My Story... but really it's all about the fuzzies

At 4 years old my endlessly energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever/German Shepherd Mix began slowing down on our runs through the park. By 5 years old he began to stop completely, lay down, and refuse to move before we even reached the mile marker. In addition to his itching, I initially wrote off the issue to living in Tennessee- allergies, heat and humidity. After all, he was a very fuzzy guy. However when the weather cooled off for the fall and he was still stopping on our runs I knew there was a bigger problem. One costly veterinary appointment later, my Ajax was diagnosed with a severe case of arthritis, hip dysplasia and hypothyroid, as well as prescribed 2 medications for pain and thyroid.

Shortly after,I moved to Colorado where it was very cold and my dog began gaining a significant 10 pounds during the winter months. Again, I just attributed it to the climate and his coat thickening. However, when I took him to his first veterinary appointment to refill his medications, my new vet attributed the weight gain to the thyroid, increased his thyroid medication, added an anti-inflammatory for his hips and then also diagnosed him with discoid lupus. My dog now had 5 different medications to be taken 3-5 times a day. It was burning a hole in my wallet. I had moved to Colorado to return to school and finish my degree. I was now on a students income and could not afford this. Nor did I enjoy seeing my dog who was still very young in so much pain. But his pain had started to affect his behavior as well so I felt I had no choice. I had spent years defending his breed, along with other powerful breeds and I was not about to let his pain levels allow other to misjudge him as being an aggressive dog.

In Colorado my dog had much more access to water. He began swimming more and running less on pavement. And that's when it dawned on me to apply my health and fitness principals to his health as well. I changed his food and began giving him an amazing line of supplements and in a short period of time, at 6 years old, he became the 4 year old dog I once knew.

Roughly two years later, life brought our little family (that now included a cat) to Tahoe with a trip to Jamaica shortly after arrival. Not knowing anyone here, I did what any normal person would do.. I google pet care, pet sitting, etc. All I found were big corporate companies, over priced irresponsible care, or biased care (aka discrimination against certain breeds). There was no one I really trusted to leave Ajax with during my vacation. My options were a house full of too many dogs already, or care I could not afford. I just wanted him to feel at home and cared for, especially after the trauma that moving across the country can cause a pet. Therefore, I decided to start my own business. A business that specialized in large and/or powerful breeds or pets with extra needs. Since moving here and caring for my sisters dogs as well, I've become quite talented at handling multiple large dogs at once, administering medications, and training /help rehabilitate dogs that have special considerations. The bigger the dog the bigger the heart but any size kisses will do. :)