V6I4 (Aug/Sep 2004) by Redstone Media Group

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WELLNESS RESOURCE GUIDE

wellness S E E

I N S I D E

educating�your�passion

Henry Winkler

Compassionate, charismatic and cool as ever Is your animal being

OVERvaccinated? How your “inner cat” can help you live more blissfully

Allergies and Hotspots How to deal with them drug-free

What to consider before choosing a dogwalker

$4.95 USA/$5.95 Canada

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 4

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For the Modern Dog animal wellness

contents 18

features 14 Allergies...

helping dogs and cats get the itch out Get down to scratch with skin problems

18 Too busy to

exercise Fido? A dog walker might be the answer

26 Is your animal being 58

overvaccinated?

32 Henry Winkler Compassionate, charismatic and cool as ever

36 The Way of the cat Nap, do nothing and stretch your way to a blissful life

40 Animal Wellness Expo A glimpse at our first event at the Rose Bowl

The latest information may surprise you

44 Why are so many

dogs and cats getting IBD and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best way to treat it? Holistic medicine can help overcome this debilitating disorder

48 Special needs diets â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

what do you feed your ailing companion? Healthy, tempting recipes for cancer and IBD patients

columns 10 Yakkity yak

61 Book reviews

22 Dr. Martin Goldstein 68 Legal beagle 38 Animal

communication

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72 Animal passages 82 The tail end

features 57 Is your dog or cat

missing important enzymes? These hard-working nutrients are vital to your companion’s digestive health

58 Preventing and

getting rid of your equine’s skin troubles Taking the natural approach to dermatitis in horses

62 How Reiki uses

65 Disaster relief for animals is all in a day’s work for Noah’s Wish

From fires to floods, these dedicated rescue workers are ready for anything

energy to heal

A hands-on approach to well-being

departments 6 8

Editorial

47 What’s gnu?

71 Events calendar

Pony express

53 Holistic

74 Ad spots

31 Product picks

resource guide

81 Classifieds

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2004. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: July, 2004

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These boots are made for walking Issue 4

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Dana Cox Ann Brightman Yvonne Hollandy Christopher Ameruoso Leanne Rosborough

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY ILLUSTRATION

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephen Blake, DVM Sharon Callahan Susan Cava Nicole Dingwell Audi Donamor Autumn Drouin, DVM Bob Ferber Martin Goldstein, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Dan Moore, DVM Mary Ann Petersen Sherri Woo Lisa Wyant-Devlin ADMINISTRATION & SALES PRESIDENT Tim Hockley CLIENT SERVICES Lesia Wright

CIRCULATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Vaughan King

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Guinevere Martin SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9H 2L2. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: submissions@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

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Where I’m from, you can drive down the street surrounded by snowbanks taller than Shaquille O’Neal in the winter months. When I think of dog boots, I tend to think of them in terms of frigid weather, ice and salt – they’re the necessities I strap on my ancient huskies’ feet on the coldest days or when the salt truck has made its rounds. My dogs don’t particularly like wearing them, being older when they were first introduced to the concept of footwear, and well, after all, they are huskies. But at least, when they come into contact with a few beads of salt, they don’t fall over in the snow, screaming at the top of their lungs so that everyone comes running to find out who’s beating the poor dog (as happened pre-boots with our lovable Sabrina, who is a bit of a drama queen).

edi t o r i a l

At the Animal Wellness Expo on June 5 and 6, I experienced a whole new perspective on dog boots. We were hit with an unprecedented heat wave that weekend in Pasadena, California. While historical data showed that time of year was always gloomy and moderately warm (potential high of 77 degrees), the temperature rose to 95 degrees and the glorious sun streamed down relentlessly upon the Rose Bowl asphalt. Some smaller dogs arrived in carry bags, a few came in wagons and a handful wore sport protective footwear. The majority of animals, however, arrived barefoot. We had arranged for small swimming pools to be located throughout the show and we purchased extra hoses to water down the asphalt but we knew we needed to do more for Sunday. When the canines arrived, we were ready. As soon as people came through the gate with their dogs, they were directed to the “booty tent”, where volunteers wrapped their feet with makeshift booties. Wrapping for four hours solid before I even looked up, I spoke to dozens of people. Many were very surprised that their dogs required footwear at all – they thought their pads were enough to protect them. Several hikers pondered whether boots would be a good idea for the trail. The bottom line is, pads can get cut, chafed and blistered, and footwear is a wise investment over the lifetime of an animal, especially if you live in a climate where temperatures can be extreme. Many people expressed thanks for this new information and for our efforts to protect their dog’s feet. When the dogs left the “booty tent”, they were walking like they had sticky bubblegum attached to their paws. A couple of hours later, however, many of these same dogs strolled along as if their new gear was the most natural thing in the world. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped out at the Expo and all the people who waited patiently at the booty tent for their canine friends’ footwear. The love we all share for animals was clearly evident that day. Wishing you a safe and joyful summer,

Our Cover: Henry Winkler snuggles up with Charlotte, his rambunctious two-year-old Labradoodle.

Photo: Christopher Ameruoso

Volume 6

Photo: Christopher Ameruoso

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pony express dear animal wellness magazine . . . Thanks for the great article on bovine colostrum! (AW, Vol. 6, Iss. 3) I have a 15-year-old cat who was diagnosed with Feline AIDS two years ago. I’d been trying other herbs and supplements to help with her digestive problems as she was always throwing up. After I read your article I ran to the health food store and bought a bottle of organic colostrum. I give her one capsule every morning – in the past two weeks she hasn’t thrown up at all and is doing much better overall. It has also healed a sore that for a year wouldn’t go away. I used to take this supplement myself and forgot all the good benefits it has not only for humans but our pets as well. Sadie says thanks, too. Elaine Checkley, Irving, TX

I was boiling with rage when I read the review of Peggy R. Hoyt’s book, All My Children Wear Fur Coats (AW, Vol. 6, Iss. 3). It says that pet owners can love their pet more than their best friend, child, or spouse. That is, bar none, the most pathetic statement I’ve ever read. Anybody who loves an animal more than their child or spouse is in serious need for mental counseling. Such a belief is nothing to be proud of, it is shameful. Children are our future: they are the hope of the world. They are the future doctors, soldiers, police, teachers, taxi drivers, mailmen, inventors, actors, authors, and service workers. Pets are clueless nothings that seek only to eat our food. How dare it be said that an owner’s love for a beast equals or exceeds that of a family member. Darin Reed, Gallup, NM

Editor’s Note: One of the wonderful things about our companion animals is that they are a source of unconditional love and loyalty – qualities that, for one reason or another, spouses, children and friends

don’t always provide. While most people do remember to take care of their human family in their wills, it’s important to make arrangements for our furred and feathered family members as well. I have been a farrier for ten years and have just read your article Putting your horse’s best foot forward – with an all-natural hoof (AW, Vol. 6, Iss. 3). The trim you describe and show is one that has been performed on hooves long before you were born. It is nothing unique and no better than a trim done by any competent farrier. I agree it is not natural to shoe horses, but neither is it natural to ride them, let alone ask them to race or jump. I put shoes on horses competing at international competitions for steeplechasing, show jumping, and dressage. These horses are consistently winning, and have healthy feet. The shoes aren’t the horse’s enemy. It is the rider doing harm, not the farrier. The farrier is the one who has to work hardest to help the horse! I have many clients who have been trained to trim their own horse’s hooves and then call me to fix their disasters. Jonathon, via e-mail

P.S. Are you aware of the implications of the term “guardian” when referring to horse owners? Editor’s Note: Author Lisa Ross Williams responds: The barefoot issue can be controversial. It’s important that people who do their own trimming work closely with their natural hoof care providers to ensure they understand the basic principles. The trim I describe has indeed been around a long time, probably because it works. As for it being no better than a trim done by any competent farrier, I’m sure you are familiar with the term “pasture trim,” which is done by a majority of farriers.

This is where the hoof is trimmed flat as if a shoe was going to be applied. This is extremely different from the basic principles of a natural trim. I’m happy to hear your shod horses are successful, but as more and more barefoot horses compete, I think more will be winning. For stories about successful barefoot competition horses, visit www.barefoothorse.com. Editor’s Note: Another controversial subject, the “owner” versus “guardian” debate continues. Among the arguments put forward by those against the change is that giving up our “ownership” of animals could remove the control we have over how they are cared for, and transfer it to the State, which in certain cases could potentially take over all decisions surrounding the welfare of the animal – from where and who it lives with to what medical treatments it will be given. The term is not used in a legal sense here but out of respect for the horses. In the same way we no longer call stay-athome moms “housewives,” replacing “pets” and “owners” with “companion animals” and “guardians” signals the current shift toward a more progressive, enlightened way of thinking and behaving (AW, Vol. 6, Iss. 1). Around the world, people are thankfully changing the way we regard animals. Austria recently passed unprecedented laws to protect animals. In March, Hungary banned cockfighting and made the penalty for torturing animals a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. Germany plans to phase out mass farming of caged chickens by the end of 2006, and Italy may soon forbid sending horses to slaughter when their competitive careers are over. I support changing the terms we use to give a boost to the changing times – animals need all the help they can get, after all. Harriet Avery, Cottage Grove, WI

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Actor Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Brosnan help Fred O’Regan, President of IFAW, launch the organization’s new marine research vessel.

A whale of a boat Marine research and conservation have gone high-tech. Actor and whale conservationist Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Keely Shaye Brosnan recently helped The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) launch its brand new state-of-the-art education and research vessel called the Song of the Whale. The new 70-foot vessel boasts cutting-edge technology designed specifically for marine research and will help IFAW continue its work studying and helping preserve whales and other ocean species. The Song of the Whale will also be used for conservation, education and advocacy work. Its first destination is Iceland, where it will be used to demonstrate the advantages of non-invasive research over “scientific whaling.”

Austria gets tough with cruelty Animal lovers have good reason to celebrate. In a ground breaking move, Austria recently passed a strict new animal protection law that will implement major changes in the way our fellow creatures are treated. The law will not only force farmers to uncage their hens and refrain from binding their cattle with rope, but will also ban circuses from keeping lions, tigers and other wild animals, and make it illegal to crop the ears and tails of dogs, or to use chains, choke collars or electric fences to restrain them. Violators can expect to be fined up to $18,000, and to have their animals seized. The new law, which takes effect in January of 2005, is lauded as a pioneering triumph by Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, who plans to press for similar legislation across Europe.

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Animated about animals Former Beatle Paul McCartney has released a new DVD, Paul McCartney: The Music and Animation Collection. It celebrates nature and animal welfare with three short animated films featuring music and messages about the importance of compassion towards animals. Also included is an interview with Paul, behind-the-scenes details on one of the films, and a 16page booklet. Though geared towards children, the DVD makes delightful and thoughtprovoking viewing for all ages. For ordering information, visit www.peta.org/feat/pauldvd/.

The parrot family is renowned for its intelligence, but Baggio the cockatiel might just be the smartest of them all. Living with his guardian Jack Territo in Bristol, England, nine-year-old Baggio has learned to sew by watching his human dad at work in a tailor’s shop. He can now pick up a needle and thread it through a piece of fabric with what Territo describes as “great sewing action.” Not surprisingly, Baggio has become a favourite with customers, and recently made an appearance on the new BBC1 talent show, Test Your Pet. Ananova

Yakkity Yak Detroit Zoo sends elephants to refuge In an unprecedented move, the Detroit Zoo has become the first major animal facility to voluntarily give up its elephants, acknowledging the severe physical and emotional stress that living in captivity can cause these highly intelligent animals. Arthritis, foot problems and boredom are just a few of the difficulties that can afflict elephants kept in environments too small or sterile for them. Later this year, the zoo’s two elephants, Wanda and Winky, will be moved either to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, or the Performing Animal Welfare Society preserve in California. Animal advocates hope the Detroit Zoo’s decision will encourage other facilities to do the same.

For farm animals On May 22, The Plaza Hotel in New York City hosted nearly 500 celebrities, legislators and animal advocates for the Farm Sanctuary Gala 2004, Chair Mary Tyler Moore, seen here with Farm Sanctuary founders an annual black-tie event Gene and Lorri Bauston, was just one of the celebrities on hand at designed to raise public the gala to help end farm animal abuse. awareness and financial support for farm animals. Chairperson Mary Tyler Moore opened the evening with a documentary she produced with Farm Sanctuary, then gave a speech on the organization’s ongoing efforts to end farm animal abuse. Also on hand was singer Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, who gave a solo performance of the song “I’ll Stand by You,” and who received a “Voice for Farm Animals” award for speaking out against factory farm cruelty. Other celebrities included emcees Mimi Kenndy (Dharma and Greg) and Dan Piraro (Bizarro cartoonist) as well as Linda Blair, Patrick McDonnell (Mutts cartoonist), B-52’s Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, and 11-year-old actress and vegetarian Hallie Kate Eisenberg (The Goodbye Girl), who led a special children’s performance of poetry, comedy sketches and songs.

Gala photos courtesy of: Derek Goodwin

Sharp as a needle

NYC going “no-kill” The ASPCA recently announced a $5 million funding commitment to the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals Inc., a private-public partnership with the City of New York that involves more than 60 non-profit animal care groups. The Alliance’s goal is to make New York a “no-kill” city. Although the term doesn’t guarantee that severely ill or dangerous dogs and cats won’t be euthanized, it does ensure that all healthy, adoptable animals are saved. The funds will be used to increase adoptions, reduce animal homelessness and raise public awareness of local shelter and rescue organizations. The Mayor’s Alliance has also applied for a $16 million grant from Maddie’s Fund, a California-based charity that aims to make the U.S. a “no-kill nation.” animal wellness

Yakkity Yak Has he got rhythm? Have you ever tried doing the two-step with your dog? It sounds like something out of Walt Disney, but dancing with dogs – or “canine musical freestyle,” as it’s officially called – is becoming an increasingly popular sport with thousands of people and their pooches. There’s even a World Canine Freestyle Organization in Brooklyn, New York, where people can watch demonstrations, attend workshops and take part in competitions. Canine freestyle uses principles of obedience training to teach dogs to move to music with their humans, incorporating choreography and costuming to create a unique bonding experience for both dogs and people.

Canine freestyle competitors and their four-footed friends show off their costumes after a musical performance.

Zoonoses linked to human activity

Germans getting antsy

According to the World Health Organization, ecological changes caused by human activity are the most important factor in the emergence of diseases that jump from animals to humans. Called zoonoses, these illnesses include SARS, avian influenza and mad cow disease, all of which have been plaguing various parts of the world for the past two years.

They may not be as responsive as a dog or cat, but ants are getting popular as companions in Germany, especially among those who can’t afford the cost of caring for larger animals. The trend was sparked in part by a law that prohibits Germans from destroying wild ant nests, triggering a new passion for the tiny insects. Many people are installing terrariums with ant colonies in their homes and report that the insects are not only clean, quiet and easy to keep, but also fascinating to watch. Ananova

Canine genealogy

It’s hard to believe that Barnaby, right, a Lhasa Apso rescued by Lhasa Happy Homes in L.A., is one of the breeds most closely linked to the wolf.

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If someone asked you which dog was most closely related to the wolf – the Pekingese or the Pharaoh hound – you’d likely choose the latter. But according to a new study led by researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, you’d be wrong. A genetic comparison of 85 purebred domestic dog breeds, using cheek-swabs to study their DNA, resulted in some surprising discoveries. Among the breeds most closely linked to the dog family’s wolfish ancestors are not only the Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute and Samoyed, but also the Pekingese, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. Just goes to show that appearances don’t tell the whole story!

No allergies in this family.

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Allergies ... helping dogs and cats get the itch out by: Shawn Messonier, DVM

im noticed that her cat Malcolm, a gray domestic shorthair, had started scratching a lot. She took a closer look and found what looked like a red rash on his skin. “It was quite inflamed in places and must have been making him really uncomfortable.” Kim took Malcolm to the vet and was told he had allergic dermatitis.

by Shawn Messonier, DVM

Malcolm is far from alone in his itchy complaint. In fact, allergic dermatitis is among the most commonly diagnosed problems in companion animals. It’s broken down into two possible causes. One is food allergic dermatitis, which is treated by determining the food allergen (wheat, beef, soy and corn are common offenders) and eliminating it from the diet. The most common is atopic dermatitis, which is triggered by foreign proteins (allergens such as pollens, dust mites, etc.) that contact the animal’s skin and cause itching. This article will focus on the latter.

How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed? Diagnosing allergies is usually done quite easily based upon history, examination, and ruling out other diseases such as ringworm and mange. Most allergic dogs are itchy without skin lesions, unless a secondary infection is present, whereas allergic cats usually have scabs (military lesions) or red patches (eosinophilic lesions) on their bodies. Alternative practitioners may use a homeopathic procedure (NAET) to diagnose allergies and find the most appropriate alternative therapy. Sometimes, the animal will be referred to a veterinary dermatologist. Specialized intradermal skin testing will allow the doctor to make the diagnosis. Blood testing (ELISA) may be helpful but is not as accurate as skin testing, and is of no use in diagnosing food allergies.

