Itching, poor skin, raw pads, antibiotics, allergy testing, allergy shots, Inman-inflammatories, immunosuppressant therapy…sound familiar? These words are becoming all too common for the average dog owner, said Langley’s Melissa Major.
In fact, it is something Major knows a lot of about with her German Shepherd dog Jax. From the time he was a puppy he suffered from severe allergies and chronic stomach ailments.
Not only is Jax a family member, but he also works with Major. They worked as a security team and now he assists Major with dog obedience training through her company Westcoast K9 Services.
“I was spending thousands of dollars trying to fix my dog and he was getting worse,” she said.
After feeding Jax dozens of different types of kibble, including veterinarian recommended products, Major gave raw food a try. It was the right way to go.
But what she found was not all raw diets are created equal.
That’s why she decided to create her own raw food company and for the past year has been selling her Longevity Raw Dog Food.
Since feeding Longevity to Jax, he’s had few visits to the vet. Major only recently started the raw dog food sales, but has been teaching dog obedience for 16 years running Westcoast K9 Services.
“It’s been an exciting venture,” said Major about creating Longevity. “I have so many clients that come to me seeking to fix a behavioural problem and that leads to discussions about food and skin. It is amazing how many people are experiencing the same issues that I had with Jax.”
Major’s whole purpose in life is to do with dogs. The four-legged companions have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“The reason I got into dog training is because of all of the years I was involved in rescue. So many people surrender their dog because of behavioural problems,” she said. “I began giving advice to people and that turned into formal private lessons which I offer today.
“Giving people knowledge to train their dog so it’s obedient and not dragging them around on leash means more dogs stay in their homes and are not given up to shelters.”
She’s glad to be based out of Langley — which she believes is full of people who love their pets.
“People love their pets and to see them transform both behaviourally and improve health-wise is wonderful to see,” said Major.
So how much does it cost to have your dog on Longevity raw dog food?
For example, an average large breed, active dog weighing 70 to 80 .lbs, will likely eat two .lbs a day. At that amount, a 30 .lbs box will last 15 days. So for an average large breed dog, two boxes a month (roughly $150 for chicken blend for example) would be an average monthly cost. Whereas for a small dog that eats 1/2 .lbs a day, a box would last approximately two months. Major can deliver or it can be picked up.
Longevity Raw Dog Food is made here in Langley and can be purchased online at: www.longevityraw.ca.