Testimonials

ILLINOIS COCKER RESCUE
Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Rehoming
Cocker Spaniels, Cockapoos, Poodles and other Toy Breeds

Dear Aly,

Illinois Cocker Rescue is more than a rescue home, it is a sanctuary for all the unwanted animals that you have saved!

It was a major undertaking for our family while investigating the adoption process at many locations. There are so many options available and lifestyle choices to consider.

Many homeless animals are rescued by many wonderful people with big hearts - what set Illinois Cocker Rescue apart from the others, is the belief of recuperation and maintenance with the holistic approach.

Awareness through the information available on your web-site was an eye opener!!

Since we are first time pet-owners, we are like new parents and only want the best to contribute to a healthy upbringing. What a shock to see the ingredients some pet food manufacturers label as "food"!! The impressive interview from Aly investigating us as prospective parents, really made us stop and realize what a commitment and responsibility we have!

Upon arriving at this beautiful location in the county, we were awestuck at the incredible peaceful environment these little creatures were experiencing! Llamas and goats were roaming near the barn, and the sound of many happy dogs filled the air from the log cabin! Aly welcomed us on this crisp, winter day with a smile that brightened the overcast sky! A little sign "Acres for Wildlife" at the entrance made us realize that not only is this a place for rescue animals, but also a sanctuary for Wildlife!

My husband, 2 daughters and myself were so impressed with you, Aly, your kindness and thoughtfulness regarding our needs and also the pets needs were heartwarming!! Even though it must have been 25 degrees outside, and we were outside for almost 1 1/2 hours, we never noticed the frigid air because of the warmth we felt at Illinois Cocker Rescue!

Since allergies were a concern for us, Aly was very understanding and let us know, that if the symptoms were a problem for my daughter, that the return option was available. However, with a bath and the right diet, my daughter is happily enjoying "Muffin" with no reaction!!

Many questions have arisen since coming home with our new little addition and Aly, you have been so incredibly responsive to all our questions! We feel that not only did we gain a new dog to our household, that we have made a new friend in you --

We are eternally grateful for all you do,

Sincerely,

Jeff, Lori, Lindsay, Natalie & Muffin Watkins

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Good Afternoon, Aly!

I was just chopping up my monthly chicken backs and turkey necks thinking about you and the farm. Little Bailey is doing SO GOOD. He is such a little stinker, quite the 'bitey monster'. We walk every morning about 4 miles and he still stays close to me when there are a lot of people but everyday he is getting better. I now can 'chase' him in the yard playing and he enjoys it. He has come so far and everyday he shows me a bit more. I have learned that now that he is this far, when something spooks him I wait until he calms down to remove him from the situation. Like new people, I make him get calm and not just approve him running away to higher ground. It is working really well, in fact he comes up to almost anybody in due time! BIG BIG BIG step. The most inspirational and motivating thing I took away from you is your love for animals to be animals. I have been spreading the word so much about the BARF diet. I have bought a lot of books and read a lot about it. I now make food for 8 dogs. Lake Geneva Meat Market has been great, they are giving me GREAT prices. When I walk Bailey and people see him and know he is skittish I find it to be a great opportunity to educate them on puppy mills and dog food. I really think the public is starting to change the way they think about animals. They see how healthy my dogs are and are just astounded that it is just because of their food. I have gone to the vet for heart worm and rabies.... that is it! I am even starting to open the minds of my vets (which will always be an uphill battle). So in saying that, I just want to say thank you! You are a wonderful person and have changed the minds of hundreds of people. If you ever need help at the farm please let me know, or if you need a foster home to socialize a shy guy just let me know. Thanks for all you do each and everyday! -- Keri Hennerley

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"It was always my dream— for our family to have a dog. But my daughter developed allergies to pets at the age of 8 (she’s now 12), and I was afraid we might not ever be able to make that dream come true.

I kept reading and searching, exposing my daughter to a variety of pets, both cats and dogs, gauging her typical allergic reaction with disappointment, but I never gave up. I researched different dog breeds, fell in love with Cocker Spaniels, and one day found my way to Aly’s website. I read the information there, and was appalled to learn about the existence and conditions of puppy mills, as well as the ingredients and methods used to make most dog foods on the market today. I could write volumes on this alone—the seemingly absent moral conscience of these industries, but I’ll stick to my story.

