Love is where it began. A simple, tender love for creatures who see us as the center of their universe. But I quickly learned that love isn’t enough—not when it’s paired with misinformation, fear, and a reliance on convenience over wisdom.

When I started raising poodles, I followed the “gold standard” of care—kibble, regular vaccinations, and chemical treatments. It felt logical, even responsible. But reality soon shattered that illusion. My dogs were showing me something was wrong, but I wasn’t listening.

And then came Momoci.

The Dog Who Changed Everything

Momoci entered my life like a spark—small but fiercely determined to burn bright. She was born with malformed legs that required surgeries and constant care. As if that weren’t enough, seizures started when she was two. Medications multiplied, yet nothing improved. In fact, they seemed to rob her of what little strength she had left. Then, her liver began to fail.

The vet’s words hit like a thunderclap: “Six months. That’s all she might have.”

Six months. I stared at her fragile body, the way she looked at me with unconditional trust, and felt a wave of helplessness crash over me. I prayed through tears that night, not for a miracle but for direction. “Lord, what am I missing? Show me the way, because I can’t do this on my own.”

Rediscovering God’s Blueprint

The answer came softly, almost as a whisper: Go back to the beginning.

I started to study how God designed dogs to live. Their sharp teeth and short digestive tracts pointed to raw diets—real meat, organs, and bones. I researched natural remedies and toxin-free environments. The more I learned, the more I realized how far I’d strayed from what their bodies were created to need.

Fear tried to stop me: What if raw feeding isn’t safe? What if natural remedies don’t work? But the louder voice—the one I’d prayed to hear—said, Trust Me.

So, I threw caution to the wind and threw kibble out of the pantry. I transitioned Momoci to raw meals, replaced chemical treatments with natural alternatives, and supported her body’s healing with real food and supplements. I didn’t just change her care—I changed my mindset.

And slowly, miraculously, she began to heal.

Faith in the Process

If you’ve ever cleaned up after a dog detoxing from years of poor nutrition, you know it’s not glamorous. There were messy days when doubt crept in, whispering, This isn’t working. But then, I’d see her run a little faster or sleep a little deeper, and I knew we were on the right path.

The six months stretched into a year. Then two. Then ten. Ten years of life that defied every prognosis. She became a testament to the power of natural care—and to the faithfulness of God.

God’s Design Is Enough

I’ve come to see that stewardship is more than just responsibility; it’s partnership with God. When we care for animals in ways that align with their natural design, we’re honoring the Creator Himself.

Dogs were never meant to live on processed kibble or endure a constant barrage of chemicals. They were designed for balance, for thriving. When we return to what’s natural—raw diets, toxin-free environments, and routines that respect their instincts—they flourish.

But let’s be honest: this journey isn’t easy. You’ll question yourself. You’ll face skepticism from people who think you’re overcomplicating things. And there will be days when it feels overwhelming.

Here’s the good news: God equips those He calls.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” I’ve lived that truth. When I felt weary, He renewed me. When I doubted, He reassured me.

Lessons from the Pack

My dogs have taught me more about life and faith than I ever expected.

• Patience yields peace. Healing isn’t instant, but it’s worth the wait.
• Joy is found in the little things. A wagging tail or a contented sigh is a reminder that simple moments are sacred.
• Love requires action. It’s not enough to want the best for them; we must be willing to work for it.

Most of all, they’ve taught me that stewardship isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about doing our best with what we know and trusting God to fill in the gaps.

Facing the Noise

The world is noisy—ads promising “complete” nutrition in a bag, professionals advocating quick fixes. It’s tempting to follow the crowd, to choose convenience over conviction. But Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When I see my dogs thriving—vibrant coats, sparkling eyes, joyful spirits—I know the noise was never worth listening to. They are living, breathing proof that God’s way is always better.

The Joy of Thriving

There’s a unique joy in watching a dog thrive under your care. It’s the kind of joy that catches you off guard—like when your poodle, once picky and lethargic, suddenly devours her raw meal with gusto and bounds around the yard like she owns the world.

It’s in those moments that you realize: this isn’t just about their health. It’s about their happiness, their trust in you, their reflection of the Creator’s love.

