Welcome to our Kids & Pets Issue!
Dear Readers,
As I sit down to write this letter, my Lab puppy, Bailey, is racing laps around the house with a halfchewed flip-flop in his mouth, while our rescue dog, Finn, watches calmly from the couch like the wise old soul he is. These two are constant reminders of the beautiful chaos and unconditional love our fur babies bring into our lives — and let’s be honest, they keep things anything but boring.
This month, we’re celebrating the joys (and occasional mayhem) of pets and kids — those little creatures, furry or not, who fill our homes with energy, personality and purpose. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums or puppy training (or both!), we’ve packed this issue with thoughtful, useful and smile-worthy reads.
First up, you’ll love getting to Meet Lucy on Page 30 — our Northern Highlands 2025 doggy cover winner. Lucy proves that sometimes the smallest paws make the biggest impact. Also, don’t miss Strike a Paw-s! on Page 20, where we feature the runners-up of our cover contest.
Then flip to Raising Resilient Kids on Page 24 for a heartfelt look at helping our little ones grow into strong, self-assured individuals — even in today’s complex world.
If you’re considering new ways to support your pet’s well-being, Holistic Pet Care on Page 36 is a must-read. From supplements to energy healing, we explore modern approaches that go beyond the basics.
Speaking of essentials, 10 Pet Must-Haves of the Season on Page 28 is your go-to guide for keeping your furry friends happy, stylish and safe. Yes, Finn and Bailey have already claimed a few of these items as favorites.
And don’t think we forgot the treats! On Page 18, you’ll find our Peanut Butter Oat Balls recipe — an easy, kid-friendly snack that might just be dog-approved too (Bailey certainly thinks so). Or head to It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time on Page 34 for a creative twist on a classic lunchbox staple.
Finally, if you’re looking to get moving as a family, Start With Strides on Page 12 is your invitation to lace up those sneakers (or paws!) and embrace wellness together.
Whether you're reading with a kid on your lap or a pup at your feet, we hope this issue brings inspiration, laughter and maybe a few tail wags.
Cheers,
CARLY MAC MANUS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @NORTHERNHIGHLANDSCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Mike Duffy | mike.duffy@citylifestyle.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Anthony Rizzo | anthony.rizzo@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Carly Mac Manus | carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kristin Kowalewski | Kristin.Kowalewski@citylifestyle.com
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Harvey Miguel | harvey.miguel@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Carly Montalbano
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jessie Fernandes | jessie.fernandes@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jane Alzate, Allison Lim
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Blum, Aidan Walsh, Despina FlourasAnastasopoulos, Petzlove Food n’ Stuffz in Montvale
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: 2024-2025 AFEE Board at this year’s Dinner and Auction at Bottagra Restaurant. 2-3: Celebrating 100 years of beautifying Ridgewood— Women Gardeners of Ridgewood continue their blooming legacy. 4: Immaculate Heart Academy proudly honored students with Q4 Soaring Eagle Awards for exemplifying IHA’s core values. 5: IHA’s 62nd annual Commencement Exercises were held on May 31, 2025. Congratulations to this inspiring and impressive class! 6: Dabbling Brook put on a wonderful puppet show for kids at the USR Public Library. 7: The Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department at the Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony.
MIKE HAMLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
MIKE HAMLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
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Gatorade NJ Softball Player of the Year - IHA's Gabriella Shadek
In its 40th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade announced Gabriella Shadek '25 of Immaculate Heart Academy is the 2024-25 Gatorade New Jersey Softball Player of the Year. Gabriella is a senior at IHA from Kinnelon, NJ.
Shadek has maintained a 3.82 GPA in the classroom at IHA. She will play softball at Duke University this fall.
Scan to read more
HHK Stigma Free Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Audrey C., one of the HHK Stigma Free scholarship recipients! The community is proud of her dedication to mental health awareness and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes.
