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 fixing your dogs and cats so they wouldn't have babies. (Did you guess I grew up in the South? The word 'fixing' may have given that away). 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. 

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 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 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 natural healing methods I have learned from the knowledge and experience with my and my customers' pet companions. Healing Pets 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. Through all the learnings that have served me and my customers over the decades, plus the alternative healing options that were revealed as a result of receiving a Doctorate in Animal Naturopathy, many pets have achieved their highest levels of health.  

Contact me directly for more information. Carol@Carolspetcafe.com and let's get started.  A new beginning awaits!

Warmly,

Carol