In April of 2005, we went to visit Aly. My conversations with her about the BARF diet gave me hope that perhaps my daughter, Sarah, would not have an allergic reaction to a dog being fed an all natural diet. We fell in love with, and adopted Chester, with the first week being a ‘wait and see’ trial period, to really watch Sarah, and make sure this was going to work long term. Of course I wholeheartedly agreed to feed Chester only raw, natural foods— because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it makes complete sense to me that it would decrease the chance that Sarah would be allergic.

I’m happy to report, this story takes a happy turn. A very common scene in our household now is Sarah, sitting on the floor, and Chester, with his head resting peacefully in her lap. She doesn’t just pet him, or merely co-exist with a pet in her home, Sarah plays with Chester, she hugs him, she lifts up his front paws to dance with him, she dresses him up (yes, our dignified "Chesterfield" puts up with it and is a patient SAINT of a pet) and she never sneezes, itches, no watery eyes, itchy roof-of-her-mouth -- none of the symptoms she displayed when exposed to other dogs (or cats).

I know that the BARF diet I feed Chester has everything to do with the fact that he can be with us— it has made it possible for our family to have a dog, for my children to grow up with the unconditional love of a pet, not to mention the real-life example they see of how important (and responsible) it is to eat a healthy, whole, all natural diet!!

I’ve watched Chester’s health just flourish these last couple of months, he’s a bundle of energy and youthfulness. His coat is shiny and soft— neighbors walking their dogs comment on how healthy and beautiful he looks. His teeth are a bright white (he loves those bones), his stools are 100% natural and biodegradable (unlike the enormous black stools I see around the neighborhood— for weeks, from dogs being fed processed dog foods) and I am a devoted BARF chef!! The time and effort it takes to do the right thing, for Chester, and for Sarah, is more than worth it.

I wish more people would be open to the idea that diet plays this important a part in the development (or lack thereof) of allergies, because it’s true. Our family’s story is a real life example of what is possible if you take that leap and believe." --Laurie Pollock, Jack, Sarah, and Chesterfield

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"At first I was very intimidated by the BARF diet--it seemed like it was going to be a lot of work and was confusing. How could I be sure I was making the food correctly and that my dogs were getting the correct nutrition? I was like a fretful new mother. But then Aly gave me an recipe for the wet food, and it's so easy. Being busy, I prepare enough food for 2-3 weeks, then thaw and mix with water as needed. Not only is it easy, but my dogs are so healthy. I grew up with cockers who were fed commercial food and they always had ear infections, scaly skin, bad teeth, runny eyes, and doggie smell. My dogs have shiny coats, white teeth, they don't smell (well, sometimes after eating the mackerel they have stinky breath, but it doesn't last long!), and are just the picture of health. Plus, they LOVE to hang around the kitchen when I'm making the food, and they inevitably get a sneaky snack before I'm done. I've even got my parents using BARF for their cocker, and her health has improved as well. I will never feed my dogs anything else, I'm so glad I found out about this nutritional plan." -- Colleen and Sugar & Spice Hines

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"Before adopting Daphne, my Papillon, from Illinois Cocker Rescue, I had never heard of the BARF diet. I had owned dogs for 40 years and always fed them a variety of commercial dog food. I had no idea how "empty" those meals were. I suppose my dogs lived as long as they did because I always fed them our food scraps, as well.

Until you suggested I read the "Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care," by C.J. Puotinen, I had no idea how "cooking" changes the nutritional value of food (all commercial dog food is cooked at some time during its preparation).

We are not too lazy to make Daphne's BARF diet and freeze it in portion size lumps.

She loves her meals of ground turkey or ground beef mixed with food processed raw carrots, broccoli, collard greens, cod liver oil, and raw garlic. We give her raw chicken legs, wings, thighs, backs, necks, gizzards & hearts, and occasionally livers. She especially likes raw beef short ribs and thoroughly manicures raw beef marrow bones.

No more cooked food for my dog..... nosiree! Her coat is thick and lustrous, with no fleas. She rarely scratches herself and her teeth are clean and white. She is a happy Pap indeed."