Barre3 Franklin Lakes Grand Re-Opening
Barre3 Franklin Lakes celebrated its Grand Re-Opening this June with a ribbon-cutting attended by the mayor and a special blessing from Father Manolo. Free, full-capacity classes and raffles highlighted the weekend. Newcomers enjoyed exclusive membership offers, and the studio continues to welcome fresh faces with a complimentary first class. Whether you're seeking strength, cardio, or mindfulness, barre3 invites the community to experience its empowering and balanced approach to fitness in a welcoming, energizing space.
Photography by Mike Hamlett Photography
Photography by Valerie Jahn
Photography by @hhkstigmafree
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AIDAN WALSH
USR YOUTH RUNNING PROGRAM BUILDS CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY THROUGH MOVEMENT
START WITH STRIDES
What began as a local need has grown into a dynamic youth initiative helping children across Upper Saddle River discover confidence, community and the joy of movement.
in youth programs throughout Bergen County, the couple recognized a need in their new community—and had a personal reason for starting something close to home.
“OUR JOB IS TO GET YOUR KIDS TO LOVE
THE SPORT. DEVELOPING TALENT IS THE EASY PART.” – AIDAN WALSH
Founded in 2021 by Aidan Walsh, a former professional runner and head coach at Racefaster, the USR Youth Running Program introduces children to running in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
“Our goal is to introduce kids to the sport of running in a low-pressure, encouraging environment,” Walsh says. “Running is the type of sport where talent can develop over time. Oftentimes, the kids who struggle in the beginning develop into very good athletes.”
The program’s structure is designed to meet kids where they are—whether that means transitioning from walking to jogging or helping a fast runner sharpen their edge.
“Our job is to get your kids to love the sport,” Walsh says. “Developing talent is the easy part.”
The idea to launch the club locally came after Walsh and his wife moved to Upper Saddle River in 2021. With more than 15 years of coaching experience
“We have two young girls, so selfishly, we wanted a convenient program for them to join,” he says.
Walsh connected with Edward Gartner, director of the USR Recreation Department, who embraced the idea wholeheartedly.
“Edward is the type of person who puts children and community first, which is everything a Rec Director should be,” Walsh says. “He’s been an amazing supporter of this program and has gone above and beyond to help it grow.”
The program currently serves children ages 3 to 14, with practices held twice a week—Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.—at Lions Park. Sessions are available in the spring, summer and fall.
“Lions Park is an oasis for running,” Walsh says. “The grass is incredibly well maintained, the bathrooms are clean and the park is contained and safe for kids to run freely.”
While Walsh brings a professional athlete’s background to the table, his coaching perspective is shaped by his role as a parent.
“I coach from a place as a parent,” he says. “We focus on what is best for the kids and work backwards from there. Typically once a kid joins Racefaster, they stay within our programs until they join their high school team.”
A standout story for Walsh is that of twin brothers Kyle and Aiden Campanelli from USR. Initially difficult to manage and different in physical build, both boys grew through the program.
“Aiden had the typical runner body, and Kyle was a bigger, stronger kid,” he says. “Fast forward to today—Kyle is a super-fast football player and Aiden is a once-in-a-generation talent. I’d venture to say, Olympic-level talent.”
Beyond physical development, inclusivity is a cornerstone of the program. Walsh says running is uniquely suited to accommodate all abilities and encourages participation from every child.
“Running is such an inclusive sport by its nature,” he says. “Nobody gets benched. Everybody participates.”
This open environment has also made the program a good fit for children on the autism spectrum, many of whom may struggle in sports requiring coordination but find confidence through running.
“RUNNING IS SUCH AN INCLUSIVE SPORT BY ITS NATURE. NOBODY GETS BENCHED. EVERYBODY PARTICIPATES.”
– AIDAN WALSH
In the early stages, the program encouraged racing, but Walsh has since moved away from competitions for younger children.
