This is part of our Editorial Series sponsored by Pet Releaf! Normally, we let the dogs do all of the talking on our daily dog blog. Use coupon code 2TD at checkout to save 10% off Pet Releaf’s highest potency, organic CBD oil!
I say all of the time that Brickle and Digby changed my life.
Being a dog parent was not a journey I was fully prepared for. But for those of us that have found our true calling by loving and caring for our dogs, you will most likely agree that our lives are made better for having them with us.
When I say that I was not fully prepared for being a dog parent, I mean that in the best way. Yes, I had dogs in my life in the past that I loved very much. But before Brickle and Digby, I never truly realized the full potential of a dog and person relationship. I also never truly realized that as my dogs got older, I would love them more and more as each day passed. And when they started showing signs of aging, that was not something I think any of us can prepare enough for.
Because even though we may have loved and lost dogs in our life, each dog touches a different part of our hearts. And we want to help our dogs to live the happiest, fullest and healthiest life possible. Yet, trying to help them meant that I was taking less care of myself. Giving up parts of my own self care to help them. I was to worried about them to care about my health or even my happiness. What I didn’t realize was that it was all connected.
Yes, I was making their food everyday. In fact, I have made their food daily for over five years. We hiked miles and miles each day. We traveled across the USA five times. But aging was not something I had any control over. In fact, I found myself questioning even the good things I was doing for them to make their lives better. Because as they aged, apparent triggers would cause anxiety. For Brickle, his triggers were thunderstorms, rain, children, noise and riding in the RV. For Digby, that meant loud noises, gunshots, fireworks and bugs. He also was having mobility issues and a lot of lumps and bumps. I questioned myself if in fact I was making their lives better, or torturing them! I knew that I didn’t want their triggers to get worse. And yet, I stressed myself out trying to find a remedy or cure. Nothing…absolutely nothing worked. My self doubt and abilities as a dog parent really started to get to me. It was a cycle. I kept stressing out, had less time for myself and less patience. This wasn’t working. And then I heard about CBD for dogs and cats.
And I thought it was too good to be true.
I was too depressed to think that anything could help my dogs. Here we were, traveling all across the country and we couldn’t change that lifestyle quick. What were we to do? About that time, we got an email from Pet Releaf. And it changed our lives. Literally.
I decided that maybe I would try one more thing. Here I was, trying to help animals across the country get adopted, and I couldn’t help my own dogs. In fact, I was at a point where I could not even help myself. I was stressed beyond my limits physically on this trip and emotionally.
I have always battled depression and anxiety, but now I couldn’t control it. I knew something had to change. For us all. And so there it was. That bottle of CBD oil. That bottle of Pet Releaf organic CBD oil. And I knew I had nothing to lose because it was organic, I read the reports online of testing, and I researched their company. Yet, even if I could trust them, would it actually work?
So what exactly does Pet Releaf CBD oil do? What can it help with?
According to Pet Releaf’s website, “CBD Hemp Oil activates the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mammals. The ECS is involved in almost every system in your pet’s body. – cardiovascular, digestion, relaxation, and even the cognitive and memory functions. The ECS is also a key factor in the mammalian body’s anti-inflammatory efforts. The ECS is controlled by receptors, which scientists call the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CBD works directly with the ECS system by “antagonizing” the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are one of the most abundant receptors in the brain and are found in almost every neuron in a mammal’s body. CB2 receptors are found almost exclusively in the immune system.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and related cannabinoids found in the hemp plant are the only compounds in the natural world that work with these receptors. According to scientists, this means that the mammalian body (yes, including all dogs and cats) have evolved to actually require CBD in order to function and work at optimal levels of health.
Another important scientific find is that these receptors when activated by CBD, allow for two-way communication between a mammal’s various body systems. Previously, scientists thought the body’s signals went in one direction only. This is one of the main reasons scientists think CBD is so effective at treating spasmodic, inflammatory, pain, anxiety and many other health issues.”
Honestly? As I started giving the boys the Edibities treats and the CBD oil, I didn’t see much difference. And then…I realized that I was not giving them the correct dosage or at the right times.
I tried not to get down on myself for the mistakes, but tried again and actually followed their directions!
And when that light bulb moment occurred, it was like all the lights in my head went off. This. Was. Working. I was doing it! I was helping my dogs! It wasn’t possible to control the aging process, oh, but it was possible to make their lives insanely good along the way. And that confidence caused me to look in the mirror. What was I doing to myself?
I had spent every waking moment buying products that didn’t work, when the simplest, most effective and most organic way of helping them was out there.
Was the simplest way to take care of myself finally going to be easier because I was less worried? Yes. Yes it was. And I wanted others to know about it. too. And that is why, for the last three months, we have taken you on this CBD journey. And now I can say, with the utmost confidence, that by using CBD for my dogs, it changed my life. Because now, instead of being consumed with their health, I can give them something that will truly help, and in turn help me live healthier by recognizing my own health needs. They may be different than my dogs’ needs, but they are no less valid. And if you are like me, you have waited too long to take care of yourself. It is time. Let this product help you.
Their are so many CBD products out there. And just like I wasted my time researching and using products that did not work, using CBD products for your pets that aren’t organic are simply not the best way to help them. In fact, I will even go so far to say that if the CBD is not Pet Releaf, it will not work as well, be as good, or be of the highest quality that your pet deserves. And I am usually not that blunt! But this is as important of an issue to me as what my dogs eat. Just this past week, I talked to the co-founder of Pet Releaf and asked him some of your questions.
Watching the changes in my dogs has not only inspired me to take better care of them and of myself, but it has also made me recognize my own triggers. And more than anything on this CBD journey, I wish that this would have been available to us and to the public when Brickle and Digby were younger.
I wish I would have had it for my dogs Skanky and Mr. Scotty who I miss so very much.
But I know now. I know that Pet Releaf’s organic CBD products made this dog parent’s life easier and better, because her dogs’ lives are better. Their website doesn’t say that finding the right method of treating your dog’s pain, anxiety and over general health in the most organic and natural way possible will make your life easier and give you more time for yourself. But I know that it does. And I want that for you too.
Have I found true balance yet between taking care of my dogs and myself? Nope. It is an inner battle I fight with myself every day because my love for them is so strong. And if they could be with me forever, I would do everything I could. And with Pet Releaf, I have a feeling that our journey will be a lot longer. Together.
-Rachael Johnson, Owner and Girl Person of 2 Traveling Dogs and Your Dog’s Diner
Although this blog post is sponsored, all opinions and endorsements are our own. #sponsored
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