The tail wag when you walk in the door. The eyes that look deep into your soul. The greeting when you return from the grocery store as if you’ve returned from war.
That’s love from a dog.
American humorist Josh Billings said, “A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Anyone who owns a dog knows this is true. That’s why we have support dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs that help soldiers with PTSD, and K-9s who run fearlessly into the most dangerous situations for the people they love. Too often this comes at a price that costs them their lives.
Why do they do this? Because we tell them to, and our dogs will do whatever it takes to make us happy. Mayo Clinic research tells us that owning a dog keeps us fit, lowers our blood pressure, and boosts our happiness. For those of us who want to return the favor to our best friends, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep them healthy.
In recent years, the pet industry has boomed. Pet owners will do everything they can to make their pets’ lives more enjoyable and increase their time with us. We no longer just provide them with food, water, and shelter. We buy them custom-made collars, throw birthday parties, and never go through the coffee shop drive-through without getting them a treat of their own.
Tracy Langheinrich, of Calming Waters Wellness Center in Victoria, is one of the founders of Pet Matrx, http://www.petmatrx.com/, a company offering high-quality supplements for dogs. The supplements are offered in what she calls the “3-pillar approach” to a healthy dog. One offers anti-inflammation and mobility support, another offers immunity and gut support, and the last supplement offers nervous system and cognitive support. Langheinrich says dogs can take all three for the full 3-pillar approach.
“The supplements help dogs with everything from their reactions to loud noises to digestive issues,” Langheinrich says.
Her own golden retrievers, Jaxon and Lucky, have been taking these supplements to help with their overall health and other specific issues. Jaxon has been on a combination of anti-seizure medications since developing seizures after taking a flea and tick medicine. Since using Pet Matrx supplements, Jaxon’s had fewer seizures, and the side effects from the anti-seizure medications have gotten better. The supplements have also helped Lucky, her other golden retriever, with the endless itching from seasonal irritations to his skin.
You can meet Tracy and learn more about PetMatrx supplements at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for All About Dogs Day on August 12, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Bring your dog to participate in several events, including ‘doga’ (dog yoga), agility demos, and contests. This event, which will showcase approximately 40 other unique vendors, offers an opportunity to learn and have fun with your dog in tow. Tickets are available at https://arb.umn.edu/events/allaboutdogsday.
