Meet Marita Tilley, the visionary founder of THE HEALTHY CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL(THCKCS), the very group from which The Balanced Canine emerged as a specialist subsidiary. Marita’s dedication to canine health and wellness has been inspiring our community for nearly a decade;

In 2015, Marita Tilley founded The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (THCKCS), which has grown to become one of Facebook’s largest breed-specific canine health communities, boasting over 65,000 members across 37 countries. Her mission from the start was clear: to help Cavalier owners keep their dogs as healthy and happy as possible using natural, holistic methods. This thriving community has empowered countless pet parents with research-based information, practical advice, and unwavering support.

Marita’s passion for health and wellness extends beyond the canine world. She founded the Natural Health School of Complementary Therapies, an ITEC-registered college that successfully ran for seven years, training hundreds of students in areas such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular Technique, and more. Her commitment to natural health was further solidified while assisting at her son’s chiropractic clinic, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of a holistic approach incorporating fresh diets, exercise, and specialized care on human health.

Her dedication to making a difference also led her to establish the rescue group Team Chance. Alongside her team, Marita embarked on the mission of rescuing Romanian dogs from Lancram Kill Shelter. Their efforts resulted in successfully bringing these dogs to the UK and finding them loving, permanent homes.

In 2018, Marita sought out and invited Libby Halpin, a dedicated THCKCS member and passionate Cavalier owner, to join her team after observing Libby’s growth and dedication within the group. This partnership blossomed into a close friendship, and together, they have worked tirelessly on numerous projects, enhancing the reach and impact of THCKCS.

Their combined expertise and shared vision led to a significant milestone in 2024 when Libby approached Marita with an idea that expanded the THCKCS mission. This idea resulted in the creation of THCKCS’ fifth subsidiary specialist group, The Balanced Canine, broadening their focus for the first time to cater to all breeds while upholding their commitment to holistic health and well-being.

Marita holds level 3 qualifications in various areas surrounding holistic health and canine health; Dip.Canine.holistics, Dip.caninenutrition, Dip.Dog Nutrigenomics, MSFTR, ITEC Level 3 anatomy & Physiology, holistic massage, reflexology plus multiple therapy certifications.

Through THCKCS and her broader work, Marita’s mission has remained steadfast: to educate, inspire, and guide pet parents to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of their dogs’ lives. She believes that “when we know better we do better” Marita says; “education is everything, as it gives us the opportunity to support dogs the best way possible.”

As the leader of The Balanced Canine – Natural Health & Wellbeing, Libby Halpin is a passionate advocate for canine wellness, living in the beautiful Kentish countryside. Her journey into canine health began with her rescue Westie, Molly, and deepened after the loss of her beloved Westie, Poppy, in 2018. Determined to help dogs live longer, healthier lives, Libby immersed herself in research on fresh food diets and holistic care.

With qualifications including BCCS.Dip Hth Nut, Dip.Dog Nutrigenomics, and several courses in homeopathy, raw feeding, and essential oils, zoopharmacognosy and more,  she now channels her expertise into supporting pet parents globally. Libby played a key role in The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (THCKCS) as a researcher, writer, editor, and content creator, where she’s helped build a thriving community dedicated to natural canine health.

Libby’s favorite topic is gut health, as the immune system is predominantly concentrated in the gut and linked to both physical and mental health through the gut-brain axis. For her, gut health is a crucial tool in offering longevity to dogs.

Her Cavaliers, Teddy and Darcy, inspire her mission, thriving on a fresh diet and natural health protocols. Libby believes in empathy, inclusivity, transparency and creating a non-judgmental space for all pet parents, acknowledging that every dog and owner’s journey is unique. She strives to provide a supportive, welcoming community where pet parents can make informed, healthy decisions for their dogs.

As a firm believer in working with certified experts, Libby ensures that The Balanced Canine continues to promote responsible guidance. Her work is driven by a deep love for dogs, not profit, and she remains committed to helping dogs of all breeds and ages live their healthiest lives.

Anna, a proud pet mom to Bolt, Molly, and Luna, has been immersed in the canine world for over five years, with her journey fueled by a lifelong love for animals and a dedication to holistic care. Her work began with EverMore Dog Rescue, where she discovered the vital role nutrition plays in a dog’s health—a realization that motivated her to dive deeper into holistic dog care.

