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The following is an article written by Christine Nardone, reporter staff writer
for West New York Reporter.
"For the love of dogs. Local company creates organic biscuit and aromatherapy line for canines."
With the help of chain stores such as Bath & Body Works, and with hair treatment products such as Herbal Essence, words like aromatherapy, all-natural and organic have become synonymous with the most common household remedies. But can these remedies also be used on dogs?
West New York resident Sevi Kay, the founder of CyberCanine.com and a member of the National Aromatherapy of Holistic Association with an International Aromatherapy Certificate, said that organic products are actually great for dogs.CyberCanine.com is an Internet business founded in 1998 that sells organically made, all-natural treats and aromatherapy products for dogs.
"Aromatherapy can be used on dogs," said Kay, who hand-makes all of the products sold on her web site in a workroom in her West New York home. "However, [the products] have to be diluted properly."
Kay excitedly went on to explain the difference between aromatherapy in humans and in dogs. Kay said that if 10 drops of organic oils are added to the flower oils or other all-natural material for humans, then only two drops would be added for a dog. However, she also said that smaller dogs, older dogs or pregnant dogs would use even fewer drops.
CyberCanine's aromatherapy line includes shampoos, soaps, mists, candles and ointments.
"The treatment doesn't have to be applied to the skin to work," explained Kay, when asked how a dog would benefit from using candles. "You can disperse it in the air."
If it is good enough for my dog...
In 1997, Kay's German shepherd, Mundo, became ill and started losing his hair. Eventually, Kay found that her carpet cleaner was the cause. Kay learned that toxic ingredients such as SLS, SLES, and DEA are found in many household products, including shampoos.
Now, Kay and her husband use all-organic products, many of which they make themselves.
"I can't shop anymore," said Kay, who won't even buy toothpaste.
Now Kay makes her aromatherapy line with only organic and all-natural products, just like her dog treats. She even makes her own soap, dish detergent and carpet cleaner. Kay also uses organic ingredients in her food.
Organic products are those that are specially grown from untreated soil. This means that the soil does not contain pesticides or toxic materials.
The organic vegetables, milk and eggs that are used in CyberCanine's biscuit line come from animals that do not get hormone treatments or eat food with pesticides or toxic materials.
"When I first started making soap, everyone said, no, that isn't possible," said Kay. "Everybody thinks soap comes from a factory. We forget that 100 years ago, we did make our own soap."
However, all organic materials are extremely expensive. According to Kay, a dozen organic eggs costs about $5, and some organic oils cost close to $5,000 for each supply.
Customer Service
All of CyberCanine.com's products are made to order; they are never mass-produced. The majority of their business comes from customers making special requests, not direct ordering.
"I love special orders," said Kay, who likes to get to know her customers and their dogs. "I get to communicate with the customers."
Among some of her special requests, Kay has made rye biscuit treats for dogs who cannot eat wheat, and salmon biscuits.
"We do the best we can," said Kay about meeting their customers' requests.
Kay also likes to ask for a picture of the dogs and their birthdays. This way, each dog can receive a personalized birthday present from CyberCanine, perhaps with a special treat.
"This is about being healthy, staying healthy and showing your animals that you love them," said Kay.
How it all began
"I guess I always felt the lack of superior products for animals, especially dogs," said Kay, a pronounced dog lover. However, she and her husband Steve did not begin to act on this feeling until after Mundo became ill.
After seeing a veterinarian, Mundo was treated much like humans would have been. He was given an antibiotic.
After the antibiotic started causing side effects in her dog, such as diarrheas, Kay decided to do some research.
Kay discovered that this antibiotic might be harming Mundo more in the long run.
"What is going to happen in four years?" asked Kay.
This is when Kay decided to take action. While she always made biscuits for her dogs, she began using organic vegetables, milk and eggs to make her biscuits.
"I wouldn't give my dogs anything that I wouldn't give myself," said Kay. "Would you eat the kibble you buy in the grocery store? No. So I wouldn't make my dog, either."
In 1998, Kay began selling what is known as the TOGO! Biscuit line on the Internet.
"The aromatherapy line is still a baby," said Kay. The line is only about one year old.
Kay explained that she spends the time to try out her products before she puts them out online.
"I prefer not to put anything out if I am not 100 percent sure of it," said Kay, who is now working on potpourri.
CyberCanine.com has a Blue Canine aromatherapy line for dogs and a Green Canine aromatherapy line for pregnant dogs, smaller dogs and older dogs.
Eventually, Kay would like to open a boutique to sell her product line.
"I would love that," said Kay about opening a store. "This isn't about making millions of dollars. This is what I would like to do for the rest of my life."
However, Kay does not want a franchise or a chain store.
"We are not Pet Smart" said Kay. "We are different."
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