The purpose of this blog is to help owners of special needs dogs.

When my girl first presented with allergies I looked everywhere for answers.  Three vets, countless visits, one specialist, and an allergy test later we find out that she is allergic to literally everything; including humans.  I didn’t even know that was a thing!

I spent hours on the internet, read every book, and talked to every expert that I could find.  We created a program that included medication, routine baths, ointments, and over the counter and homemade remedies.

We reached a point where we thought “OK, we’ve got this.”  All we had to do was stick to the program and she was pretty good.

And then she broke her back and had to have extensive surgery; and my search started again.  We had to relearn how to do everything.

We all want our fur friends lead their best lives.  Helping them to be happy, healthy, and safe is hard enough under the best of circumstances. Add in a physical, mental, or emotional challenge and it can seem impossibly overwhelming.

I know how scary it can be when your pet is struggling.  I know because I’ve been there.  Twice!  And now I want to use my experiences to help you help them.

1. I want to help pet parents find cost effective solutions to pet health challenges.

I know from experience that allergies, surgery, and other health concerns can be financially challenging.

I’ve spent years finding and using inexpensive solutions successfully. And I know that sometimes a willingness to think outside the box is all you need.

Can’t afford a wobble board for physical therapy?  Stack up a few pillows.  Dog won’t quick licking her paws?  Baby socks work wonders.

I want to teach you how to use everyday items, that you probably already own, in unique ways to help your dog.

2.  I want to create a community of dog lovers who can communicate with each other with messages of advice, support, and love.

I know that strangers see the way that I hover over my dog and think I’m a helicopter parent.  They wonder why I won’t just let my dog be a dog.  They can’t possibly know what my dog has been through; what she continues to struggle with.

I want my dog to play and have fun; to “be a dog”.  But I also need to protect her and keep her safe.

Walking that line can be exhausting.  And those of us who have special needs dogs know that better than most.

It can feel very lonely and isolating to have a dog with special needs because not everyone “gets it”.  I want guardians of special needs dogs to know that they are not alone.  There are others out there who understand and support you.

3.  I want to help educate people about products and services.

I know, I know… “Didn’t you just say that you don’t need expensive products?”

Yes, I did.  And I stand by that, for the most part.  But sometimes a product, service, or expert is the way to go.  For example, you can’t make your own fish oil supplement.  Or you may need expert advice about an exercise program.

And sometimes it is simply a matter of time.  Sure, there are some things that you could totally make yourself.  But if there is a product that is effective and affordable why not take advantage of it?

There are hundreds of products that are marketed towards helping special needs dogs. The choices can be overwhelming, and the most expensive option is not always the best.

I’ve tried a lot of things. Some have worked great and some are not worth the hype.  I want to help educate people about the products and services that I think are worth the money, and what has great marketing but limited results.

4. I want to be a trusted source for caretakers of special needs dogs.

I know how hard it can be to navigate through hundreds of websites, books, fliers, and infomercials. Couple that with all of the advice that you will get from well-meaning loved ones and “experts” and the whole process can be incredibly overwhelming.

I want to be a trusted source for pet parents who are struggling to cut through the noise. I’ve been there, done that, and gotten the t-shirt. I want to share with you what has worked for us.

Every dog and every situation is unique.  I understand that what works for Hazel will not work for every dog.  And I need you to understand that too. 

The information that I share is what works for us, but there is no “right” or “perfect” solution.  Having a special needs dog is a constant battle of trial and error.  We are constantly tweaking things slightly, or changing things entirely.

I can’t give you perfect solutions.  What I can give you enough information to empower you to try things for yourself; to find perfect solutions for your dog.  It can be scary, but you got this!

5. I want to offer my own courses for guardians of special needs pets.

I want you to learn everything from making your own therapy equipment to how to give a therapeutic massage, and everything in between.

There are courses and e-books that have the information that you’re looking for.  Many of them are very good and I highly recommend them.

But most of them are made for owners of healthy pets.  They include information that you don’t need and can’t use because you don’t have a perfectly healthy dog; you have a special dog with special challenges and special needs.

I want you to have access to courses that are tailor made for the challenges that you face with your dog.  Spending time with your dog in a way that helps them feel good and thrive is a joy, for you and for them. I want every pet parent to have that.

Wrapping it up…

When we brought home our happy, bouncy, ball of puppy fur we had no idea what we were in for.  She has been a challenge from day one.  But we wouldn’t change a thing.

She has taught us so much about dogs; dog health, dog care, dog husbandry.  But also, about love and acceptance and patience.  And she continues to teach us every day.  I aspire to be more like my dog!

When I went looking for answers for my pup it was exhausting. There was no single resource that would help me in my search.

I have put in the time, done the research, and learned from trial and error. I want to make the process easier for you. I want you to spend time helping your dog, not sifting through information.

Welcome my loving dog owner friend.  I know that you’re here because you’re concerned about your beloved fur friend.  I know that you’re looking for answers and I hope that you find them here.

You can do this.  We can all do this.  We’ll do it together.

Wishing you love and wet kisses!

Jenn