Conventional treatment options Photo: Lisa Ryan

Treating the allergic animal is usually straightforward but can at times be challenging, especially with chronically itchy dogs and cats. There are two general schools of treatment: the conventional approach practiced by most veterinarians, and the integrative approach practiced by holistic vets such as myself. The conventional approach, as expected, relies heavily on medications, mainly corticosteroids (prednisone and others) or antihistamines. Several different antihistamines may help dogs and cats with allergies, including Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, and Tavist (and their generic equivalents). While antihistamines are usually safer than corticosteroids, there are potential

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problems. First, some animals do not respond to antihistamines. Since the vet has no way of knowing if your companion will have reduced itching with the administration of an antihistamine, he will usually prescribe one that has shown the greatest response in his patients. If there is no response after five to seven days, another antihistamine may be tried. This trial and error approach is usually continued until either a helpful antihistamine is found, or no response is seen to any medication. A second problem with antihistamines is that unlike a once-a-day dose of oral corticosteroid, most antihistamines need to be given at least two to three times per day, which is inconvenient for some people. Finally, some animals get very drowsy with antihistamines. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to allergic dogs and cats, as they are extremely effective at controlling itching and inflammation. Corticosteroids are given either by injection or orally. Injections contain either long-acting (depot) medications (which lasts in the animal’s body for two to three months, even though the anti-itching effect can wear off in some animals in as little as one or two weeks), or short-acting medications (usually lasting 12 to 24 hours in the body). If needed, I prefer the short-acting injections as they are unlikely to cause harm to the animal. Whenever possible, if I need to use corticosteroids, I prefer oral administration. Orally administered prednisone or prednisolone only stays in the pet’s body for 12 to 24 hours, and the animal can be dosed on an as-needed basis. This minimizes side effects, and will not cause long term harm. In my practice, I instruct people to use oral prednisone or prednisolone only if the animal is very itchy. I use the lowest dose possible (much lower than most conventional doctors use) for the fewest number of days. Corticosteroids are never used if only minimal itching is seen.

The holistic approach The integrative or holistic approach realizes that medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids may occasionally be needed to treat acute flare-ups of itching. However, they have no place in the long term treatment of allergies for most animals. Instead, the holistic approach utilizes a number of supplements (herbs, homeopathics, whole food products and glandulars) to keep your friend comfortable. While every holistic veterinarian has his or her favorite protocol, keep in mind that the holistic approach is all about selecting the best therapy for your dog or cat. Here are some general guidelines that most holistic doctors follow when treating an allergic animal. •

A proper diet is the foundation upon which any integrative care program begins. Simply put, your companion is what he/she eats. Minimizing harmful byproducts and chemicals is essential. Feeding either a homemade (raw or cooked) diet or a premium natural packaged food maximizes the success of the therapies used for your allergic animal.

•

Minimize vaccines. Most animals receive way too many, which animal wellness

Are certain breeds predisposed to allergies?

may harm the immune system and increase itching in the allergic animal. Instead, a simple blood antibody test called a titer test can determine if and when your dog or cat might need vaccinations.

Dog breeds with a high incidence of allergies include Cairn terriers, shar peis, West Highland white terriers, Scottish terriers, Lhasa apsos, shih tzus, wirehaired fox terriers, dalmations, pugs, Irish setters, Boston terriers, golden retrievers, boxers, English setters, Labrador retrievers, miniature schnauzers, and Belgian Tervurens. In my own practice, I find that most of my allergic canine patients are terriers and Labrador retrievers.

•

Minimize toxins. While heartworm preventive medication may be necessary depending on where you live and other factors, most animals do not need annual chemical flea and tick control. A natural program can help control parasites.

•

All animals benefit from a basic health maintenance supplement. Other therapies are used with the supplement (and natural diet) to achieve additive results in controlling allergies. I currently recommend a product called Vim & Vigor by PetCentrx: in addition to vitamins and minerals, it contains a number of ingredients designed to modulate the immune system (colostrum, coenzyme Q-10, and Siberian ginseng). Most pets with allergies should also be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and a good antioxidant. Fish oil and antioxidants take the place of antihistamines and corticosteroids and minimize inflammation and itching in allergic animals, without any side effects. Other supplements (herbs, homeopathics, etc.) are chosen based upon your companion’s response to this basic program.

•

Finally, a few words should be said about the importance of bathing. Frequent bathing with an appropriate shampoo (I like an oatmeal and aloe vera combination) is essential in removing antigens from your animal’s hair and skin, and also minimizes itching and inflammation. Animals that are bathed frequently need the least amount of medication.

No specific cat breeds are more prone to allergies than others. In most practices, domestic shorthair and longhair cats are the most commonly seen and therefore diagnosed with allergies.

Allergic dermatitis can be successfully controlled using an integrative approach. Doing so minimizes the need for medications, reduces side effects, and results in a much happier and healthier animal companion. Kim took this approach with Malcolm and now reports that he’s much more comfortable. “I could tell he was really getting miserable with all the itching, but now he’s back to his usual contented self again, and that makes me feel better too.”

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DR. SHAWN MESSONNIER IS THE AUTHOR OF The Allergy Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, AND THE AWARD-WINNING The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. HIS VETERINARY PRACTICE, PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL, IS LOCATED IN PLANO, TEXAS.

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Does your dog or cat suffer from allergies? Are you tired of living with itching, skin lesions, dermatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc? Why not try a species-appropriate diet? After all, your dog and cat are predators, designed by Nature to hunt, kill and eat raw prey. On the inside, a dog is a wolf and a cat is a tiger. Try a safe, high-quality raw food. Amoré Frozen Raw Naturals are available at a pet store near you or through the internet at www.amorepetfoods.com

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Too busy to exercise Fido?

A dog walker might be the answer.

Photo: Aviva Chepurny

by Ann Brightman

Lili Green of Barking Along Pet Care Services in Toronto takes a stroll with her charges: (left to right) Jessie, Shelby, Max and Sophie.

As much as you love your dog, it can sometimes be hard to give him as much undivided attention as you’d like. Even taking him for walks can be difficult when you’re working long hours, raising a family, and running a household at the same time. The fact is, there are only so many hours in a day, and many people are finding it increasingly difficult to squeeze in time to exercise their canine companions. Luckily, there’s a solution besides feeling guilty.

Our grandparents might have chuckled at the idea of professional dog walkers, but it’s an occupation whose time has come, thanks to the ever-increasing pace of life. “People are working longer hours and travelling more on business,” says Sheila Smith of Pet Sitters International, a ten-year-old trade organization for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. “The demand for these services is increasing.”

Lorie Dodd of Mutts & Meows, an L.A.-based dog walking “I got a new job last year,” says Carolyn Hickson, who and pet sitting business, agrees. “Many of my clients are has a Shepherd mix named Aaron. “I don’t get home in the movie industry and work 12 to 14 hours a day,” as early anymore and I worried about Aaron being left she says. “Several also live in condos or apartments, and alone so long.” To solve for obvious reasons the problem, Carolyn don’t want their dogs hired a professional “The fact is, there are only so many hours to be cooped up there dog walker. Although all day. Even those she was initially anxious in houses with doggy in a day, and many people are finding it about committing her doors have me do beloved companion to visits, take the dog for increasingly difficult to squeeze in time a stranger’s care, she’s a walk and feed him if now glad she made the required. It helps break to exercise their canine companions.” decision. “Aaron took up a long day alone.” to our dogwalker really well, especially once he Dog walking services learned her arrival meant a half-hour romp in the park!” are also ideal for elderly or disabled people, many of

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whom rely on their dogs for companionship, but can’t manage to get out and exercise them. “I have clients in their 90s who are living on their own and have dogs that they love and care for,” says Aviva Chepurny of Barking Along in Toronto. The same is true for older dogs, whose bladders may not be as strong anymore. For these animals, a mid-day walk may be just the ticket to avoiding accidents in the house.

Photo: Aviva Chepurny

Whatever your reasons for needing a dog walker, it’s important to do your homework before hiring anyone. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting a professional whose primary concern is the welfare and safety of your companion: Find out what kind of service the company offers, and how many dogs they walk at one time (see page 20). Many also provide additional services such as doggy day care or pet sitting for both dogs and cats. “Ask where the dogs are being taken for their walks, and what the walker would do in case of emergency,” advises Aviva. “Does she have a cellphone, and a backup walker in case of sickness?” Arrange to meet the walker face-to-face so you can see how she interacts with your dog. Ask for references. Ensure the walker has experience handling and working with dogs, and is capable of resolving an aggressive confrontation, should one arise. An understanding of canine behavior and training is also an asset. Walkers should be trained in first aid and emergency care for animals. Choose a company whose walkers are bonded and insured. Don’t be afraid to voice personal concerns. For example, if you wish your dog to be kept on-leash at all times, say so. Also find out if the same person will be walking your dog every time, and if he/she will pick up after your dog. Make sure you know what the company’s requirements are – for example, some will request that your dog be vaccinated, while others don’t. If the company does group walking, they’ll also want to know something about your dog’s temperament. To find a dog walker or pet sitter near your area, visit www.petsit.com and type in your zip or postal code. “People who use dog walkers are generally very busy

Two happy dogs enjoy a walk in L.A. with Lorie Dodd of Mutts ‘n Meows.

individuals who need someone to help make their lives easier,” says Aviva. This is certainly the case for Carolyn. “Knowing that Aaron is getting walked every day means one less thing to worry about. Best of all, he’s having lots of fun in the process!” continued on pg 20

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Regular walks are crucial for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Dogs that interact regularly with other canines and humans aren’t just in better condition, but are also well socialized and more behaviorally sound. There are four different types of dog-walking services. Choosing one that’s right for you depends on the individual needs of you and your dog. One-on-one walking As the name suggests, this service provides one dog to one walker. I have found this to be best for dogs that require extra attention, are older, and/or have special needs. On top of the scheduling flexibility this service offers, I liked knowing my dog got to the park each day and often for longer than I paid for. The walker became my dog’s nanny. The success of the one-on-one relationship depends entirely on the walker, which means you should interview the handler first to make sure you feel comfortable with him/her caring for your animal. Average price: $15-$25 per hour Pack walking This involves large groups of dogs being walked at the same time by one handler. When my dog was a pup, she really enjoyed pack walks. She socialized with dogs and people on the street and enjoyed the twohour walking time. When she was six, I tried it again; this time, she unhappily lagged in the back, so I cancelled. Pack walking is best for young dogs with no aggressive traits. Find a service that allows you to meet the walkers, and request that your dog not be tethered outside alone when other dogs are being picked up or dropped off. Average price: $14-$19 per one-two hours Semi-private walks A combination of one-on-one and pack walking, semi-private walks involve one dog walker with two to three dogs. Before signing up, I strongly suggest you have your companion meet the other dogs he/she will be walking with to ensure they’ll get along. This kind of service is ideal for social, active dogs that require more attention than pack walking can offer. Average price: $15-$20 per hour Doggy day care With this service, your dog spends the entire day at a doggy playground facility. Many offer an indoor turf playground and pool for canines, as well as daily walks. Although it can be costly, I recommend this “pampered pet” service for anyone who can afford it. One drawback, aside from the cost, is that some facilities employ extremely young people with little experience with dogs. That being said, this is a great service. A reputable facility will tailor your dog’s day to best suit his/her needs. Average price: $250 annual fee plus $35 per day SUSAN CAVA

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holistic veterinary advice

talking with

dr. martin goldstein

I have a 11⁄2-year-old miniature schnauzer. Ever since I started taking him out when he was five months old, he has shown a very weird bathroom pattern. When the walk is limited to ten minutes, he releases properly, but if I take him for longer walks, he poos at least eight times until it becomes watery. I talked to three different vets but all said there was nothing wrong and that nothing could be done. Is it possible that scents left behind by other dogs are causing this reaction? He has very weak digestion as well. I have been feeding him natural food for some time, but he is not interested in anything except lamb and chicken. Is there any homeopathic medicine that might help him?

From what you are describing, especially with the weak digestion and watery stools, this does not sound like a behavioral problem. Colitis and inflammatory bowel disease are becoming an epidemic in pets, especially young ones. I personally feel that vaccinations have a contributory role, so a word of caution here. Two homeopathic remedies that will address the issue are Diar-Relief by Dr. Goodpet, and Diarrhea Aid by Professional Health Products. About the best supplement I have experienced for intestinal health is Acetylator by Vetri-Science Labs. Another good product is a fermented fish product named Seacure. Also, as mentioned in previous columns, I am currently very interested in the application of Garden of Life’s Primal Defense to veterinary medicine. There are a number of other products available. Of course, make sure to rule out intestinal parasites through your veterinarian.

Q A

My cat recently had blood work done that indicated elevated levels of amylase (pancreatic problems). His level was 1650, versus the normal of 1200. Is there a holistic remedy to normalize this level? Two homeopathics to mention here are Professional Health Product’s Pancreas-Stomach Drops and Heel/ BHI’s Pancreas. Also, Standard Process Labs pancreas glandular is useful. Very important is a high quality, preferably whole food diet, not very high in carbohydrates.

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I have an eight-year-old mixed breed dog that has had a skin condition for years. She used to lose hair, but after switching to a better food her coat has improved. The problem is, she constantly creates bad hot spots because she scratches her skin raw. Every time she is on antibiotics, the condition greatly improves. Instead of long term antibiotics, would colloidal silver possibly work?

My eight-year-old female shih tzu/Maltese mix is having a terrible problem. The vet says she has pimple-warts that are part of her breed and there’s nothing that can be done about it. These are on her back and are quite excessive. They bleed and are very itchy. She just seems to keep getting more and the ones she has don’t go away. She is quite uncomfortable and rolls to scratch her back. Sometimes she seems distressed or anxious and I’m sure it’s the skin problem. I have bathed her in tea tree oil shampoo, and oatmeal itch shampoo, and nothing seems to help. I’ve also put on polysporin and actual tea tree oil, but no success.

To answer the first question, colloidal silver could possibly work. I have seen limited success with its use. For both of these questions, two other natural antibiotics I have seen work well with skin problems like these are propolis and olive leaf extract (both readily available commercially). And, in general, the homeopathic remedy hepar sulf (we use Heel/BHI’s combination remedy Infection or Sulfaheel as a source for this) is good. Remember, the skin’s nickname is “the third kidney” and it is a powerful eliminative organ. The bacteria you are attempting to kill are probably not “caught,” but are normal inhabitants that are proliferating due to an excessive elimination of toxic or improperly handled metabolic debris. A full dietary change toward more home-prepared foods with low carbohydrates, or even raw food with metabolic supplementation, may be the overall answer.

Our eight-year-old Lab, Heidi, recently developed a fungus infection on both front paws and in the crotch. Our vet took a culture and determined the

holistic veterinary advice proper antibiotic, but after the full treatment, there was no success. We have tried tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide washes and herbal ointments with no significant results. Our Chinese medicine practitioner held out no hope for fungus cures either.

Fungal infections do not typically respond to antibiotic therapy (unless the treatment is specifically grieseofulvin, and I only recommend it as the last resort when all else fails). I have had some good success using the homeopathic product Tinea Aid by Professional Health Products. Tea tree oil does have a specific indication for the topical treatment of fungus, so it may be worth trying again. In some very resistant cases, before going to strong, oral medications, I will try an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or even a prescription one. These, of course, should be prescribed by your veterinarian.

My 151⁄2-year-old Lab mix has spinal spondylosis and an enlarged heart. I have been giving her a high potency joint supplement by Dancing Paws, one aspirin, and a tablespoon of Missing Link in her NaturaPet food. She is active and alert, still loves to play and chase things, but the pain in her back is causing her more and more discomfort. I have tried acupuncture but it hasn’t done the trick. She also has a massage every night. I am extremely hesitant to put her on Rimadyl. Can you recommend something else before I go the conventional route?

I do not like using Rimadyl, especially since its toxic effects on the liver have been reported specifically in the Labrador retriever. If you ever have to go the medical route, there are other medications your veterinarian can prescribe before Rimadyl. I have had much success using homeopathic and herbal combinations for arthritis in the treatment of spondylosis. Homeopathic combination remedies such as Heel/BHI’s Zeel and/or Arthritis or Professional Health Products Muscle-Joint Drops have worked well. There are numerous herbal combination preparations commercially available that do bring medicinal relief to arthritics. Chief among the ingredient list would be yucca, alfalfa and devil’s claw. I have also had success with some Chinese combination products such as Seven Forests Drynaria 12 and Clematis (especially when damp weather worsens the condition). Professional Health Products also makes a remedy named Spinal Drops which has shown some benefit when the spinal nerves are affected by the condition. animal wellness

holistic veterinary advice

Q A Q A

Now that flea season is here, I’m preparing to add fresh garlic to my cats’ diets. I’ve recently seen some information on the web that says fresh garlic causes anemia in cats. I’m concerned as I’ve always thought this was a great natural flea preventative, as well as an overall healthy herb. What is your opinion? Do you recommend fresh, raw garlic for cats? I should point out that my cats have FIP, so their immune systems may not be in perfect health. I also have seen several reports of the toxic effects of garlic on the blood of cats and therefore do not recommend its use (although I have used it in my own cats for decades with no problem, and they all lived until to be at least 19). This would be especially true in the presence of FIP. A multitude of other naturally based products for oral, topical and environmental flea control are available.