After a brief start at a pet food warehouse where she saw firsthand the lack of proper education and advice for pet parents, Anna joined @pawsnaturally, learning under the mentorship of the respected Lyn Thompson. Specializing in fresh feeding, weight management, and solutions for fussy eaters, Anna thrives in face-to-face consultations, where she can provide a personalized approach for each dog and their unique needs.

Anna’s experience volunteering with major holistic dog communities on Facebook exposed her to the challenge of unverified and, at times, harmful advice circulating online. She and her co-founder, Sophie, launched @Rawbellious to address this issue by promoting reliable, science-backed guidance for pet parents seeking trustworthy nutritional advice.

Committed to ongoing education, Anna has completed various courses and diplomas, with her current focus on Zoology. She also channels her passion for holistic dog care into blog writing for multiple platforms, sharing insights and practical knowledge with the community.

We are thrilled to have Anna with us, bringing her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine care for canine health. Welcome to the team, Anna!

Melinda is the devoted pet parent of two adorable tri-colored Cavaliers, Daisy Duke and Princess Leia. Daisy, her regal yet feisty princess, is known for demanding treats with every arrival, while Leia, affectionately dubbed the “ewok” for her endearing whiskers, has a quirky, curious side and loves to check in on her loved ones. Both are deeply loved lap dogs and are truly cherished members of her family.

Melinda’s journey into holistic pet care began when Leia, at just nine months old, suddenly refused to eat her food. Determined to find a solution, Melinda discovered the benefits of a raw food diet with the support of THCKCS and Pawsome Cavaliers. This change was transformative for her Cavaliers, and soon, Melinda was sharing her new knowledge to guide family and friends toward healthier options for their own pets—including a diverse crew of Cavaliers, Mini Aussies, Frenchies, Pugs, Schnauzers, and Lab mixes!

Her passion for natural canine health deepened through studies with Dr. Katie Woodley, founder of The Natural Pet Parent Community, where she focused on holistic, drug-free wellness. Her experience has made her a go-to resource on canine health in her social circles, and she’s excited to bring this expertise to The Balanced Canine group as an admin.

Melinda also contributes as the admin of the Utah Cavalier King Charles Lovers and as a moderator for @FreezeDriedPetFood&Treats. With a heart for sharing and a love for all things Cavalier, Melinda is thrilled to be part of this team, helping fur families lead healthier, more balanced lives. We are so grateful to have her with us!

Stacey is a passionate Canine Nutrition & Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner based in Horsham, West Sussex, where she lives with her family and her beloved 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Ted. Her journey into fresh feeding and holistic canine health began with her previous Springer Spaniel, Shadow, whose health and behavioral challenges from puppyhood led Stacey to explore new, natural approaches.

Since 2016, Stacey has immersed herself in the world of canine health and wellness, pursuing studies with iPet, Canine Principles, Dog Training College, Centre of Excellence, and Chirag Patel. In July 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming a registered consultant with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC). Her key areas of expertise are managing “yeasty beasties” and exploring the fascinating connection between canine behavior and the microbiome.

Libby knew she had to have Stacey on board and is incredibly grateful to be working alongside her. She’s thrilled to learn from Stacey’s expertise as well as the rest of the team, knowing their collective knowledge will be invaluable to our community. Please join us in giving Stacey a warm welcome!

Yasmin has always had a deep love for all things four-legged, and she now shares her life with two beautiful Cavalier boys and two ponies. As a dedicated professional, she runs her own dog training and behavior business, specializing in understanding canine behavior and psychology. Her qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Psychology, alongside certifications in Positive Reinforcement Training, Canine Anxiety Management, and Fear-Free Training Methods.

Her commitment to expanding her knowledge allows her to truly understand how dogs learn, enabling her to help owners set their dogs up for success.

Yasmin has a particular interest in working with nervous and anxious dogs, and her holistic approach takes into account all aspects of a dog’s life—from training and behavior to nutrition and health. She often collaborates with other canine professionals to ensure each dog she works with gets the best possible care and support.

We’re honored to have Yasmin on board to help us build a strong, reliable, and nurturing community for all dog owners.

