Want something really special for your pooch?

Tara Zimmerman, 26, a former Cincinnatian who now lives in New York City with her dog, Pablo, says she knows what your dog wants.

She recently started a business called Pastries for Pooches, which offers home-baked dog goodies in flavors such as Oatmeal Banana Nut, Fruitcake, Peanut Butter and Carob. She is also offering custom-made pet bandanas.

"This truly is a labor of love for me," says Zimmerman, who bakes everything in her home kitchen. "Dogs are valued family members, and like their owners, they deserve to have special treats. It was also important for me to provide the pooches with high-quality, gourmet treats, but at an affordable price. This way, more pooches can enjoy these pastries."

Her plans include cat treats. She is experimenting with those recipes.

"After all," she quips, "it only seems fair."

Pastries for Pooches products are available online at www.pastriesforpooches.com.

Information: E-mail pastriesforpooches@yahoo.com.

Marsie Hall Newbold