Hello, I’m Aimee, founder of Griswold’s Natural Pet Market — and this journey began with my first Boxer, Chuckie.

Chuckie was full of life, loyalty, and that unmistakable Boxer energy. More than that, he was family. Like many Boxers, he was prone to lumps and other health challenges. Over the years, I stayed vigilant, working closely with our veterinarian to remove every suspicious growth, inside and out. Each procedure gave us more precious time together, but ultimately, cancer took him from us.

That loss shattered me.

In my grief, I began looking more closely at everything that touched my animals’ lives each day. I started asking better questions and quietly exploring holistic ways to nurture and protect the health of all my pets. I immersed myself in research about nutrition, environment, and lifestyle choices. I discovered that while we can’t control everything, the small, intentional choices we make can stack the odds in our pets’ favor.

That commitment to learning became the foundation of Griswold’s Natural Pet Market.

But the story does not end there.

After losing him, I wasn’t sure I could ever have another Boxer. I was afraid to experience the same genetic shadow that so often follows this breed. The word “cancer” had become too familiar. The thought of walking that road again felt unbearable.

And yet… Boxers are our breed. Their joy. Their loyalty. Their expressive faces. Their boundless energy. Their deep devotion. They are stitched into our family’s hearts.

So when we welcomed Winnie Roo, Boxer #2, into our lives, it was with intention. I loved her through the lens of everything I had learned — careful with her food, mindful of her environment, thoughtful about every product that touched her life.

I quietly hoped those choices might change the outcome. And for many beautiful years, it felt like they had.

Winnie Roo was affectionate. Vibrant. Strong. Happy. Full of personality — until one day, she wasn’t.

Her cancer was silent. There were no warning signs. No gradual decline that prepared us. I, the one who had tried so intentionally to do everything “right” for her entire life, had no idea she carried a tumor on her heart.

I was careful with everything that touched her life. And still, it was not enough to stop what I dreaded most.

I have wrestled with the question every devoted pet parent asks: Did I do enough? Did it matter?

I believe the answer is yes.

Winnie Roo was deeply loved for 9 years and 9 months — until one day, a tumor on her heart ruptured, and she told me it was time.

I cannot control how long my pets stay, but I can influence how they live while they are here.

That is what Griswold’s is truly about.

Not perfection.
Not guarantees.
Not fear.

It is about intention. It is about doing better when we learn better. It is about supporting pet parents who are trying — even when outcomes are not within our control.

Everything shared at Griswold’s reflects my personal experience as a devoted pet parent and ongoing researcher. I am not a veterinarian, and nothing here is intended as medical advice. I remain deeply committed to routine veterinary wellness care and open communication with veterinarians, who I believe are foundational to responsible pet ownership.

At its heart, Griswold’s exists to support informed, intentional pet care. We believe small, mindful choices — made with curiosity, care, and respect — can meaningfully shape a pet’s quality of life.

We cannot promise forever.

But we can choose thoughtful care.
We can choose nourishment aligned with biology.
We can choose safer environments.
We can choose enrichment, sunshine, movement, and connection.

And we can support one another on this journey — without guilt, without judgment.

Every animal who has shared my life has been a teacher. I learn from each one. I try to do better with each one.

If you are doing your best for your pet, it matters.
Especially when you wonder if it was enough.