PCPF creates gently cooked real food for pets, customized meals, and treats that are handmade in small batches using local, organic + ethically sourced ingredients.
Hunter's story:
How one dog fought cancer through food, herbs, and a whole lot of love
Over four years ago, Hunter's groomer, JoAnne Smith, discovered a lump the size of a walnut below his jaw. We had it biopsied and learned it was a malignant tumor. Hunter had cancer. Our traditional vet recommended we see a veterinary oncologist at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. We met with a doctor and team of assistants there who examined Hunter and walked us through the results of the biopsy. His cancer was aggressive; it had metastisized and was in his blood stream. We were given the option of surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, and told he had six months to live--unless we took immediate action. At the time, Hunter was just over three-years-old.
Needless to say, it was a painful and emotional ride home to New Hampshire from Boston. After many tears, we decided we would not take such aggressive action. We shared the news via Facebook (and by traditional means) with our friends and family. Amid much thoughtfulness and empathy, one friend, Carol Aten, insisted we see Dr. Hannah Wells, a traditional and holistic veterinarian who practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at Health and Wellness Animal Hospital in North Hampton, New Hampshire. Carol arranged for us to see Dr. Wells within a day.
Dr. Wells studied Hunter's file, the biopsy results, the report from Angell, and conducted a thorough examination of him, including an analysis of his chi. She explained that as a young and energetic Golden Retriever, he ran hot and that the tumor and cancer was also hot. She indicated he would need cool foods and herbs to fight the cancer, and asked if we were willing to prepare his meals. "Of course we are," Paul said. Dr. Wells prescribed a mix of Chinese herbal medicines and a recipe for Hunter's food. She explained the differences between cool foods and hot foods, the importance of whole, chemical and processed-free pet food, and the fundamental way food interacts with each pet's individual make-up--healthy or not.
Over four years later, Hunter is as happy and energetic as a puppy. Although the basic recipe for his diet remains the same, Dr. Wells has made adjustments to his food along the way, pursuant to Hunter's changing health needs and as he's aged.
Despite a little white around his nose and eyes, Hunter, who is now eight-years-old, shows absolutely no signs of slowing down (sometimes to our chagrin) and we joke that through food and plants we might just have discovered the fountain of youth.
And the lump below his jaw is gone.
At Paul’s Custom Pet Food, we believe that nutrition is your pet’s best friend. Every item begins by sourcing fresh and humanely raised meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. We make every effort to buy local and organic ingredients whenever possible and our food is free of genetic engineering, synthetic chemicals, growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics and preservatives. Each item is handmade in a state-certified kitchen, and delivered or shipped to your door fresh-frozen to maintain its nutritional integrity.
