Treats by William - Made With a Pinch of Love

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Treats By William!

Greet each trick or treater with a smile whether they make eye contact or not, say trick or treat or not, take more than one piece or not - we’re all doing our best 🎃

Always just be kind 💕

10/29/2024

Shortly after Hazel rescued us, we realized that she needed a friend.

Although she was alone her first year of life, her loving foster mom engaged her with fur friends who taught her courage, social graces and the joy of like minded playmates.

Rescuing another was a decision that was not taken lightly.

We have a smaller home and the concern of them having a less than agreeable relationship is always a concern.

We took our time and waited.

I saw Stella, early October, pop up on Wags 2 Wishes Rescue page.

We completed our human meet and greets, then an in person home visit for the pups to meet.

What I can say is that Hazel and Stella became fast friends and she is now, after just a few weeks, a solid member of our home.

Stella was a stray found in Texas and transported to Wags while Hazel was a breeder release from Arkansas.

Both with very different backgrounds, both looking for love and security.

Where Stella is a snuggler and Hazel more aloof due to their early years, and we don’t know much about that, they are teaching each other balance, companionship and trust.

Oh the shenanigans they create keep us laughing!

They spend the day stealing toys from each other, wrestling, teasing, napping showing each other the ways of their worlds, whatever that may have been.

Our only challenge with Stella is sleep training past 4am, and with both, to walk out the front door with confidence of safety. They’ll both get there 😉

The best decision and sweetest pups you’ll ever meet!

Welcome to our tiny home, with big hearts, that two four legged fur babies have filled our lives with love, laughter and hope.

Size doesn’t matter 😉

Welcome Stella 💕

10/26/2024

Today 9 to 5, Sarah would love to see you! Sunday 9 to 3 Vanessa will be joining me in the morning !!
Over 180 Crafters!!

10/25/2024

William attending a therapeutic day school for Autistic children has never sent me spiraling.

I’ve always been grateful for him to be surrounded by supports and understanding all day. A place where his IEP is followed to the letter and adjusted as needed to give every chance at a successful future.

Small classrooms, therapy, both individual and social, and 1:1 aides are a must for his continued success but has its downside.

William doesn’t have a chance to meet new faces and personalities as he is typically with the same kiddos every year. Making new friends that fit his personality is difficult.

One of the benefits, for me as well, is that the enjoyments of childhood of new and familiar places are followed to help them thrive in public places and teach the community that, different is good.

Some wear large obvious headphones to drown out noise and some need 1:1 supervision and some, need their “person”.

That’s William.

His favorite attraction at a pumpkin patch are the old tractors and now antique cars placed strategically about the grounds.

He will sit in every available vehicle both authentic and created from wood while imagining cruising down the road feeling the wind in his face.

I always play along, pretend to be his passenger, repair “broken down” engines and hand needed imaginary tools and cans of gasoline.

It’s about his enjoyment.

He was agreeable to try a few other things like a climb to a tall tower which led to, what appeared to be, a swift slide down. Thankfully, for my back, it wasn’t razor speed but fun just the same to feel like a kid again!

We have been riding this farm train since he was a toddler, always vying for the conductors seat. His determination to fit his 5’9” frame into those tiny seats was successful; getting out was another story 😁

He ate cheese curds with a Dr Pepper and a warm, apple, cinnamon donut washed down with cool Apple Cider.

On the way out we all received a complimentary pumpkin and with a hug and a smile he returned to school while I continued with my errands.

I wouldn’t miss these days for anything.

I rescheduled a Dr appointment so I could be there. He’s been let down a lot in life and I will move mountains to be there when he needs me to be.

We both had fun - that’s a successful day!

Thank you to Siegels Cottonwood Farm for their kindness and acceptance of our kiddos 🎃

10/24/2024

Today was a good day.

William is Autistic and an old soul.

Nastalgia and family mean everything to him.

Last year, when his Nana passed away, we went through she and my father’s jewelry.

