It might seem to some that I stumbled into the field of dog behavior, let alone being the president of a pet food company. I first learned I was a person who thinks outside the box when in my teens I realized other people didn’t view dogs with the same eyes I did. Lions and tigers and bears get trained – but dogs? These eager hearts with an emotional palette so close to ours; it seemed wrong to coax them with bribes and correct them with chains. I knew it worked, but there seemed to be an alternative that needed to be explored.

Beginning in the trenches of managing boarding kennels I saw the variance of personalities in the dogs left under my care and found dogs to be one of the easiest species to dialogue with. Back then, I was ‘the woman who talked to dogs’ and I’m glad professionals have evolved to realize the wisdom in that.

A career developed as people wanted to learn how to get along with their dog as well as I did. That wonderful journey began over thirty years ago, but in my mid 40’s a crisis occurred that brought me to my knees. My five-year-old German Shepherd and I were alone in a veterinarian emergency room as I was coping with what I heard. Cancer. His euthanasia was not a matter of if - but when. His labored breathing and soulful eyes told me we only had a day left to share. The meaning of his name, Kumpel – one you share your most intimate secrets with and trust your life to, embodied our relationship.

That tragic loss, combined with how many students returned to my program after losing a dog to cancer at a young age, led to a life changing decision. I would never trust corporate America to feed my pets again. No longer would I

dodge the question, “What should I feed my dog?”

I contracted with a premiere multi-species nutritionist and started a pet food company, offering people the best at an affordable price. Continuing to teach from the same warehouse the food was stored, I was amazed when I saw the results in my student’s dogs that were feeding Kumpi dog food.

On September 13th of 2001 I was well acquainted enough with the power of those results that I was compelled to ship a ton of food to Ground Zero. Little did I know that it would be the only food accepted for those working dogs! They liked what they saw and it ultimately led me to being vendors with The New York State Canine Handling Unit, The Metro Transit Authority of New York City and The United Nations Ambassador Security K9 Detail.

Never would I have dreamed that the grassroots popularity and use by such premiere law enforcement would cause me to go through a career change in my 50’s! You will even find Kumpi dog and cat food on the shelves of Vitamin Cottages – a very big thrill for me.

As this goes to press there are more recalls looming. I have dialogued with many who have lost their FurAngel or love one who is living a compromised life. Again I am brought to my knees, but this time there is a difference. To many I am that difference. I offer a food that has been scientifically formulated, thoroughly tested before, during and after production and has many amazing safeguards in place. I work from a spare bedroom in my home with a healthy cat and vibrant dog that trust me meal after meal. I’ve turned down five million dollars for the company and would turn down five billion. It’s not about

the money at Kumpi – it’s about the hearts of the people who love their pet.

Once again, I feel that I’m in the trenches with my new career. Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, panel member in the initial Senatorial hearings, brought an indictment against the industry for using sleight of hand in how ingredients are listed, accusing them of using “smoke and mirrors.” Consumer trends to avoid corn and look for meat as the first ingredient play right into deceptions crafted by the industry.

Take it from the woman who talked to dogs, there are many things ‘they’ don’t want you to know about. A growing number of pet owners have visited my websites, only to be amazed at how different the view is from someone on the inside, telling the truth.

When you purchase your next bag of pet food, remember that you are that company’s sole source of income. You pay the salaries, the rent, the utilities, the packaging, the advertising. In essence, you are hiring them to feed your pet. How are they spending your money? Here in Colorado, dog and cat owners can call a pet food company president that can assure them – the money’s in the bag!

Life is an amazing journey. Add a pet and it opens into dimensions that only those touched by their love can relate to.

Evy Serpa
Kumpi.com kumpikat.com