Elyse Horvath, founder of Natural Paws is a woman on the move. What started with a single product to help her dog’s sore paws and ear infections has blossomed into a multi-product organic and holistic line of soothing pet products. Elyse left a totally unrelated career when the synergy of Natural Paws just fell into place. Elyse is a true delight and I think you’ll feel that too when you read what she has to say.
DRS: How did you get started in your pet business?
EH: I originally started creating products to help my Cocker Spaniel, Sweet Pea, with her troubled paw pads and recurring ear infections. We realized early on that we weren’t the only ones dealing with the same issues that plagued Sweet Pea, so we brought the solutions to the marketplace in order to help more dogs find comfort as well. Thus, Natural Paws was born.
DRS: That’s awesome! How does your business help both animals and people?
EH: We help dogs by using natural yet effective solutions to alleviate their discomfort, and we help pet parents feel empowered by helping their pets feel better without having to turn to medicines and chemical solutions. Nobody enjoys watching their dogs suffer, so when the dog is comfortable, so are their humans.
DRS: That is so true. Switching gears here a bit, do you have either a personal or professional relationship with animal rescue?
EH: Yes, both! Our dog, Lilly, is a rescued mutt, and she’s awesome. And, as it turns out, our newest product, Dry Clean Dog (dry shampoo) was created because she likes to roll around in the grass, in the sand, in the mud… (More about Lilly and Dry Clean Dog below). But she, like Sweet Pea has inspired new products!
We are also big proponents of rescue, and have made product donations to several rescue groups in Arizona as well as nationally via social media.
DRS: I love how inspired you are by your dogs. Do you have a favorite pet story?
EH: Well I have two. One of them I already shared with you in What to Expect When Adopting a Dog about how our dear dog, Sweet Pea got her name. Here’s another favorite:
Once we decided to adopt a new dog, I was a little overzealous and wanted to adopt every dog we found on Petfinder.com. My daughter, 9 years old at the time, was much more selective. I kept hearing, “Mom, seriously, be patient.” “Ok, fine. But how about this one?!”
So finally, I came across a cute picture of two puppies who had just recently arrived, surprising their mother’s foster mom, who was unaware that she was pregnant. I showed my daughter, expecting the same answer I kept getting about being patient and that the right one would come. To my surprise, her eyes lit up and she said yes! We showed the rest of the family, and everyone was on board. We received our home visit from the rescue group and met our new little one within a few days. She quickly crawled into our hearts, and helped us continue the healing process (we had just lost our beloved Cocker Spaniel, Sweet Pea, three months prior) with love and lessons aplenty. I really believe that every person and creature in our lives is meant to teach us some lesson. Sweet Pea taught me about unconditional love, and about perseverance in difficult times. Lilly’s very first lesson of patience and faith has been a continuing theme between us. I can’t wait to see what she teaches me next.
DRS: I can totally relate to falling in love with every dog on Petfinder.com. That’s how we found, Ninja, or most recent dog. Your daughter is very wise.
Can you offer 3 professional tips to my readers?
EH:
1- Never use a product on your pet that you wouldn’t be comfortable using on yourself.
2- When on a walk or hike, keep your dog leashed. Just because your dog is friendly, it doesn’t mean that other dogs you may encounter will also be friendly. Additionally, you may encounter sudden, unexpected dangers like wildlife, cactus, or a steep drop.
3- Know what’s going on with your dog. Check her paws and face after a walk, and check her ears regularly for dirtiness as well as odors, both which can be a warning of infection on the horizon.
DRS: All excellent tips! What’s next up for Natural Paws? What can we be looking for?
EH: As mentioned earlier, we just released a new bath-in-a-bottle, called Dry Clean Dog. It sprays on, and brushes off, taking dirt and allergens with it but leaving behind aromatherapy of Sweet Lavender Mint. It’s pretty fabulous.
DRS: It sounds fabulous! Where can we learn more about you and your business, and purchase your products?
EH: Please visit. www.naturalpaws.net.
We now also have a lot of retailers and veterinarians selling our products across the country. Finding one is easy here http://naturalpaws.net/natural-paws/find-us-locally/
DRS: Is there anything else you would like for people to know about you or your business?
EH: We are woman-owned, cruelty-free, and totally natural and organic. Veterinarians love us and your dog does too!
DRS: My dogs love Natural Paws and I do too! Thank you so much, Elyse for the amazing work you do to help animals. And thank you for your contribution to What to Expect When Adopting a Dog. I am most grateful.