There was a shiny, worn, non working gold watch that had been my father’s that caught his eye and immediately became his.

William obsessed over having it in perfect working condition. A feat I knew would be difficult, if not impossible. But if you know Autism, you make every effort to try.

He desperately wanted for it to work so he could wear it always. But with possibly over 40 years of use, its life had wound down. No pun intended.

I dropped it off at our jewelers who sent it out hoping for the slightest possibility of a miraculously stray, usable antiquated part.

Our attempt was futile but he hung on to that worn piece of history.

At the beginning of this school year, after William had been drawn to a very similar watch his therapist wears and told him his plight , they made a deal.

Each day the students can earn up to 40 points for various things from good behavior to appropriately using coping skills, getting work completed, etc.

Mr S went through Amazon with him where they found a near match to my dad’s watch for a reasonable price and made a deal with William.

He was to receive 20 days of 40 points, not expected to be consecutive, and he would earn this watch.

In the meantime he was allowed to wear Mr S’s watch at school.

Today he said, “I won’t be needing your watch anymore.” He intended to meet his goal today.

And today WAS the day.

William sent me a text with a photo of this watch on his way home from school. He was SO proud of himself !

I am SO proud of him for setting a goal, and in spite of it taking time, he was patient, kept his eyes on the prize, persevered and met his goal.

This is difficult for him as he typically wants instant gratification.

What an amazing team William has at school showing him that if you believe and work hard, good things happen.

William never had the honor of meeting my dad as he was born a few years after his passing. But somehow he has always had a connection to him and this watch engulfed his spirit.

William needed this accomplishment to show him that good things DO happen and that there ARE good people in this world who believe in us.

But mostly, that he can do hard things.

Today was a good day. Look at that smile.

10/22/2024

Join us for our 3rd year at PCHS! We have our regular line, Halloween specials, fundraiser coffee & a few extras ! We’re in the Gym near the outside doors ! Can’t wait to see you

10/14/2024

A season ending home run for William was the topper to an incredible day!

I could see the pride on his face and in his body language.

I know he wanted to show his fans what he’s made of, and he did!!

Ev, you have an incredible heart and soul! The friendship formed between you and William has made all of us filled with pride.

A special thank you to family and Williams teachers for coming out and cheering him on with such an early game on a Saturday.

Every week he looks into the stands hoping to see someone who will cheer him on and be proud of his achievements - he found that this week 💕

A great end to a wonderful season!! See everyone back in the Spring!

Thank you everyone for helping William find his smile 💕

10/11/2024

William is nearly 16 and Autistic with multiple dx of ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia and PTSD.

Recently Ive noticed an incredible emotional maturity in William.

Some who face traumas in life recoil. They tend to make unhealthy decisions and their life’s path tends to bend in many uncertain directions for not facing those demons.

I’ve worried about him and in what direction his life’s experiences may take him.

Would he take to unhealthy habits as drugs, self harm and/or alcohol? Or

Would he rise above those who have hurt him and those who continue to hurt him and choose to be better than his bullies and abandonment?

As time slowly creeps by I notice a profound maturity to his perspective of himself and these people.

Although he struggles with low self esteem, he is also deeply affected and emotional with strong opinions about how so many have wronged him. Why?

Hurt people, hurt people. I will always stand by that.

I see him ebbing toward a turn in the road where he sees and dearly wants to understand the “whys” of his abusers to make sense of its effect on him. Both physical and emotional but continues to internalize fault that he does not, and should not, own.

Today’s request for a bike ride after school was a telling sign that his difficult afternoon at school needed a hardy fast ride to release endorphins.

William took off like a bolt of lightening leaving me in the dust with his long legs and larger tires. Slowing him down was not in his best interest so I kept up with my smaller tires and much shorter legs.

He rode so hard he asked to take a break on our journey home by this sparkling pond with the sun dancing off the waters surface and the droplets of the elegant waterfall.