I have a male long-haired cat who is about two years old. He has lost about half the hair along the front of his tail and his fur is oily and very matted. The skin where he has lost the fur is flaky and pinkish red. He is continuing to lose more hair and it seems that his tail is sensitive to the touch. What could be the problem?

Without examining your cat, it is difficult to recommend a specific therapy. One thing I can say is that the distribution pattern of flea allergy conditions in cats (and in dogs) is specific to the tail base and down the initial part of the tail. If this is the case, then two homeopathics with which I’ve had success are Professional Health Product’s Flea Aid and Dr. Goodpet’s Flea Relief. Of course, all the other products for natural flea control would also apply. My golden retriever was recently diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis. I am trying to obtain as much information as possible before I make a decision to put him through a risky surgery. My experience says that this is primarily a mechanical problem that requires surgical correction. There are naturally based products for the associated symptoms, but these are not going to reverse the condition. My 13-year-old cat, Tigger, has discoloration of his paws. The vet recommended steroids, but this was only a temporary fix. Although not always painful, sometimes it is. Any advice would be recommended. Unfortunately, this is very difficult to answer without examining Tigger, or at least knowing what kind of discoloration it is and what is causing it.

Dear Readers: The brand names I recommend in my column are suggestions only. There are other brands with similar formulas. As with any product, it’s important to buy a brand you can trust. DR. MARTY GOLDSTEIN

HAS BEEN PRACTICING HOLISTIC

25 YEARS. BASED IN NEW YORK, DR. GOLDSTEIN IS THE AUTHOR OF The Nature of Animal Healing, PUBLISHED BY RANDOM HOUSE. VETERINARY MEDICINE FOR MORE THAN

Editor’s Note: This column is for information purposes only. It is not meant to replace veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your animal any remedies. For a listing of holistic veterinarians, please refer to our website at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com. SEND YOUR QUESTIONS FOR DR. GOLDSTEIN’S COLUMN TO: DR. MARTIN GOLDSTEIN, E-MAIL: INFO@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM WE REGRET WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION.

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j animal being Is your

OVER vaccinated

Judy Wright had a gut feeling that her dog should not be revaccinated, as the middle-aged golden retriever suffered from periodic seizures. But at a recent trip to her veterinarian’s office, sshe he was assured that revaccination would make no difference tto o her dog’s health. Going against her better judgment, she agreed to the combination booster and rabies vaccine, which was not even due for another month. Later that day, her dog started seizuring uncontrollably.

Experts have known about the adverse effects of overvaccination for years. It’s a practice that, according to a recent report from the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Task Force, is completely unnecessary. Challenge studies are showing some vaccines protect animals for as many as seven bbyy Dana Cox years and possibly for life. But this information is nothing new. Recommendations for less frequent vaccination have been around since as early as 1978. In that year, states the AAHA report, “an ideal vaccination program was recommended where dogs and cats would be vaccinated as puppies and kittens and then revaccinated at 1 year of age and every third year thereafter.

OVERvaccinated? OVERvaccinated?

“In 1998, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) debated and subsequently endorsed this same recommendation for feline core vaccines; the AAFP recommendations were updated in 2000. Also in 1998, recommendations from a group of canine vaccine experts were published. They recommended revaccination with canine core vaccines no more than once very three years following initial booster revaccination at one year of age. This proposed vaccination program, and various iterations thereof, has been adopted to varying degrees by a growing part of the profession, but misunderstandings, misinformation, and the conservative nature of the profession have slowed adoption of these protocols advocating decreased frequency of revaccination.” And even though vaccine labels clearly indicate that vaccines should not be administered to animals with specific medical conditions, or those who have experienced adverse reactions in the past, this practice is still occurring in some cases.

Vaccinate but don’t overvaccinate We now know that annual vaccination of most vaccines after the initial series and one-year booster is at best unnecessary, and at worst, dangerous to your animal’s health. So why are many animals still being vaccinated every year regardless of their health status? While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) changed their vaccination protocols in 2002, it’s not mandatory for veterinarians to follow these new protocols. Rather, the AVMA creates guidelines only and leaves decisions about how often your animal is vaccinated up to the individual veterinarian. That means it’s up to you, as the main caregiver, to make sure your animal doesn’t suffer the consequences of overvaccination.

26 26

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Understanding how vaccination works Everyone knows that a good immune system is key to good health. But did you know there are two major kinds of immunity? Nonspecific or innate immunity, which includes skin, hair, normal microbial flora, mucus, and gut acids, is the first line of defense and prevents many pathogens from taking hold or causing disease. Adaptive immunity results when an animal receives a vaccine, and is made up of humoral (B-lymphocyte-derived serum immunity or antibody) immunity and cell-mediated (T-lymphocyte-derived cellular) immunity. When an animal is vaccinated or infected, its body responds by producing cells that provide immediate protection as well as memory cells, which provide protection for years down the road or even the lifetime of the animal. Current research suggests that humoral immunity regulates the protection provided by most vaccines, and it is this component that laboratories measure in blood titer tests to determine if an animal remains protected.

Vaccines 101 The practice of annual vaccination probably came about in the 1950s with the introduction of the first MLV-CDV vaccines. Experts at the time concluded that approximately one-third of the dogs vaccinated did not show protective blood titers one year after being vaccinated. In a report from the Veterinary Virus Research Institute at Cornell, James Baker suggested veterinarians revaccinate every year since it was impractical and expensive to test every animal’s level of immunity. Now, decades later, research and improvements in vaccines have led experts to reach different conclusions about how often an animal needs to be revaccinated. The vaccines themselves can make a difference here.

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Veterinarians can choose from a wide variety of vaccines these days. Modified Live Virus (MLV) vaccines are most common and, as their name suggests, they contain attenuated viruses that actually infect the host without causing clinical disease. They have a high efficacy rate, meaning they produce protection in a high number of animals, and they create stronger local immune responses than killed vaccines. Killed vaccines, which usually require two doses, cause an animal to mount a different immune response and generally protect for a shorter period of time.

™

While experts still believe that killed products are safer to use because they cannot revert to virulence and actually cause the disease as MLV vaccines can, killed products are more likely to cause acute hypersensitivity reactions and reportedly take longer to induce a complete immunity. All canine vaccines, with the exception of parvovirus, are either MLV or killed so there is no choice available. Cat vaccine combos are offered in both MLV and killed. It’s worth noting that, in a study out of Cornell University, researchers found that cats who had been vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks with a trivalent killed combo for panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis (herpes) were still showing full protection after eight years for panleukopenia and acceptable protection three to four years after for the other two. The AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force concludes that an individual’s response to a vaccine depends on the status of that individual’s immune system. An animal with a severely suppressed immune system or more genetically susceptible may contract disease from the MLV vaccine. Clearly, these are issues you need to discuss with your veterinarian.

What are some of the adverse reactions to vaccination?

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or anaphylactic reaction) or up to 45 days later in a delayed type immune response, according to veterinarian and researcher Dr. W. Jean Dodds. She says typical signs of adverse reactions include fever, stiffness, sore joints, and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, inflammation, jaundice, or generalized pinpoint hemorrhages or bruises. Liver enzymes may be elevated and liver or kidney failure may accompany bone marrow suppression. Furthermore, says Dr. Dodds, recent vaccination of genetically susceptible breeds has been associated with transient seizures in puppies and adult dogs, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases including those affecting the blood, joints, skin, central nervous system, eyes, muscles, liver, kidneys, bowel and endocrine organs. “Vaccination also can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even healthy host that is repeatedly challenged with other environmental stimuli and is genetically predisposed to a reaction,” explains Dr. Dodds. “Recently weaned puppies and kittens who are going to new homes are more at risk here, since their immature immune systems can be temporarily or permanently harmed.” These animals may have an increased susceptibility to debilitating diseases later on in life.

How can you protect your animal and minimize adverse reactions? First, minimize the number of vaccines your animal receives. For instance, combination vaccines may contain some that are unnecessary for your animal. With the exception of a recently introduced Leptospira spp. vaccine, the other leptospirosis vaccines provide little protection against the clinically important field strains of leptospirosis, and the antibodies, or protection they provide, last only a few months. The AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force also adds Giardia spp., canine coronavirus (CCV), and canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1) to the list of vaccines generally not recommended. Others, such as for Lyme disease, may be irrelevant since the disease usually affects only certain geographical areas. Many states and provinces have approved a rabies virus vaccine with a three-year duration, although some states still require annual revaccination for this disease. According to Dr. Dodds, from an immunologic perspective, any killed vaccine, including those for rabies virus, should be adjusted according to the size of your animal, but “they usually aren’t,” she says, “because the vaccine label doesn’t say this can be done.” Lastly, be especially cautious if you have a breed at higher risk for adverse reactions. Dr. Dodds says these include Akitas, Weimaraners, harlequin great Danes, white-coated breeds and dilutes within breeds, standard poodles, old English sheepdogs, some families of American cocker spaniels and vizslas. While dogs in her own practice and that of Dr. Rick Palmquist in Torrance, CA, are showing protective titers ten years after their last vaccination, Dr. Dodds stresses that protocols should fit the

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PLAN FOR UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES Learn From David and the Smooth Stones When David was preparing for his fight with Goliath, he prepared for the unexpected. Goliath was ten feet tall. His spear weighed 300 pounds. David searched for not only one smooth stone, he searched for six smooth stones. Goliath had five brothers. You know the rest of the story. For a long time, many dog food companies bragged that they had a “special” dog food for medium and large size dogs. Solid Gold received so many inquiries asking why we didn’t have a medium / large formula kibble. After all, our owner has Great Danes. Thus, the Solid Gold WolfKing and WolfCub foods were developed. Dog’s allergies are frequently caused by wheat, corn, soybeans / lecithin, peanuts, peanut hulls which may contain a fungus that causes hepatitis. The Swedish Cancer Society warns against using sunflower oil. Their study found that sunflower caused a 69% increase in the risk of cancer. Some dogs have also become allergic to beef and lamb. WolfKing and WolfCub contain none of these allergic ingredients. WolfKing contains organically raised bison that are not castrated, dehorned and not given hormones and that are fed free range grass. Our other protein source is wild salmon caught in Alaska. These free swimming salmon feed on algae, other marine vegetation and smaller fish. Solid Gold does not use farmed salmon. Farmed salmon are fed GMO (Genetically Modified Organism). A toxic pesticide gene is put into the corn. When monarch butterflies ate the corn, they didn’t live past four days. The bodies were underdeveloped and could not have reproduced. All corn is now GMO due to pollen drift. Some corn tortillas were pulled off the market when people became ill. A popular maker of cereals recalled some of their cornflakes. When this GMO corn was fed to sows (female pigs) in Iowa in an experiment, none of the pigs could reproduce. Is there corn in your dog food? Are you having breeding problems? Solid Gold uses no corn in its pet products. When we first introduced WolfKing / WolfCub, we had no sample bags yet available. So at the Tucson Dog Show, we scooped out the food to be put into people’s bags. Some of it spilled to the floor. The Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Westies, Cairn Terriers and an Italian Greyhound scarfed up the pieces as quickly as possible. Thus, “Just a Wee Bit” kibble was developed. It is the same formula as the WolfKing, only smaller pieces. We raised the fat (oils) to 18% since smaller dogs have higher metabolisms. This unexpected result of what we originally thought was a great idea for the medium and large size dog had changed. Terriers and such, seem to be big dogs in little dog suits. “Just a Wee Bit” is packaged in a pink holographic bag with a Westie on the front. It is hermetically bagged in metallic vacuum sealed 4lb. and 15lb. bags. Our food does not use preservatives. Look for our “Best to be used by” dates, to get the freshest food possible. Solid Gold is not a conglomerate company that uses its dog food as the dump for its other food products, which may be left-overs. Our dog food is created for the benefit of dogs. Did you know that David means king? WolfKing, WolfCub and Just a Wee Bit are available at your local animal supply store. If you can’t find a local location, call Solid Gold at 1-800-DOGHUND or (619) 258-7356, M-F 10-5 pst. Solid Gold is the only dog food company that is a member of the Organic Trade Association, the American Nutraceutical Association, the Medicinal Food Association, and the Nutraceutical Foods Association and the Life Extension Association.

For a catalog or store near you call or email us at: (619) 258-7356 or (619) 258-1914 (M-F 10-5 PST) or E-mail us at dane@solidgoldhealth.com or www.solidgoldhealth.com Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, the Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1483 N. Cuyamaca El Cajon, CA 92020

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least common denominator in order for everyone to be protected. In her practice, the minimum vaccination schedule is to give dogs one vaccination before 12 weeks (9 to 10 weeks) and one after (14 weeks) as well as a booster at one year of age. She does blood titers thereafter. For cats, her minimal recommendation is for a trivalent killed vaccine given at 8 weeks and then 12 weeks. Rabies should be given according to the law, or medical certificates should be obtained for animals showing adverse reactions to the vaccine. While these are the minimum recommendations, Dr. Dodds does agree with the AAHA report that “in the case of core vaccines, every three years is considered adequate to maintain appropriate protection.” This is a far cry from the protocols followed by many practitioners. So it’s up to you to use the latest information available and to work with your veterinarian to come up with a vaccination program you’re comfortable with and, most importantly, is the healthiest choice for your animal.

How long does protection last? Here’s what the 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines and Recommendations report says: Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2): Challenge studies have shown that the minimum duration of immunity for Modified Live Vaccine (MLV) CPV-2 vaccines is seven years. Following the initial vaccination series, revaccination with MLV-CPV-2 vaccine every three years is considered protective. If a killed CPV-2 is being used, annual revaccination is recommended unless it is used as a booster following an initial series with an MLV-CPV-2 vaccine. Then, every three years is considered protective. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV): Challenge studies show that the minimum duration of immunity for MLV-CDV vaccines derived from the Rockborn strain is seven years, and for the Onderstepoort strain, five years. The canarypox-vectored CDV vaccine has not been tested beyond one year. Antibody titers for these same strains show dogs are protected for 12 to 15 years for the Rockborn strain and 9 years for Onderstepoort. Following the initial vaccination series, revaccination every three years is considered protective. Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2): The minimum duration of immunity for CAV-1 and CAV-2 vaccines is seven years, based on challenge studies. Based on antibody titer testing, protection lasts for a minimum of nine years. Following the initial vaccination series, revaccination every three years is considered protective. Rabies Virus (RV): Booster revaccination should be administered 12 months following initial vaccine and then as required by law but preferably not more frequently than three years. The minimum duration of immunity for killed rabies vaccine based on challenge studies is three years.

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awm Product Picks Fetch with finesse

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If you could ask your dog to list his favorite games, fetch would probably be near the top. Not only is it a great way for your canine companion to stay in shape, but the interaction you share with him strengthens your mutual bond of love and trust. Thanks to Proball Incorporated, fetch is now more fun than ever. The new Go-Frrr SlingshotAction Fetch Ball package features a launcher with two colorful balls on sturdy cords. The launcher allows you to easily throw the balls from 15’ to 150’, giving your best friend plenty of scope to stretch his legs as he gives chase! Balls are available in various sizes for small to large dogs. Small: $18.95 Medium: $19.95 Large: $21.95 www.proballinc.com

Incontinence doesn’t just affect older animals, but can also be caused by injury and disease in younger dogs and cats. In fact, at least ten percent of animals lose bladder control during their lifetime, and that can mean frequent bed wetting – uncomfortable and humiliating for your companion and smelly and inconvenient for you. The SleePee-Time Bed from HandicappedPets.com helps solve the problem. The bottom of the bed features a comfy washable mesh suspended on a sturdy frame over a plastic tray, while the “lamb’s fleece” bolster adds extra softness, helping to ensure a good – and dry – night’s sleep. Medium: $99 Large: $109 XLarge: $135 www.handicappedpets.com

Among the important nutrients lacking in many commercial animal foods are essential fatty acids (EFAs), vital for maintaining healthy skin and hair and for helping to prevent problems such as allergic itching, hot spots, excessive shedding and other uncomfortable conditions. Royal Coat from Ark Naturals is a high potency supplement that provides your dog or cat with pure sources of Omega 3 (fish oil) and Omega 6 (borage oil) to help combat skin disorders and keep his coat looking shiny. Royal Coat is also supplemented with Vitamins A, D and E for extra health enhancement. 8 oz: $17.95 www.arknaturals.com

Helping to slow the aging process and maintain cognitive function, antioxidants are as important to your dog’s health as they are to yours. New from Nutri-Vet are Multi-Tabs to Go, tasty liver-flavored chewable tablets that contain Ester-C and vitamin E along with B-complex vitamins, magnesium, iron and zinc. The high-potency tablets come in handy single serve packets rather than bottles, so they’re easy to pack and take with you when traveling with your canine companion. 84 packets: $55.99 www.nutri-vet.com

animal wellness

Henry Winkler:henry Compassionate, charismatic and cool as ever By Dana Cox

Shown here with his Labradoodle, Charlotte, Henry believes there’s a strong rapport between animals and humans. “If you have expectations for your dog or if you talk to your dog, there is tremendous communication going on.”

learly, Henry Winkler’s youngest has him wrapped around her little finger. Well, actually, it’s more of a toe... a black, furry toe that belongs to Charlotte, Henry’s two-year-old Labradoodle.

when Monty needs to do his business. “I come down to the kitchen,” explains Henry, “open the back door and Charlotte stays exactly where she is. Her brother goes out. They absolutely have a communication. You can see it.”