“We found that racing kids at an early age can be intimidating,” he says. “There will be plenty of time to compete as they get older.”
For local families looking to get involved, registration details and program information can be found at www. racefaster.net or by emailing info@racefaster.net.
“We’re proud of the program we’ve built,” Walsh says. “We’re helping kids not only become better runners but also build confidence and community.”
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Peanut Butter Oat Balls
A WHOLESOME SNACK FOR PUPS AND THEIR TINY HUMANS
Peanut Butter Oat Balls
At Graze Craze of Wyckoff, we absolutely love creating experiences that bring families and their furry companions together. One of our favorite moments during your recent event was seeing kids and pups nibbling happily side by side—whether it was fresh fruits and veggies or our crowd-favorite peanut butter oat ball treats.
These oat balls are not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also wholesome enough for kids and safe for pups (just be sure to use pet-safe ingredients). They’ve become a hit on our barkuterie board.
PEANUT BUTTER OAT BALLS
A wholesome snack for pups & their tiny humans
INGREDIENTS
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (use all-natural, xylitol-free) Allergy-friendly alternative: Use sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter 2 tablespoons honey (optional: adjust to taste)
OPTIONAL MIX-INS (KID-SAFE, PUP-APPROVED):
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Finely grated carrots or apples
Crushed blueberries
A pinch of cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, and honey until well combined.(Tip: Use a food processor to pulse the oats first for a smoother texture.)
2. Add in any mix-ins if desired.
3. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll into 1-inch balls with your hands (wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking).
4. Enjoy immediately, or flash freeze for 30 minutes for a cool, refreshing treat!
“One of our favorite moments during your recent event was seeing kids and pups nibbling happily side by side.” - Jane Alzate
ARTICLE BY JANE ALZATE
STRIKE A PAW-S!
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW JERSEY CITY LIFESTYLE
Wyckoff Veterinary Hospital Veterinarian in Wyckoff, NJ
Address: 690 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff | Phone: (551) 955-0900 | Website: wyckoffvet.com
Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards & Boxes – Wyckoff Custom Charcuterie - Beautifully curated boards and boxes for any occasion. Address: 382 Main St, Wyckoff | Phone: (201) 468-0023 | Website: grazecraze.com/wyckoff-nj
We came. We saw. We wagged!
A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to our Northern Highlands 2025 Cover Model Casting Call—and especially to all the fabulous pups who showed up ready for their close-up. The energy, joy, and community spirit on display made this one of our most memorable events yet.
This year’s casting call exceeded expectations! With so many adorable, camera-ready companions in attendance, choosing just one star wasn’t easy. But after an incredible turnout and an enthusiastic voting round, our winner, Lucy, truly earned her place on the cover of this very issue.
Beyond the contest itself, the day was a celebration of everything we love: local families, beloved pets, and the joy of gathering as a community.
We’re incredibly grateful to our event partners who helped make the day a success: Wyckoff Veterinary Hospital—for generously hosting us in their new beautiful space.
Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards & Boxes in Wyckoff—for the fun, festive Barkuterie Board and treats!
To all who attended, thank you for sharing your time, your pets and your spirit with us. Your presence made the event truly special, and we loved seeing the bond between pets and their people shine through in every photo.
If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @northernhighlandscitylifestyle and @newjerseycitylifestyle to see even more behind-the-scenes moments and updates from our August issue.
We loved celebrating your pups—and you— with this year’s casting call, and we’re already counting down the days until the next one. Here's to community, creativity, and plenty of wagging tails.
Sundance
Maddie
Enzo
“WE LOVED
CELEBRATING YOUR PUPS—AND YOU—WITH THIS YEAR’S CASTING CALL, AND WE’RE ALREADY COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL THE NEXT ONE. HERE’S TO COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND PLENTY OF WAGGING TAILS.”
