Welcome to the Pack Chronicles

In this section of the blog, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve learned about natural pet care, from food to grooming to overall well-being. Here, you’ll find tips, research, and personal stories about how making natural choices for your pets has made a huge difference in my pack’s lives. Whether you’re new to natural pet care or looking for more ways to improve your pet’s health, this section is all about supporting you in making the best decisions for your furry friends.

Why Natural Pet Care Matters

Just like us, our pets deserve to be cared for in the healthiest and safest way possible. That’s why I’ve chosen to use natural products for my pets, steering clear of chemicals that are commonly found in mainstream pet care products. I’ve learned from experience how harmful ingredients in pet care products—whether it’s food, shampoos, or even cleaning supplies—can negatively impact our pets’ health over time.

Natural products are made with the purest ingredients and are free from toxins, preservatives, and artificial additives. By opting for natural alternatives, I know I’m giving my pets the healthiest environment possible, just like I’ve chosen to do for myself in all areas of my life. Whether it’s the food they eat or the products I use to care for them, I believe in sticking to what nature provides us: simple, safe, and effective solutions.

Meet My Pack

Let me introduce you to my beloved pets who have taught me so much about natural care and how essential it is to make healthier, kinder choices for all the members of the family.

Kato – My Old Soul Ferret

Kato, my champagne-colored ferret, is turning 9 years old in September 2025, which makes him a very old boy in ferret years. He’s been my companion since my freshman year at UCM, when I adopted him in December of 2016. Kato is an incredibly special ferret—he’s been with me through many stages of my life. For the first two years, he was my only ferret, and I took him everywhere with me. Kato even became the unofficial dorm pet, and my friends adored him.

As he’s gotten older, Kato has become ultra-cuddly. He loves to nestle into his cloth haunted house hidey on my chest while I relax on the couch. His aging process has been bittersweet, and it’s a reminder to me just how precious natural care is, especially for older pets. As his mobility decreases and his back legs are no longer as strong as they used to be, I’ve made sure to pay even closer attention to his health by using natural, gentle products that support his body and keep him comfortable.

Nikolaus (Niko) – The Goofy One

Niko was added to the family in 2018, a few months before I met my husband. When we first brought Niko home, he was a black sable ferret, but over the years, he has turned almost entirely white and cream. It’s incredible to see how much he’s changed over time, both physically and in his personality. Niko is the goofiest and most playful member of our pack. He loves to hop around, giving us all endless entertainment with his quirky, joyful personality.

The first time I brought my husband over to meet Niko, he instantly fell in love with him. My husband started calling Niko “his little dark boy” (a nickname that’s stuck), and Niko has become such a big part of our lives. He’s also one of the most affectionate and loyal of the pack, always following us around and looking for attention. His joy and spirit have been a bright light in our home.

Artemis – The Tiny Kisser

Artemis joined our family in 2020, and she has been a delight from day one. Despite being tiny, Artemis has the biggest heart and a huge appetite. She’s the first to greet me every morning with sweet kisses, and she’s a dedicated snuggler. Artemis has been an amazing addition to our family, bringing an extra dose of love to the pack.

Artemis’ quirky behavior, like her tendency to dig out her food from her bowl (making me laugh every time), has made her stand out as one of the most entertaining and lovable of our ferrets. Her affectionate nature is unmatched, and she’s constantly giving kisses, always ready to snuggle up in my lap.

Natasha – My Loyal Protector

We adopted Natasha, our Cane Corso/Poodle mix, in February 2021, just a few months after our third wedding anniversary. Natasha’s story is one of serendipity. She was part of an accidental litter born on a farm outside Warrensburg. When we went to visit, Natasha came right up to us, showering us with love while her siblings ran away. From that moment, we knew we couldn’t leave without her. She chose us, and we chose her.

What makes Natasha so special is the emotional bond we share. As someone who has gone through numerous surgeries and health challenges, Natasha has been my unwavering companion. She is always by my side, offering comfort, cuddles, and a sense of security. Natasha is also extremely protective of me. She’s learned not to jump on me after my dialysis catheter was put in, showing just how in-tune she is with my health and well-being. Her favorite place in the world is my family’s property, where she gets to run around, and all I have to do is say, “Are you ready to go to the farm?” to see her excitement.

Mabel – The Resilient American Lab

Mabel is our rescue American Lab, who we adopted in March 2024. Her story is one that tugs at my heart every time I think about it. Mabel had been walking around the neighborhood, but we didn’t realize the extent of her injuries until we found her in our yard one fateful day. When I opened the car door, she walked right up to me and leaned into me, seeking comfort and love. I knew immediately that we were going to take her in and make sure she got the care she deserved.

Mabel’s physical state was heartbreaking—she was severely underweight, her right thigh muscle was atrophied, and she had old cuts and wounds that were still healing. Her collar was so tight that it affected her breathing, and she had fleas and a small case of mange. We took her to the vet and began the long process of rehabilitation. Despite her rough start in life, Mabel has shown incredible strength, resilience, and joy. She loves to play with Natasha and is always in a happy mood. Mabel has become a light in our lives, and her presence has been healing for both me and Natasha. She made me fall in love with labs, and her journey has deepened my passion for rescuing animals.

Natural Pet Care: The Benefits

Natural pet care has transformed the way I care for my animals. The benefits of switching to natural products and practices include:

• Healthier Ingredients: Just like in human care, the fewer chemicals we expose our pets to, the better. Natural ingredients are packed with nutrients that nourish pets’ skin, coat, and overall well-being. Products like essential oils, herbal infusions, and plant-based ingredients are much gentler on their sensitive systems than synthetic chemicals.

• Safer Alternatives: Mainstream pet products often contain additives, fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate your pet’s skin or upset their stomach. Many of these ingredients are harmful in the long run. Natural products, on the other hand, focus on providing safe, pure solutions without any unnecessary additives.

• Eco-Friendly: By using natural products for pet care, we’re not only taking care of our pets but also taking care of the environment. Natural products tend to be more sustainable, reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of manufacturing and packaging. This aligns with my values of making environmentally conscious decisions in all aspects of my life.

• Holistic Well-Being: Natural pet care doesn’t just focus on the physical but also the emotional and mental well-being of pets. For example, switching to natural diets, using calming essential oils, and maintaining a chemical-free living space can help reduce anxiety and stress for pets.

Sharing Experiences and Research

As I continue to make the switch to natural care, I’ll share the research, tips, and personal experiences that have shaped my decisions. Every post in The Pack Chronicles is meant to be a place for community—where we can share stories, advice, and research to help all of our pets live healthier, happier lives.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you and your pets, and I encourage you to ask questions, share your own experiences, and always talk to your vet. Together, we can build a natural pet care community that fosters growth, knowledge, and love for all animals.

Let’s continue to explore ways we can make the best choices for our pets’ health, happiness, and well-being—naturally!