“She’s so smart and fabulous, and such a substantial personality,” says Henry. “I can literally have a conversation with her.” What kind of conversation, I ask? “Well, she loves to play ball. And sometimes she’ll come to me and cock her head. I’ll say ‘I don’t have the ball, Charlotte. I bet you it’s in the backyard. Why don’t you find the ball and bring it to me?’ She looks at me, processing the information, then out the door she goes, finds the ball, and brings it back to me. A friend of my daughter’s lost his cell phone in the back yard and he said, ‘I can’t find my cell phone. Charlotte, where is it?’ She took him directly to it. She is just amazing.”

A lifelong animal lover, Henry’s first dog, an Irish setter, was given away by his parents because his mother thought she was too big. “That was not nice,” says Henry. Especially given his challenging childhood and adolescence in New York, where his undiagnosed dyslexia made his school, home and social life challenging. It wasn’t until he was an adult that the real issue surfaced. “When I discovered that I was dyslexic, I realized I wasn’t stupid. And I was very angry about all the stuff that happened when I was growing up – being grounded or punished or called names – all of that was unnecessary and unfounded. Then I got past the emotion and realized that being dyslexic forced me to use other parts of myself that maybe I wouldn’t have used.”

Apparently, Charlotte also speaks for her canine sibling, a ten-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Monty. The Labradoodle barks to wake Henry in the middle of the night

animal wellness

Henry went on to complete a Masters degree at Yale and, after

“

“If you cut off every negative

several acting assignments, including a role in the movie The Lords of Flatbush, he landed the part that would make him a household name across North America. Henry’s portrayal of Happy Days’ Arthur Fonzarelli (aka The Fonz), the tough, big-hearted chick magnet, had everyone flipping up their thumbs with a guttural “Aaaayyyyy.” The character won him two Golden Globes but it was a far cry from the real thing, laughs Henry.

thought before you put a period

on the end, it will not stop you from moving toward your goal.”

independent movie production, and getting ready to address the PTA of America (he recently addressed 10,000 teachers at the International Reading Convention).

Meanwhile, on the personal front, Henry married Stacey Weitzman in 1978 and together they raised three children. Naturally, the family always included four-legged members.

“The Fonz was my alter ego. He was everything I wasn’t. I was never that cool.”

“When my wife and I met and then married, she had two Yorkies, Amanda and Percy. They were older when I met them but Amanda bonded with me immediately and just followed me around the house. Then we had a Wheaton terrier named Waffles. Our youngest son named him because he looked like a waffle. Tootsie, our black Lab, died two years ago at the age of ten after a sudden stroke. It was horrible.”

“Everybody loves Monty,” says Henry. “He’s a lapdog. He just rolls over and says ‘C’mon, rub me!’”

During and after Happy Days, Henry starred in a multitude of big screen and television movies, including Heroes, Nightshift, An American Christmas Carol, The Waterboy, and Down to You, and appeared on many television series such as Third Watch, The Practice, The Drew Carey Show and most recently Arrested Development. He also won an Emmy nomination for his stint as the voice of Norville in Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Puppy Years, a role he says was wonderful and fun. In addition to acting, the versatile Henry has produced (MacGyver, Mr. Sunshine) and directed (Memories of Me, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) over the years. Currently, he’s working on Unbeatable Harold, an

Having been through a difficult childhood, Henry believes kids can positively benefit from sharing their lives with a canine sibling. “The responsibility, the affection and the opportunity to play together is wonderful,” says the 58-year-old father. “When a dog pays attention to a child and is happy to see him, it gives

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that child a very special feeling.”

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Children are near and dear to Henry’s heart. Along with five other families, the actor and his wife founded Children’s Action Network (CAN). The organization provided free immunizations to 200,000 children under age three and currently works with about 110,000 kids who need adoptive parents. “As well,” says Henry, “we feed “They absolutely have a communication,” Henry says about 10,000 children of Charlotte and Monty. in L.A. and have them mentored after school. How can kids be our future if they’re worrying about meatloaf and mashed potatoes instead of about history?” His love of kids has turned the actor into a children’s author as well. Along with his partner, Lin Oliver, Henry has written six books, with plans for a seventh in the works. The humorous series about a resourceful kid named Hank Zipzer, who happens to be dyslexic, have made Henry a hero to a whole new generation of children. With names like I got a “D” in Salami, Niagara Falls or doesn’t it? and The Day of the Iguana, the books entertain kids and their parents, and Henry is receiving good feedback from his target audience. “One kid wrote me and said ‘the teacher has to take the book out of my hand because I laugh too loud when I read in class.’” Henry credits a positive approach for many of the good things that happen in his life, and he encourages others to follow their dreams. It’s a philosophy he had to learn the hard way.

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“I was kind of negative growing up,” reflects Henry. “Being dyslexic, your self-image is riddled and you start thinking you’re stupid and lazy and not living up to your potential. That thinking goes into every decision you make. But what I found was that if you cut off every negative thought before you put a period on the end of it, you can discard it and it will not stop you from moving toward your goal. You just say, ‘I have no time for you now.’ “I think it was Theodore Hertzl who said, ‘If you will it, it is not a dream.’ This is absolutely true. It is one of the precepts of living on the planet. If you keep your eye on the prize and move towards it, you can literally have it.” Well said, Henry. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

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animal wellness

The Way of the Cat: Nap, do nothing, and stretch your way to a blissful life By Dana Kramer-Rolls

...the passion for two gracious (cat) companions has led me back to my center, and to the heart of compassion and a gentle, blissful life. The Body Beautiful: Kitty Yoga Sometime after I first wrote this, I came upon a story about a Hindu prince who, while hunting in the jungle, came upon a tiger (or some large cat, I forget). He was so taken with the cat’s royal yet relaxed bearing that he stopped and watched. The cat stretched this way and that, Anaflora Flower Essence Therapy washed this way for Animals and that, and Help restore physical, emotional and spiritual padded off. In a balance in your flash, the prince animal companion. understood the Created by animal communicator Sharon importance of Callahan, the specialized what he had seen formulas include: and developed the Return to Joy: for abuse of any kind first practices of Recovery Remedy: for physical trauma and emotional shock hathayoga. Tranquility: for everyday nervousness Harmony: for the introduction of a new animal or human baby Relocation: for moving stresses Aggression: for the overly aggressive dog Special Stress: for relief in stressfull situations

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The point of hathayoga, and of qi gong, and a wide variety of other therapeutic techniques, is to open the energy

centers which the Hindus called chakras and Chinese doctors called the chi or qi meridians. However this energy movement works, spiritually or physically, it doesn’t work in a cramped body. One of the wonders of cats is the way they move. Even when terrified and hunched up, they can spring and run with all their energy. They don’t seem to hold tension in their backs, their shoulder girdles, or their faces. We are built a little differently than they are. You know where you need to stretch because you can feel the tension. Neck, backs, shoulders, feet. We put an awful lot of stress on our backs and organs by being upright. That is the evolutionary price we paid for having big brains and hands designed to hold things, but it is pretty rough on our backs and internal organs, which sit on top of one another. So, we have to be mindful of our backs and insides, and do those things that will relieve the stress of being always balanced on two legs. Many of the poses that I’m going to suggest are actually like the ones that are part of yogic training, just as many of the martial arts are based on the natural movement of birds, insects, and mammals. If you need to have fancy names for the positions, make up

your own mythology. The Cat Stretches Her Back pose. The Cat Stretches Her Paws pose. The Stalking Tom pose. The Looking Up at Birds pose. Watch your cats and do what they do, as far as you are able. Then, once you have the hang of it, add those things that are right for your poor upright bipedal body. Here are some examples.

Cat Practices First Thing in the Morning Stretch When you first open your eyes, slightly arch your back, stretch out your arms before you, and then, if there is room, above you. Then stretch out your legs, together, or one by one, spreading your toes. YAWN, a big, wide, jaw-releasing, tooth-showing yawn. Then you can sit up. Rest a moment. And do the stretch again. Now, you can stand up, and yes, do it again. Now your body is ready to move.

All Over Kitty Stretch This is a hard one to translate into human form. It works far better for quadrupeds, but here goes. This one is a lot like the Salute to the Sun in yoga. Stretch straight up, spreading out your fingers as if you were stretching out your claws (which are actually the first joint of a cat’s fingers, which is why you must NEVER consider declawing a cat). As you drop your arms, feel your shoulders and upper back move, and let them move. In fact, move with it. Now reach down to the floor, and drop to all fours. Now, we go into the Back Stretch.

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Back Stretch Cats do this on all their front and rear feet, but human beings’ proportions are quite different, and we really need to get on our knees. While on your hands and knees arch your back up, and then drop the saddle of your back down, and arch it up again. Do this a few times, and then relax.

Beyond Yoga Here are more ideas for natural stretching and playing. Try finding a path in a park or wildlife area that isn’t smooth, or follow a deer trail. Now, let your body enjoy the challenge of feeling the unevenness of the path and testing the security of each footfall. You might even take the opportunity to climb a small tree or swing from a branch. But remember, it is fun, not a triathalon. The only prize to win is the sense of well-being that comes with having been one with the natural world, like a cat. To borrow a concept, be in touch with your inner kitten. EXCERPTED FROM The Way of the Cat: Nap, Do Nothing and Stretch Your Way to a Blissful Life BY DANA KRAMER-ROLLS, PH.D. (CONARI PRESS AND RED WHEEL/WEISER 800-423-7087) animal wellness

animal communication

Molly’s story–

how therapy helped a therapy dog

by Sharon Callahan

In July of 2001, a golden ball of concentrated sunlight – otherwise known as a golden retriever puppy named Molly – came to live with Kathy Gromer. Beneath that fluffy exterior, Kathy recognized the dog she had been waiting for – not just a personal companion but an animal co-therapist who would assist her in her psychotherapy practice. Molly was a shy, sweet puppy who loved not only Kathy’s family, but friends and neighbors as well. By the time she was ten months old, however, she began showing some disturbing tendencies. She developed a loud, aggressive bark, and would sometimes unpredictably take off after strangers in a threatening manner, crouching low to the ground with hackles raised and teeth bared.

Kathy’s dilemma “We enrolled Molly in many puppy and training classes where we were told to correct her sharply and to scold and reprimand her, telling her ‘no!’ and yanking her choke chain,” explains Kathy. “We were also advised to purchase a pinch collar and to squirt her with water, which we were assured was a very effective method of controlling undesirable behaviors in dogs.” Not surprisingly, Kathy wasn’t happy with these methods, although she tried everything with the exception of

animal wellness

the pinch collar, with no significant results. “We could see that Molly was remorseful and that she knew we were unhappy with her aggression, but it nevertheless continued. We couldn’t control her and she didn’t seem to be able to control herself. We never knew who her next target might be, from mothers with their children to little old ladies walking their dogs.” Kathy became quite nervous about taking Molly anywhere or introducing her to strangers. This of course made Molly even more tense, causing her aggression to accelerate. “She seemed to feel it was her responsibility to protect us from all possible harm, even though it alarmed and dismayed us. My beautiful golden retriever had changed into a skittish, unpredictable dog that I feared might someday bite someone.” Kathy was at a loss about what to do and was beginning to feel that her idea of having Molly as a co-therapist was a hopeless dream. Then, while on vacation, she found herself reading Susan Chernak-McElroy’s book Animals as Guides for the Soul. “I was particularly taken with the story of how Barbara the elephant was helped by telepathic communication, how she had transformed and what she had to teach. I wondered if Molly had something to teach me that I was unaware of, so decided to learn to communicate with her. This was the beginning of our journey towards wholeness.”

animal communication Helping Molly find her way

Flower essences

to help promote co-operation between species During our communing session, Molly reassured us that she wanted to be a therapy dog and go to work with Kathy, but that she didn’t understand what her job description was. Whenever she went to the counseling center with Kathy, she felt overwhelmed by the children and thought it was her job to protect Kathy from them. She wanted to be a good girl, but the moment she got excited about something, her body and emotions ran wild. She would try and “check” herself by doing what she thought was expected of her -- being protective. She always felt remorseful and confused after an episode of aggression, especially when she could see that Kathy was upset by her behavior. The choke collar made her feel she was being punished for something she didn’t understand. I suggested that Kathy dump the choke collar in favor of a gentle lead and begin Molly on a series of flower essence formulas designed to reduce her performance anxiety and confusion and to help her focus on Kathy’s communications. I had Kathy describe to me the routine at the counseling center, and then began to show Molly in telepathic images how Kathy wanted her to behave and what her role was. I also reassured her that Kathy was not in danger, either there or at home, and that she could relax and have fun. She responded beautifully to this approach and Kathy soon reported that Molly’s aggression was evaporating. “Four months later, Molly and I underwent our first observed session at the counseling center, where we were evaluated by my peers from behind a one-way mirror,” says Kathy. “I was the one with performance anxiety that day – Molly was cool as a cucumber! She greeted my seven-year-old client appropriately, wagging her tail and resting her head reassuringly in his lap as I worked with him. She stayed right with him the entire session. As we ended, the boy took Molly’s head in his hands and told her she was the best dog he ever saw. Molly pranced from the center with her head held high.” Molly now accompanies Kathy everywhere and calmly “hangs out” in front of the house without menacing passersby. Love, communication, patience and flower essences have transformed her from an aggressive, unpredictable dog into a calm and affectionate companion.

Blackberry — adjustment; helps animals subdue their natural instinct in order to work with humans Cosmos — focus

Deerbrush — resolves conflicted emotions Delphinium — bridging and co-operation Dill — calmness in groups

Manzanita — balances unpredictability

Owl Clover — wisdom and peacefulness Pear — flexibility

Twin Flower — fosters telepathic communication Yarrow – protects animals from the negative emotions of others

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SHARON CALLAHAN IS A WORLD-RENOWNED ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR AND THE CREATOR OF

ANAFLORA FLOWER ESSENCES. SHE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF Healing Animals Naturally with Flower Essences and Intuitive Listening.VISIT HER WEBSITE AT anaflora.com

animal wellness

ADOPTION�&�NATURAL�PRODUCTS

Animal�Wellness�Expo� creates�awareness�for� thousands The pages of Animal Wellness Magazine came to life at the firstever Animal Wellness Expo, held June 5 and 6 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Despite the unexpected heat, several thousand people and their animals came out to learn about integrative health care, visit the 200 vendors offering natural products, services and accessories, and compete in the Animal Wellness Idol competition. Dozens of local shelter and rescue groups were on hand, and we’re pleased to report 250 animals found loving new homes. Here’s a brief glimpse into some of the Expo activities:

Above, disposable booties helped dogs handle the unprecedented heat, and many animals, including this pig (far right) cooled off with a quick dip in one of the many swimming pools.

animal wellness

Competition was stiff at the Animal Wellness Idol contest, as dogs danced forward and backward, leaped through hoops, caught, rolled and carried objects. On Sunday, Febi the Wonderpup, a 5-year-old Shitzu/pooder and her guardian Dot Todman of Sherman Oaks, CA won top honors for their exuberant performance. Saturday’s winners, a Mouluccan Cockatoo named Sony and her guardian, Judy Albert of Huntington Beach, CA eventually won the grand prize of a Dyson vacuum for Sony’s incredible feats of coordination and trust. The 12-year-old bird ate with a fork and spoon, drank out of a can, played dead, and did front and back flips. But it was her final trick – pooping on command – that won the judges over! Both winners took home a bevy of prizes, including a portrait of their animals by Bungalow Art. Special thanks to our judges.

Judy rescued Sony from a photocopy shop, where the Cockatoo lived in a small cage and was so unhappy she had plucked all the feathers from her chest and legs. Lifetime Television’s Tanika Ray

Actor William McNamara

Dot Todman and Febi Left to right: Recording artist Freddie Ravel, Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks, Animal Wellness Editor-In-Chief Dana Cox, TV’s Alan Dunn, actor and martial arts master, T.J. Storm

Actor Kansas Carradine

Linda Blair and Mad T.V.’s Debra Wilson

Animal Wellness Magazine Publisher Tim Hockley and actor Shannon Elizabeth

D.J. Carolyn Gracie of KOST FM

The Expo offered something for everyone. At the KidsZone, children made animal-related arts and crafts, created and listened to stories, got up close and friendly with exotic animals like a rescued python and a chinchilla, and had their faces painted. animal wellness

People packed the Speakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pavilion to hear some of the top experts in their fields, including veterinarians Dr. Martin Goldstein (left) and Dr. Stephen Blake (right), and animal communicator, Dr. Kim OgdenAvratik, (center).