Yankee
Winnie Auggie
Rigatoni
Xena,Harley,Korra Bentley
Celebrate the Joy of August
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HOW THE UPPER SADDLE RIVER YOUTH GUIDANCE COUNCIL IS EMPOWERING KIDS THROUGH EDUCATION, EARLY INTERVENTION, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Raising Resilient Kids
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESPINA FLOURAS-ANASTASOPOULOS
“We believe that by reaching kids early, we can help shape better adults. It’s about giving them the tools they need before the pressure starts.”
- Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos
With a strong focus on prevention, education, and community engagement, the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council (USRYGC) continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families. Best known for facilitating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, the council addresses critical issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, and mental health through a broad range of initiatives.
Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos, DARE Coordinator and a driving force behind the council’s work, emphasizes its mission: promoting the well-being of children through early intervention and healthy decision-making. “We believe that by reaching kids early, we can help shape better adults,” she shares. “It’s about giving them the tools they need before the pressure starts.”
Backed by county grants and generous community donations, USRYGC organizes speaker events, leadership-building activities, and impactful fundraisers. One of their recent standout events—a Harlem Wizards basketball game—drew over 900 attendees and showcased the community’s strong support. This follows a tradition of sports-themed fundraisers, including “Books vs. Badges,” where teachers face off against police officers in good-natured competition.
Looking ahead, the council plans to expand its educational outreach by bringing in speakers to discuss suicide prevention and anti-bullying. Previous programs have featured moving presentations from Mallorie’s Army and Ryan’s Story, both of which highlight the emotional toll of bullying and the power of empathy.
The council is also responding to newer threats like vaping, which has become a growing concern among youth. While D.A.R.E. has long covered topics like alcohol and drug use, vaping requires updated resources and, in some schools, new preventative measures like vape detectors.
Mental health education remains a core pillar of the council’s mission. “Mental health affects everything—how a child sees themselves, how they
interact, and how they perform in school,” says Flouras-Anastasopoulos. “If we don’t address it early, the impact can be long-lasting.”
A cornerstone of the program is the 5th-grade D.A.R.E. curriculum, led each year by Officer Anthony Pulizzano of the Upper Saddle River Police Department. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, Officer Pulizzano teaches students the fundamentals of good decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and the importance of living responsibly. His approachable style builds trust and sets the foundation for lasting behavioral change. The Youth Guidance Council supports and extends these classroom lessons with community-based programming that reinforces these essential life skills.
The work of the council is truly a group effort, led by a dedicated and passionate team:
Officer Anthony Pulizzano (D.A.R.E. Officer, USRPD), Joanne Florio (USR Councilwoman), Mayor Arman Fardanesh, Principal James McCusker, Principal Dave Kaplan, Principal Devin Severs, Despina FlourasAnastasopoulos (DARE Coordinator/Parent), Jennifer Waldbaum (Member/Parent), Sherika Medina (Member/ Parent), and Marjorie Fiori (Member/Resident).
Despite being a small team, their impact is far-reaching—and they are always looking for more community members to get involved.
To support the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council, follow them on Facebook or send donations to the DARE Trust account at Borough Hall, located at 376 W Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 Due to government regulations, digital payment platforms like Venmo cannot be used.
While many are familiar with the D.A.R.E. name, Flouras-Anastasopoulos hopes the Youth Guidance Council gains wider recognition for the vital support it provides behind the scenes. “People know D.A.R.E., but they don’t always realize how much the council does to sustain it—and expand it,” she says.
For the families of Upper Saddle River, the council is more than just a program—it's a community lifeline.
Mental health affects everything—how a child sees themselves, how they interact, and how they perform in school, says Flouras-Anastasopoulos.