A Legacy of Stewardship

This journey has taught me that my role isn’t just to care for my dogs—it’s to inspire others. When people ask why my dogs are so healthy or how I’ve managed to raise vibrant poodles, it’s an opportunity to share the deeper truth: that God’s design is enough.

I dream of a world where natural care is the norm, where animals are valued as part of creation, and where every act of stewardship is an act of worship.

To Anyone Starting This Journey

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let me tell you this: start small. Swap one meal for raw. Replace one chemical product with a natural alternative. Pray for wisdom, and trust that God will guide you.

Every step you take matters. Every choice to honor their design is a reflection of His love. And when you see your dog thriving, you’ll understand that this journey isn’t just about them—it’s about you, too.

Walking in Faithful Stewardship

Caring for animals naturally is a walk of faith, a partnership with the Creator, and a celebration of His wisdom. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Walking in Faithful Stewardship: A Life Well Lived

The beauty of stewardship is that it doesn’t end with a single moment or decision. It’s a continual journey, a way of life that deepens with each passing day. Every choice—whether it’s preparing a fresh meal, choosing a natural remedy, or spending an extra moment bonding with my dogs—becomes a piece of a greater picture.

It’s the kind of life that echoes Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” When we honor creation, we honor the Creator. And when we care for animals in ways that align with their design, we participate in something sacred—a living reflection of God’s love and provision.

A Symphony of Small Miracles

Some days, the journey feels like a symphony, each note a reminder of how far we’ve come. The sparkle in my dogs’ eyes, the way they dance with joy when it’s time for dinner, or the peaceful rhythm of their breathing as they rest—it’s a collection of small miracles.

And then there are the moments of humor that punctuate the day, like when Pinot decides the couch is a better bed than the one I lovingly fluffed for him, or when Aida strategically steals a toy from the younger pups, leaving them bewildered but unbothered. These little quirks remind me that joy isn’t just found in the big wins; it’s woven into the fabric of daily life.

Facing Challenges with Grace

Of course, not every day is smooth. There are moments when fear tries to creep in, when a health hiccup sends my heart racing or when someone questions the choices I’ve made. But over time, I’ve learned to face these challenges with grace, leaning into prayer and trusting that God’s plan is always bigger than my perspective.

Even setbacks are opportunities—to learn, to grow, and to reaffirm my faith. When I doubt, I think of Momoci, who defied every prognosis because I was willing to listen to God’s quiet whisper: Trust Me.

Building a Legacy Together

This journey isn’t one I walk alone. My dogs are my partners, each one teaching me something different about patience, trust, and the joy of living fully in the moment. Their health and happiness are a legacy I get to build every day, one small act of care at a time.

But this legacy isn’t just for them; it’s for others, too. When people see my dogs thriving, they often ask, “What’s your secret?” It’s a chance to share the truth: there’s no secret, only alignment with God’s design.

Through conversations, education, and example, I hope to inspire others to take that first step—whether it’s switching to raw feeding, embracing toxin-free solutions, or simply looking at their animals as more than pets but as part of creation.

The Bigger Picture

What I’ve come to realize is that this isn’t just about dogs. It’s about a lifestyle of faith, stewardship, and intentionality that spills over into every area of life. When we align our actions with God’s design, we find peace—not just for our animals but for ourselves.

It’s about seeing the world through a lens of gratitude, knowing that every blade of grass, every wagging tail, and every small moment of joy is a gift from the Creator. It’s about participating in the restoration of what was always meant to be whole.

A Final Encouragement

To anyone who feels uncertain or overwhelmed by this journey, let me say this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Take one step, and then another. Trust that God will guide you, providing wisdom, strength, and courage along the way.

Know that every small act of care matters. Each time you choose what’s natural and good, you’re not just improving your dog’s life—you’re honoring the One who created them.

And when you feel doubt creeping in, remember this: You’re not alone. God walks this path with you.

Thriving Together

Caring for animals naturally is a journey of faith, love, and discovery. It’s about more than health—it’s about connection, purpose, and joy. It’s about standing firm in the belief that God’s way is always enough.

Together, we can create a world where animals thrive, where stewardship reflects God’s love, and where every choice we make brings us closer to the harmony He intended.

