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Our Story

Dogs & Cats bring joy into my life.

My love for pets began when I was 4 years old. My Grandma got a puppy for me. Guess what I named her? Puppy. 

Perfect name, right? Of course, I was too young to care for a puppy, so Grandma took over. That was when Alpo dog food and toxic flea collars were the norms, and dogs were allowed to wander the neighborhood at will. I grew up in the 70s before the big launch of neutering and spaying dogs and cats so they wouldn't have babies.  It was also a regular occurrence for my neighbors to post signs in their yards for FREE Puppies and Kittens. 

Do you remember that? Boy, things have changed.

Chicona won my heart. 

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I had never had a cat before, and my heart was taken over by this little 10lb furry kitty. I was in my late 20s when I wandered into the neighborhood shelter. She picked me out of the 30 cats that were loose in a big room. The love in her eyes transformed me and was something I had never experienced before that moment.  

Because she was the first pet that I had to take care of, I made A LOT of mistakes. This was before the internet was available, so I made decisions about Chicona's health and well-being based on the recommendations, experiences, and actions of others. If they are doing it, it should be fine. Right? Ummm, NO. Lesson #1: Do not follow the sheep off the cliff.

Here is a recount of some of the biggies:  

My first mistake was having her declawed. I almost cry every time I remember it. The Veterinarian and everyone else I asked said it was "NO BIG DEAL" and 'EVERYONE DOES IT." NOPE. That is a bunch of crap. It WAS a big deal, and she almost didn't recover from it. This requires the surgical removal of the first joint of the claw. It causes a lot of pain and a lot of blood loss. Cringe moment.  

My second mistake was allowing the Veterinarian to inject her with steroids when she was suffering from some allergy. Again, the Veterinarian said this would help her. I listened and did as he said. I had no clue about the long-term effects of steroids at that time. Steroids only mask symptoms. They push the natural allergic response system of the body down, creating a health monster that will come out in another form later. 

AND IT DID. Years later, it became a skin condition that almost killed Chicona. She was one tough kitty.

My eyes were opened to a new way of healing.

I read "Dr. Pitcairn's complete guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats." My Pet-Parent caregiving was forever changed. Gone were kibble and canned food, vaccinations and unnecessary steroids, antibiotics, and "other" prophylactics commonly and widely distributed in the animal medical field. Guess what else improved or was eliminated? Skin allergies, bad breath, putrid smells, gas, diarrhea, urinary crystals, dull coats, dry skin, urinary infections, and more horrors. I began preparing a raw balanced diet for Chicona, ensuring she had the appropriate protein and moisture. Did you know cats are true carnivores? It is crucial to understand if you want your cat to thrive. Chicona lived to be 25 years old. In her last years, she struggled with some physical afflictions(stemming from her early steroid usage, unnecessary vaccinations, and poor diet). But all in all, the raw diet extended her life beyond my expectations.  

Interwoven with the journey with Chicona, I had other kitties in my home and heart, and I started rescuing dogs. Shamus was my beloved Corgi, who was fine and dandy until his cruciate ligaments snapped. 

He underwent 2 replacements in 2 years. 

And then, right before his 6th birthday, he left us for the journey beyond due to complications with cancer. It was truly heartbreaking.

Fast-forward to now. I am so grateful to have 6 doggie Fuzz-butts around and 3 more I take care of regularly. They bring a joy to my life that can't be described.   

Gifts of healing

These loving teachers gave me gifts of healing. All of the cats, dogs, and birds(yes, birds!) I have enjoyed in my life sprinkled their essence upon my path and allowed me to provide insight and healing options for all pet parents. Because of a voracious desire to learn and inspiration from Shamus and Chicona's journeys, I studied for and received a Doctorate in Naturopathy degree in 2010 to offer even more insight and guidance to those seeking natural healing alternatives for their pets. 

Your Gain

Our beloved companions deserve to have the best life while they are on this earth. I am committed to sharing the many holistic healing methods for dogs and cats that I have learned from the knowledge and experience with my and my customers' pet companions. Healing Pets holistically and naturally is miraculous, gratifying work, and I look forward to sharing many more healing, happy years ahead with the pet companions and lovers of the world.

Do you want to know how to take a natural approach to better your pet's health or provide natural alternatives for your dog or cat?

I can help. I offer holistic pet coaching to empower you with products and alternatives for your beloved furry friend to heal a condition or to preserve vitality and health.  

Contact me directly for more information Carol@Carolspetcafe.com or jump to the Holistic Coaching Page and let's get started.  A new beginning of health & happiness awaits.

Warmly,

Carol

 

About Carol's Pet Cafe
EDUCATION
Doctorate of Animal Naturopathy- Kingdom College of Natural Health
Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute
 

FAQ:

Is Carol a Veterinarian?
Carol is not a Veterinarian but a Dr of Animal Naturopathy and has implemented and studiend natural modalities for the health and healing of animals.  Carols works closely with Veterinarians to provide the best approach for each pet's unique situation.  In most cases, natural approaches that Carol suggests for the care and healing of dogs and cats can be combined with traditional veterinarian prescriptions of pharmaceuticals and therapies.  This combination can sometimes reduce the need for pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, steroids, pain meds and other common drugs.  I always suggest to my customers to find a holistic veterinarian in their area.  They clearly understand the value of a natural and holistic approach to pet care.  Whereas, traditional veterinarians are not schooled to understand and value natural approaches and alternatives to pet care. 
 
What is Animal Naturopathy?

Animal naturopathy is a holistic approach to animal healthcare that emphasizes the use of natural and alternative methods to promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals, particularly pets like dogs and cats. Similar to human naturopathy, which focuses on the body's innate ability to heal itself, animal naturopathy aims to support the body's natural healing processes by addressing the underlying causes of health issues.

What types of health and healing alternatives does animal naturopathy study?

Carol's approach takes in Body, Mind and Spirit.  Therefore the total pet being is evaluated so that she can offer a well-rounded wholesome approach to wellness.

She uses some of these therapies in her approach:

  1. Natural Nutrition: Providing animals with a balanced and species-appropriate diet is central to animal naturopathy. This might involve raw or minimally processed foods, and the avoidance of artificial additives and preservatives.
  2. Herbal Medicine: The use of medicinal herbs and plant-based remedies to support various health conditions. Herbal treatments can range from herbal teas to tinctures and extracts.
  3. Homeopathy: The practice of using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's healing response. Homeopathic remedies are selected based on the principle of "like cures like."
  4. Hydrotherapy: The use of water in various forms, such as baths or hydro-massage, to promote healing, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
  5. Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils derived from plants to address physical and emotional issues in animals.
  6. Physical Manipulation: Techniques such as massage, acupressure, and chiropractic adjustments to promote physical comfort and healing.
  7. Environmental Enrichment: Recognizing the importance of a pet's environment, including their living space and mental stimulation, in maintaining overall health.
  8. Prevention: Emphasis on preventive measures to avoid illness and maintain optimal health, including regular exercise, proper hygiene, and stress reduction.