He sat for a few moments seemingly pondering his current emotional heartache while taking in the beauty before him.

Without words, we continued home for a cool drink of water and a hearty dinner.

Williams heart is very delicate and easily scarred. I pray that he finds clarity and chooses to live a happy life and leave those behind who don’t deserve his incredible heart and soul.

He’s had tough life lessons to learn at such a young age.

Keep those close who truly love you sweet young man.

Believe you are enough…as you are loved…always 💕

10/07/2024

Looking to work with dogs at great place ? Check this out !

Pound Town, Inc. Boarding & Daycare is hiring!

Weekday - •AM shift 630am-1pm •Mid Shift 9am-3pm •PM Shift 1pm-6pm
Weekends - 8am-Noon and 4pm-7pm
Pound Town Boarding & Daycare is HIRING Part-Time Pack Leaders
Join our team in our Plainfield, IL location! Our ideal candidate is over 18 years old, reliable, hardworking and a team player!
Responsibilities:
Monitor and engage with dogs of all sizes in a playgroup setting. Ensure safety and cleanliness of all dogs while in our care. Ensure cleanliness of the facility daily. Work well as a team with the other staff members to provide the highest quality care for every dog like they are your own! This is a fast-paced working environment, and you must always be alert and ready to interact with dogs.
• Managing dogs in group play in a pack environment
• Have an understanding to the proper care and treatment of dogs
• Following proper disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing protocol with kennels, play areas etc.
• Daily customer interaction in person, phone and email
• Open to becoming well versed in non-verbal canine communication
• Being able to identify signs of illness, distress, or injury in dogs
• Assist in maintaining a safe environment for dogs to interact and play
• Create Invoicing, schedule appointments, take payments and answer phones
Pay and Benefits:
• Pay is discussed at interview and determined by experience.
• Free daycare/boarding for your dog after probationary period

Applicant MUST be 17 years or older, be a team player, reliable and have transportation. We operate 365 days a year, therefore weekends and holidays are a MUST!
Pay will be discussed at interview.

https://fs25.formsite.com/VnHtQG/x9xi7bjvok/index.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawFPLEJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSFSTun5ThIPypWI9-SrwxwnbjuwglEarePME0K2yE1IK-k0EK2iccPlLQ_aem_-dRYjF3P2uTGSy9RSt26bQ

Pound Town Boarding & Daycare, Inc.
23901 W Industrial Drive
Plainfield, IL 60585

10/04/2024

Another great day with Vanessa!

Her work ethic and ability to learn is inspiring!

Each week I try to introduce a new task. I want her to be successful and enjoy what she is learning. Yesterday we learned two.

There has not been one task that Vanessa hasn’t taken on confidentially and successfully, quickly.

I’m learning her favorites and try to put those aside for her volunteer days when I’m working alone.

Working together we accomplished labeling, sealing packaging, packaging treats and stamping expiration dates.

Rock star status at everything!

Isn’t she photogenic ?!

She is engaging, always happy, willing and ready to learn and smiling. Never complains! Doesn’t get much better than that !

We had a special surprise visit from Laura of Graces Gnomes! I love when friends stop by, especially from our community!

Great job, as always Vanessa!

10/03/2024

It’s Halloween and William and I stocked up with goodies for the pups and toe beans at Wags 2 Wishes Resale Shop! 🎃 ⚰️ 👻

30% of our sales go right back to help the rescue vet, feed and care for these pups and find these fur babies their fur ever home !!

Our awesome private label Guatamalan medium roast coffee is available also in either ground or whole bean !!

Hours :
10-3 Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
11-6 Thursdays

Shop the resale where 100% of sales go to the rescue and grab some human grade, preservative free snacks for your fur kids!

10/01/2024

Physical growth happens without thought, for most.

Tiny hands and feet that once disappeared into your palm now grasp baseball bats and fill size 13 shoes.

With Autism, growth comes with years of a roller coaster ride of 2 steps forward , 4 steps back.