A Love That Ripples Outward

This journey of natural stewardship started with my dogs, but its impact has rippled far beyond them. It’s transformed the way I see all of God’s creation—how interconnected, intentional, and miraculous it is. Every living thing, from the smallest insect to the mightiest animal, has a purpose. And when we live in alignment with that divine order, the result is peace.

But peace isn’t passive. It takes courage to let go of the world’s noise, to stand firm when others doubt you, and to trust in something greater than yourself. It takes faith to look at a sick dog and say, I will fight for your health because you were made to thrive, not just survive.

The beauty of this kind of love is that it doesn’t stop with me or my dogs. It inspires others. When people see the joy, vibrancy, and harmony in my dogs’ lives, they begin to ask questions—and with those questions comes the opportunity to share the why behind it all.

Finding Humor in the Chaos

Let’s be honest, though—natural stewardship isn’t all serene walks in the meadow and perfectly balanced raw meals. It’s also about the hilarity of life with dogs.

Like the time Pinot proudly paraded a turkey head through the living room as if he’d conquered the bird himself. Or when Aida, the queen of shortcuts, decided the fastest way to “win” playtime was to hoard every single toy under the couch. And let’s not forget the collective panic when I accidentally spilled an entire bag of organ mix, only to be met with the chaos of enthusiastic poodles scrambling to “clean up” my mistake.

These moments, messy as they are, are what make the journey worthwhile. They remind me not to take life—or myself—too seriously. After all, God gave us animals not just to care for but to enjoy, to laugh with, and to marvel at their quirks.

From Fear to Faith

When I look back at where this journey began, I see so much fear. Fear of doing it wrong. Fear of what others might think. Fear of failing my dogs.

But every step forward has been a step away from fear and into faith. Faith that God’s design is enough. Faith that I can learn and grow. Faith that even in my mistakes, His grace fills the gaps.

Momoci taught me that fear is the thief of peace. It keeps us clinging to what’s easy and familiar, even when it’s not what’s best. But when we step out in faith, when we trust God’s leading, the fear starts to fade. And what’s left is something so much greater: freedom.

A Community of Care

One of the unexpected blessings of this journey has been finding a community of like-minded people who share this vision. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other’s victories—whether it’s a dog thriving on a raw diet, a successful switch to natural remedies, or simply the joy of seeing our animals live their best lives.

These connections have reminded me that stewardship isn’t just an individual effort; it’s a collective one. When we share what we’ve learned, when we support and encourage one another, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond ourselves.

Living a Legacy

This journey has also shown me the power of legacy. Every act of care, every decision to honor God’s design, every conversation about natural stewardship—it all adds up to something lasting.

When I see my dogs thriving, I know I’m building something that will outlive me. Their health, their joy, their vibrant energy—it’s a testament to what’s possible when we align our lives with God’s wisdom. And it’s a reminder that every choice we make has the potential to inspire change, to leave the world a little better than we found it.

A Challenge to You

To anyone reading this, I want to offer a challenge: step into stewardship. It doesn’t have to be perfect or all at once. Start where you are, with what you have.

Maybe it’s swapping one meal for fresh food. Maybe it’s learning about natural remedies or creating a more peaceful environment for your dog. Whatever it is, know that it matters.

Trust that God will meet you in the process, just as He met me. Trust that every small step is part of a bigger story, one that reflects His love, wisdom, and provision.

The Beauty of Alignment

When I watch my dogs now—running, playing, resting in perfect contentment—I see the beauty of alignment. They’re living as they were created to live, and in doing so, they remind me of how God wants us to live: free, joyful, and at peace.

This journey hasn’t just been about them; it’s transformed me, too. It’s deepened my faith, expanded my understanding of stewardship, and filled my life with a sense of purpose that’s hard to put into words.

A Final Word

To anyone who feels overwhelmed, unsure, or even skeptical, let me say this: you are capable of so much more than you think. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. If you have a heart for His creation, He will provide the wisdom, strength, and resources you need to care for it.

Every choice matters. Every act of care is an act of love. And every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to the peace and purpose He has for you.

To thriving beasts and lasting health,
Timea R. Bodi