Photo Credit: Benjamin Swan
About 17 years ago I went into a coffee shop in the San Francisco Bay Area to get a cup of coffee . . . and I came out with Marty! He was there for a doggy adoption day with a woman who rescued dogs that had been scheduled to be euthanized. Marty had lived on the front seat of her truck for six weeks because her own dogs wouldn’t allow him into their pack. Marty was 6 months old, and had plenty of battle scars to prove his time spent living on the streets. He couldn’t walk more than a few blocks without having to rest. He was very adorable, and very sick. After many visits to the vet and feeding him the best food I knew to feed at the time (chicken mixed with high-quality kibble) he started to come around.
But things weren’t quite right. It was obvious he had some discomfort. At about 4 years old Marty had CCL surgery on both hind legs (the equivalent in humans is called the ACL.) I then learned he had degenerative joint disorder. I gave him conventional medications and continued feeding him high-quality kibble and chicken or ground beef. He was better after the surgeries but still limited in his activities, and he clearly still had pain. The allopathic medications for his arthritis sometimes worked but often didn’t.
Then I discovered Melissa Campbell, an amazing woman who had a canine massage and bodywork practice and whose work helped Marty to feel better. Melissa introduced me to Zarna Carter who initially suggested that a different diet for my kittens would help their health, as well as eliminate the cat box odor that made me cringe! Working in collaboration with Zarna, I learned how to create raw- and gently-cooked dog food recipes that utilize the best wisdom of animal nutritionists and homeopaths from Dr. Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M, to Juliette De Bairacli Levy. I mentioned to Zarna that I wished all dogs and cats could have access to the food that had changed our lives. She said, “Well then, I bet you could start a business doing just that.”
And here we are. Marty’s Meals, Inc. has now grown into a local business that helps support other local businesses, sustainable farmers and ranchers, independently-owned suppliers, pet stores and grocery stores.
Marty presided over the grand opening of Marty’s Meals Market in June 2013 at age 16. He passed away in December. But his legacy lives on through the food that he inspired!
We look forward to the opportunity to help your pets feel healthy and full of vitality — and for you to feel great about what you’re feeding your pet! Always Feed Love For Life!
