We were created by two people with a love for our dogs and the expertise to craft a product that they could both be proud of. Tanna and Michelle both have wonderful stories and you can read about them below..
In the late summer of 2018, with the distinct intention of welcoming a new puppy into my life, I found myself stepping through the automatic doors of the local animal shelter. The air hummed with the low murmur of barks and the occasional excited yelp. Rows of enclosures housed a diverse collection of hopeful eyes, each dog with its own story waiting to unfold. I moved from kennel to kennel, pausing to offer a gentle word or a playful gesture to the puppies who eagerly pressed against the wire mesh. I spent time in the communal play area, engaging with several of the smaller residents, their playful nips and clumsy tumbles eliciting smiles. Yet, despite the undeniable charm of each furry contender, a certain spark was missing. None of these delightful pups resonated with the deep connection I had hoped to find.
A wave of slight disappointment washed over me as I considered leaving, the prospect of continuing my search feeling somewhat deflating. It was then, in a moment of near departure, that my gaze fell upon a scene of quiet tenderness. Nestled comfortably in the lap of a shelter worker, a dog unlike any I had seen that day rested peacefully. Her coat was the color of sun-bleached sand, short and smooth, and her build suggested a medium size, perhaps a touch smaller than the typical Black Mouth Cur mix that briefly crossed my mind. But it was her face that truly captivated me, an expression so gentle and open that it seemed capable of thawing the most hardened heart. And then there were her eyes – deep, soulful pools of warm brown that locked onto mine, and in that instant, a profound and undeniable knowing bloomed within me. This was her. This was my dog.
An immediate question escaped my lips, directed towards the nearby worker: "Whose dog is she?" The response resonated with a mix of sadness and opportunity. "She is up for adoption, and she has been with us for over thirty days now." My heart ached at the thought of this sweet creature waiting for so long. A closer look revealed a slight thinness to her frame, a subtle testament to her time in the shelter. As I tentatively reached out a hand to offer a gentle touch, she flinched ever so slightly, a fleeting hesitation before she leaned into my palm, a silent acknowledgment of comfort. It was immediately apparent that beneath her initial apprehension lay the most endearing and affectionate nature. Her love for a good hug was something I would soon come to know intimately. It was, quite simply, love at first sight. I knelt down on the cool concrete floor beside the worker, and Dazy and I simply connected.
The shelter staff estimated her age to be around four years old when she finally came home with me. From that day forward, Dazy has been an unwavering presence in my life, a constant source of immeasurable joy and unconditional love. Her quiet companionship has been a balm to my soul, and her gentle spirit has enriched every aspect of my days.
Years later, in 2023, our family grew with the arrival of Jasper, a charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. His journey to us involved a long drive to Jasper, Missouri, a trip well worth the reward of his delightful presence. Jasper is the epitome of cute and playful, a tiny whirlwind of affection and exuberant energy. He possesses a remarkable ability to communicate with us through a series of expressive vocalizations and endearing gestures, as if he truly believes we understand his every sentiment. Now almost two years old, Jasper is a constant source of amusement and boundless enthusiasm. The arrival of both Dazy and Jasper has underscored the importance of their health and well-being, leading us to a deep appreciation for products that can contribute to their long, happy, and healthy lives. We are truly fortunate to have these two wonderful dogs as cherished members of our family.
When my husband and I first made a home together, we decided a dog would be a wonderful addition to our family. We had just moved into a small house with a large yard, perfect for a furry new friend.
We went to our local shelter, intent on adopting an older dog to better ease into pet ownership. While walking through the viewing area, we happened to see a young family excitedly adopting one of two puppies that were in a single kennel.
As soon as they left, the lone puppy started crying, it was heartbreaking. So, although we were not prepared for a puppy and the responsibility that entails, we came home with an addition to our family…“Scrub,” part black lab, part pound puppy.
Like all new parents, there were plenty of sleepless nights, muddy paw prints, and chewed shoes. It was quite the learning process! In a blink, our little bundle grew from 5 pounds of wiggling energy to 75 pounds of big dog.
My husband and I happily adjusted our lives to accommodate Scrub’s much larger size but were unprepared for the huge amounts of fur that now covered everything. I had to use sticky tape to de-fur myself every time I left the house!
I learned that shedding twice a year was normal for mixed breeds like Scrub, but his daily shedding could not possibly be normal. As a dietitian, I knew that Scrub’s diet could play a part in his shedding problem. Something was obviously missing from his food, and I was sure switching to a different brand would be the answer. Unfortunately, after trying several, there was still no change.
With my research background, I investigated dog food production and what ingredients were commonly used. I was taken aback by what I found. Though most commercial dog food manufacturers start with acceptable ingredients, many nutrients are destroyed in the high heat production process. Synthetic vitamins and poorly absorbed minerals are added back into the food to meet government standards. Even uncooked brands relied heavily on these synthetic nutrients.
I began to delve into canine nutrition and what nutrients were necessary for optimal health. I reviewed countless studies on food components, their effects on dog’s bodies, and their skin and coat. My research confirmed dogs, like humans, benefit from a diverse and varied diet and it wasn’t just one thing that was missing from his diet. It was numerous essential foods and phyto-nutrients that contributed to his overall wellness and a healthy skin and coat.
Fast forward 20 years, with grown children, a thriving practice, and two fur babies, a good friend suggested we use my research and experience to create a product for dogs that would fill in all their nutritional gaps. Now, with the help of three other dog parents who are just as enthused and devoted to their dogs as I am, we have developed a truly exceptional nutrient-dense superfood product for dogs.
Our Dazywood Total Nutrition Superfood Topper provides the necessary whole food and plant-based complexes for a healthy skin and coat. In addition, we added many other fruits, vegetables, botanicals, and phyto-nutrients that have been clinically researched and found to provide your best friend with the essentials they need for optimal health.