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"While my dogs have always had adequate "outside" time...a minimum of 4 trips to the beach or park a day, I had a lot to learn about food. Sadly, there will always be people who just don't care about quality food or even believe in the bad effects of cheap food. I've always despised the cheap food but was never aware of the wonderful alternative feeding possibilities. For humans, feeding and eating good food is a way of showing love. Now, every time I feed Kilo another delectable meal, he eats with much more enthusiasm and gratitude. I'm not kidding! Of course, he knows how crazy I am about him, but it's just another way for me to show him. Most dogs get short changed when it comes to food. I'm so grateful mine isn't anymore. You do a great job conveying all the information; how you convince humans to believe in the philosophy I just don't know. I think people need to hear this repeatedly and from other sources. Many are slow to catch on. I knew commercial dog food was bad and I didn't want to use it, and, I thought I was doing ok with Natural Life but often Kilo wouldn't even eat it! So, I was ready to soak up all your information. By the way, he's now eating Merrick -- it has real chicken, veggies and more and I supplement with eggs, cottage cheese, ground turkey, more chicken, bananas and yes, egg shells. Anyway, the next step will be to add some of the frozen raw food....Steve's I think. There's a great assortment at the Chalet in Wilmette.

Well, it's time to take Kilo out for his 4th walk. He's my personal trainer. In many ways I think dogs without a backyard are better off. They get more exercise and socialization. That is, I suppose, if they actually are taken out....... " -- Deborah Mills and Kilo

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"I just finished making food for my guys and I always feel so good about doing it for them. I make enough for almost a month at one shot and freeze it. This works best for me and I have the space to store it all. While I was working at it I was thinking of the reasons that make it so worth while. I came across Night's medical records a few weeks ago that you gave us when we adopted him. I sat and reread them in all their detail and forgot just how bad they were. He was constantly having ear infections and skin problems. Well it has been two plus years for me and the time he was with you and he has not had one ear infection. His skin is in such great shape. He loves to be brushed. His black coat sparkles even when he is so close to his monthly grooming day. He is now ten years old and sometimes he forgets that he is not a puppy any more. He is so active and loves to go for long walks. I owe it all to the food and oils that he is given. I know he will be with us for a long time. I think of how good the food is for Teddy. Who knows what he ate in the puppy mill. He has never had any skin or ear problems. I am just amazed sometimes how healthy he is after such a bad beginning. He probably is at least seven by now and everyone thinks he is still a puppy. They both love the food and sit at my side while I am making it because they know that the carrots jump off the counter! Apples, carrots and squash are their most favorite treats. When we go to the bank, the ladies always send them treats in the container and they eat them to be polite but wish they were carrots. I cannot ever imagine not feeding them the BARF diet!"

Love from us all, Night, Teddy, Vince and Bev

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"We have had our lovely Portia, a Miniature Poodle, for 5 months. We have continued her on the BARF diet with which she was familiar when we adopted her as a 6-month-old puppy. Everyone who comes in contact with her remarks how beautiful her coat and coloring (apricot) is. The preparation of the food has turned into a fun time for us! We buy the ground beef (usually 20% fat), ground turkey and wings at the local Safeway and have a good time in the kitchen every two weeks or so breaking the bulk packages down into the individual servings to store in the freezer. We also break down the bulk package of chicken necks that we get from a local pet store. Usually the offered "menu" is ground beef or turkey, with various vegetables mixed in, in the AM and wings or necks out on the patio at dinner time. A happy little girl she is and so are we! Thanx Aly!!"

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"In March, 2004 I learned that my 14 year old Cocker had Cushings Disease. I did everything the vet asked. However, she got extremely bloated and was in a lot of pain. The vet wanted to do an exploratory surgery to determine what was happening. Instead of putting her through that, I opted to have him put her to sleep.

I'm sure that if I had known early on about this raw diet she would still be with me. I now have two very healthy Cockers from Illinois Cocker Rescue. I have fun making their batches of food. They love it and have beautiful coats. Ally had junk in her ears but now they are clear and they are not never more than a foot away from me at any time.

I am so glad I adopted them. Thank you. They will always be on this diet."

