Our Story

 

 

When Harley saw her good pal and fellow Australian Shepherd, Davidson suffering from seizures she looked to their owner Helene Chaisson for help. The acclaimed, CIA-trained chef did what any pet owner would do, shuttling Davidson to vet visits where the five-year old canine was put through tests, evaluations, and blood work to determine the cause of the seizures.

Eventually Davidson was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, a chronic neurological problem affecting both dogs and cats. Chef Helene listened as the vet gave her a course of treatment for Davidson - phenobarbital.

The drug decreases and stabilizes neuron activity in the brain, but for Davidson it brought about a sharp drop in activity. When Helene questioned as to whether the medication was too much for her dog the vet reassured Helene that Davidson would get used to it.

But Helene began to question not only the medication and how it seemed to turn an active and energetic dog into a couch potato, but also the root cause of the seizures.

With decades of culinary experience, she knew firsthand the impact food has on people, but what about dogs? And what if she could make wholesome dog food? Would it have any impact on Davidson, and work for Harley, who had suffered from Lyme disease and allergies?

Fueled by a feeling of desperation and wanting to improve her dog’s health and quality of life, Chef Helene went back to the kitchen and back to work making healthy dog food with chicken, turkey, rice, and sweet potatoes. She mixed in everything from apples to spinach and calcium seaweed, among other ingredients. Those were just the main courses. Ice cream pucks were made with roasted sweet potato, pumpkin, and roasted strawberry.

Less than a year later the results have been nothing short of dramatic. Davidson is seizure free and back playing frisbee fetch as often as possible. Harley is showing no sign of the allergies, and blood work has confirmed there is also no sign of the Lyme disease. Both dogs are busy living their healthiest lives! The two Australian Shepherds offer proof of the positive and heathy effects of the food whipped up by Chef Helene. And with additional anecdotal accounts and testimonials as to the benefits of her dog food, Helene is eager and proud to offer her wholesome line of food to dog owners everywhere through Healthy Harley.