It’s tireless advocating for services, therapies, companionship, medications, safety, IEP meetings, trust, managing intense emotions, self harm, eloping, delayed emotional growth, tears, heartache.

Saturday was a rushed morning. Thinking baseball would be cancelled due to rain we dilly dallied and left in a rush.

William forgot his “lucky” baseball bat and team hat. My heart sunk.

I cautiously looked over at him in the seat next to me and reminded him of the above waiting for a panicked need to turn around.

To my surprise, he shifted like a fast moving weather front blowing through and went with the suggestion for using someone’s bat and a hat, isn’t important. I barely had words.

Williams flexibility with change is improving daily. It has not come without immense work and patience from his village.

He picked up the available shorter bat, practiced and once up, smashed it to the outfield!

We made sure he knew how proud of him we were. He needs to hear that. We ALL need to hear that.

Friday after school, tired, he helped me set up for a show and Sat after his game, he finished up that vendor show with me for 3 hours helping to tear down and tirelessly haul everything to the Jeep.

Sunday he wanted to attend the Humane Society Barkapalooza with me.

Attending an event is non existent with noise, crowds and excitement spinning through his busy mind.

I woke him at 6am, we left at 7.

For 5 hours this Autistic young man made friends with dogs, spoke to customers and loaded and hauled again.

He spent the last hour zip lining at the park, snatching up 1/2 priced baked goods and fighting exhaustion. We both were.

For those of you in the beginning years of Autism, never give up! Advocate to success. Fight for your kiddos rights, safety and services.

Some things get better and new challenges creep in but the better will begin to outweigh the rest.

Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and fight through the hard times.

They’re worth it 💕

09/28/2024

Today was great, why stop now ?!

WILLIAM WILL BE IN THE HOUSE!!

If you can’t come out please SHARE and like this post ! Help us get the word out ! Thank you !😊

Sunday Sept 29 from 9-1pm
West Suburban Humane Society BARKAPALOOZA Fundraiser!!

Lisle Community Park
1825 Short Street, Lisle

BRING YOUR PUPS FOR A FUN DAY OUT!

5k Run, 1 mile walk, doggie costume contests , doggie games, rescues, doggie art projects, food trucks and TREATS BY WILLIAM!

We have lots of Halloween Combo goody boxes, toys, jars and coffins along with our regular line!

William agreed to leave with me at 7am for set up and Meet and Greet our customers and their pups all day!!

This is a RARE opportunity to meet the name sake of business ! He might even sign your purchases ! 😉

SUPPORT WILLIAM AND HIS SMALL BUSINESS!!

09/28/2024

IN PROGRESS! Until 4pm!

Something fun to do on this gloomy , rainy day!

Naperville - 4055 Book Rd

Support Small businesses !

William and I will be there from 2-4 and Paula, my sister from another mister, is at the helm until we arrive !

William had baseball first and did a great job !

09/26/2024

We would LOVE to see you this weekend at 2 events we were invited to !!

We’ve all been working very hard to make these events successful!

Saturday 10-4 at Alleluia! Craft and Vendor Fair - 4055 Book Rd - Naperville - $3 entry

Sunday - @ Lisle Community Park - Barkapoalooza West Suburban Humane Society Fund Raiser, 5K run 1 mile walk, food trucks, vendors, doggie games , costume contest and more - 9 to 1 -

We’ll have our regular dog and cat treat line, our private label coffee with 30% of profits being donated to WSHS, high quality vinyl p**p bag holders and Halloween themed goodies !!

Lots of fun this weekend!!

Hope you join us!

spotsonthefox.com/treats-by-william

09/18/2024

Attending to our mental health is important whether it’s creating boundaries or taking a mental health day.

William has had a heavy heart and the weekend found him very sad. Especially after baseball.

Sunday night he quietly asked to stay home Monday. I declined but the thought lingered in my mind.

