We originally intended to sell office supplies and computer parts. We had our business license and contacts to do so. But it was at this time that my daughter's puppy came down with parvo.

We took him to the vet where we were told he would die. At my daughter's plea my mother came up with an herbal concoction that we gave to the puppy. Well he didn't die and when I saw the vet's reaction I knew we had something special.

The vet asked for some of the concoction. He had two dogs he was going to put to sleep, because of their advanced state with parvo, and he wanted try it on them. One dog died but the other lived! The vet told us the one who died was nearly dead when he gave it the treatment.

We found more parvo victims and when given my mother's concoction they all recovered. We were excited! Here was something we could provide and feel good about. Who wants to sell office supplies anyway?

The big problem was how to market it. Our attorney made it clear that we couldn't sell Parvaid as a cure. To do that we would need FDA approval. We investigated the process of attaining FDA approval and discovered, just like any other government process, the red tape and expense was more than we (the average citizen) could bear.

We tried to get our vets to provide testimonials but because of the FDA situation and the laws governing 'Community Accepted Practices' they wouldn't.

After discussing the problem with our attorney and veterinarians we decided to sell Parvaid as a food supplement that may help parvo victims recover. To get as many testimonials as possible and let Parvaid speak for itself.

A word about my mother

Pat Griffiths had plans of going to college after high school, to become a Pharmacist. But she fell in love and married instead. She didn't let that stop her from learning. She is an avid reader and has read many books on medical sciences and microbiology. Along the way she became interested in herbs and has studied them in great detail.

Raising a large family has many challenges among which is health care. Over the years many doctors have learned to respect my mothers knowledge of diseases and medications. It is true she has only a high school diploma but her education goes much further. It is said that the purpose of school is teaching a person to learn. My mother was a good student.

Cindy Van Komen