A Thoughtful Approach to Pet Wellness
Who We Are
The Well Balanced Paw grew from a personal journey into holistic pet care — one shaped by experience, curiosity, and a desire to support pets beyond surface-level solutions. What began as a search for better answers has become a place where nutrition, wellness, education, and joy come together to support the whole pet.
This page is where we share how that journey began, what guides our choices, and the people behind the care.
Our Story
The Well Balanced Paw was born out of both inspiration and frustration. Follow along for our story in the words of the Owner, Heather Leonard.
2005
It Started In My Home
The Well Balanced Paw began as a personal journey to give my own pets the happiest, healthiest life possible.
More than 20 years ago, I spent countless nights researching ways to help my animals through a range of health issues. One struggled with skin troubles, another with gut health, and another with cancer. The process was exhausting, but when small changes began to improve their quality of life, it became clear that a more balanced, thoughtful approach could make a real difference.
My beagle, Nala, the dog in our logo, was never expected to live beyond ten years. She went on to become a joyful senior, always ready for a walk and full of life.
2017
Learning and Hands-On Experience
That early search for answers led me to study holistic pet care, nutrition, and wellness more deeply.
To further my knowledge, I studied small animal massage therapy in Boston, graduating in 2017. I mentored with several veterinarians who helped me gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of how natural therapies can work alongside veterinary care.
Through this work, I learned how important quality nutrition and well-chosen supplements are to supporting long-term pet health.
2020
Sharing What Works
The Well Balanced Paw was created to share what I have learned with other pet parents.
Every product in the shop is carefully chosen by me to ensure your pets have access to high-quality food, treats, supplements, and enrichment toys. Alongside these offerings, I provide services such as diet consultations and small animal massage therapy to support pets at every stage of life.
I am grateful to call Staunton home and look forward to meeting you and your pets and helping you find what balanced wellness looks like for them.
Our Business Philosophy
Pets First. People Always.
Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, but you can. That’s why listening is such an important part of what we do. Every pet has a different story, and every family comes in with different questions, concerns, and goals.
We work with you to understand your pet’s habits, health history, and personality before making recommendations. No pressure. No one-size-fits-all answers. Just thoughtful guidance rooted in experience, education, and care.
Because when pet parents feel confident in their choices, pets get the best possible care.
Meet the Team
Behind The Well Balanced Paw is a small, dedicated team who care deeply about animals and the people who love them.
Our experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to thoughtful pet wellness are infused in everything we do. Whether you are stopping in with a quick question or sitting down for a deeper consultation, you will always be met with patience, respect, and genuine care.
We believe the best outcomes come from relationships built on trust. When you walk through our doors, you are not just another customer. You are part of a community that values balance, learning, and doing what is right for our pets.
Heather
Heather is the founder and heart behind The Well Balanced Paw. Her journey into holistic pet wellness started more than 20 years ago when her own pets faced a range of health challenges, and she discovered how much of a difference a balanced, natural approach could make. She studied small animal massage therapy in Boston and mentored with veterinarians to deepen her understanding of how nutrition and natural therapies work together. She hand-selects every product on our shelves and loves helping pet parents find what works for their animals.
Loren
Loren is a familiar face around the shoppe! She’s been at the Well Balanced Paw for three and a half years, although we can only imagine how she finds the time as she’s also a first-grade teacher and dedicates many hours and days to Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge, helping outside dogs and cats live better lives. She’s an Augusta County native and loves all things holistic pet health. She’s especially passionate about feeding fresh foods to her pets. Next time you’re in the shop, ask her about our apothecary (it’s her jam!) or her favorite dehydrated organ treats for any dog or cat!
Grayson
If you’re a regular around the shoppe, you definitely know Grayson, but did you know she is also the fabulous artist behind our window displays? Grayson has been a part of the Well Balanced Paw team for over three years and is an expert dog trainer, as well as an expert in guessing the breed of every dog she sees. Stop in and ask her about her most-watched movie, “The Thing” from 1982, or compliment the store playlist that was probably her pick. She’d love to recommend some nutritious snacks for your pet, including her own dogs’ favorite freeze-dried quail eggs.
Tavia
Tavia's been with the Well Balanced Paw for over a year, and has a wealth of experience with pets that goes much beyond that! She has 6 dogs that all absolutely love to shop at the WBP, especially for delicious treats and food.When not at work, you can find her out competing in dog sports, training her dogs or simply enjoying nature with them. Say hi to Tavia next time you’re in the shoppe and ask her about all her dog’s favorites, they’re some of our top product testers!
Alaina
While you may not see her as often in the shop, she’s busy working on marketing and events, so you definitely are seeing her work if you’re seeing posts like this one! Alaina's dog, Berkeley, loves visiting The Well Balanced Paw, which is her favorite place outside of Gypsy Hill Park. Her pets are also big fans of the treats she brings home from work, and her cat, Ollie, is enjoying his new raw diet.
Amber
Amber is a Richmond native who moved to Staunton over a year ago. She's a proud cat mom to her adorable kitties, Pablo and Zuko, and she would love to share their favorite treats with you when you visit our shop. We know they're big fans of our catnip selections and our Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish treats. When she's not at the WBP, you can find her hitting the books, studying to be a vet tech, or hiking on a nice day!
Madison
Madison recently moved to Staunton from Kansas City. We’re not sure if we know anyone quite as excited about T-Swift’s recent engagement as she is! Say hi to Madison next time you’re in the shop and ask her about her horse Darcy or her favorite Taylor Swift song.
Deborah
Deborah is one of our newest team members working in Operations, reminding us to *paws* to cross our t’s and dot our i’s. She’s lived in Virginia for 11 years and is settling into her 6th home in the state, so you can do the math on how often she’s moved in those 11 years! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cats, gardening, and fixing up her home. Next time you’re in the shoppe, give her a shout because she’s probably in the back jamming to some sweet tunes and counting bully sticks!
Our Community
Connected by Care
The Well Balanced Paw was created with community in mind.
Over the years, we have seen how powerful it can be when pet parents have a place to ask questions, share experiences, and learn together. Through workshops, events, and everyday conversations in the shop, we aim to create a space that feels welcoming, supportive, and grounded in care.
Pet parents come to us from many different places. Our hope is that this shop feels approachable, trustworthy, and welcoming, a place where questions are encouraged and conversations come easily.
An Open Invitation
Caring for pets is deeply personal, and no two journeys look the same.
If you are looking for thoughtful guidance, quality products, or simply a place where your questions are met with patience and care, we are glad you found us. We look forward to meeting you and your pets, hearing your story, and helping you find what balance looks like for your family.
Stop in, say hello, and make yourself at home.