Thank you, Maralyn

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"I was very excited when we adopted our Yorkie, Rascal. He was to be kept on a raw food diet. Since I had been trying to be more conscious of our own diets by getting away from preservatives, dyes, sugar and anything else that is not good for us, this truly intrigued me. Fortunately for Rascal, it has been a lot easier to keep him on the food than it has been for us to change our life style. Even though people shake their heads when we tell them about his diet, we know it is far better for him. The vet never found a thing wrong with him when he was checked out. We have had Rascal since July. He is ten years old and a lot perkier than a lot of dogs that we have seen that are younger than he. It takes a little bit of my time to fix his food,but it is well worth it to him and to us. If you have read Aly's website, you have read how dog food is made and from what. If you have not, do yourself a favor and do so. The best thing in my opinion, is for people to quit listening to the 'professionals', and start reading and researching to acquire their own opinion.

We had lost our 'part' Yorkie, Friskie, a year and a half before we got Rascal. He had heart problems probably due to the heartworms he had when we got him at 5 years of age. We had him for eight years, feeding him dog food and on meds for his heart. There is only one thing I wonder about now. 'How much better his life might have been if we had known then about the raw food diet'.

The garlic alone is well worth not having to put rascal on flea preventatives. We live in a place that has lots of sand fleas and I never found a one on Rascal all summer. I could go on and on about this but it is really better if you do your own research AND listen to Aly."

Rhonda and Herb from Havana, IL

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"I have loved and cared for dogs for over twenty years.

I currently care for a Cocker from IL Cocker Rescue (Ali) and a Yellow Lab (Boomer). Boomer is 5 years old and for his entire adult life has had chronic ear infections. His ears required constant attention along with daily medications and periodic antibiotic treatment. My vet claimed that this was inherent to the breed and would most likely be a life long health problem for Boomer. Boomer also had very dry, flaky skin which the vet also claimed to be inherent to his breed.

I adopted my precious "Ali" from IL Cocker Rescue in November 2002. It was at that time that I learned all about the BARF Diet. Until that time, I faithfully fed Boomer the dog food recommended and prescribed by my Veterinarian and felt I was giving my dogs the very best in canine nutrition.

Slowly after weaning Boomer from the prescribed dog food to BARF, I started noticing the changes in him. After approximately one month on BARF, Boomer's ears were completely clear! He didn't even have any ear wax. This was absolutely miraculous. He wasn't pawing at his ears and the irritation for him was completely gone. Another noticeable change was his coat. The dry flaky skin cleared up and his coat actually started to glisten. His coat now feels soft and conditioned. The results astounded me as well as my vet! Apparently, these health problems weren't inherent to Boomer's breed but attributed to an unhealthy diet.

Thank you Aly for your dedication to both your animals and humans in educating us on the advantages of BARF." -- Melissa, Boomer, and Ali Paull

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"We have found the food preparation to be very manageable. We make up one month's batch at a time using various combinations of ground meats, grains and vegetables, freeze the containers, and then thaw them for two days ahead. We were making it go farther, but now that we are feeding three dogs, we have to make it more frequently. When we travel with our Cockers, the food goes in a cooler quite nicely. If we are on an extended trip, we simply make the food when we get there and refrigerate it.

Our Cockers' coats are definitely shiny and thick. Our vets all comment on how good their ears look and they also maintain pretty clean eyes. We also very nervously avoided using the flea preventive this summer and neither dog developed fleas even though they spend much time in a very densely planted yard where they are in and out of the bushes and vines all of the time. (My first dog always had fleas by late August if I didn't use flea prevention.)

Their energy is boundless. I just need to figure out how to control it and get them to be more obedient. They remind me of sled dogs pulling a sled when I put them on the leash (only I am the sled)." -- Leslie Oganowski

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BARF - so easy and inexpensive.

"Our Penny doesn't have a doggy odor to her fur and skin, her coat is beautiful and shiny and glows. She doesn't have bad doggy breath. (She did the other day but we had made the mistake of buying some flavored chewies for her and her breath got awful. That was the only new item we had introduced to her so we threw them out. Even the next day her breath cleared up.)

