Tune into your pet at Psychic Kitty
By: KITTY OPISHINSKI

SOUTH KINGSTOWN - "What is good for people is good for their animals," says Carolyn Blecharczyk, owner of Psychic Kitty, Rhode Island's only holistic center for pets and their owners.


"As more people are looking for organic products for themselves, they are looking for those products for their pets as well," Blecharczyk explains.

A self-proclaimed corporate refugee, she and her sister, Ruth, opened the store in South County Commons three months ago.
"I bring the business expertise," says Blecharczyk, who worked in human resources for 15 years.

"Ruth is the manager. She has a lot of in-depth animal experience."
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Science from Colby College and is a master's candidate in zoology at the University of Rhode Island.
"She's done many different things," says Blecharczyk of her sister.

Dog grooming, hand raising birds, and working at a local pet store are occupations that have contributed to Ruth's expertise. "She's always been focused on animals and a holistic approach to life."

A member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, Ruth is certified by Bancroft School of Massage Therapy to perform massage on small animals.
"Many people are surprised at the reaction of their pets to massage," says Blecharczyk. As with people, pet massage aids in healing, increases mobility and strength, helps with circulation, and improves temperament. More often than not, animals enjoy massage.

"When people are not feeling well, we tend to be a bit temperamental," says Bleckarczyk, listing accupressure and reiki as two of the techniques used by Ruth. "It's the same with animals."
"Before we perform massage on an animal, we interview the owner to find out if there is any possibility of a conflict with their vet," she says.
In addition to massage, Psychic Kitty offers pet communication services to customers.
"We have a woman who has the ability to communicate with pets," Blecharczyk says. "She has done dogs, cats, and rabbits here at the store but she says the most communicative animals are horses."

Since holistic care is about treatment of the entire being, Psychic Kitty carries a wide variety of pet foods and treats. Blecharczyk carries only foods made with quality organic ingredients.
"We even have one canned food that is approved for human consumption," Blecharczyk says. The store has customers who drive from Massachusetts and Connecticut just to purchase their pet foods.

"Just as with people, good nutrition is the heart of good health," says Blecharczyk.
Psychic Kitty carries books for people who want to make their own pet food as well as a line of frozen food which can be fed raw.
"That's the best way for them," Blecharczyk says, pointing out that dogs and cats will naturally eat the carcasses of prey. "You can cook the food if you like, though."
"Cats and dogs don't digest grains well," Blecharczyk says, explaining that grains contribute to flatulence, tartar buildup and allergies. None of the pet foods in the store are made with grain fillers.

Customers often come in looking for ways to topically treat allergies or quickly change a pet's unwanted behavior. Blecharczyk tries to address the underlying cause rather than treat the symptom.
"We treat the animals from the inside out," she says, pointing to racks of herbal tinctures and floral essences. With names like 'tinkle tonic,' 'outburst,' 'grief and loss,' and 'spraying,' the products are used to treat a variety of psychological and physical problems.
"They are glycerin, not alcohol, based," Blecharczyk notes. "So they taste a little sweet."
What pet store would be complete without toys for animals and their owners?
"I look for the unusual," says Blecharczyk, who avoids coffee mugs, keychains, and pens and strives to carry local products. Her biggest sellers to date have been funky lawn sculptures, amusing doormats, and something Ruth calls droids - animal figurines that hold jewelry, cell phones, and other small items.
Some of the other nifty gifts in the store are clocks, pillows, wind chimes, clothing, and, of course, unusual pet dishes.
For your animal companions, Psychic Kitty carries a full line of leashes, collars, toys, treats, and accessories.
"We prefer the leashes and collars made of hemp," Blecharczyk says, explaining that they are softer and stronger than the more commonly used nylon ones.
 
Vegetable coloring instead of chemical dyes are another reason she carries the hemp products.
One challenge for Blecharczyk has been the loyalty customers have for one particular type of animal, often purchasing only items depicting that breed.
" And South County has some very unusual breeds," laughs Blecharczyk, who happily accommodates special orders.
Psychic Kitty is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. Sunday hours are from noon to 5 pm. Massage and animal communication services are by appointment only. For more information, call 284-0660.
 
©The Narragansett Times 2005