Kenya’s Healing Journey: How an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Changed Everything
- Claire Lucie Sonck
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 24

Kenya's Healing Journey: How Food, Gut Health, and Love Changed Everything
When I rescued Kenya, a little 3-month-old puppy, she was in terrible health.
The animal shelter had placed her in a foster home where, over time, it became clear she had been severely neglected—and likely abused.
The day I brought her home, she was crying and screaming in pain while passing stools, with fresh red blood in her poop. She had a severe flea infestation, a chronic yeast ear infection that made her ears unbearably itchy, and she would scream every time she scratched her right ear.
She also had a urinary tract infection, drank excessive amounts of water, and was constantly urinating—signs pointing to kidney strain, likely due to the high-meat, low-quality, ultra-processed diet she had been fed (Royal Canin Puppy kibble).
Her abdomen was extremely sensitive; even a light touch would make her cry out in pain. And most heartbreakingly, she had evident trauma and pain in her hips from an unknown cause.
She also suffered from intense separation anxiety and had clearly poor gut health—the smell of her fur and breath was sour and unpleasant.
Assessing Her Health—As a Dog Mum and a Canine Nutritionist
In those first days, one issue after another began to reveal itself—many of which the shelter had failed to disclose. Emotionally, it was devastating. But I quickly shifted into professional mode.
These are symptoms I’ve seen in many clients' dogs over the years—but rarely all at once, and not as a result of such deep neglect. From my experience as a CMA-registered canine nutritionist, I knew that most of Kenya’s health issues stemmed from two things:
✔ Severe gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability caused by an ultra-processed, meat-heavy diet
✔ Physical neglect, infections, and unaddressed trauma
And I also knew this: none of these conditions were permanent. They could be reversed.
The Healing Plan: Food as Her First Medicine
I created an immediate action plan—something I’ve done for hundreds of dogs. I began feeding Kenya fresh, anti-inflammatory meals, eliminated all animal proteins and processed products, and introduced targeted natural remedies.
Here’s what I used:
Gut-supportive, plant-based meals
A tailored probiotic for her condition
Organic turmeric, digestive herbs, and natural antifungals
Filtered water and daily care
(And no, it’s not time-consuming—feeding fresh food to our 7 cats, Luna the family dog, and Kenya takes just 10–15 minutes a day, while running three companies, working with clients from all over the world and enjoying life!)
Her Progress: Small Changes, Huge Results
Within a few days, I began seeing results:
✔ No more blood in her stools—and no more pain when passing stools.
✔ Her ears became less itchy—still healing, but already significantly improved.
✔ Abdominal pain faded—she stopped crying when touched and seemed more at ease.
✔ Her appetite returned—she now devours every meal, including mushrooms, kidney beans, tofu, mango, red pepper, and broccoli.
✔ Separation anxiety eased—this was the biggest and most surprising change
As her gut health improves, so does her emotional state. And it’s no coincidence. The gut-brain connection in dogs is well documented—gut inflammation has been linked to anxiety, mood, and even behaviour.
Every day, I watch Kenya become more confident, more joyful, more herself.
Her Story: From Northern Canada to Our Home
Kenya’s story begins even before her birth.
She was still in her mother’s womb when her mum was rescued in Northern Canada, in a remote village overwhelmed by dogs and unable to care for them.
The shelter I work with conducted a rescue mission there, driving across the province. They saved four starving puppies found beside their deceased mother, an elderly dog in poor condition, and Kenya’s mother—who was pregnant with Kenya and her two siblings.
Kenya was born at the shelter and later placed in a foster family.
When we met, it was instantaneous. I was waiting in the hallway of the shelter store, and the moment we saw each other, something clicked. It was deep. We didn’t just meet—we chose each other.
And I brought her home.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Kenya’s healing is just beginning, but her transformation so far is profound.
And there’s one more thing: Kenya is being trained to become my service dog—a journey we’ll share in a future chapter.
For now, I just want to say this: dogs can heal. With the right food, the right support, and unconditional love, the body knows how to recover.
If your dog is struggling with similar issues—digestive upset, allergies, anxiety, inflammation—you’re not alone. And there is hope.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kenya’s journey and practical guidance to support your own dog’s health.
With warmth and care
Claire Lucie
About the Author:
Claire Lucie is a CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.
🔗 Learn more: www.clairethedognutritionist.com
📸 Follow on Instagram: @clairethedognutritionist
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
© 2025 Claire Lucie | All rights reserved.
No part of this article may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from the author.
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