My Story

Hello, I’m Melissa Zollars — a certified holistic pet health coach, trained under the guidance of Dr. Ruth Roberts, a professional canine nutritionist, and a lifelong animal lover.

I help pet parents feel informed, empowered, and supported when navigating their pet’s health, especially during times of overwhelm, confusion, or uncertainty about their options.

How I Got Here

My love for animals started early. As a child, I wanted to help all of them. While life initially took me in another direction, that connection never left me.

For a significant portion of my life, I grappled with anxiety and OCD. Seeking help, I consulted traditional doctors, and therapists only to find that the main solutions offered were prescription medications. Unfortunately, these medications failed to resolve my issues.  Additionally, I observed the health of many people close to me deteriorating due to the limitations of Western medicine and the nasty side effects of pharmaceuticals, which sadly includes addiction.  These experiences made me realize the importance of seeking alternative paths to health and well-being.  Through my own research and lived experience, I discovered the power of holistic wellness — supporting the body as a whole through nutrition, herbs, mindset, and lifestyle. Over time, my symptoms eased and my health improved, reshaping how I understood healing. 

The Awakening: 

 In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, my interest in holistic health and natural remedies deepened. I immersed myself in learning about COVID-19, the immune system, and how holistic approaches could support wellbeing. This knowledge empowered me to make informed decisions—and to help others do the same.

During that time, I also faced a profound personal loss: I lost two beloved cats within two months. First, I had to lay Colby to rest, and just two months later, I had to make the same gut-wrenching decision for my little Homie.

Colby’s passing was especially difficult—it came out of nowhere. After several days at the vet and nearly $8,000 later, I still had few answers. Overwhelmed and confused, I struggled to understand the recommendations, and when a feeding tube was suggested, I knew I couldn’t endure any more—and didn’t want to put him through it. Looking back, there is so much I would have done differently with the knowledge I have now. Homie and Colby are part of why I help pet parents today. No one should feel lost, confused, or hopeless when making life-altering decisions for their pets. Every pet parent deserves informed choices and understanding of all available options.

A Furry Inspiration: 

Rescuing my dog Scooby showed me just how powerful holistic care can be. When I first brought him home, his coat was dull, he was constantly scratching and biting his paws, and he had severe separation anxiety. I changed his diet, worked on his gut health, and focused on his emotional wellbeing. Slowly, I started to see a transformation—his fur began to shine, the scratching stopped, and I could finally leave the house without him having a meltdown. That experience made me realize how much pets can thrive with holistic care.

No Such Thing as Coincidence:

One day, while scrolling on social media, I discovered Dr. Ruth Roberts’ holistic pet health coaching program, and it felt like perfect alignment with my love for animals and passion for holistic health. I eagerly joined the program and, under Dr. Roberts’ guidance I gained the knowledge and skills to support pets and their owners through holistic approaches. 

Today, as a certified holistic pet health coach, I help pet parents make informed choices that nurture their pet’s mind, body, and soul.