Meanwhile at the Wellness Pavilion, experts demonstrated the benefits of complementary care, including massage, chiropractic, animal communication, dental care, reiki, grooming, veterinary herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, and energy work. Above: Emelio Burkhamer of Certified Paws massages one of the Expo attendees.

New homes found! Rescue and shelter groups placed 250 animals in new homes over the course of the Expo. One of the lucky dogs went to actor Jamie-Lynn Discala (Meadow Soprano in The Sopranos) and husband A.J. Discala.

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The gift of love that pets selflessly share is one of the most comforting and nurturing relationships that pet owners can experience with their extended animal families. This gift of love can now be returned in the form of estate analysis to ensure that these important extended animal family members are properly cared for in the event of their owner’s death or disability. The Michel Financial Group, in association with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, has developed a careful approach to this sensitive planning concern, helping pet owners ensure that their wishes for the comfort and continued well being of their pets are provided for. Important questions need to be addressed when considering the welfare of pets. Many individuals are lucky enough to have heirs or beneficiaries who are willing to assume pet care responsibilities, however, situations arise that bring into question what will happen to a pet upon an owner’s death or serious disability. What if heirs or beneficiaries are unable to care for the pet? What if the owner lives alone and needs someone immediately to take care of the pet? What if the owner is at an advanced age or suffers from a chronic illness that will increase the possibility that the pet will outlive the owner? The Michel Financial Group’s trained associates are available to offer solutions that can help answer all of these difficult questions.

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“Trying to help pet owners decide what’s best for their extended animal families is very important to us,” said Kimberly Michel, general agent of the Michel Financial Group. “Estates, trusts and life insurance with appropriate designees can all help ensure that pets are well taken care of when an owner passes away.” Ms. Michel, along with many members of her organization, is committed to the health and welfare of animals and has been recognized by the Humane Society’s Annual Genesis Awards for her contribution to the pet community. In addition, they are all attendees of the Animal Wellness Exposition, held this year in Pasadena, California. MassMutual Financial Group – comprised of member companies with over $285 billion in assets under management as of year-end 2003 – is a global, growth-oriented, diversified financial services organization that is comprised of member companies providing life insurance, annuities, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement planning products, structured settlement annuities, trust services, money management, and other financial products and services. MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing designation (or fleet name) for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. Ms. Michel can be reached via telephone at (310) 407-2800 or by e-mail at kmichel@finsvcs.com., California license #0615654.

The most important “ingredient” for your dog’s overall good health is WATER! It is extremely important to keep your “best friend” well hydrated, their electrolytes balanced year ‘round – especially in warm weather! Water, just water, is not sufficient! HydroDog, “A Refreshing Electrolyte Drink For Your Dog!” – promotes complete rehydration; replenishes trace minerals lost through your dog’s daily activities, stress or illness. Veterinarian endorsed! HydroDogis purified water with electrolytes – calcium, potassium, magnesium – completely natural; clear, no sugar, no fat, no sodium, no preservatives, no calories – available in one liter bottles with sport top. Dogs love the sport top! “Simply The Best Drink In Dogdom”! 1.866.493.7634 www.hydrodog.com animal wellness

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE Why are so many dogs and cats getting IBD and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best way to treat it? by Autumn Drouin, DVM

Sinba, a stunning Bengal cat, came to his guardians at the age of eight weeks with diarrhea and a bottle of Pepto Bismal. Seven years later, he was still afflicted with daily diarrhea and his health was deteriorating in spite of numerous diagnostic tests and professional treatments. He was also wild, aloof, skittish, ravenously hungry, and at times aggressive. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) was suspected, but remained unconfirmed because Sinbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guardians refused to subject him to the risks and discomfort of intestinal biopsy. Finally, he was put on homotoxic remedies and a home prepared diet. All food allergens were eliminated based on sensitivity testing using MRT (muscle response technique). Within two months of starting this holistic treatment, Sinba was free of diarrhea. Now, ten months later, he is symptom free, playful, more relaxed and affectionate, and no longer so famished.

What is IBD? Inflammatory bowel disease involves a thickening of the bowel lining, abnormal movement of food through the gut, and impaired water and/or nutrient absorption. Microscopically, the number of inflammatory cells in the gut lining is increased. The disease is named after the predominant cell type; the most common is lymphocytic-plasmacytic IBD. The main symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, abdominal pain, weight loss, and blood and/or mucus in the stools, can be chronic, constant or intermittent, and relate to the affected gut segment.

What causes it? There is no single recognized cause of IBD. Contributing factors include genetics, immunity problems, chronic stress, dietary deficiencies, exposure to pollutants and chemicals (pesticides, food additives, drugs, vaccines), altered gut pH, chronic gut irritation caused by diet, food allergies and

Now a picture of health, Sinba responded well to holistic treatment for his Inflammatory Bowel Disease. animal wellness

IBD

infectious agents, and leaky gut (a condition in which large molecules pass through the intestinal lining, activating the immune system and producing inflammation).

Which animals are affected? IBD affects middle-aged to older cats with no breed disposition. In dogs, it is seen in young to middle-aged individuals of any breed, although German shepherds, boxers, French bulldogs, rottweilers, shar peis, and Yorkshire terriers have a higher incidence of the disease.

How is IBD diagnosed? Various tests may be necessary to rule out other causes of vomiting and diarrhea, such as kidney failure, pancreatitis, digestive enzyme deficiency and Addison’s disease. Other gastrointestinal disorders to consider are parasites, infections, cancer, hairballs in cats, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes similar digestive symptoms, but is not considered inflammatory or immune-mediated, and biopsy shows no pathology in the lining of the GI tract. Physical examination, ultrasound, radiographs and blood tests can be useful diagnostic tools, but the gold standard in confirming a diagnosis of IBD is intestinal biopsy. This procedure involves the microscopic examination of small pieces of intestinal lining, usually collected through a scope under general anesthesia. Many clients refuse biopsy because of risks, discomfort or cost.

Beef Liver & Bacon Balls

What the treatment options? Conventional therapy aims at controlling symptoms with hypoallergenic diets, cortisone or other immune suppressing drugs, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal medications. Because some of these drugs can aggravate other conditions and/or cause serious long-term side effects, a diagnosis confirmed by biopsy is necessary.

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Holistic medicine offers various treatment alternatives. As with any serious condition, animals with IBD are best treated by a qualified veterinarian. Expertly selected natural remedies generally have few or no side effects and can be safely used in suspected cases without the need for a biopsy. IBD is a multi-factorial disease and requires a multifaceted approach individually tailored to each patient. Severe cases may still require short-term use of conventional medication

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IBD

alongside natural therapies. The root cause of IBD can be addressed by disciplines like homotoxicology, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The most urgent treatment step is to halt the inflammation and prevent further gut irritation. Although true deep healing will be achieved by the above modalities, various nutritional supplements can help support this goal. Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances can include Traumeel (HEEL), Curcumin, licorice, aloe vera gel, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Lipoic acid, Glutathione precursors, marine fish oil, cat’s claw, MSM, Boswella, marshmallow, slippery elm, Mexican yam and Vitamins E and A. Diet is crucial. A preferably home prepared food consisting of single protein and carbohydrate sources can include duck, turkey, venison, rabbit, millet, quinoa, amaranth, peas, green beans and sweet potato. Added fiber in the form of pumpkin, guar gum or pectin may slow down the bowel, while “hydrolyzed” or predigested proteins which are too small to stimulate the immune system may be helpful (e.g. Seacure). The amino acid glutamine also plays an important role in treatment as it helps regenerate the intestinal lining.

Infectious and parasitic factors can be addressed with prebiotics, probiotics, soil-based organisms such as SBX or Primal Defense, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, garlic, oil of oregano and goldenseal. The immune system can be supported with ModuVet or other immune regulators. Holistic treatment also considers emotional/mental causes and stress management as well as the prevention of complications such as liver damage, dehydration, malnutrition, ulcers and cancer.

What’s the prognosis? Though serious and potentially fatal, IBD is manageable with proper care and consideration. As Sinba’s success story demonstrates, holistic medicine can restore good health and balance to animals with this debilitating disease.

DR. AUTUMN DROUIN, A VETERINARIAN AND LICENSED NATUROPATH, DIVIDES HER TIME BETWEEN CARING FOR ANIMALS AND PEOPLE. HER PRACTICE, NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES, IS LOCATED IN NEWMARKET, ONTARIO.

Nationally Recognized Veterinarian Shares His Personal Cancer Story

Harry Quick, DVM

Inventor of the “90 day flea tag”

It is with great enthusiasm that I see veterinary practitioners taking great strides to accomplish what billions of dollars and years of research have failed to perfect for human medicine. Poly MVA FOR PETS is A SIMPLE TREATMENT FOR CANCER that really works and is within the reach financially for most pet owners. In the spring of 2002, I was diagnosed with terminal metastic adeno carcinoma. I am alive today as living proof that Poly MVA destroys lethal cancer cells in every organ of the body by a process called “electronic specific frequency” which changes the DNA of the anaerobic cancer cells.

NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Harry L. Quick DVM practiced veterinary medicine in Suburban Chicago for thirty years. His other accomplishments were the invention of and research for the “90 day flea tag”. He was also instrumental in the development of Cycle Dog Food. NOW VETS IN OVER

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animal wellness

What’s Gnu? Litter with leverage

On velvet

If you have more than one cat in your household, you might need a litter that works a little harder than the regular kind. World’s Best Cat Litter has recently introduced a new Extra Strength Formula with exceptional clumping capabilities and instant odor control. Made from the same natural, organic whole kernel corn as the original formula, the new product contains an additional plant-derived ingredient that helps control odor and provides a fresh, natural scent. www.worldsbestcatlitter.com

County bans exotic animals

After the death of a ten-year-old North Carolina boy who was fatally mauled by his aunt’s Bengal tiger last December, Wilkes County has unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the ownership of exotic animals. The ordinance was drafted by the Animal Protection Institute (API) and defines an exotic as any non-domesticated animal such as a bear, wolf, wildcat, primate, dangerous reptile or other non-traditional pet. To learn more about API’s exotic pet campaign, visit www.api4animals.org/321.htm

Pet spending keeps rising

If you devote a lot of money to keeping your animal healthy and happy, you’re not alone. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association released new figures in April that indicate pet spending has doubled in the last decade from $17 billion a year to over $34 billion. In fact, the statistics show that the pet industry is currently 60% bigger than the toy industry and 33% larger than the candy industry! This year, Americans are expected to spend over $14 billion on food for their animals, with the rest going to supplies, veterinary care and other services.

What do antlers have to do with joint health? It makes sense when you realize that velvet antler from elk and red deer is composed of fastgrowing cartilage and contains bone growth proteins and anti-inflammatory compounds. A recent University of Montreal study on the effects of quality elk velvet antler (QEVA) for the treatment of osteoarthritis involved 13 dogs who were first given a placebo for 30 days, then QEVA for 60 days. “In these 13 dogs,” reports the study, “nine owners reported an increasing vitality after 60 days of treatment with QEVA. This proportion (9/13) was significantly higher compared with the proportion observed after treatment with placebo (1/13).” Made from velvet antler humanely harvested from ranch-raised animals, SUPERflex from NATRAflex helps rebuild cartilage, restore and maintain joint mobility, and alleviate osteoarthritis and related problems in dogs and cats. The tasty, chewable tablets also contain ginseng, a tonic with anti-inflammatory properties. www.natraflex.com

Amoré starts production in U.S.

You may have been finding it difficult in recent months to put your hands on some of your dog or cat’s favorite foods, thanks to border closures provoked by the mad cow and avian flu crises. In response to the problem, Amoré Pet Services Inc., makers of frozen raw natural foods for dogs and cats, has announced the opening of a new production facility in the United States. Based in Washington State, the new facility ensures that both American and Canadian animal guardians can find Amoré foods – from beef and buffalo to chicken and turkey – in retail freezers. www.amorepetfoods.com

Something to chew on

Bones are good for your dog’s health, not only because they provide him with calcium and other essential nutrients, but also because they exercise his jaw and help keep his teeth strong and clean. Beef bones are usually the most popular choice, but how about trying your canine companion on ostrich for a change? Bones Galore presents ostrich leg bones that are baked and naturally smoked for better flavor. They’re also low in fat and cholesterol, splinter-free and contain no additives, making them a tasty and all-natural treat for your dog. 1-860-646-8036. animal wellness

Special needs diets – what do you feed your ailing companion? We like to think of our animal companions as robust and healthy, so it can be devastating when illness strikes. Making your companion a special diet can help you feel part of the healing process, and can make a world of difference to your four-legged friend. In this, the first of a two-part series, we look at how to help animals with cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. by Audi Donamor

Nutrition and the animal cancer patient

When it comes to animal cancer, one diet does not fit all, and what works well today may cause problems tomorrow. From the cancer starving diet, to a raw or cooked diet and everything in between, the road to good nutrition has many bumps and curves, as animal guardians and their vets try to determine the best path to follow. The most important thing is to make sure your canine or feline cancer patient eats! Animals with cancer have an altered carbohydrate metabolism, so a diet low in carbohydrates with high quality proteins and fish oil as the primary fat source is best. For dog, grains should account for no more than 10% of the diet, while no grain is recommended for cats. That leaves us with 30 to 50% meat for dogs, along with 30 to 40% vegetables, and for cats, 40 to 60% meat with 20 to 30% vegetables. A calcium source (250mg per 15 pounds body weight is recommended by Dr. Susan G.

10 Warning Signs 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets Appetite loss Bad odor Bleeding or other discharge Difficulty breathing or eliminating Difficulty eating Exercise intolerance Ongoing lameness or stiffness Sores that don’t heal Swelling that persists or continues to grow Weight loss Consult your veterinarian immediately if your animal displays any of these warning signs.

animal wellness

Wynn), and a vitamin-mineral supplement complete the base of the diet. When preparing food, try to use organic ingredients, and always use distilled, filtered, or spring water. Using a crock pot is one of the easiest ways to prepare a nutritious meal for your cancer patient and the aroma may be just the thing to entice your animal to eat. Knowing the percentage of protein, fats, and carbohydrates you are working towards makes it easy to choose ingredients. Consider chicken, beef, turkey, or a novel protein source like ostrich or buffalo, along with liver and heart, eggs, carrots, broccoli, celery, cabbage, Bok Choy, turnip greens, spinach, and summer squash, flavor enhanced by antioxidants like fresh garlic and Turmeric. Canned salmon, mackerel or sardines can top off a meal of brown rice, sweet potato, and broccoli. It is always good to have plain old-fashioned chicken broth on hand, and dogs and cats often go for a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese when other things have failed. For cats, put food down several times a day. If your animal is accustomed to a fresh whole foods/raw diet, stick with it, but keep in mind that cooked food is recommended for immuno-suppressed animals such as those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Either way, make sure the diet is evaluated on a regular basis, always keeping your animal’s overall condition in mind. Many herbs have been said to treat, and even cure, cancer. Before you add herbs to your dog or cat’s diet, do your homework and get expert advice. Dr. Randy Kidd, D.V.M., Ph.D., identifies bloodroot, burdock, cat’s claw, goldenseal, and red clover as safe herbs in the battle against cancer. One of the very best books on herbs is All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff-Tilford. Start by sharing a cup of green tea with your pet. It boosts the immune system, and also has antioxidant and astringent properties.

Recipes for animal cancer patients Satin Balls

This is a modification of a recipe that has been circulating on the Internet for a number of years. 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken, or a combination of ground meats 1/4 cup puffed rice 1/4 cup oatmeal 1/4 cup wheat germ 2 eggs 1 packet Knox gelatin 2 tablespoons cold pressed olive oil 1 pinch of iodized sea salt Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a small Pyrex pan. Combine ingredients. Turn into the pan, and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, cut into squares, and store in refrigerator. This recipe can easily be doubled and freezes well.

Cancer Cookies

Making special treats for your sick animal can help you both feel better, and sometimes they’re the only thing the patient will eat.

Cinnamon is often used in the treatment of digestive upsets, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Protein shake

Sometimes, despite everything you do, your animal refuses to eat. This is where a simple cancer cocktail can come into play. The simplest mixture was developed by Wendy Volhard and includes: 1/2 pound of beef or chicken liver 2 cups of Willard or spring water Simply put the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir gently until you are sure the liver is cooked. This takes approximately five minutes. Remove the pot from the stove and cool, then puree in a food processor or blender until you have a thick soup mixture. Using a large syringe, feed your cat or dog a little of this mixture several times throughout the day, and hopefully, it will get your companion back on the food track. Good nutrition goes a long way towards improving quality of life and is one way we can take a bite out of cancer. continued on pg. 50

4 cups chickpea flour 1 cup apple sauce 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons carob powder Preheat oven to 325ºF. Combine ingredients in a food processor. Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead well. Cut into desired shapes, or take small pieces of dough, roll out to pencil thickness and cut pieces appropriate to your dog or cat’s size. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then turn oven down to 175ºF and allow cookies to bake for 40 more minutes. Turn oven off, and allow cookies to cool before removing them. Store in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.

