Carl Van Bael
I have been active in the dog world for over 30 years. My passion for the Mastiff began in 1982 when I purchased my first Mastiff but it didn’t stop there. I have actively participated in showing, breeding litters on occasion and training as well as being volunteering my time with Rescue.
As more Mastiff enthusiasts emerged, I felt the need to create a club where people, with the same passion as I, could gather and enjoy our breed. I founded the Mastiff Club Belgium where I was an officer until recently. Throughout this time, my ties to breeders and Mastiff enthusiasts alike, grew beyond the European Continent and I am fortunate to have many Mastiff friends around the world. I have travelled frequently to the United Kingdom and attended Crufts on several occasions, met with long-time Mastiff breeders and historians and never stopped educating myself about the Mastiff and other Molosser breeds. It was not only a hobby, it became a passion.
While in Belgium, I owned a boarding kennel and pet supply/grooming store. Feeding a natural, raw diet was very common in Europe and I prepared this diet for my own dogs as well as the boarders and customers. As they say, “the proof is in the pudding”. My dogs were well conditioned, bright eyes, shiny coats, excellent condition with hardly any vet visits. I am of firm belief that a natural diet is the only way to go for the best results and to increase longevity along with a good quality of life.
I met my wife, Bes, when she contacted me regarding a pedigree, of Belgian origin, of a male she purchased from a longtime acquaintance of mine. During this time, we discussed many aspects of our breed as well as nutrition. Upon my coming to the United States, I was surprised to see that most here fed their dogs a kibble dog food, quite the opposite from Europe. It was then that we decided to produce our own food in order to give our dogs the best possible opportunity to live long, healthy lives. Big Dog Natural was “born”. We are fortunate to have 5 Mastiffs who were willing participants and they are still our best food critics. Our dogs are our testament to our product. We are very pleased with it and I’m sure your pets will be too!
Bes Van Bael
My passion for dogs began early in my life. I enjoyed reading about the various dog breeds in the encyclopedia and was always interested in the larger breeds.
One day I visited a well-known Mastiff breeder and I was hooked. How could such a large breed of dog be so gentle and noble.
Since then, I have owned Mastiffs and my passion for the breed grew. I joined the North & East Mastiff Fanciers and held the title of Membership Secretary as well as assisting in other aspects of the breed.
Since 1988, I have enjoyed showing my dogs, breeding a litter on occasion and became the rescue coordinator for New Jersey. Being involved with rescue was very rewarding and at the same time heartbreaking as well. It was always an emotional journey when finding that forever home for those in need. During this time, I was also lucky to have been owned by a smaller breed, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. I considered myself very lucky to be surrounded by so many people who shared the same passion as myself…both here in the United States and across the globe.
As with most pet owners, I started out with kibble as I didn’t know any better. It was easy and convenient. Even then, I was trying different foods with varying results. As time went by, I couldn’t understand why the frequent veterinarian visits for one thing or another. When I purchased a male from well known breeders in Virginia, they mentioned feeding a raw diet. I started out with chicken quarters and gradually started putting together a diet for my dogs. This took a bit more time than opening a bag of kibble but I noticed a difference in a relatively short amount of time. Back then, it was difficult finding green tripe as most was bleached but with a bit more research, I found a supplier.
Being involved with the Mastiff all these years, I met my husband, Carl. He too had a passion for the breed and, since the male I had purchased had Belgian lines, we spoke quite frequently regarding pedigrees as well as diet. The rest is history. Big Dog Natural was “born”.