The Dermagic Story

Dr. Adelia Ritchie, Founder
PhD Organic Chemist

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc., was incorporated in 2006 by Dr. Adelia Ritchie, mother of two young Shih Tzus, who were often in need of a quick fix for insect bites, rashes, hot spots or other dermal boo-boos. But the original prototype product was formulated many years ago, back when Dr. Ritchie was breeding and showing Yorkshire Terriers and teaching organic chemistry at a community college in Florida.

At the time, her prize show dog and best friend “Shenanigan” developed a serious skin disease, and then progressively got worse under standard veterinary treatments, to the point where her vet suggested euthanasia to put the dog out of her misery. Shenanigan had thick black skin by this time, and she smelled horrible and cried constantly. Back then (as is still the case today), there just weren’t any good choices out there for veterinary treatments that weren’t loaded with cortisone, steroids, antibiotics or strong chemicals, and even those treatments were not effective enough to save Shenanigan’s life.

Determined not to lose her dog from a skin disease, Dr. Ritchie began formulating topical prototype products with natural, herbal and organic ingredients. Shenanigan got dunked, slathered, gooped, and drenched in potions, all somewhat effective, but not quite enough. Finally, after many trials, DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion was born, and Shenanigan’s relief was visible and immediate. She stopped crying and scratching within 48 hours of the first treatment. Soon after her hair was sprouting. Within six months, she was again in full coat and was parading herself proudly around the show ring.

Over the years, Dr. Ritchie used her formulations to treat dogs and cats and horses belonging to family members, friends, and her colleagues in the dog show business, but it was not until 2005 that a good friend challenged her by saying, “Adelia, you owe it to the world to get these products to market and end so much needless suffering."