I’m typically tight on facing your emotions and powering through the day. Most times you feel better when your mind is distracted from your pain.

William hadn’t slept well all weekend. Awake at 530am, bedtime late, tired and frustrated.

Monday as I glanced at the clock reading 630am, and he was still sleeping, a snap decision was made. He ended up sleeping until 7:40, literally unheard of for him. I know he needed it.

I packed up William and carried Hazel to the Jeep.

Off we went to work, to have a little mom therapy, get some work done and quiet time with his favorite fur baby. William was relieved and hugged me, Hazel, well not so much.

We’re still getting used to going into the out and riding on wheels that promise to bring you home and not abandon you.

He assembled boxes, sealed bags, stamped expiration dates and stocked shelves. He even dressed for the occasion.

We talked and took quiet time as needed.

That’s what I love about our 3rd room. A quiet, comfy sensory zone to escape and regroup when life gets to be too much.

Expressing emotions, albeit painful, is becoming more clear for him. It’s harder for me. His disappointment in people and circumstances is hard to hear, especially knowing there are things I just can’t fix for him. We cry and laugh together.

He has so much more maturity and common sense than most.

He’s an old soul with a heart well beyond his years.

I don’t regret my decision. We were all better for it. Hazel, too 💕

Our mental health is more important than reading and math, sometimes.

spotsonthefox.com/treats-by-william

09/14/2024

TOMORROW - Sept 15, we are back at Bronkberry Farm from 9 to 3!

18061 S Bronk Rd, Plainfield

FREE entry and parking !

This will be our last event this year at Bronkberry so come on out and see us and enjoy all the talented vendors on a beautiful Fall day!

Upcoming Sept events (and will include our HALLOWEEN options!!):

Sat Sept 28 - Alleluia! Lutheran Church Craft and Vendor Fair - Naperville - 4055 Book Rd - 10am to 4pm

Sun Sept 29 - West Suburban Humane Society 31st Annual Barkapalooza 5K & Rescue Fest at Lisle Community Park
1825 Short St, Lisle 9am to 1pm.

Looking forward to seeing you !!

09/13/2024

Wishing Vanessa the Happiest of Birthdays today!

Let’s not forget about extremely supportive, dedicated mom, Yvonne, whose birthday is right next door!

Happy birthday to both of you !

Can’t wait to hear about your super fun weekend ! Have a great time today and with your family !

Looking forward to seeing you next week 💕🎂🥳

09/09/2024

This weekend brought so much enjoyment for so many reasons.

I am honored to have met and spoken to Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, our 49th Senate District representative and her Chief of Staff Michelle Westerhoff.

They linked arms with the Plainfield Park District and the Plainfield Area Public Library to host our very successful pet expo Saturday.

The Senator was a special needs teacher who has found herself in politics advocating in Springfield for teachers, schools and the special needs community to provide equal funding to our family members and friends in desperate need of services.

Senator Loughran Cappel loves our mission and goals and we welcome her upcoming visit to tour our production facility.

It’s heartwarming and humbling to be a small, up and coming business and have someone with such passion for our community show sincere interest in what we’re creating.

Beautiful day, wonderful people and adorable dogs!

09/07/2024

Halloween prep is happening and Vanessa and I had a great time today!!

I had so much fun singing along with her and her favorite music and getting to know her incredible personality, likes and interests! She has a beautiful voice!

We’re a great team!

Looking forward to next weeks shenanigans ! Great job today Vanessa!!!

💕 We sent her pup, Sage, a Frozen Pup Cup for her birthday which she, apparently, thoroughly enjoyed 😁

09/06/2024

This weeeknd we are joining the fun at Clow Stephen’s Park in Plainfield at 16608 S Lily Cache Rd from 11am to 2pm

Animal Rescues, Pet Vendors, Food Trucks, Giveaways, Pet Themed StoryWalk!

It’s going to be a perfect day to bring your pup, check out the rescues and enjoy the beautiful weather !

