Earth Animal Is Healing Pets The Natural Way

Earth Animal was started by Dr. Bob Goldstein and Susan Goldstein in 1979 as the first pet store to create natural pet products without using toxic chemicals. The Goldsteins' focus has been to develop treats, supplements and foods that help prevent and heal, thereby improving the quality of life for dogs and cats.

The veterinary couple's daughter, Merritt Goldstein, is the owner of Earth Animal Retail Store in Westport, Connecticut. She has always had the same passion for helping animals as her parents. Read on to learn more about the Goldsteins and their dedication to a natural, healthier life for pets:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Goldstein: We have been proudly doing business for almost 40 years in Westport, CT!

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Goldstein: Our line of work began in 1979. Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein (my parents) started the first natural pet store in 1979. It has been our passion and mission, dedicating our lives to healing dogs and cats with nutrition, diet and our very own branded veterinarian formulated supplements, that my father formulated.

I was in college 25 years ago, and my mom asked me to come home and help out at our Earth Animal Store for the summer. Strangely enough, I never left — I think it was in my DNA! I realized I had the same passion for helping animals as my mother and father did. It has been a very rewarding journey to say the least.

We love what we do and being in the community has been a wonderful experience! We are grateful for the local support and friendships we have made along the way.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Goldstein: Healing. Knowledge. Friendship. Support. Nutrition. In other words, we have a dedication to caring for animals, people and the earth! We explore another way – a more humane, natural and effective way to change things for the better, one earth animal at a time.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Goldstein: 15 years ago, we were the only natural pet store in town and similar stores started opening up all around us in very close proximity (within a mile or two), and I was fearful for our business. But, we quickly realized that it was healthy competition encouraging all of us to “raise our game!” And, not only did we survive but we realized true local loyalty!

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Goldstein: When a client comes into the store and is so sad, emotional and scared because their dog or cat is sick. We are able to offer a complete nutritional support program (that of course comes with compassion and understanding) and they come back and tell us that their dog or cat is better and actually thriving! There is nothing better.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Goldstein: We are blessed to have Dr. Bob Goldstein at the forefront, creating all of our products – remedies, treats, supplements and training our entire staff. This has given us the tools to truly give sound advice and help with many of the most common health conditions that dogs and cats suffer from day to day. A lot of our products not only heal but help prevent. A large part of enhancing an animal’s quality of life comes from proactive education on the product choices– we are experts at that and want to make sure that all our customers understand all their options and the possible outcomes from their choice. We also take great pride in each and every product that we bring into Earth Animal. If it is good enough for us (people), it is good enough for our dogs and cats!

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Goldstein: We do not own our pets. They are our family. When you come from this perspective it transcends into everything positive. This has been our true success and it is why we connect with so many people in the community and around the country. We love our dogs and cats and it makes our work real, authentic and truly successful.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Goldstein: Yes! We are launching our No-Hide Nirvana campaign. Showcasing our award winning chew made from six pure and simple ingredients: brown rice flour, organic eggs, olive oil, banana, pineapple and gelatin, plus, one flavor-bursting protein (chicken, beef, salmon, pork or venison). Three Saturdays at our store front (Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 1) will offer ONE FREE No-Hide chew during our “Shoplift Saturday” events! Shoplifters are welcome at Earth Animal! Your pup has our approval to sniff, seek and swipe a chew for their chomping pleasure. We will also offer the Earth Animal Pop-Up Jam Band on these dates at Winslow Dog Park, Compo Beach and of course the store! So be sure to hit Earth Animal before heading home on these special Saturday dates. This campaign also promotes an online photo contest for your to share your pups Nirvana chewing experience as well as offering up a “Chew IQ” that will help owners select the proper size chew for your pet.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Goldstein: For 11 years, we have supported The CT Food Bank. Susan Goldstein created the “Mitten Project.” This is our way of giving back locally, to children in need, because after all we are all earth’s animals!

Starting November 1, many people come into EA and buy a mitten for a $5 donation and all the money raised goes to The CT Food Bank’s “Back Pack Project.” Earth Animal matches every penny donated at the end of the drive on December 31. The people in town are so generous and it really is a huge success. We love it and are happy to help! If anyone is interested in offering support at a retail store, please contact us and we’ll get over a donation “package” for your storefront.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Goldstein: Visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Goldstein's also have another daughter, Abbey, who offers animal help and support on a local level from dog walking to pet sitting in lower Fairfield County. Check out her personal business Leave it to Abbey.

Image Credit: Earth Animal

This Patch article is sponsored by Earth Animal