We thank you Aly for teaching us about BARF and helping us with our "wet meals." Penny has maintained her weight between 15-18 lbs. and acts like a puppy (and she is almost 4 years old). She wears her "snood" at mealtimes which help keep her furry, floppy ears clean. We brush her just to give her the attention, but her coat is so beautiful. I swear it is due to her BARF diet.

BARF has been around for a very long time and we didn't know it. My Aunt had two Cockers and she never had dog food in the house. We thought they were just terribly spoiled, pampered Cockers but now I realize they were on the BARF diet. And they lived long, healthy lives. Snooky lived to be 14 (until he was hit by a car) and Honey lived to be 21-years old. Snooky was a black Cocker and so beautiful. Even at 14, he acted young and healthy and full of life. Honey did too until she reached about 18, then she started showing her age. But they never had one iota of processed dog food or chewies.

I'm sticking with the raw bones for chewies and raw vegetables and fruits for treats. Our Penny loves pitted dates stuffed with peanut butter. Those are her rewards when we try to teach her obedience. She eats all kinds of raw veggies and fruits. She eats apples, but they are her least favorite treat and will look for something else before she'll eat them. Otherwise, she eats everything else easily and with wonderful manners.

I honestly believe in the BARF diet and wish everyone would feed BARF to their pets. I spread the word about BARF every chance I get. Keep up the good work, Aly. We're so appreciative of having gotten Penny and learned so much from you about BARF. Many, many thanks." -- Lou Shaffer - Nauvoo, IL

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"Until the day I visited Illinois Cocker Rescue, I thought I was doing the very best for Molly, my 11 year old Cocker, by feeding her a natural dog food. That day, when I saw all the beautiful, healthy, shiny rescued Cockers who are on a natural diet, I changed my mind.

We adopted Alfie, a 3-year old adorable Parti boy, who fits into our home like he was born here. It took courage to continue feeding him raw meat and bones. But I followed Aly's advice, and now Alfie and 11-year old Molly both eat raw chicken necks, backs or wings for dinner nightly. For breakfast I feed them raw food with the added supplements. Initially, I thought it would be a lot of work to make their meals, but it is so quick and easy.

The other day my husband said, "Molly's coat sure shines." Not only is she shiny like Alfie, but her energy level is that of a puppy.

My Cockers' coats are extremely soft and gleam, their teeth are pearly white, there is no doggy odor, and they are extremely healthy. I know I am doing the best for these two animals I love with all my heart and recommend this diet to everyone who wants to do the best for their animals." -- Rita Noble

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"We first heard about the BARF diet when we were adopting our Cocker Spaniel from Illinois Cocker Rescue and would never consider feeding anything else now. Marnie's eyes, ear and skin are just perfect - none of the regular Cocker problems with this little girl. It is very easy to feed this diet with a little extra planning - even with two people who lead very busy lives. We are so happy to have been introduced to the BARF diet and again would never consider any other diet or canned dog food again, not only for our present dog but for any dog that may enter our future." -- Jay and Marilyn Byfield

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"Simon is thriving in our home and enjoys a completely natural diet. While we cook most of the meat he eats, he still is given raw bones and loves them. We use no commercial dog food except what we find at the health food store (which is certified organic) and only as an occasional supplement. As you have educated us, Aly, Simon has a gorgeous coat as a direct result from the food he eats. We add a little flax seed oil to his meals which has completely cleared up his dry skin. In addition to this, Simon's coat is smooth, shiny, soft and has no odor. Except when Simon has fish for dinner, he never has bad breath.

We are absolutely "head over tails" in love with our Illinois Cocker. He has become a beloved member of our family. Over the weeks and months that we have had Simon, he has become friskier and friskier - the real puppy in him has been reborn. He is such a joy to have around and if not for the love and devotion which you have openly given to Simon and countless other refugees, it is certain he would have become just another abandoned statistic.