2 1
PET MUST-HAVES Season OF THE 10
Our favorite finds from Petzlove Food n’ Stuffz in Montvale—because your pet deserves the best
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETZLOVE FOOD N’ STUFFZ IN MONTVALE
Stylish sun protection in a lightweight, comfy tee—perfect for those sunny strolls. $35.99 3 4 5
ITEM NUMBER 1: Fromm Crunchy O’s Smokin’ CheesePlosions Dog Treats A blast of cheesy crunch in every bite. These treats are a snacktime essential .$22.99
ITEM NUMBER 2: Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Chicken Au Frommage Cat Food (4-lb) For feline foodies—this gourmet dry blend is rich, savory, and totally satisfying. $21.99
ITEM NUMBER 3: Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Dog Chew Toy (Medium) Built to last with irresistible bacon flavor, this wishbone keeps chewers busy for hours . $14.99
ITEM NUMBER 4: Outward Hound Granby RipStop Dog Life Jacket (Small, Bright Orange) Keep your pup safe during beach days and boat rides with this high-visibility lifesaver. $33.99
ITEM NUMBER 5: Goldpaw Sun Shield Dog Tee (Ocean Heather, Size 16)
ITEM NUMBER 6: NutriSource Come-Pooch-A Chicken Bone Broth Dog Food Topper (12-oz)
Pour on the flavor! This hydrating topper adds a nutritious boost to every bowl. $6.99
ITEM NUMBER 7: Bocce’s Bakery Fish & Chips Dog Treats (5-oz)
Crunchy, clean, and made with love—these bitesized treats are a seafood delight. $7.99
ITEM NUMBER 8: Tall Tails Hide & Seek Bait Plush Dog Toy (9-in)
Interactive fun meets cozy cuddles with this plush hide-and-seek toy. $22.99
ITEM NUMBER 9: GoDog Checkers Chew Guard Skinny Rooster Toy (Large, Brown)
Durable enough for rough players, silly enough for photo ops. $22.99
ITEM NUMBER 10: Safari Double Row Undercoat Rake Dog Grooming Tool
Say goodbye to shedding—this brush helps keep your pet’s coat clean and cool . $14.99 6 7 8 9 10
MEET Lucy
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS’ 2025 DOGGY COVER CONTEST STAR
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE BLUM
There are dogs who brighten your day— and then there’s Lucy, the 9-year-old Staffordshire Labrador mix who captured our hearts and earned her spot as the winner of our 2025 Northern Highlands Doggy Cover Contest. With her soulful eyes, love for adventure, and sweet, camera-ready face, Lucy is everything we were looking for in a cover model—and so much more.
Lucy lives in Bergen County with her devoted family, who can’t imagine life without her. Adopted at just six weeks old, Lucy’s story began hundreds of miles away in Georgia. In 2015, Lucy’s future family received the best kind of surprise when their mom brought her home as a Christmas gift. From that moment on, she’s been the center of their world—and the inspiration behind countless joyful memories.
“Lucy is the most lovable dog I’ve ever met,” says her owner. “She brings so much happiness to our lives every single day.” It’s easy to see why. Lucy is full of personality and love. She adores meeting new people and is always ready for an adventure, whether it’s a beach day, a mountain hike, or just a ride in the car. Her family says she’s always down to explore and has helped them become more active and adventurous themselves. Lucy
“She’s my best friend and I don’t know what I’d do without her,” her owner adds. “Having Lucy has brought our family and friends closer together—she really has changed our lives.”
When she’s not posing for the camera (yes, Lucy has her own social media), you can find her enjoying some of her favorite local spots. Among her go-to hangouts are the dog beach in Long Beach Island (LBI), the beautiful trails at Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah, and the peaceful paths of Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve. And of course, one of her absolute favorite places is J-B Pet Supply, the local pet store where her owner works.
“Lucy truly lights up every time we go. It’s her happy place!” her owner shares.
One of Lucy’s most treasured memories with her family came recently, when her owner got engaged. “My fiancé made sure Lucy was there for the proposal,” her owner recalls. “That meant the world to me. I’ve had Lucy in my life for so many years—it was only right that she was there to celebrate something so special.”