See some of our reviews 👇💕

Can’t wait to see you !!

If you can’t make it to the show, we take orders and ship here 👇spotsonthefox.com/treats-by-william

09/06/2024

We’re making progress!

Hazel no longer has to be carried out the door for a walk. Especially when she sees her boy waiting on his pedal cart on the sidewalk.

She looks for him on our walks.

If he wants to race through a cul de sac while we walk on, she wants to chase him or stand and wait to see him rounding the corner. We can’t leave without him.

We can’t abandon him.

She stands at attention and focuses her attention solely on him until he returns, takes her side and our travels continue.

Hazel is showing her playful, dedicated, mischievous personality and William has fallen in love.

Their traumatic backgrounds blend in an unusual way and they connect on a level most can’t understand.

Abandonment is a huge thing for them.

William has recently begun talking about his realization of serious abandonment from significant people.

He calls himself a mistake and wonders how these people can just walk away and write him off.

Out of sight, out of mind and guilt I’d venture to say.

He’s so very hurt, sad, angry and disappointed. It consumes him.

William has more maturity and common sense than those much older than him.

There are no calls of “have a great first day of school!” “what are you up to?” “what games are you playing” “has Miracle League begun yet?” We’re going to get to a game this time!” “ let’s plan a day to get together!” Nothing!

It’s no replacement, but at the end of the day Hazel is waiting for him to walk-in the door with a bum wiggle and happy tail. Unconditional love.

She’s blessed us for 2 months and each day bonds more closely with all of us. She no one’s dog, but everyone’s dog. Mostly, she’s at his side and under his feet.

Kids need love and validation, adults can be uncaring and cruel, dogs try to pick up the slack the best they can - she understands the feel of loneliness and abandonment.

They are there for each other and that eases the sting for both 💕

09/02/2024

We have a BUSY month upcoming !!

WILLIAM starts Fall season of Miracle League Baseball Saturday and we have lots of events !!

Saturday, 9-7, 11am to 2pm,
Clow Stephen’s Park Pet Expo outdoor
16608 Lily Cache Rd, Plainfield - Bring your pup for some frozen pup cups, treat samples and lots of fun!!

Beginning with the Sept 15th show, we will have Halloween goodies and toys for your pups available! 🎃 💀 ⚰️

Sunday 9-15, 9am to 3pm we are back at Bronkberry Farm Vendor event outdoor -
18061 S Bronk Rd, Plainfield

Saturday 9-28, 10am to 4pm,
Alleluia! Lutheran Church Craft and Vendor Fair - indoors - dozens of vendors !!
4055 Book Rd, Naperville

Sunday 9-29, 9am to 1pm,
West Suburban Humane Society Annual Barkapalooza 5K & Rescue Fest! Outdoors
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short Street, Lisle

October 2 day events:

*Witches Night Out - indoors
*Plainfield Central Craft and Vendor Show - indoors

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

08/30/2024

Every Thursday morning, before school, I take William to trauma therapy.

And as all Autistics create routine, we MUST leave early, stop at Dunkin Donuts where he religiously orders Cheddar and Bacon Omelet Bites, Loaded hash browns and Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade.

Often time, when a I can afford it, I pay for the car behind me. Whether I’m feeling sad or especially happy it lifts me up to make someone’s day and my day to pay kindness forward. Win-win!

I pay and pull away quickly. I don’t want recognition. I just leave a message with the cashier to wish the person an amazing day.

I think it’s rubbing off on William, because with his heart of gold, he has asked to take donuts to his class. We did that again today.

Even with the issues he’s having with a couple of peers, he wanted to treat everyone and make their day better.

Our kids are watching, even when you think they aren’t paying attention, and learning from us. Good and bad.

Make sure you lead with positivity, your messages are meaningful and filled with kindness.

Our hearts are full tonight and was worth the small gesture to change the trajectory of a strangers day.

You never know what someone is going through.

Always just smile and be kind and maybe offer some donuts 😉 .