To anyone considering adopting and providing their dog with a BARF diet, all I can say is "YES, it is well worth it!" Not only will you improve your pet's health and longevity, but you will probably increase your awareness of the poison the commercial food companies our putting in all of our food." -- Best wishes, Stacy and Simon

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"It has been two years since I began my English Cockers on the BARF diet. I won't ever be returning to the conventional dry kibble diet for them. I have noticed that they are much healthier, no ear infections, teeth which once were tartar ridden (especially on my 11 yr. old) are now clean and bad breath has disappeared. Geriatric dogs have a tendency to get that bad breath. Coats are excellent, feel like velvet and shine like glass. This is the only way to feed!!!!" -- Belle Schultz, Keepsake English Cocker Spaniels

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"WHAT IS BARF? The word sounds totally disgusting, yet the results are truly amazing!

BARF is BONES AND RAW FOOD. "Who would ever feed their dog raw bones, meat, chicken wings, fish, veggies and fruit?" This is the question I hear each and every time I try to explain to people why Jazz looks the way he does. "You are killing your dog feeding this way" is the response I get when I tell people about how I feed my Cocker. In reality, people who feed their dogs commercial dog food are killing their pets and I am bringing my Cocker back to vitality and life. Why is it that every one who comes in contact with my little Jazz, who is now seven years old, says how magnificent he looks, and comments on how he runs and plays like a puppy? His coat shines and has gone from gray to a shiny black, his ears no longer have scar tissue, his eyes which were once filled with green gunk are now clear and beautiful, he no longer has any type of skin problems, and he does not smell like a dog.

I wish I could change every animal lover into feeding BARF. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if our beloved pets could live a longer, healthier life because they were given the proper nutrition? If we can make a difference in the quality of the life of our pets, why not do it...The results are truly amazing!

P.S. I have loved and lost a Cocker, whose illness I contribute to feeding a commercial dog food. Please read my story on Illinois Cocker Rescue website, entitled Jazz's Story. If you have any questions, please contact me at MedXpert@aol.com " -- Linda Wright

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"This testimony is for anyone who truly values the companionship of their dog or their future adopted dog(s).

We had never heard of the BARF diet until we looked into adopting a Cocker from Illinois Cocker Rescue. Because we had lost one of our two beloved Cockers to Cancer at a fairly young age, we were very open to hearing about BARF and the benefits it could bring to the longevity of our current Cocker (we didn't want to lose another canine member of our family at a young age). With the help of Aly of ICR (who answered many questions, as well as pointed us to web sites with the information we were seeking) we moved forward and started our one and only Cocker at the time on BARF so that he could enjoy its benefits along with the dog we were planning to adopt from ICR.

To our absolute surprise, our dog's teeth (over a matter of just a few weeks) went from being very goldish brown to pearly white.   He has no "doggy breath" and a lump that had been on his back left thigh area completely disappeared. His coat is brilliant black and he is now just as healthy as the other TWO Cockers we adopted from ICR. You would not believe the comments we get on their shiny coats.

Though there are many people (including my own extended family members) who just don't understand how dogs can eat the "real stuff" and be healthy, we are here to beg you to try it and find out for yourself. It is a joy to "cook" for the dogs and it has created a bond that goes far beyond throwing a cup or two of dry dog food into a bowl each day. Once you give yourself a chance to get used to making the "doggy recipes" (we cook the entire week's food each Sunday), it is not nearly as time consuming as you might think.

We believe that by feeding the BARF diet (with the proper recipes and supplements), your dog will be unbelievably healthy, happy, and will be a part of your family for many years to come. Feel free to email us if you have any questions." bbutler162@comcast.net.

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"We adopted our 8 year old Cocker from Illinois Cocker Rescue in April, 2001. We were introduced to the BARF diet at that time. We have fed our dog the BARF diet and have watched her go from a very run down animal to the beautiful dog she is today. We watched her eyes, ears, and mouth return to total health, her coat become shiny, and all itching subside. I would feed nothing else ever again. Adopt an older dog and watch your pet return to youth. Thank you, Aly, for showing us what a natural diet can do." Best Wishes, BARBARA MURPHY

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"In the 2 weeks that I have been feeding a BARF diet to Mohawk, he has shed his dull and coarse coat, lost his 'dog' smell, is losing the hardened tartar on all his teeth and is sated by his meals. My initial fear of all aspects of this diet has been replaced with joy as I watch him grow fuller in stature as well as become more loving and attentive. Thank you, Aly, for your guidance." -- Monica

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