Hello, my name is Imelda Torres and I am the owner of a start-up pet treat business called Bone Gypsy. It started back in 2019 when I found my Jojo. She was a bulldog whom I rescued, and I had no idea how I was going to help her through all the issues she was having with her coat, stomach, and paws. I would sit with her outside, deciding how I was going to bathe her, but I knew that her past owners traumatized her with the water hose. I decided to find a recipe that would keep her clean and would not require the use of water. It was a dry shampoo with lavender essential oil, and all it needed was to be rubbed in and then brushed. Thus, that is how I gained my confidence that I could care for her by personally baking her treats, making her shampoo, and salve for her wounds on paws, and moisturizing her nose. I enjoyed it so much that I decided at that moment to devote time and effort into everything that encompassed starting a small business called Bone Gypsy.

I completed one farmer's market and was excited to see that the dry shampoo was a success. Even though it was not time-consuming to make, dog owners could relate to the in-between baths that made them feel at ease with purchasing the dry shampoo. But of course, with all things, there is a cost and I work full-time as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant and Bone Gypsy was put on hold. As time has passed, so have Jojo, my second bulldog Stella (who loved the cheddar biscuits I made), and most recently, my father. With all that has happened in the world currently, life and God gave me an opportunity to focus on Bone Gypsy fully when I was laid off from my position at a school campus.

Now, as I embark upon signing up for farmer's markets, there is much to be bought to keep Bone Gypsy up and running with all-natural ingredient pet treats, pet care, and handmade accessories. I am asking for donations to assist with product for July 12, 2025, at Brooks Farmer's Market and Mission Marquee bi-weekly markets, held by the city. I am hoping that I will be able to pick up customers and continue with selling treats that make your fur babies smile and beg for more!