Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Raines
Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started about nine years ago when I had bariatric surgery in October 2015 due to being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I became an advocate for Digestive Disease Awareness simply because I was misdiagnosed for years. I was initially told by a physician that “Celiac Disease isn’t common in African American/Hispanics, it’s a Euro-Anglican disease” to which I replied, “what if I’m more than just African American/Hispanic?” Knowing my ancestry: maternally being of Cuban, Seminal-Indian and Portuguese descent and Paternally being German, Cherokee and African descent, inspired me to become proactive and educate others, I authored two books: Recipes For A New Life and Recipes For A New Life: Food for the Mind, Body and Soul. I also formed a Cleveland Celiac Chapter from 2019-2021. I was inspired by close friends of mine who asked about dietary needs for their pets and I created the Tasty Trifecta in a patty which is Almond flour, Chickpea flour, Banana, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Salmon and Bacon, and gave the same thing to their pet in the shape of a bone and she stated this is so good, what am I eating and I responded the same thing as your pet. The dog barked and begged for more treats and thus in February 2023, Plan4Paws was started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges that I still face to this day are dietary. As my doctors have explained to me: no two cases of Celiac Disease share the same similarities. I have issues with sharing meals with my family as I have to cook with separate pans, to avoid cross-contamination. In addition to having many allergies, I am very restricted with what I can digest. I have allergies including gluten, dairy, egg, and night-shade vegetables: eggplant, peppers (green, yellow, red), tomatoes. Just to name a few.
I’ve learned how to adjust in the last nine years post-surgery. I also have experienced a lot of dental issues. Has it been a smooth road- no, but the road has been very educational and has allowed me to grow in my faith and realize that there is always someone going through something worse than me. I’m blessed to be able to share my story and help someone else who may not understand what they’re experiencing and how to adjust and live through it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My organization is Plan4Paws LLC. I make vegan pet treats for Cats and Dogs. What sets my business apart from others is that not only do I make healthy treats for your pets, but the ingredients are so natural that you can eat them yourself and know that your pet is digesting what is on the package. As a victim of cross-contamination and labels not always stating what their true ingredients are, I can truly attest that with my product you get not only what’s stated on the package but a healthy nutritious mouthful of a meal in a treat! I offer three flavors: Tasty Trifecta: Sweet Potato. Salmon & Bacon; Sweet Potato & Salmon; and Turkey Bacon. All of my treats are made with the basics: Almond flour, Chickpea flour, Flaxseed, & Banana. If you are a 1st time customer, you will receive 15% off your order. If you are local, I will personally deliver your treats to you as a way of thanking you for your patronage. I also have merchandise for your pleasure. I have a beautiful 14 oz ceramic coffee mug for you to enjoy your favorite beverage while your pet enjoys their treats. I have water bottles that provide an excellent way for you and your pet to stay hydrated, and in addition to these items, I have a ball cap to keep you cool and comfortable while you take your darlings for a walk. I am excited about my business because it allows me a chance to promote my passion for digestive disease awareness with the treats as well as provide education for pet owners.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My view on risk-taking is that sometimes-taking risks can go either way: in your favor or not.
I take risks every time I tell my story regarding Digestive Disease Awareness and promote my business, Plan4Paws LLC.
The result of the risks I’ve taken have been varied. Some people are interested and want to know more, while others simply say, “Wow, that’s interesting,” and move on. I find that it’s just how things flow. This hasn’t stopped me from continuing to tell my story and keep advocating for digestive disease awareness.
When I started the Cleveland Celiac Chapter in 2019, I didn’t think about the risks; I just did it because people asked me questions about my health and how they could become more conscientious about theirs. I was inspired to share my story through the two books I wrote, which allowed me to tell my story in depth.
My involvement with the Celiac Chapter helped me realize the lack of understanding regarding Celiac Disease. I was disappointed and felt like I had lost my purpose. I even questioned whether I should continue promoting digestive disease awareness. But God had another plan for me. As I continue to endure life changes due to my everyday struggles with Celiac Disease, I was inspired to take another risk and start Plan4Paws LLC to make healthy pet treats that are gluten, dairy, and egg-free. The ingredients are everything that I can eat, which makes my product worth the risk.
What is the risk, one might ask? The risks I encounter when I promote my product include questions such as, “Why would I want to eat what my pet eats?” or “Why are you making pet products when you don’t even have a pet?” To which I respond: both are excellent questions. I have friends and family members who own pets, and as someone who has, and sometimes still does, dog sit for them, I have a valid interest in making sure they are happy, healthy, and in shape! I treat them as if they are my own because let’s face it—they are!
So, I guess I consider myself a risk-taker and will continue to be one as long as it helps someone along their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plan4paws.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plan4pawsllc?igsh=MWptZHVuYzV0ODd5Mg==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/plan4paws/