“I love all people and I am so happy my family rescued me!”
- Lucy
Lucy is also known for her adorable quirks. When she gets excited, she lets out a playful sound her family calls the “woo woo”—a signature greeting she uses for everyone she meets. It’s just one more reason people fall in love with her instantly. Her charm is undeniable, and it’s no wonder she shines in front of the lens.
It’s clear that Lucy isn’t just a dog—she’s part of the family. She’s been there for big life moments and quiet, everyday joys alike. She’s the kind of dog who leaves a lasting impression, not just because of her looks, but because of the love she gives unconditionally. If Lucy could share a message with the world, her family imagines it would be simple and heartfelt: “I love all people and I am so happy my family rescued me!”
We’re proud to feature Lucy as our Northern Highlands 2025 Doggy Cover Contest winner. She embodies everything we admire in our canine companions—joy, loyalty, playfulness, and a heart full of love. Congratulations, Lucy! You’re not just our top dog—you’re everyone’s favorite.
static to magnetic
Feeling
Gina Falco | Owner
IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME
CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:
Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.
Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.
Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the PB&J. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his PB&J, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.
Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!
HOLISTIC PET CARE
SIMPLICITY IS KEY
Meet Karl and Katrina, joint owners of Wholistic Paws, a one-stop-holistic-pet-shop with storefronts in Ramsey and Ridgewood. On any given day, pet families meander into the shop—with or without their furry friends—to restock their favorite pet foods, treats, and supplements, or simply to ask a question (or two, or three). It turns out that after 15 years of providing counsel, both Karl and Katrina really know their stuff.
Does your dog or cat suffer from allergies? Have you resorted to giving your pet allergy shots? Are you confused by the highly processed bagged foods lining the pet store shelves? If so, you’re not alone.
HEAL THROUGH FOOD
Karl and Katrina advise many customers looking for ways to either avoid medication for their pets or to transition their pets off of medication entirely. Karl shares, “Customers find out about our store after they’ve gone vet to vet to vet, and have given their pet a lot of shots. That’s when they decide to try the natural approach.” “But,” he continues, “every case is unique, and every dog is different.” In order to get to the root cause of the dog’s issues, Karl has long conversations with customers and asks probing questions until the problem presents itself. Often times, he shares, “The dog is not sick; it’s what the dog is getting.”
As with humans, high-quality food is imperative for optimal health. As Karl explains, “We may be biased, but we have fixed so many dogs through nutrition alone. We have vets sending dogs to us, and 95% of the time it’s dietary.” In addition, Karl reveals, “I’ve had pets my whole life and they’ve never had these health issues. How can that be?”
CHOOSE QUALITY
With all of the options on the market, what is the best choice? While the optimal diet is raw food, quality ingredients matter most. Karl explains, “If you look at some ingredients out there, it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. Some of it isn’t even real food. Sometimes the ingredients, or the sourcing of the ingredients, changes. You have to check for quality every time.”
While there had been some debate around the idea that grain-free diets contribute to heart problems, Karl emphasizes that dogs in the wild don’t eat rice and corn. “We don’t sell any dry food that has grain in it—never will.”
Wholistic Paws sells only high-quality brands with clean and simple ingredient lists that support long-term health. And as noted, all of their kibble is grain free. Again, Karl stresses simplicity. “If there’s an equation that’s this long in your dog’s diet, you need to shrink it. If there were eight pieces, you need to shrink it to four. Simple is everything.”
When asked which brands he’d recommend, Karl explains, “It’s a matter of subtraction. Everything here is healthy. You can’t really make a mistake with what you’re buying. But if someone tells me their dog is itchy, I’m not going to give them something that has rice in it.”
MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY
While some dogs can eat nearly anything, others are very sensitive. As with people who suffer from food allergies, it might only take a very small amount of an allergen to create a strong reaction in a pet. For example, it’s not enough to just feed raw food. The whole diet—treats and supplements included—must be consistent. And that includes table scraps or the occasional dog biscuit your pet might receive from the mail carrier or groomer.
