Holistic-based pet supplies boutique, apothecary offers natural, wholesome products for dogs, cats; Halloween Pawty Saturday 10 to 4
Opening Downtown Pet Shop in August 2022 combined Michelle Nichol’s two passions: her love for animals and of all things holistic.
An admirer of the power of plants and their healing forces, she started to use alternative healers and natural medicines to reverse health problems she was troubled with. This journey led her to go to school for holistic nutrition to understand, on a deeper level, all that comes with holistic practices.
When her two dogs, white shepherd husky Kelso and corgi Rosie, started showing signs of decline, including joint problems, digestive issues, skin sensitivities, and fluctuating weight, it made her question why she wasn't practicing holistic well-being with them.
“Once I changed their food to a whole food and natural diet, added supplementation, and focused on herbs dedicated to their needs, their health problems started dissipating, and they began to act like their young juvenile selves again. I feel animal nutrition isn't expressed and educated enough, and that's why I opened up my little holistic pet shop: to help guide those who have animals to know they have their animals’ health basically in their hands, and our animals can live much healthier and longer lives because of it,” said Michelle.
Skin issues, usually due to food allergies, sensitivities to the environment, such as trees, pollens, pesticides, and pollutants, or overuse of antibiotics and medications, are the number one pet health issue that Michelle sees, followed by digestive disorders and anxiety.
“I truly believe with every health issue, there is an herb that can help,” said Michelle. “Natural ways of healing have been around for thousands of years and work in so many beautiful ways when it comes to preventative, therapeutic, and everyday practices. It has very mild, if not any, side effects with use and helps support the body's healing capabilities rather than mask and defeat them. I believe conventional medicine is there when we need it, absolutely; however, I would choose herbal medicine or natural supplementation before anything else.”
Downtown Pet Shop carries a wide selection of herbal tinctures, powders, and supplements, and raw and gently cooked foods, but the shop also has a very boutique side that offers unique products, such as genuine leather hand-beaded collars, crystal charms, all-natural cedar tick repellent collars, specialty treats, pet-friendly candles, dog mom walking purses, and a bone bar that offers a wide variety of chews for dogs and cats.
Customers are welcome to bring their pets into the store to meet Michelle, Rosie, and Kelso.
“I could share for hours on end the love and inspiration I have from my own animals. I truly wouldn't be who I am and I wouldn't be where I am without having them by my side. They've allowed me to reach out of my comfort zone with nutrition and natural living and opened my eyes to the power of animal nutrition and the importance of it all,” added Michelle.
Private shopping is available for those whose dogs cannot be around other dogs and people due to anxiety, reactiveness, or past traumas, allowing the pup and their parent to feel at ease knowing they can freely explore and shop at their own leisure. If you would like to schedule a private shop for you and your fur baby, please email [email protected] to schedule a time.
“I celebrated my two-year anniversary, end of August and threw a pawty!! It was such a wonderful success and I had the most amazing support from my customers,” she said. “It was my first party at the shop so I wanted to make it special. I collaborated with a talented dog photographer, Maxine from Happy Paws Studios to take personal photos of people’s pups, had an open bar treat buffet with puppuccinos, offered store wide sales, and had raffle prizes. My next event will be a Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10-4. Maxine will be coming back for that event and lots of treats and sales will be shared!! I'm sure I will have pictures with Santa at the shop come December also, so stay tuned.”
