doggy detox
WalkThe loves… doggy detox
and the incredible duo behind this product, designed for dogs needing to cleanse their upset tummies post minor illness.
Why we love it:
The first time Bee got pancreatitis, she cowered under furniture vomiting and was clearly in distress. I took her to the local vet who transferred her to the animal hospital and she spent the next few days on a drip. Despite being careful with her diet - Bee had another bout a few years later - the second time more severe. (Bee had been on steroids for her allergies and it made her more prone to digestive issues). After each episode she cleansed, before we slowly reintroduced a more varied (but still super low fat) range of foods.
So it is with this context that my interest piqued discovering doggy detox on instagram. Virginia Jones (and her handsome Blue Heeler Arie!) were posting interesting information on doggy nutrition and a host of very happy approving taste testers. Virginia’s love for her dog, her environmental stewardship and her passion for food imbue every doggy detox post - naturally we leaned in to learn more!
Based in Australia, Virginia and Arie live in the sunny Northern Beaches. Virginia has had an illustrious career working as a chef for royalty and celebrities worldwide. By 2005 she was ready to settle back home in Australia. At the Yagoona RSPCA a 4 month-old Arie sat alone at the back of his cage, either side of him excitable puppies barking madly. But Arie sat silent and motionless staring straight at Virginia, “it was love at first sight.” Anyone that has ever adopted a rescue dog knows - it is undoubtedly us humans that get rescued in these relationships. They add so much to our lives; the bond Arie and Virginia formed is a testament to that. They have been inseparable ever since. Virginia told me they have taken on each others personalities – “I think he would be a tad sarcastic if he could speak.” Virginia told me how Arie provided strength and support through personal turmoil - that his love was empowering and unwavering.
I asked if Arie’s name was related to Virginia’s love of Italian food and culture? But Virginia corrected me; Arie was slang for the local RSL (pub) – and his full name was Arie Oliver Blue Jones (Oliver after a local fisherman who was celebrating a birthday). A true blue Aussie Heeler!
Quite the character in his younger days Arie would paddleboard and swim with Virginia, (he even won the Scotland Island dog swim when Arie was 4 years old). But even finely tuned athletes get sick: Like Bee, Arie had a bout of pancreatitis - his vet Dr Sam Burke, advised Arie to detox, he prescribed a chicken and rice breakfast and dinner for 4 days, to aid his recovery.
With Virginia’s respect for produce and love for Arie she knew only the best would do! doggy detox was born from a desire to share this high quality healthy food with other dogs who needed to cleanse. She told us “I love food. And now with the joy of cooking extending to doggy detox, I feel its a pretty good purpose to have”
doggy detox is designed for dogs needing to cleanse their upset tummies post minor illness. The is a combination of;
responsibly farmed and locally sourced chicken breast
australian grown brown rice
100% plastic free biodegradable packaging. (You can view Virginias composting tests via her instagram feed - climate conscious consumerism is really important to doggy detox)
As well as devoting time to doggy detox, Virginia works as a private chef and cooks with some big names in Australian cuisine. We all want the best for our dogs and we understand that food is critical for wellbeing. So having a chef the caliber of Virginia preparing meals for our canine companions is an absolute privilege.
Good Dog Good Food
Arie (who just celebrated his 15th birthday) still eats doggy detox everyday but with some added yums to make a long term balanced diet, “once your dog has enjoyed a 3 - 5 day doggy detox diet, you can continue with our product as a base meal adding dry food and vegetable's as prescribed by your vet. A rotating mix of whole roasted pumpkin, grated carrots, sweet potato and bone broth are among our favourites.”
Arie isn’t participating in competitive sports these days but he has a happy and love filled retirement. Wandering at a sedate pace to the local park and spending quality time with Virginia’s dad while he waits for her to come home from work to snuggle.
I asked Virginia what life lessons Arie has taught her “being given the opportunity to grow with my dog, watching him from pup, to teenager to adult then senior is pure gratitude. He’s shown me the best reason to do my bit to make good change. It’s a food thing.”
Doggy Detox is made in small batches to ensure consistency and quality, without compromise. Learn more about this incredible product at http://doggydetox.com.au/ and follow virginia and Arie’s journey @doggydetox
In some of the photos above you’ll have seen Virginia and Arie with a Pekingese Char “an exceptional dog” who recently passed away. We know they leave very big holes in our lives - the WalkThe pack are sending V and Arie the very best of love.
