More than Dog Treats

We love dogs, but Beyond Bones was about more than that! Our business started as a labor of love backed by The Arc of Allegan County and a small group of dedicated volunteers. True to the Arc’s mission of creating space and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), our treat business was started to provide much-need job opportunities and engagement for our friends with a wide range of skills and abilities.

Our first bag of treats was sold in July 2021 after thoughtfully crafting our original recipe peanut butter apple treats with intentionally chosen ingredients and many taste tests by our volunteers (yes, we use all human-safe ingredients!) and their dogs. As our treats gained popularity at local farmers markets and craft and vendor fairs, we began working towards opening our own store front.

Located at 219 Hubbard Street in downtown Allegan, the Beyond Bones store officially opened in June 2022. It was next door to The Arc of Allegan County office and a great place to stock up on Beyond Bones treats as well as other goodies for your pets (cats included!) and thoughtful gifts for pet lovers.

The difficult decision to close the business and store front was made by the Arc’s Board of Directors in January 2025. The media release reagrding the Jan. 8. 2025, announcment is included below for reference.

Despite this closure, The Arc continues to provide programs and advocacy for those with IDDs and their loved ones.

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Beyond Bones to Close After Providing 3.5 Years of Empowering Employment

ALLEGAN, Mich.—The Arc of Allegan County (The Arc) will close its all-natural dog treat business and storefront known as Beyond Bones by Feb. 28, 2025. Created in July 2021, the business is The Arc’s initiative designed to provide meaningful and much needed employment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in Allegan County.

“Beyond Bones has created life-changing opportunities for our employees and is the living embodiment of The Arc’s mission to advocate for people with IDDs to live, learn, work, and play with respect, dignity, and meaningful involvement,” said Board President William Brown. “This initiative’s impact has been immeasurable but the weight of carrying its expenses has necessitated this decision. With heavy hearts, the Board of Directors voted to cease Beyond Bones operations and prioritize our limited funding for The Arc’s core advocacy and programming efforts.”

To date, 37 individuals with disabilities have earned real-world experience by baking and packaging treats and operating the storefront. Currently, Beyond Bones employs 22 individuals with IDDs as bakers and storefront employees as well as two kitchen managers and a business manager.

“Beyond Bones has been more than a treat business; it has been a beacon of inclusion and opportunity in the community for three and a half years,” said Executive Director Roger Bird. “We are extremely proud of our employees and their accomplishments.

“This has been a true labor of love,” Bird added. “We are grateful to the volunteers, financial donors, baking sites, retail partners, and loyal customers who have supported Beyond Bones and our employees.”

As Beyond Bones concludes its journey, it leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and community engagement. The Arc of Allegan County remains committed to advocating for individuals with IDDs and will continue to seek innovative ways to support this mission.

The Beyond Bones storefront located at 219 Hubbard Street in Allegan will be open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through January 31, 2025. Online treat sales will also continue through January 31, 2025.