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“We Need To Spread Pawsitivity, Just the Way Our Pets Do,” Says Jaxx Fontaine D’ Eau Founder

In partnership with PPR

By Kody Boye

(Image: Jaxx)

Pet owners are familiar with the immediate joys of having a furry friend by their side. The excitement of a dog’s tail wagging or the comfort of a cat’s purr can light up even the dullest of days. But what many don’t realize is that these seemingly small gestures go way beyond happiness—they serve as building blocks for empathy, compassion, and a sense of community. Tiana Barron, founder of the natural spring water company for dogs, Jaxx Fontaine D’ Eau, understands this powerful bond intimately. Through her work, Tiana has seen how pets can transform lives, helping people reconnect with the best versions of themselves, and in doing so, creating ripples of positive energy that extend far beyond their homes.

“I believe dogs are going to save the planet,” says Tiana. At first, this might sound whimsical, but the more one considers it, the clearer it becomes that there’s a profound truth hidden in her words. Human connection with pets doesn’t just make one feel good; it has the potential to reshape the way one interacts with the world, promoting a more empathetic and unified global community.

The Human-Animal Bond

The relationship between humans and animals has evolved over thousands of years, and pets—especially dogs—have become experts at reading human emotions. They can sense when one is anxious or sad, offering a paw or a gentle nuzzle at just the right moment. This sensitivity to human emotion is more than a comforting trait; it’s a bridge that helps humans tap into the parts of themselves that yearn for connection and understanding.

Even studies have shown that spending time with furry friends reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and releases oxytocin, the very hormone that promotes feelings of love and bonding. But beyond the physiological benefits, caring for an animal often has a subtler, but no less powerful, impact: it cultivates empathy. When one tends to a pet that depends on them for everything—food, safety, affection—humans are reminded of the capacity for unconditional love. And, as Tiana points out, that love has a way of extending beyond one’s immediate environment.

“When you’re truly caring for a dog, you’re thinking beyond yourself. You’re thinking, ‘What do they need right now?’ That simple act of selflessness can change the way you see other people,” Tiana explains. “The more people who feel that way, the more goodness we put out into the world. And goodness is contagious.”

Building a Community Through Pets

There’s something almost magical about the way pets bring people together. For Tiana, it’s a phenomenon she’s seen time and time again, whether through her initiatives with Jaxx Fontaine D’ Eau or simply while walking her own dog, Jaxx. The sense of camaraderie that arises when pet owners cross paths isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a testament to the social power of animals.

“When I walk with Jaxx at the beach, people who would normally walk right past suddenly stop and smile,” Tiana shares. “They ask about him, and soon we’re talking about where they’re from, what they do—real conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s like Jaxx has this invisible pull that draws people in, reminding them that, hey, we’re all just living beings trying to get through life.” It’s a ripple effect, this founder believes: the positive energy generated by pets and their owners doesn’t stop there—it spreads, creating small moments of connection that build into a larger, more compassionate society.

The Refuge of Love

For Tiana, her commitment to spreading love and kindness is the driving force behind her company, Jaxx Fontaine D’ Eau. What started as a way to provide high-quality water to dogs, quickly grew into a mission to support animal rescue efforts and build a community rooted in compassion.

“I’ve always felt this pull to help dogs, to protect them,” she says. “When I created Jaxx Fontaine D’ Eau, I wanted to do more than just sell a product. I wanted to make a difference.” A portion of every sale goes directly to rescue organizations to ensure that more dogs find safe, loving homes. But Tiana’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s also committed to donating water and resources to rescue shelters in need, often reaching out to communities far beyond her own.

A dog in grass and trees
(Image: Adobe Stock)

“I rescued Jaxx in a hurricane, and I feel like he’s been rescuing me ever since,” she reflects. “His spirit, his sweetness; it’s like he lives in grace, and that’s helped me find my own grace again. Through him, I’ve learned to let go of anger, to be more patient and compassionate, not just with others, but with myself.”

Ultimately, Tiana’s message is one of hope, “Through the small acts of compassion we show our pets, we can cultivate a more empathetic view of the world; one that prioritizes unity over division and love over fear.” It’s a lesson worth learning, one paw at a time.