How it all began

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My journey with dogs has been one of profound transformation, both emotionally and philosophically. I adopted my dog, Taylor, in the spring of 2013, and he quickly became my heart dog. Over the years, I learned that the love we have for our pets goes far beyond companionship and basic veterinary care—it extends to advocating for their health, happiness, and overall well-being. 

In September of 2021, I began a holistic dog rescue out of my home. Through that experience, I realized that many dog owners weren't yet ready to embrace a holistic approach to dog health. It was a frustrating and humbling realization, but it set the stage for the next phase of my journey.

In 2022, after receiving concerning lab results for Taylor, my vet recommended switching him to a raw food diet. When I later adopted Toki, a rescue dog with physical issues and emotional challenges, my vet once again recommended a raw food diet. This is when I discovered that holistic supplements and resources, while helpful, weren’t enough on their own. I realized that the foundation of health starts with food—and began to question not only the practices of dog rescue but also the broader dog medical industry.

Sadly, Taylor passed away October 2023, but his legacy pushed me to continue my journey of better educating myself. In the wake of his passing, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew. I closed my holistic dog rescue and turned my focus inward, committing myself to further education. I enrolled in many food education courses, including a food therapy certification program, the Feed Real CPCN (Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist) program, and I also just completed certifications as an Acute Canine Herbalism Specialist, Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and Pet Food Nutrition Specialist. I hope to continue exploring additional courses in TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinarian Medicine) constitutions, food therapy, and energy work as I believe this is the future of addressing root cause of deficiency in the body. 

Through my personal experiences and the heartache, I endured, I became inspired to share the invaluable, yet often overlooked, knowledge I was discovering. I became passionate about educating fellow dog owners on the crucial information I wish I had known sooner, ensuring they have the resources to make informed decisions for their pets' health and care. 

In early 2024, I founded The Toki Project—a program dedicated to providing a more foundational approach to dog health. My focus now is on helping dog parents understand the critical role of food and individualized nutrition, and how the emotional and physical health of their dogs stem from these essential elements. 

Simply put, The Toki Project is a place where pet parents can come to understand their dogs from the inside out—from the food they eat to the emotional and physical care they require. Through all the highs and lows, I’ve learned that caring for dogs is a journey that evolves with each unique relationship. The Toki Project is my way of sharing the knowledge, experience, and compassion I’ve gained, hoping to make a positive impact on the lives of dogs everywhere.

  My mission is to educate dog owners on the critical importance of paying attention to the warning signs their dog's body is giving. Through personalized guidance, I teach owners the value of proper nutrition and intentional feeding, providing them with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their dog's health. I am committed to offering individualized solutions to address each dog’s unique needs, empowering owners to improve their dog's overall well-being through education and mindful care.