We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly O’donin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I adopted my first puppy in 1997. A sickly 12 ounce chihuahua baby named Dini. I had a wonderful veterinarian who could sense my “first time puppy mom” anxious energy. His advice to me was, if possible, home cook for my tiny girl. He then handed over a tattered file folder filled with handwritten notecards containing wonderfully nutritious recipes and detailed instructions regarding canine nutrition and how to prepare balanced, healthy meals and treats. I never looked back. I started Puppy Belly Deli when I moved to Paradise Valley in 2011 because I wanted to share my passion for canine nutrition with others who might not have the time, patience or information needed to commit to home cooking on a regular basis.

What should our readers know about your business?
My path was anything but linear. I earned my Master of Music degree (flute) from Arizona State University in 1996 and moved to New York City to take a job at The Juilliard School. After a patch of burnout, I found myself in the admissions office of the French Culinary Institute in Soho. I needed a change. I needed a different kind of challenge. I graduated six months later and immersed myself in the chaos of the restaurant world. Over much time and after many detours, I was ready for a new audience. Cooking for dogs. They love food and never complain. I’ve learned a lot about starting, sustaining and growing a business through this journey. Courage, creativity, persistence, dedication – much like the qualities of both the music and restaurant worlds. My biggest decision, by far, was to make Puppy Belly Deli a profit-donation business. I donate 100% of my profit to local animal rescue organizations. That decision motivates me to get in the kitchen, even on the longest and hottest days, because I can provide exceptional product for your dogs and also help animals who have yet to find their forever homes or families. It takes a village.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Number one would be Noble Beast at 1005 East Camelback Rd. Every pet will be showered with a huge selection of yummy goodness and toys. Next would be Puff And Fluff Grooming (multiple locations around the Valley). The BEST place to pamper your pets. Booze wise, I must recommend Century Grand at 3626 E. Indian School Rd. Platform 18, UnderTow and Grey Hen under one roof. Hey, every chef needs a place to drink and be merry after a long, hot day in the kitchen. Sunny’s Lounge at 2701 E. Indian School Road is the ultimate industry bar. Always on the list. My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Glai Baan Thai. And if you are traveling to the South, Zemam’s Ethiopian and Anello Pizza in Tucson. The best food you’ll ever find. Foodies go where the good food is.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest inspiration comes from the dogs I have loved over the years. Dini, Elizabeth, Montgomery and Miss Zelda. Everything I do has been for them. I would also have to give a huge shout out to Marsha Vallee and Alison Chandler from Noble Beast Natural Market for Pets in Phoenix. They took a chance on my small business and have been selling my line of meals and treats to their loyal customers for almost a decade! I couldn’t do it without them.

Website: https://Puppybellydeli.com

Image Credits
Sylvia Hardt Photography

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