03/08/2026
An Important Health Update & New Policies for Dana’s Pampered Pets
Good evening, DPP family.
I apologize for the long post, but I have some important news to share. First, I would like to thank you all for your incredible kindness and support over the past year as I navigated a very difficult health journey. While my doctors and I initially suspected an autoimmune issue, I finally have a definitive answer—and it turns out the cause is a rare genetic condition.
Over a decade I lived with what I thought were separate, unrelated health struggles.
At 49 years old, the physical toll finally became impossible to ignore. After a lifetime of wondering, "What is wrong with me?" I finally have an answer: I have Hypophosphatasia (HPP).
What is HPP?
HPP is a rare, genetic metabolic disorder caused by a "blueprint error" in my DNA. My body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Think of this enzyme as the "construction worker" that hardens minerals like calcium into bones and teeth. Without it, the building blocks of my bones don’t harden properly (a condition called osteomalacia). Instead of building a strong skeleton, these minerals and vitamins build up to toxic levels in my bloodstream and organs.
The Hard Reality: No Cure
Because this is genetic, there is no cure. While there is an enzyme replacement therapy that can help manage symptoms, it is one of the most expensive treatments in the world and involves jumping through massive insurance hurdles. Even then, it requires frequent injections and comes with its own set of side effects.
As I’ve reached middle age, the "softness" of my bones and the chemical imbalance in my blood have reached a breaking point:
Neurological Impact: Because I cannot process Vitamin B6 correctly, it affects my brain chemistry. This is the root of the debilitating migraines I’ve had since childhood and the severe "brain fog" I struggle with now.
Kidney Health: Calcium that should be strengthening my bones is instead filtering through my kidneys, causing chronic pain and calcium deposits (nephrocalcinosis).
The "Vitamin" Danger: I can no longer take standard supplements or eat many fortified foods. Most vitamins—especially B6 and Calcium—act like poison in my system because I lack the enzyme to process them.
The reason for my post. The Impact on My Business
The most heartbreaking part of this diagnosis is how it affects the work I love.
Structural Instability: Because my bone structure is soft, it cannot handle the intense stress of lifting and restraining dogs and long days on my feet and why my ribs will no longer stay in place—my bones simply aren't rigid enough to hold the tension of my muscles during a long physical day.
New Haircut Policies: To protect my health and stay in business as long as possible, I am making the following changes:
Large Breed Haircuts: I am strictly limiting the number
of large breeds I pamper each day. Most importantly, I will no longer be taking on any new large breed clients.
No "Work-In" Appointments: To manage my physical stamina, I can no longer accommodate last-minute "squeeze-ins" or work-in appointments for haircuts of any size.
Scheduling: My haircut schedule is typically booked 5 to 6 weeks out. To ensure your pet stays on track, I highly recommend staying on a recurring schedule. If you are not on a recurring schedule, please be aware that there may be a wait of several weeks for an opening. Most of my clients are on recurring schedules so this does not apply to you.
I love what I do, and I love your pets. These boundaries are being put in place so that I can continue to care for them as long as possible. Thank you for everyone's patience and understanding
With love and gratitude,
Dana
