Kevin developed a skin allergy from
the grass in Jane’s yard, and his skin was
so thin it would bleed at the slightest
touch. Jane took him to the vet for
a physical, and it turned out he was
loaded with hookworms and had a staph
infection: This was one of those times that
pharmaceuticals were necessary.
“Medicine was necessary to get him
through the crisis, and he did make it,”
Jane said. “Now, after a year, Kevin is like
a brand-new dog, who has also grown an
entire new silky coat of hair almost an inch
long, which is uncommon for a Boston
terrier. He plays constantly with the others
and is in the pool every chance he gets.
The difference a year has made in his life is
astounding, and
I am honored
that I had the
opportunity
to guide him
through his
transition to optimal health. His last brain
scan even shows the brain tumor is nonexistent.
He has been seizure free for over
a year as well. I use natural substances
like diatomaceous earth for fl eas and ticks,
and add a little to his food now and then in
case there is a hookworm egg that is stuck
in there.”
Jane’s other dog is also a Boston terrier,
named Harvard Fenway. He will be six in
January, and is in perfect health.
“He is my low-maintenance angel dog!”
she laughed. “I do not over-vaccinate him,
nor does he get fl ea and tick medicine/
pesticides. He has been fed raw foods,
fruits and vegetables most of his life. He is
a typical teenager, I feel, and he would eat
treats all day if it was up to him.”
Harvard is an unusual Boston –
gorgeous, but very timid. He is afraid of
loud noises and will not eat dinner unless
conditions are perfect (no loud televisions
or vacuums are allowed at meal time). If he
feels he has not gotten enough exercise,
he will actually self-fast and will not eat.
Not many can say that about their dog.
Penny had her eyes removed in
2018 and is completely blind, but the
discomfort she was experiencing – and
with no remedy to be had – dictated it had
to be done. Jane said it is an educational
experience for the children and adults
who knew Penny before the surgery, to
see that isn’t the end of life for the old girl.
“I keep Penny very engaged in daily life
so she doesn’t slip into a depression or
feel left out,” Jane said. “She navigates very
well. She is still the boss and co-founder of
the store, and lets everyone know it. Penny
still likes me to hold her on my lap so she
can say hi and give lots of kisses to her
adoring fans.”
As we said before, Jane’s shop is not
just the pet food spot. Some of the most
unique and interesting pet-related items
can be found there, from sterling silver
medallions
featuring a
silhouette
of the island
(created by
silversmith
jeweler JT Inman of Massachusetts, who
uses a technique implemented in 1852)
to dog beds, bowls, educational toys and
life jackets. The shop’s Facebook page
is update almost daily with articles on
health and safety for our pets. Some of her
customers swear the inventory in Jane’s
store is better than some of the highend
pet boutiques in New York City. She
also offers curbside pickup and delivery
options, as well.
“If I don’t have it, I always try to get it for
my customer,” Jane said. “The retail side
is my favorite part. My goals for the future
are to continue to educate myself, and my
customers, on healthier and safer nutrition
options for our pets, with an emphasis
on raw foods and holistic healing. I will
continue to offer and educate pet parents
on herbal remedies, CBD, CBD treats
and tinctures and homeopathic fl ower
essences to boost the immune system
naturally, to aid in recovery, promote
longevity, to relieve stress and anxiety and
for behavioral modifi cation. I like to try and
run my store using four basic core values
– integrity, customer service, respect and
professionalism. I like to think I treat most
of my pet owners and their pets as family.”
76 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • November/December • 2020