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This recipe is easily adapted to meet the changing tastes of your animal companion. You can replace the applesauce with organic canned pumpkin or banana, or replace with puréed liver and use 1 finely minced garlic clove and 2 teaspoons of fresh parsley in place of the cinnamon and carob powder. For your feline friend, consider 1 cup of salmon or another fish of your choice, 1 finely minced garlic clove, and 2 teaspoons of fresh parsley or catnip. Each of the ingredients in this recipe has been chosen for its goodness as well as taste. Chickpea flour is a good source of potassium, phosphorus, iron, foliate, copper, magnesium, unsaturated fatty acids and fiber. It’s also high in a type of protein that doesn’t turn into glucose in the bloodstream, so it’s not only good for pets with cancer but also for dogs who cannot tolerate grain, need to lose weight, or who are diabetic. Apples have been found to have antioxidant properties, while carob contains all principal minerals and vitamins and soothes the gastrointestinal tract.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Vee Vee was a very sick dog. Once a healthy and energetic 62-pound golden retriever, she developed diarrhea and malabsorption, and her weight dropped rapidly to 39 pounds. Like so many other dogs, Vee Vee was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Symptoms of this disorder range from indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, to painful bowel movements, flatulence, and abdominal swelling. (See article on p. 44). There are no easy answers to IBD because other problems such as bacterial infections, parasites, food sensitivities, allergies, and even liver disease, can mimic the disease. Vee Vee was started on imuran, flagyl, and prednisone, but her guardian worried about the secondary problems that could result from the long-term use of these drugs. Flagyl, for example, can lead to liver problems, while corticosteroid drugs can further compromise a weakened immune system. Cooking for Vee Vee was an ongoing challenge, and her guardian tried several different diets with varying degrees of success and failure. We finally found a strictly controlled diet that helped Vee Vee, and she was eventually able to give up all the daily medications she had depended on for so long. Although not cured, Vee Vee’s quality of life was restored.

Do’s and Don’ts IBD dos and don’ts Don’t feed:

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animal wellness

• Mexican yams are recommended in the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and Tradition by Dr. Susan G. Wynn, D.V.M., and Dr. Steve Marsden, D.V.M, because of their spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. • Perfect Form powder from The Honest Kitchen, with papaya leaf, plantain, slippery elm, pumpkin seed, fennel and papain. • Phytomucil, a herbal tincture from Animal’s Apawthecary, is a safe anti-inflammatory agent containing marshmallow root, slippery elm, plantain, and licorice in a vegetable glycerine base. Provides restorative support to the digestive tract, as well as symptomatic relief. • Tree Barks Powder by Juliette de Bairacli Levy is a combination of red slippery elm tree bark, barley flour, dill, marshmallow, and additional herbs.

IBD sufferer, Vee Vee, seen here going for a sail, is much happier and healthier thanks to her new diet.

In Dr. Donald R. Strombeck’s Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative, animal guardians can choose from a variety of diets for IBD, depending on the individual symptoms of their animal. One includes cottage cheese and cooked long grain rice. The very high digestibility of cottage cheese contributes to its usefulness, but as mentioned above, every case is different. Perhaps a diet featuring chicken and long grain rice would work better for your dog. Each is low in protein and fat, and recommends a small amount of vegetable oil, a bone meal supplement, a salt substitute, and a multiple vitamin-mineral tablet. As Vee Vee recuperated from IBD, we created a special treat which we called Vee Vee’s Rescue Recipe for IBD. Her guardian could prepare this as a biscuit or muffin recipe. Over the years, dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis and colitis have also benefited from Vee Vee’s special recipe.

Vee Vee’s Rescue Recipe for IBD 4 cups oat flour 1 cup oatmeal 1 cup oat bran 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 tablespoons Manuka honey 2 tablespoons unsulphured blackstrap molasses 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce Please use organic ingredients whenever possible. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or mixer – the dough is ready continued on pg. 52

animal wellness

when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn it out onto a floured cutting board and knead a few times. If you find the dough is too wet, add more oat flour. Take small pieces of the dough and roll out to a thickness of about 1⁄4”. Cut into desired shapes or score into squares with a knife. You can also roll out the dough to pencil thickness and cut into small. Place biscuits on lightly greased cookie sheets or parchment paper. You should have sufficient dough to fill 2 cookie sheets. If you like, you can make 1 sheet of biscuits, and freeze the remainder for another time. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, and let the biscuits completely cool before removing them. You can leave the biscuits in an open bowl, where they will continue to harden, or store in a ziplock bag or cookie jar. able Avail 5 as a CD u a dio ! set

As an alternative to biscuits, you can make mini muffins using the same recipe with the addition of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Fill mini-muffin cups and bake for 15 minutes.

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animal wellness

Each ingredient in Vee Vee’s recipe has been chosen for its healing properties. Cinnamon is known as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is also a carminative and is used as a digestive tonic when prepared as a tea. Oats soothe the digestive and nervous systems and are low in starch and high in minerals, especially potassium and phosphorus. They also contain calcium, magnesium, are rich in vitamin B, and a very good source of iron. They cleanse the intestines of impurities, and are known as a strength giving cereal. Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is rich in nutrients such as iron, potassium, and calcium. Manuka honey is a mono-floral from New Zealand. Many people take it for dyspepsia and stomach ulcers. The British Medical Journal reported that Manuka honey shortened the duration of bacterial diarrhea, and was as effective as glucose at promoting the re-absorption of sodium and water from the intestines. Always buy raw honey because once it goes through heat processing it loses most of its healing power. Applesauce has often been recommended for mild cases of diarrhea and can be added to food or used on its own. It contains pectin, a natural fibrous substance, which acts to tighten bowels. This is not an immediate process – generally, you can expect a solidified stool within three days. Applesauce can also be added to rice.

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Is your dog or cat missing

important enzymes?

by Stephen R. Blake, DVM

ou may not know it, but all animals, including humans, need enzymes in order to live. Consisting of 20 different amino acids, enzymes are basically the catalysts that help accelerate and transform organic material into the building blocks necessary for life. The body produces them around the clock to keep up with the constant demand of our various internal systems. Knowledge about enzymes has grown exponentially over the past 75 years. In 1930, we knew of only 80 enzymes, but by 1993, researchers had identified more than 2,700. Some of the most important include food and digestive enzymes, which occur naturally in all uncooked foods, and assist in helping an animal digest his meal. Unfortunately, the processing techniques used by today’s food production plants, and all types of cooking over 118°F, destroy almost 100% of these enzymes. Without them, the animal has to rely more on the digestive enzymes produced by his own body. Since all foods basically consist of carbohydrates, proteins and fat, an animal must have the following three digestive enzymes -- protease for digesting protein, lipase for digesting fats and amylase for digesting carbohydrates. As soon as food enters the body, carbohydrates are first to be digested, followed by protein and, last but not least, fat. In addition to breaking down ingested food, enzymes also help the body absorb these nutrients. The more completely they are digested, the easier it is on the animal’s overall digestive and immune systems.

How important is good digestion? Improperly digested food can lead to putrefaction within the bowel. This in turn can cause upset in bacterial flora, inflammation of the gut wall and leaky gut syndrome. Simply put, the bowel then allows improperly digested food into the animal’s blood supply, resulting in allergic reactions of the body to the food it is ingesting. Properly digested food in a healthy gut, on the other hand, allows the animal to survive on a variety of foods and not fall into the food allergy category of limited diets to survive.

I have used enzyme therapy in allergies, arthritis, digestive and immune cases over the past 25 years. Enzymes can be very helpful in animals suffering from these ailments, when there is a deficiency of one or more of these enzymes in their system. I generally mix the enzymes in each meal and adjust the dose depending upon their response to each dose. I have seen only a few dogs react to enzymes and the symptom was a loose stool, which was corrected by reducing the dose. In addition to the conditions above, if you’re feeding a cooked diet to your animal, I would highly recommend adding a digestive enzyme supplement to the food. Then your animal doesn’t need to draw upon his own enzyme supply. After doing so, you’ll probably notice an improved coat – a good sign your animal is experiencing better health. There are many fine products in the marketplace specifically for animals so check with your holistic veterinarian to find out which one will work best for your companion. Along with a healthy digestive tract, my main approach for overall health includes a natural, clean food, pure water, no drugs or vaccines (or as few as possible), exercise and all the love you can spare. That’s a great foundation for a happy, healthy lifestyle.

AFTER SEVERAL YEARS IN VETERINARY PRACTICE, DR. BLAKE BEGAN TO GET FRUSTRATED BY HIS “LIMITED” KNOWLEDGE. “WHEN I STARTED STUDYING HOMEOPATHY, BACH FLOWERS, ACUPUNCTURE, MASSAGE, AROMATHERAPY AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATION, I REALIZED THESE WERE THE TOOLS I NEEDED TO HELP ANIMALS!” DR. BLAKE CURRENTLY PRACTICES IN SAN DIEGO, CA AND IS AN “ELDER” OF THE AMERICAN HOLISTIC VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND AUTHOR OF The Pet Whisperer. FOR MORE INFO., VISIT WWW.THEPETWHISPERER.COM animal wellness

I Preventing and getting rid of your equine’s skin troubles

by Dan Moore, DVM

s your horse prone to itchy, icky skin during the summer? If so, he’s not alone. Allergy problems, called dermatitis by veterinarians, are becoming more and more prevalent, and can be a nightmare. You can spend hundreds of dollars on blood tests that usually find nothing can be done, or that your horse is allergic to things he can’t avoid, like flies, certain hays, and dust. Your veterinarian may recommend desensitizing allergy shots, but these are expensive and work only about half the time. Steroids and antihistamines may work for a short time but are becoming less popular since they appear to only make matters worse. So is your horse stuck with his allergies? To answer that, we need to take a closer look at this condition.

What are the symptoms? The most obvious symptom of allergies is itching. This is often accompanied by hives – little raised bumps similar to bee stings, and in severe cases, hives become so numerous that they appear in clusters called whelts. Sometimes, the horse itches so badly that he rubs and bites his skin until it is raw or bleeding.

Although we are still learning about allergies, a few things are very important: • The cause of an allergy, rather than just the symptoms, must be addressed. • Keeping flies and pests away is critical, but don’t overuse chemicals or you could be adding fuel to the fire. • Nutrition is critical, as are vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Less sugar is better. Feeding oats rather than “complete” feed, supplemented with natural sources of vitamins and minerals – top-dressed and based on the needs of each individual horse – is also best. • Instead of salt and mineral blocks, natural “free choice” supplements are better and may contain beneficial ingredients we don’t even know about yet. • Finally, only vaccinate for what you think is absolutely necessary. 58

animal wellness

What causes allergies? Flies, mosquitoes, and bug bites in general serve as “triggers” that make allergies worse, but they are not the cause. Think about it. Why are some horses allergic to flies, hay and dust – things that are normal for them to be around? Why do they have problems when exposed to opossum manure (the source of the organism that causes EPM) when horses have lived with opossums for millions of years? What has changed, and why do today’s horses appear weaker than in the past? Consider that human allergies were never even heard of until the Industrial Revolution, and you’ll find the clue. Allergies have become a problem for both humans and horses (and other animals) because we have bombarded them with vaccines, chemicals, pollutants and toxins. The consequence for man and beast is an immune system that is critically out of balance, in “hyper” mode. It doesn’t really know what to react to anymore, so it starts reacting to everything, including all those things you couldn’t possibly keep a horse away from.

Another example of an over-reactive immune system is “heaves”, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Essentially this is an allergy in the lungs. Autoimmune diseases (where the body reacts to itself) are also related. The bottom line is that the immune system is being overworked.

Over-vaccination is a key culprit Along with ruining our soils with salt fertilizers, we have overvaccinated, over-medicated, over-sugared and over or incorrectly supplemented so much that a horse’s body doesn’t know which way to turn. Vaccinations, for example, are often filled with preservatives like mercury and foreign protein. Are they really needed year after year? If you have a horse with allergies, please look at this issue carefully. Continually “sensitizing” him with foreign tissue via vaccines is a big part of the allergy syndrome. Copious vaccinations are not natural – those that your state or province requires are the only ones your horse should have.

THE FIVE BASICS OF NUTRITION The best way to prevent or treat any disease, including allergies, is to look at what the horse is getting too much or not enough of. Minerals, for example, are often contaminated with heavy metals like aluminum, lead and cadmium. Even salt is chemically made for other industries, not for horses. The horse’s body has to handle all this extra “junk” one way or another.

vitamins and minerals than he needs, his whole metabolism is adversely affected and he eventually winds up as insulin resistant, hypothyroid, laminitic or cushinoid, and in some cases has such a messed-up immune system that he “develops” allergies – all because he was not getting enough vitamins or minerals. Personally, I don’t think there is any such thing as a complete feed. There are just too many variables.

BASIC #3: SUPPLEMENT

WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Each horse should be supplemented individually – especially the horse with allergies. Our soils and the foods grown in them simply can’t provide a balanced diet anymore. Remember, though, that many minerals and vitamins are manmade. Even worse, many are another industry’s “leftovers,” so be sure to use natural sources.

BASIC #4: GIVE

ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants help the body get rid of the “junk” that it is exposed to. The best analogy I’ve heard is that the foreign substances to which the body is exposed day in and day out cause it to “rust” – and antioxidants prevent the rusting. Their beneficial effects may not be seen right away in a relatively

Knowing how to give your horse what he needs can prove confusing. What do you feed? What do you supplement? You may sometimes feel you need a Ph.D. in nutrition just to take care of him, but it’s truly not that difficult! Just keep the basics in mind, and leave the rest to nature.

BASIC #1: MORE

FAT, LESS SUGAR

Horses generally don’t get enough fat, but get far too much sugar from sweet feed and corn. Essential fatty acids are a must for horses with allergies. In order to deliver these, along with more fat, the best source, in my opinion, is coconut oil. Since coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, we add crude, unrefined soybean oil to it to keep it liquid. Coconut oil is stable, and much less likely to go rancid than flax or rice bran sources. Vegetable and corn oils are practically useless except for calories, which most horses get way too many of anyhow.

BASIC #2: NEVER

RELY ON

“COMPLETE

FEEDS”

A “complete feed” or even oats alone simply can not provide what an allergy horse needs. Consider two 1,000-pound horses – one eats ten pounds per day of complete feed or oats, while the other eats only three pounds. Because the latter gets far fewer animal wellness

healthy horse, but are often immediate in allergy horses, especially when really good products are used. My first experience using antioxidants in horses overwhelmed me. I had a patient with heaves that was close to death, and because I had seen tremendous beneficial lung changes in people using grape seed, I decided to try it. I fed the horse $300 dollars worth of grape seed capsules in one month. I must have broken open 1,000 capsules, but the horse improved and became well enough to go home. This shows that antioxidants are a lot more than just a little vitamin A, C and E! All our horses are now supplemented daily with antioxidants.

BASIC #5: DON’T

SHORT THE SALT

The major factor in allergies, or any illness of “unknown” cause, is the misuse of salt and mineral blocks. The most important thing you can do for your horse’s health is to provide a natural source of salt and minerals. Free choice, natural sources of salt and minerals will improve your horse’s allergies drastically. Horses are not lickers: they can’t get what they need from salt or mineral blocks quickly enough. Horses also need change whenever the barometer shifts because the chemical composition of the grasses they eat actually changes with the weather. As well, “salt based” fertilizers often confuse the horse: the potassium they contain literally tricks the horse into thinking he has plenty of salt because the potassium ion is so similar to sodium. When this happens, they quit eating salt or, if they only have access to blocks, can’t get as much as they need. This situation puts a major metabolic stress on the system and many problems can result. The obvious ones are” tying up” and what we generally think are electrolyte problems. The least obvious, but the most dangerous, is the massive change in gut bacteria, which sometimes can be life threatening. Examples are laminitis, abortion, and allergies.

Is your pet a little sensitive?

Even free choice minerals can be a problem because humans have only a vague idea of what horses need and are simply guessing when they make a mineral mix. Manmade blocks and mixes are missing critical elements. This means the horse may over-consume what he doesn’t need while trying to get what he does need – and the latter may not even be in the mix to begin with! Many of the tiny micronutrients, or elements, like rubidium, molybdenum, palladium, cesium, and strontium, are critical for problems like allergies, COPD and even cancer. When I take away typical “manmade” salt and mineral blocks, and replace them with natural sources, many allergies and other problems go away. It is amazing what nature provides! If you provide your horse’s body what it needs, it will heal itself, without the need for expensive tests and ineffective medications!