You can find more about Yasmins business here; www.doopiedog.co.uk

Meet Marita Tilley, the visionary founder of THE HEALTHY CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL(THCKCS), the very group from which The Balanced Canine emerged as a specialist subsidiary. Marita’s dedication to canine health and wellness has been inspiring our community for nearly a decade;

In 2015, Marita Tilley founded The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (THCKCS), which has grown to become one of Facebook’s largest breed-specific canine health communities, boasting over 65,000 members across 37 countries. Her mission from the start was clear: to help Cavalier owners keep their dogs as healthy and happy as possible using natural, holistic methods. This thriving community has empowered countless pet parents with research-based information, practical advice, and unwavering support.

Marita’s passion for health and wellness extends beyond the canine world. She founded the Natural Health School of Complementary Therapies, an ITEC-registered college that successfully ran for seven years, training hundreds of students in areas such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular Technique, and more. Her commitment to natural health was further solidified while assisting at her son’s chiropractic clinic, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of a holistic approach incorporating fresh diets, exercise, and specialized care on human health.

Her dedication to making a difference also led her to establish the rescue group Team Chance. Alongside her team, Marita embarked on the mission of rescuing Romanian dogs from Lancram Kill Shelter. Their efforts resulted in successfully bringing these dogs to the UK and finding them loving, permanent homes.

In 2018, Marita sought out and invited Libby Halpin, a dedicated THCKCS member and passionate Cavalier owner, to join her team after observing Libby’s growth and dedication within the group. This partnership blossomed into a close friendship, and together, they have worked tirelessly on numerous projects, enhancing the reach and impact of THCKCS.

Their combined expertise and shared vision led to a significant milestone in 2024 when Libby approached Marita with an idea that expanded the THCKCS mission. This idea resulted in the creation of THCKCS’ fifth subsidiary specialist group, The Balanced Canine, broadening their focus for the first time to cater to all breeds while upholding their commitment to holistic health and well-being.

Marita holds level 3 qualifications in various areas surrounding holistic health and canine health; Dip.Canine.holistics, Dip.caninenutrition, Dip.Dog Nutrigenomics, MSFTR, ITEC Level 3 anatomy & Physiology, holistic massage, reflexology plus multiple therapy certifications.

Through THCKCS and her broader work, Marita’s mission has remained steadfast: to educate, inspire, and guide pet parents to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of their dogs’ lives. She believes that “when we know better we do better” Marita says; “education is everything, as it gives us the opportunity to support dogs the best way possible.”

As the leader of The Balanced Canine – Natural Health & Wellbeing, Libby Halpin is a passionate advocate for canine wellness, living in the beautiful Kentish countryside. Her journey into canine health began with her rescue Westie, Molly, and deepened after the loss of her beloved Westie, Poppy, in 2018. Determined to help dogs live longer, healthier lives, Libby immersed herself in research on fresh food diets and holistic care.

With qualifications including BCCS.Dip Hth Nut, Dip.Dog Nutrigenomics, and several courses in homeopathy, raw feeding, and essential oils, zoopharmacognosy and more,  she now channels her expertise into supporting pet parents globally. Libby played a key role in The Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (THCKCS) as a researcher, writer, editor, and content creator, where she’s helped build a thriving community dedicated to natural canine health.

Libby’s favorite topic is gut health, as the immune system is predominantly concentrated in the gut and linked to both physical and mental health through the gut-brain axis. For her, gut health is a crucial tool in offering longevity to dogs.

Her Cavaliers, Teddy and Darcy, inspire her mission, thriving on a fresh diet and natural health protocols. Libby believes in empathy, inclusivity, transparency and creating a non-judgmental space for all pet parents, acknowledging that every dog and owner’s journey is unique. She strives to provide a supportive, welcoming community where pet parents can make informed, healthy decisions for their dogs.

As a firm believer in working with certified experts, Libby ensures that The Balanced Canine continues to promote responsible guidance. Her work is driven by a deep love for dogs, not profit, and she remains committed to helping dogs of all breeds and ages live their healthiest lives.

Anna, a proud pet mom to Bolt, Molly, and Luna, has been immersed in the canine world for over five years, with her journey fueled by a lifelong love for animals and a dedication to holistic care. Her work began with EverMore Dog Rescue, where she discovered the vital role nutrition plays in a dog’s health—a realization that motivated her to dive deeper into holistic dog care.

