Naturally Healthy Pets adds people products

When: Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 335 N.E. Fifth Ave., in Camas

What: The second anniversary event will include more than $1,200 in prizes, as well as cake, beverages and children’s games. There will also be “puparazzi” photographs taken by Fireworks Photography of Washougal. Dog trainer Katie High will be there, along with pet food and product company representatives. Carol Parker Walsh, with Silpada Jewelry, will donate 10 percent of purchases to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in Washougal.

Contact: Call 609-3505, e-mail naturallyhealthypet@gmail.com, or visit www.naturallyhealthy-pet.com.

For two years, Don and Dore Jean Blaske have greeted local residents and their pets, while supplying a variety of dog, cat and bird food and treats.

As the owners of Naturally Healthy Pets, in downtown Camas, they often heard customers say their pets were eating better than they did. So the Blaskes have added a variety of organic foods for people.

They include potato chips, double chocolate cookies, salad dressing and salsa, as well as gluten- and wheat-free pancake and bread mixes.

“We are focusing on gluten-free, healthy snacks with taste,” Dore Jean said.

There are also CLIF bars, lactose-free coconut bars and orange papaya aloe vera juice. Proceeds from the sale of Shaman organic chocolates benefit the Huichol Indians.

Customers made suggestions about the items they wanted to see sold at the store. Other “people products” include “Arbonne” weight management program supplies, kosher vegetarian protein shakes and natural hormone balancing cream, as well as “Vibrant Health” products for individuals with arthritis, digestive health or immunity issues. Trial sizes are available to purchase.

Dore Jean said she and Don enjoy discussing pet nutrition and wellness issues with individuals who drop by.

“Many customers have become friends, and the highlight of our day is still when someone’s dog comes in,” she said. “It’s springtime too, and new puppies have been coming in. We love meeting them and frequently getting introduced to breeds we haven’t seen before.

“Our hearts have been touched too when a customer chooses us to be the first to know their beloved pet has died,” Dore Jean added. “I think they know we will miss them too and know we understand how deep that relationship was.”

The shop features Orijen grain-free pet foods, as well as dog and cat toys and holistic care products. It sells raw meat for dogs and cats, and samples are available. There is also food for macaws, parakeets and cockatoos.

Pet remedies include “Animals Apawthecary” products for anxiety, upset stomach and allergies, as well as “Snook’s nutritional flea supplements – natural remedies to prevent and kill fleas.

Dore Jean recommends the use of all-natural pet sprays, dips and baths instead of topical treatments.

“They work from the inside out, to make your pet healthy and therefore unappealing to pests,” she said.