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AFTER GRADUATING FROM AUBURN SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN 1980, DR. MOORE COMPLETED THE PROFESSIONAL COURSE IN VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY AND THE ADVANCED COURSE IN VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY. DR. MOORE IS THE FOUNDER AND DEVELOPER OF WWW.THENATURALHORSEVET.NET, AN ONLINE SOURCE OF INFORMATION, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ABOUT NATURAL AND COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVES FOR HORSES, AND THE CO-OWNER OF ROSEHILL FARM, BREEDER OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HORSES. DR. MOORE IS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE TENNESSEE HORSE COUNCIL

book reviews

Title: Created Equal Author: Ernie Bringas St. Francis of Assisi wrote: “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.” Author and minister Ernie Bringas opens the first chapter of Created Equal – A Case for the Animal-Human Connection with this quote, an appropriate choice for his inspiring and thought-provoking book about animal equality. This fascinating work revolves around the truth that animal abuse is directly linked to violence against people, and that only by treating animals with the same reverence we attach to human life can we progress as a civilization. Bringas looks at our conventional attitude towards animals as inferior beings, and shows how the concept of animal equality turns activities such as hunting and animal research into unacceptable behaviors. Written with compassion, insight and wit, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes our fellow creatures deserve a lot more respect from the human race.

Title: PetMassage™ Energy Work with Dogs Author: Jonathan Rudinger, RN, LMT Massage can be as therapeutic and healthenhancing for dogs as for humans, which is why more and more animal guardians are exploring its benefits for their canine companions, and why animal massage in general is a steadily growing field. New from the PetMassage™ Training and Research Institute is PetMassage™ Energy Work with Dogs – Accessing the Magnificent Body Language and Body Wisdom of the Dog, a home study course by institute founder and massage therapist Jonathon Rudinger. Adapting massage practices and philosophies from around the world, including Swedish massage, positional release, acupressure, healing touch and chakra balancing, Rudinger incorporates diagrams, photos, exercises and comprehensive, easy-to-understand text to help you work through the thirteen units of the course. Mastering these techniques is a fulfilling and fascinating learning experience that helps you improve your best friend’s quality of life. www.PetMassage.com

Title: The Complete Holistic Dog Book Author: Jan Allegretti and Katy Sommers, D.V.M. Did you know a poultice of comfrey leaves can help heal a sprain, thanks to the herb’s ability to promote cell growth? This is just one tidbit of valuable information you’ll find in The Complete Holistic Dog Book – Home Health Care for our Canine Companions. Written by a veterinarian and holistic animal health care consultant, this handy volume is packed with information on how to keep your dog in good health, the natural way. It also provides gentle but effective home remedies for a wide range of canine health problems, from minor injuries and skin disorders to intestinal upsets and behavioral troubles. Everything from lifestyle and diet to herbs, homeopathy, acupressure and other therapies are covered. Find out what your holistic medicine chest should contain, and learn how to decide when you can safely treat a problem at home, and when you should call the vet. Complete with a nutritional, herbal and homeopathic glossary, along with chapters on the senior years and how to deal with the loss of your beloved companion, this useful guide is an invaluable addition to any dog guardian’s bookshelf. animal wellness

HOW REIKI

HEALS:

A HANDS ON

APPROACH TO

WELL-BEING

by Nicole Dingwell

Touch is an important factor in the well being of all living creatures, both human and animal. A loving touch not only soothes pain but also helps heal many injuries and illnesses. We use our hands to touch and soothe, while dogs, cats and horses lick and nuzzle their injuries and those of their companions. But that’s just the beginning. Infused with the warm energy of Reiki – the Universal Life Force – touch enters a whole new realm of healing and comfort.

WHAT IS REIKI AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Every organism has Universal Life Force flowing through it to create a living, functioning being. Reiki practitioners are attuned to this energy on a level that enables them to channel it through their hands and facilitate healing. The Universal Life Force flows more freely through them and into and through the patient, where it adjusts imbalances

animal wellness

that create disease, pain, emotional distress and illness. The energy essentially reminds the tissues and/or the emotions of their purest state of health. A Reiki treatment involves placing the hands in strategic places on the body. Some practitioners use a predetermined pattern, while others let their intuition guide them, using their hands to feel energetic imbalances. As with many alternative therapies, it is not unusual to find that several layers must be treated and peeled away to get to the true cause of symptoms.

ANIMALS OFTEN HELP WITH THEIR TREATMENT An animal’s reaction to Reiki can vary from falling asleep to being fidgety and restless, or getting up and moving around. Some animals focus intently on the practitioner’s hands and may even lick them, trying to get the energy out. Others

will adjust their position under the hands to better utilize the treatment. Some will even learn to recognize a Reiki practitioner and seek out treatments from them.

ON AS SEEN

“The animals always show their appreciation to me in some way,” says Rhonda Sherry, a Reiki practitioner based in California. “It might be as simple as a lick, or as sweet as a horse playing with my hair while I treat his knee.” Any response is the correct one for that animal. The Reiki will go where it needs to go.

√ relieves sore joints √ enhances mobility √ increases energy levels √ revives playfulness

WHAT REIKI CAN DO It’s important to remember that while Reiki is a very strong force, it is not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Unless licensed as a vet, a Reiki practitioner does not diagnose illness. She simply facilitates the healing and relief that Reiki can bring. “Reiki works as an effective complement to other healing systems, accelerating the action of other therapies and decreasing side effects,” notes Elizabeth Fulton and Kathleen Prasad of the Animal Reiki Center in the San Francisco Bay area. That said, miracles do happen. Tumors have disappeared, chronic illnesses have cleared up, and irrational fears or behavior patterns have adjusted themselves. If there are visual symptoms such as swelling, it is not unusual to see them lessen during and after treatment. Pain relief is perhaps the most common result – Reiki often decreases pain levels, easing movement and/or increasing range of motion.

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Reiki can also ease emotional issues such as separation anxiety, phobias, or distress stemming from trauma. Dawn Starnes of Dogs by D in Maine uses Reiki as part of everyday interaction with the animals in her kennel and grooming shop. She uses it to ease anxiety associated with the grooming process, or to soothe separation anxiety, lack of appetite and homesickness in boarding dogs. Depending on the level of training a practitioner has, she can facilitate healing in many different ways. There are even tools for sending Reiki over distance and through time. Many practitioners find their intuitive and animal communication abilities open up or become stronger as they use Reiki.

CASE STUDY #1 Chloe, a border collie long since retired from her fly ball career, suffered from severe arthritis in her shoulders. During my first visit with her, it was evident how sore and uncomfortable she was. As the treatment began, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep relaxation. Her breathing pattern changed as she soaked up the energy. Her shoulders got very warm to the

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touch, and as the heat subsided towards the end, she awoke and sighed deeply. As she rose, she was stronger and her eyes a little brighter. This was the first of many treatments for Chloe, and the beginning of a non-intrusive pain management program. With the gift of Reiki, she was able to live more comfortably. Her guardians watched her closely and became sensitive to when Chloe needed another session. Sometimes she would go weeks, sometimes months, depending on her activity and the weather patterns.

CASE STUDY #2 Elizabeth and Kathleen fondly remember a Guinea pig named Godiva who was extremely withdrawn, because she had been handled roughly and kept in a dark closet in her first home. She hid inside her house whenever she saw a person, rarely moved, and never played or vocalized. Her new family was concerned that she may have been brain damaged. As soon as her first Reiki treatment began, she peeked out of her house, made eye contact with Elizabeth, rested her head on her paws and sighed. The flow of Reiki was very strong, and Godiva remained in the same position throughout the treatment. As the session ended, she came out of her house, put her front legs on the bars of the cage and began to squeak loudly as if to say thank you. With continued treatments, Godiva improved tremendously and now interacts with people, purrs when petted, loves to vocalize and is beginning to play.

CASE STUDY #3 For almost two years, Rhonda Sherry has been working with a 12-year-old Akita named Shoji, who has severe hip dysplasia. Due to her dislike of being physically manipulated, her guardian found Reiki to be a successful way to ease her discomfort. During the first treatment, Shoji allowed Rhonda to do 50 minutes of Reiki on her. Shoji shifted her body under Rhonda’s hands, repositioning as needed, to make the most of the treatment. Shoji now has more energy, better mobility and a better attitude towards life. Nothing will cure her completely, but Reiki provides her with the pain relief and comfort she needs for a good quality of life. Even if you aren’t a trained Reiki practitioner, you can still use touch to help soothe and heal your animal. Take some time to touch your companion, using your purest intention of love. Think about what you are feeling as you touch him, and fully experience the warmth, love and energy between you. You’ll soon begin to appreciate how profoundly healing and comforting a simple touch can be. A REIKI MASTER AND TEACHER, NICOLE DINGWELL MERGED HER LOVE OF BODYWORK AND ANIMALS INTO HER BUSINESS,

OTHER ENERGETIC

PETRISSAGE, IN CHARLOTTE, MICHIGAN. SHE PRACTICES EQUINE AND CANINE MASSAGE, INCORPORATING REIKI, AROMATHERAPY, FLOWER ESSENCES AND MODALITIES. WWW.PETRISSAGETHERAPY.COM

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A seven-year-old Pomeranian was viciously attacked by a Great Dane and left a significant wound requiring many stitches to close. Despite two weeks of treatment with antibiotics, gangrene set in. The dog was then referred to Megan Bamford, DVM of Sun Valley, California for treatment. With antibiotic treatment failing, she began treating the wound with Pet Solution RX, spraying the wound four times a day and allowing it to air dry. Within 24 hours, healing was observed. One week later, after continued Pet Solution RX treatment, the wound was completely closed.

Disaster relief for animals is all in a day’s work for Noah’s Wish by Ann Brightman

atching news coverage of last summer’s devastating wildfires in California and western Canada, I found myself wondering about the fate of all the dogs, cats, horses and other companion animals living in or near the afflicted areas. Did they get evacuated with their human guardians? What happened to those who got left behind, lost or separated from their people? Was anyone doing anything to help them? Thankfully, the answer is yes. Among the many individuals and groups working around the clock to assist those whose lives were affected by the fires was Noah’s Wish, a non-profit organization whose sole aim is to provide disaster relief for animals. “For the California fires, we set up a temporary evacuation shelter and received almost 1,000 animals, from horses and goats to dogs, cats and even a white mouse,” says Terri Crisp, Noah’s Wish founder and director. “In Canada, we worked with the B.C. SPCA processing the evacuated animals, getting them into foster homes if necessary, and operating a separate facility for large animals like horses, cattle and sheep.” Terri founded Noah’s Wish two years ago, but her experience in disaster work goes back more than 20 years. “The motivation behind forming Noah’s Wish is that managing animals in a disaster is a big commitment and really needs a group focused on that and nothing else,” she explains. In many cases, due to lack of manpower or organization, existing rescue efforts simply aren’t up to the huge task of saving and helping animals during times of crisis, with the result that many fall through the cracks and undergo needless suffering, trauma and loss of life. One of Terri’s goals with Noah’s Wish is to raise the standards of caring for animals during disasters, so they get the same level of service humans do. Along with two other staff members, Terri works with more than 30 equally

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experienced coordinators and over 1,000 specially trained volunteers living throughout the U.S. and western Canada. Because disaster work can be so physically and emotionally demanding, volunteers must complete a three-day training workshop. The workshops are held on an annual basis at various locations across the U.S., as well as in Alberta and British Columbia, and attempt to simulate as closely as possible the kinds of scenarios and experiences people might

encounter in a real disaster. “We require our volunteers to go through this training every year so they can build on skills they already have while learning new ones,” says Terri. “It’s also good for team-building so that when we come together during a disaster, we can work as a cohesive group and know what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are.” When a disaster does strike, the team is ready to act. “As the disaster develops, the coordinators closest to the area assess the situation,” Terri explains. “Then we start making contact with local animal shelters and emergency management so we become part of the response team. We work in conjunction with these groups because they usually don’t have the personnel to deal with animal issues during disasters, especially in cases where someone has 30 head of cattle and no way to move them. Once we determine more precisely where we’re going to be, and what the needs are, we start pulling in the volunteers who live near the area.”

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As its name suggests, Noah’s Wish is named after the biblical Noah, who saved the world’s animals by taking them aboard his ark during the flood. Like him, Terri and her team also deal with a lot of floods, which along with fires are the most common disasters. Terri and her coordinators also have combined past experience in responding to earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, oil spills and terrorist attacks, including 9/11, so they’re prepared for just about anything. Depending on the situation, Noah’s Wish offers a variety of services, from the evacuation and transport of animals, including strays, to search and rescue efforts for lost or stranded animals. The organization also provides temporary shelter and care for evacuated animals, and foster homes for those whose guardians are unable to take them back until they rebuild their lives. Noah’s Wish works hard to reunite any lost animals with their guardians, but for those that are never reclaimed, permanent new homes are found.

“The temporary shelters are crucial because people don’t always think about what to do with their animals if they had to evacuate,” says Terri. She recalls one incident during last summer’s California fires when a woman who had recently lost her husband brought her 10-year-old black Lab mix, Dusty, to the Noah’s Wish shelter. “She thought that if she couldn’t find a new place to live right away, she’d have to have him euthanized,” recounts Terri. “When I explained to her that Dusty could go into foster care until she got resettled, she couldn’t stop crying and thanking me. I told her this is why Noah’s Wish exists.” Noah’s Wish is supported by donations, member support and grants from corporations and foundations, which means they can offer their services free of charge. Because so many people regard their furred and feathered friends as members of the family, Noah’s Wish is as much for humans as it is for animals. “We have trained volunteers to help with grief support when people lose their companions, and we’ll also help pay vet bills for animals hurt during the disaster,” says Terri. “Being there to provide support and comfort to both animals and people is what sets us apart.”

B E P R E PA R E D To help save even more lives, Noah’s Wish urges everyone to think about what they’d do with their animals in the event of a disaster in their own area, and to come up with a concrete evacuation plan. “Don’t wait until you get a knock at the door saying you have ten minutes to get out,” Terri advises. “Think it through so you’ll know in advance where you’re going to take your animals, and also how you’re going to move them. One thing we often find, for example, is that people with horses don’t have trailers.” For boarding purposes, Terri advises making arrangements with a friend or family member the animal is acquainted with, and someone who lives far enough away that they won’t also be affected by the disaster. “While the shelters we set up are helpful, it can be a frightening experience for an animal who has never been separated from his family before,” says Terri. “He’s going to be much happier staying in a more familiar environment with someone he knows.” To learn more about Noah’s Wish, visit www.noahswish.org.

animal wellness

legal beagle

Putting the bite on dog attacks: what are your rights? by Bob Ferber and Sherri Woo

t’s a dog eat dog world. But what happens when the dog attacked is your beloved companion? If your dog is injured, or worse, killed by another dog, are you entitled to financial reimbursement? Does it depend on who is at fault? What if one dog is on leash and another isn’t? Basically, the law states that each person is responsible for the control of his/her dog. So if your dog is attacked by another dog running loose, either because the dog got out of a yard or the owner doesn’t choose to use a leash, then you are likely to be able to sue and get reimbursed for the costs of treating your dog’s injuries. If you are also injured during the attack, you can recover the costs of your own medical bills, and any other “out of pocket” expenses as well. Other factors to consider are whether the attack was the result of negligence (for example, the city has a leash law but the other dog was not leashed) or intention (your dog was injured on purpose). At a minimum, you are entitled to recover the cost of veterinary services to tend to your animal. Unfortunately, the legal system does not yet recognize a pet as anything more than personal property, which means you generally can only recover the market value of the dog.

animal wellness

What compensation you can expect The market value is normally determined by the value of the dog at the time of his death, and includes his purchase price along with the purchase price of a similar dog plus registration costs (if purebred), licensing, shots, and micro-chipping (if your previous dog was micro-chipped). If the first dog received training, the costs associated with providing the same extent of training for the new dog can also be recovered. Other considerations include the dog’s character, special abilities, breed, awards won, or income generated. Furthermore, you or a third party can provide opinion testimony as to the value of your dog. In addition to receiving compensation for the dog, you may also be able to recover for emotional distress in certain circumstances. Two California courts have allowed recovery for mental anguish resulting from the illegal conversion of personal property, or from intentional deception regarding the condition of the property. A Missouri court, meanwhile, allowed the jury to consider the loss of companionship caused by the death of a companion animal, in addition to the dog’s market value. Depending upon the jurisdiction, you may also be able to

legal beagle recover punitive damages if the injury done to your animal was willful. However, your recovery may be reduced, depending on the method by which the jurisdiction allocates fault. Some jurisdictions divide liability in percentages, if you are partially at fault for the injury. This means that if you allowed your dog to run off leash, the fact-finder would assign a percentage of the fault to you, and reduce your recovery by that amount. (For example, if you are found to be 50% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by half.) In other jurisdictions, you are not able to recover at all if you are partially to blame.

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If your dog is the aggressor Hopefully, the situation will never arise where the tables are turned and your own dog injures or kills another dog. You should be prepared, however, just in case it does occur. Above all else, remain calm. Secure your dog so he cannot injure any other dogs or people, then assist in obtaining veterinary care for the injured animal. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses, and if you have insurance, report the incident, and be honest about what happened. You may also wish to retain a lawyer. In a majority of jurisdictions, you are liable if your dog bites another animal or person. No matter how well trained or socialized he is, or how careful you are with the dog, you are responsible for the injury, even if he never bit before. However, some states impose a “one-bite rule,” which basically allows the dog to inflict injury once without imposing liability on you. However, you will be held liable if you were negligent in allowing the injury to occur (for example, you were in violation of a leash law), or if you know your dog is dangerous.