Karl shares, “Chicken is the number one protein that would bring about an allergy. If you come in and tell me your dog is scratching and has ear problems, I’m going to ask, are you giving chicken, are you giving pizza crusts, is your dog getting into the garbage? This is the stuff that triggers allergies. It’s really that simple.”
While it makes sense to start a puppy or kitten on a holistic diet, it is entirely possible to help an older pet who has been raised on processed foods. According to Karl, “Sometimes, it’s the easiest thing to fix an old dog or cat because they’ve been on the wrong stuff for so long. That’s when we’re going to see the biggest change. All of a sudden you put them on the ideal diet, and they get younger.”
GET OUT AND EXERCISE
Aside from choosing the right foods for your pet and maintaining a consistent diet, Karl highlights the importance of exercise. “Exercise is absolutely huge. Someone will come in and tell me their dog lived 16 years. Right away, I want to attribute that to food. But when they tell me their dog ate processed kibble, I wonder—how can this be? I ask if they were outside with their dog a lot, doing a lot of hiking. They say they walked the dog three times per day and went on threehour hikes. That kind of activity can overcome dietary problems.”
For working pet parents who can’t commit to three walks per day, Karl explains, “As long as there’s some activity and you stay away from junk, you can maintain your pet’s health.” He continues, “My four dogs run out of the house like a pack. They run around, wrestle a little bit, and come back in. They have each other and that’s the nicest thing.”
WHOLESOME SERVICE
At Wholistic Paws, Karl and Katrina aren’t just selling pet food— they’re offering time-tested guidance to help pet parents figure out what’s going on with their pets so they can fix the issues, naturally. Whether your dog has itchy ears and paws, your cat has an upset stomach, or you’re tired of guessing what’s in their kibble, Wholistic Paws is here to help. It all comes down to feeding real food, keeping things simple, and staying consistent. And don’t forget the power of a good walk. With the right approach, your pet can live a healthier, happier life.
AUGUST
AUGUST 3RD
Ramsey Farmers Market Peach Festival
Main Street Train Station, Ramsey | 9:00 AM
Celebrate peach season with complimentary peach shortcake, vendors offering pies and jams, and a visit from NBC's Produce Pete. Ms. Lorraine hosts kids’ crafts Aug. 3, 17 and 24. For more information visit ramseyfarmersmarket.org.
AUGUST 9TH
Historic Hermitage Outdoor Craft Show
Front Lawn, The Hermitage, Ho‑Ho‑Kus | 10:00 AM
Browse artisan booths featuring fine crafts and one food vendor on the Hermitage lawn.
AUGUST 16TH
Reservoir Paddle Series: Lake DeForest
Lake DeForest Boat Launch, West Nyack, N.Y. | 12:00 PM
Join this noon paddle event on Lake DeForest—perfect for all levels and scenic summer fun.
CONTINUED
100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE (2025)
100%
SISTERHOOD (FOREVER)
SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR FALL OPEN HOUSES:
October 19 at 11:00 AM
October 23 at 6:30 PM
IHA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by challenging our impressive young women to develop their God-given talents for a future filled with endless possibilities. Find out why our extensive curriculum, artistic offerings, athletic teams, and Christian service programs are second to none.
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AUGUST 22ND
Saddle River Township
Motorcycle Rally
Ridgewood Ave. & Chestnut Ridge Rd., Saddle River | 11:00 AM
Classic and custom bikes, vendors, community gathering—ride or spectate on beautiful Saddle River roads.
AUGUST 30TH
New Jersey City Lifestyle Doggy of the Year Announcement
15 2nd Ave, Long Branch
Join us for tail-wagging fun as we crown the New Jersey City Lifestyle Doggy of the Year at Doggie Sweets' summer Doggy Carnival!