After a brief start at a pet food warehouse where she saw firsthand the lack of proper education and advice for pet parents, Anna joined @pawsnaturally, learning under the mentorship of the respected Lyn Thompson. Specializing in fresh feeding, weight management, and solutions for fussy eaters, Anna thrives in face-to-face consultations, where she can provide a personalized approach for each dog and their unique needs.

Anna’s experience volunteering with major holistic dog communities on Facebook exposed her to the challenge of unverified and, at times, harmful advice circulating online. She and her co-founder, Sophie, launched @Rawbellious to address this issue by promoting reliable, science-backed guidance for pet parents seeking trustworthy nutritional advice.

Committed to ongoing education, Anna has completed various courses and diplomas, with her current focus on Zoology. She also channels her passion for holistic dog care into blog writing for multiple platforms, sharing insights and practical knowledge with the community.

We are thrilled to have Anna with us, bringing her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine care for canine health. Welcome to the team, Anna!

Melinda is the devoted pet parent of two adorable tri-colored Cavaliers, Daisy Duke and Princess Leia. Daisy, her regal yet feisty princess, is known for demanding treats with every arrival, while Leia, affectionately dubbed the “ewok” for her endearing whiskers, has a quirky, curious side and loves to check in on her loved ones. Both are deeply loved lap dogs and are truly cherished members of her family.

Melinda’s journey into holistic pet care began when Leia, at just nine months old, suddenly refused to eat her food. Determined to find a solution, Melinda discovered the benefits of a raw food diet with the support of THCKCS and Pawsome Cavaliers. This change was transformative for her Cavaliers, and soon, Melinda was sharing her new knowledge to guide family and friends toward healthier options for their own pets—including a diverse crew of Cavaliers, Mini Aussies, Frenchies, Pugs, Schnauzers, and Lab mixes!

Her passion for natural canine health deepened through studies with Dr. Katie Woodley, founder of The Natural Pet Parent Community, where she focused on holistic, drug-free wellness. Her experience has made her a go-to resource on canine health in her social circles, and she’s excited to bring this expertise to The Balanced Canine group as an admin.

Melinda also contributes as the admin of the Utah Cavalier King Charles Lovers and as a moderator for @FreezeDriedPetFood&Treats. With a heart for sharing and a love for all things Cavalier, Melinda is thrilled to be part of this team, helping fur families lead healthier, more balanced lives. We are so grateful to have her with us!

Stacey is a passionate Canine Nutrition & Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner based in Horsham, West Sussex, where she lives with her family and her beloved 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Ted. Her journey into fresh feeding and holistic canine health began with her previous Springer Spaniel, Shadow, whose health and behavioral challenges from puppyhood led Stacey to explore new, natural approaches.

Since 2016, Stacey has immersed herself in the world of canine health and wellness, pursuing studies with iPet, Canine Principles, Dog Training College, Centre of Excellence, and Chirag Patel. In July 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming a registered consultant with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC). Her key areas of expertise are managing “yeasty beasties” and exploring the fascinating connection between canine behavior and the microbiome.

Libby knew she had to have Stacey on board and is incredibly grateful to be working alongside her. She’s thrilled to learn from Stacey’s expertise as well as the rest of the team, knowing their collective knowledge will be invaluable to our community. Please join us in giving Stacey a warm welcome!

Yasmin has always had a deep love for all things four-legged, and she now shares her life with two beautiful Cavalier boys and two ponies. As a dedicated professional, she runs her own dog training and behavior business, specializing in understanding canine behavior and psychology. Her qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Psychology, alongside certifications in Positive Reinforcement Training, Canine Anxiety Management, and Fear-Free Training Methods.

Her commitment to expanding her knowledge allows her to truly understand how dogs learn, enabling her to help owners set their dogs up for success.

Yasmin has a particular interest in working with nervous and anxious dogs, and her holistic approach takes into account all aspects of a dog’s life—from training and behavior to nutrition and health. She often collaborates with other canine professionals to ensure each dog she works with gets the best possible care and support.

We’re honored to have Yasmin on board to help us build a strong, reliable, and nurturing community for all dog owners.

You can find more about Yasmins business here; www.doopiedog.co.uk