and foods, so we had to create our own recipes and find ways to make him enjoy them without fear of allergic reactions. We started with just one plain cookie, a crispy one. “Nick” loved it for nearly fifteen years. It became a tradition to bake it for all of our “dog friends” and “dog family” on special occasions and holidays, and became the beginning of our modern “Nicholas Chew Bones.”

Our second Golden Retriever, “River,” didn’t stay with us for long. He died in an accident before he was a year old. However, he enjoyed a lot of treats in that year. He never “met” a food he didn’t like. So it seemed only fitting that the shop be named after him.

Then came Cooper, the official greeter and food taster for Lydia Brooks. He was just over a year old when we opened the bakery. So he really grew up here. There was no bigger ambassador for the bakery than him. Most days he was “working”, waiting to say hello and help you with your purchase. Unfortunately, we lost him in February of 2014. The store has never been quieter. Cooper was more than just a lucky dog working part-time at the Doggie Bakery…he was a vital member of our pet community at Lydia Brooks, the reason our customers come to our store, and the reason he brought smiles to so many faces.

And just like that, we welcome the fourth generation of dogs…after three golden retrievers, a little girl named “Roux”. As the great niece of River and Cooper…somehow she seems to have understood the huge responsibility she has. Adjusting to and becoming familiar with the daily grind of the Doggie Bakery is like a “second paw” to her. Come meet our bubbly little girl who will soon become the newest Lydia Brooks Ambassador.

Lydia Brooks is a store where we love to shop and where we love to bring our dogs. A place where dogs can go and experience shopping just for them. Our pets, cats and dogs, provide us with endless companionship and love in our daily lives. There should be a special place to buy unique gifts, specialty items, hard-to-find toys, quality toiletries, and fresh, nutritious snacks. I hope Lydia Brooks can be that place for you and your loved ones.

Last, but not least, our "Blossom"...is not a dog at all. She is our little Cinderella. She weighs four pounds and is like an angry kitten. She can train dogs! In seventeen years, she trained three dogs. A total of fifty pounds heavier than she was. She trained all of them into obedience. Sadly, this past spring, we lost our little Cinderella "Blossom".

As a family, we thought it would be only right to dedicate a corner of Lydia Brooks to this lively and adorable kitty. Come visit our new "Lydia Brooks Boutique". We have many new cat-specific products that we hope our Lydia Brooks will enjoy, and we hope your cats will enjoy them too.