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The vast majority of jurisdictions go by an individual dog’s history to determine how dangerous he is, but some areas have enacted breed-specific legislation that defines certain breeds as dangerous. Finally, even if the dog is not your own, you could still be subject to liability if the law recognizes you as “harboring” or “keeping” the dog. The law presumes that the “owner” of the dog is also its keeper, and in some jurisdictions the legal definition of owner includes keepers and harborers. Keeping a dog generally requires that you care for him, are in custody of him, and maintain some measure of control over him. Harboring generally means giving the dog refuge. There is no clear separation between the categories, and the determination is usually made by a fact-finder at trial. Happily, you can take steps to ensure you never find yourself in a liability situation. Safeguard yourself by obeying all local laws for licensing, vaccinations and leash requirements, and by properly training and socializing your dog. Be a responsible caregiver, and watch for aggressive behavior, such as snapping,

animal wellness

legal beagle What about other animals? The law is basically the same when it comes to other animals, such as cats. For example, if a cat attacks someone’s pet rabbit, and the rabbit’s owner knows who the cat belongs to, then he/she can sue the cat owner for the injuries/damages. Of course, many people will deny that an outdoor cat is actually theirs when it does something wrong. There is really no law for situations like this, so small claims court judges (which is where

snarling, or growling. Spaying or neutering your dog also frequently reduces aggressive tendencies – un-neutered males are more territorial and dominant, and are much more likely to be involved in an altercation. Remember, the best protection is prevention, and when it comes to keeping Fido safe, a few small changes can make a huge difference. For more information about this topic, do a Google search under “dog bites.” Many attorneys also have their own websites that give out extremely practical and understandable information about “when dogs attack”.

most of these cases might be heard in the U.S.) could do almost anything they want – unless there’s a law in the city or state that says cats must be kept indoors. Because cats are allowed outside in most places, there is little you can do except get reimbursed for the costs. If

BOB FERBER HAS BEEN A LOS ANGELES PROSECUTOR FOR 24 YEARS, AND HAS RECENTLY BEGUN FOCUSING EXCLUSIVELY ON ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES. AND FOSTERS

HE ALSO RESCUES “UNADOPTABLE” ANIMALS AND

a cat ruins a neighbor’s expensive plant, for instance, the

RUNS AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

plant owner could sue for the damage to the plant at its

REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE.

market value, and perhaps the cost of reimbursement.

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THAT TEACHES SCHOOLCHILDREN

EVENTS CALENDAR July 24-25, 2004 – Milwaukee, WI Intro to Small Animal Massage Therapy

August 21-25, 2004 – Seattle, WA Tellington TTouch Training for Dogs

September 11-12, 2004 – Kingston, Ontario Animal Communication – Basic Level

This class is focused on learning techniques used with small animals and developing an approach to getting them to work cooperatively with the practitioner. W. Bruce Bregenzer 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com www.AMTIL.com

Janice Fron 1-800-854-8326 info@tellingtonttouch.com www.tellingtonttouch.com

Penelope Smith’s Basic Course facilitated by Sue Becker. Learn to communicate with animals! Cheryl at Sacred Journeys Healing Centre 613-542-2325 info@sacred-journeys.ca www.sacred-journeys.ca

July 31, 2004 – Payson, AZ Introduction to Natural Horse Care An educational 1-day clinic conducted by Lisa Ross-Williams & Kenny Williams, hosts of the If Your Horse Could Talk show, which Promotes Natural Horse Care Through Knowledge. Includes a course booklet and resource guide. Topics include Nutrition, Environments, Homeopathy, Essential Oils, Equine Dentistry, Hoof Care, Chemical Alternatives, Animal Communication and much more. Would you like to host a clinic in your area? Please contact us. Lisa Ross-Williams 480-671-4896 naturalhorsetalk@msn.com www.naturalhorsetalk.com

July 31-August 1, 2004 – Rutherfordton, NC Intro to Small Animal Massage Therapy This class is focused on learning techniques used with small animals and developing an approach to getting them to work cooperatively with the practitioner The Whole You School of Massage Therapy 828-287-0955 institute@bluerifge.net www.AMTIL.com

August 7-8, 2004 – Milwaukee. WI Small Animal Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems and indepth examination of the skeletal and muscular systems. W. Bruce Bregenzer 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com www.AMTIL.com

August 13-15, 2004 – Decatur, AL Intro to Small Animal Massage Therapy This class is focused on learning techniques used with small animals and developing an approach to getting them to work cooperatively with the practitioner Michael Alldredge 256-306-0496 mtiinc@bellsouth.net www.AMTIL.com

August 21-22, 2004 – Milwaukee, WI Evaluation & Ethics in Animal Massage This class examines an evaluation of animals as athletes and as candidates for massage therapy, along with business and ethical issues for practitioners. W. Bruce Bregenzer 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com www.AMTIL.com

August 28- September 1, 2004 – Hamden, CT Tellington TTouch Training for Dogs Janice Fron 1-800-854-8326 info@tellingtonttouch.com www.tellingtonttouch.com

Sept. 9-12, 2004 – Hershey PA Groom & Kennel Expo Animal Behavior and Health Expo Hershey Lodge & Convention Center (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com

September 9-10, 2004 – Kulpsville, PA Small Animal Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems and in-depth examination of the skeletal and muscular systems Janet Leidy 215-412-4121 info@nationalmassage.com www.AMTIL.com

September 11, 2004 – Dewey, AZ Introduction to Natural Horse Care An educational 1-day clinic conducted by Lisa Ross-Williams & Kenny Williams, hosts of the If Your Horse Could Talk show, which Promotes Natural Horse Care Through Knowledge. Includes a course booklet and resource guide. Topics include Nutrition, Environments, Homeopathy, Essential Oils, Equine Dentistry, Hoof Care, Chemical Alternatives, Animal Communication and much more. Would you like to host a clinic in your area? Please contact us. Lisa Ross-Williams 480-671-4896 naturalhorsetalk@msn.com www.naturalhorsetalk.com

September 11-12, 2004 – Kulpsville, PA Evaluation & Ethics in Animal Massage This class examines an evaluation of animals as athletes and as candidates for massage therapy, along with business and ethical issues for practitioners. Janet Leidy 215-412-4121 info@nationalmassage.com www.AMTIL.com

September 16-19, 2004 – Mt. Shasta, CA 4th Annual Meditation Retreat for Animals Join Animal Communicator Sharon Callahan and her partner Purusha Ananda for a special weekend to deepen our spiritual connection with animals and all life. This year’s special guest is internationally acclaimed healer and musician Eryk Berglund. Sacred Spirit Ministry 877-926-1245 www.sacredspirit.net

October 1-3, 2004 – Grafton, WI Intro to Small Animal Massage Therapy This class is focused on learning techniques used with small animals and developing an approach to getting them to work cooperatively with the practitioner. Linda J. Strelow 262-692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org www.AMTIL.com

October 15-17, 2004 – Grafton, WI Intro to Small Animal Massage Therapy This class is focused on learning techniques used with small animals and developing an approach to getting them to work cooperatively with the practitioner Linda J. Strelow 262-692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org www.AMTIL.com

Post your event online at:

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events animal wellness

animal passages

Briefly bonded

A lifetime of lessons was packed into his short life and tiny body

During a brief moment of repose, the tiny Chihuahua puppy snuggles into the furry body of the author’s male cat.

by Mary Ann Petersen For a short time, the center of our lives was a 14day-old chocolate-colored Chihuahua who weighed three ounces and fit nicely into the palm of my hand. Butterscotch accents graced his cheeks and splashed across his chest. Though his eyes were barely opened, he had a decidedly determined expression. Two weeks after birth, he had been returned to the animal hospital where my partner works as a veterinarian. The puppy’s owner felt he was a lost cause because he’d been born with a cleft lip. This isn’t necessarily the case, although it does require correctional surgery so that food goes in the mouth instead of the nose. Watching the puppy search for food and struggle for

animal wellness

life, my partner and I decided to do whatever we could to help him. But how do you feed an orphaned pup with a cleft lip? He was a moving target in search of a moveable feast. He burrowed, twisted and grasped in every direction throughout the feeding process. It was like trying to get milk into a greased slinky. Not a good situation for an underweight puppy who was fighting pneumonia and had already missed too many meals. Tube feeding was more reliable in the beginning, but it was unpleasant, not unlike forcing a garden hose down a friend’s throat. We decided to switch to bottle-feeding, and bought a nursing kit for orphaned animals. We soon became the victims of the toughest substance known to humanity – baby nipple rubber. We heated

animal passages

and pierced the rubber with needles and carpenter nails but it always bounced impenetrably back. After a great struggle, we either had one drop of milk a minute, which is no good for a starving baby learning to suck, or a stream of milk, which is no good for a baby learning to swallow.

During his periods of peak rest-

was an admirable mother stand-in.

lessness, we figured he could

My husband and I, meanwhile, had the joy of witnessing a tiny, new life, of bringing comfort to a struggling being, and enjoying the thrill of teaching a newborn to suckle. We also learned to appreciate small victories and to accept what will be.

have got to Idaho and back in an hour...Though he weighed so little, he packed a lot of power into his tiny body.

We finally abandoned the nursing kit and tried a “preemie” bottle for human infants. These miniature bottles and nipples with pre-made holes catapulted us toward successful bottle-feeding. When filled and held upside down, a gentle pressure at the end of the nipple brings forth milk in a polite and calm manner.

We fed the puppy whenever he looked remotely interested in food, usually when he was fussy and making shaky, nonsensical loops around his box. During his periods of peak restlessness, we figured he could have got to Idaho and back in an hour. We were encouraged that he had this much energy. Though he weighed so little, he packed a lot of power into his tiny body.

The bond between people and animals is one of life’s most poignant experiences. It creates unforgettable memories, both of joy and sorrow. When animals are in need, it gives us a chance to help and learn from each other. Though the outcome is not always what we hope for, we at least know we used our energy to do the best we could to keep another life safe from harm. In turn, animals give us the invaluable opportunity to practice compassion for other living beings, no matter how small.

We fed him every two to four hours during the day, and every four to five hours at night. With warmed cotton balls, we mimicked the dog mother’s task of stimulating and cleaning up his waste. By the sixth day, his eyes stayed open and his appetite increased. He put on weight and was outgrowing our palms. We felt like we had really turned a corner. That’s when we got attached to him. He learned to suck that nipple like there was no tomorrow. Sadly, there wasn’t. He died at half past three on Christmas night. After a longer than usual bout of restlessness, he relaxed into a sleep from which he never awoke. I finally went back to bed and dreamed about puppies sinking in wet sand. I kept running to pluck them out before their heads were completely covered. Many wonderful things came out of our brief experience with this tiny creature. During his short life, he enjoyed being carried around in my down vest pocket, reveled in suckling and kneading for the first time, and blissfully nuzzled into the soft belly fur of my young male cat, who

animal wellness

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Animal Health Practitioners and Stores Call: 819-682-0205 U.S.A. Enquires (The Natural Approach) Call: 330-868-5353 To Order Call: 866-764-1212

animal wellness

classifieds Animal Communicators LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available. Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy.com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (416) 219-3803. CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide. Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults, email (315) 329-0116, jdefonda@ark-angels.org. ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH LOVE – Alive, and in Spirit. Counseling (choosing a new friend, behaviors, illness, dying, grief, lost animals. Healing, Classes (including Tele-conference), Personal Guidance, Wisdom from your animals, dolphins, Totems and others. Affordable. Morgine (360) 247-7284 morgine@tds.net, www.communicationswithlove.com SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behaviour, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing. Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops. Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR, TERA THOMAS – Author of: Opening My Wings To Fly What Animals Have Taught Me. Workshops/Training (919) 742-5929 www.hummingbirdfarm.org I TALK TO THE ANIMALS! Rev Peggy Ray is featured regularly on radio & in newspapers. Phone or in-person, live or in-spirit communication; Bach Flowers & essential oils. (732) 345 8394; www.celestialcreations.net or celestialcreations@comcast.net JANE CROWLEY – 13th year as an internationally known holistic health practitioner for animals and their human companions. Offering healing modalities suited to the situation. Recommended by vets and show people. Phone consultations/ home visits/classes: (717) 652-6099. ANIMAL TELEPATH & HEALER: Tell your pets, alive or passed, of your love or ask things you’ve wanted to know. Address physical or emotional issues. Sessions include intuitive healing. Cindy Westen: www.chatswithanimals.com; (760) 533-4603; cwes10@earthlink.net. ASSISI INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL INSTITUTE – Dedicated to promoting respect, reverence, and ethical stewardship for all animals through workshops and consciousness raising activities. Wide variety of animal communication and Tellington TTouch classes throughout the US, Canada and Europe. www.aiaianimal.org, or call (510) 569-6123.

Animal Health HEALTH INTUITIVE FOR PETS??? People too! For 15 years, Carol Keppler has been discovering the hidden causes of difficult health issues and their remedies. Try the water-based vibrational formulas that have helped thousands. Special half-price offer for an intuitive reading by phone call (888) 280-4711.

HERBS OF THE WORLD – NATURAL PRODUCTS for pets: HIGHEST QUALITY HERBAL support – aging, tumours, nerves, digestion, respiratory, hair, coat, PREVENTATIVE HEALTH. (800) 96-HERBS(2373) WWW.PETHERBALIST.COM FURVANA – Holistic Animal Options offers certified Tellington TTouch and Reiki for all Companion Animals. Private sessions or workshops available. Contact Connie Riehl (419) 332-1937 or furvana@juno.com

Aromatherapy NATURAL SENSE AROMATHERAPY – Wholesalers of pure essential oils and related aromatherapy supplies to therapists, spas and retailers. New – TOBY a wonderful all natural aromatherapy grooming spray for dogs. Ask your local pet retailer or veterinarian to carry Toby and for every bottle sold our business donates $1.00 to Pet Trust at the Ontario Veterinarian College, University of Guelph. For more information contact (888) 832-8733 or www.naturalsense.com

Associations INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK Professional Assn. to support, network and promote complementary care for animals through continuing education, website, newsletter and insurance. Welcome practitioners of animal massage, acupressure, Vet’s, Vet Tech’s, Reiki, Animal Communication, Flower Essence, Aroma, Sound and Magnetics. (419) 727-6917 www.IAAMB.org

Holistic Veterinarians EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416) 757-3569 Fax (416) 285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net www.holisticpetvet.com ESSEX ANIMAL CLINIC – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Physio and Rehab Therapy. Phone consultations available. (519) 776-7325 Essex ON. www.essexanimalclinic.com GODERICH VETERINARY CLINIC – Dr. Bill Schilthuis. Holistic homeopathic health, complementary medicine. All animal species. Homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, worming, flea control, heartworm treatment remedies available. Free consultations by phone daily between 7 & 9 p.m. except Thursday and Sunday. Phone (519) 524-2631 Fax (519) 524-2633 Email: holistic@hurontel.on.ca

Books, Publications & Videos

GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the animal and client. Guelph Animal Hospital (519) 836-2782

“CONVERSATIONS WITH DOG”, “CAT” AND “HORSE” BOOK SERIES, “Holistic Animal Handbook,” Raw Food Videos for Dogs and Cats, BioSuperfood for healing, Animal Communication sessions. Visit our website at www.AKinshipWithAnimals.com Kate Solisti-Mattelon & Patrice Mattelon, internationally known authors and teachers. (866) 499-9356 VISA/MC accepted.

DR. CYNTHIA HARCOURT VETERINARY SERVICES – A holistic office and mobile service welcoming your interest in working with you and your animal using homeopathy, nutrition, flower essences, CEDS (food sensitivity and organ stress testing), herbs, therapeutic touch and Tellington Ttouch. Located at 21894 Woodbine Ave., Queensville, ON (approximately 45 minutes north of Toronto). Phone (905) 478-1995 Fax (905) 478-8097

SPECIES LINK The quarterly journal devoted to interspecies communication since 1990. Founded by leading pioneer animal communication specialist, Penelope Smith, author of Animal Talk and When Animals Speak (415) 663-1247 To subscribe, send $25 (check/money order) made to Anima Mundi Incorporated, P.O. Box 1060, Pt. Reyes, CA 94956. Sample articles at www.animaltalk.net.

MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Balancing, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies. Phone and internet consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031

PENELOPE SMITH CHICAGOLAND RETREATS: Communicating with Animals: Basic Course, August 14-15; Deepening Animal Communication; Advanced 1, August 16-18, Registration information or free course guide, Infinity Foundation, www.infinityfoundation.org, (847) 831-8828. Mention Animal Wellness for $20.00 off.

NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES – Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin, Veterinarian, Naturopath. Cozy outpatient office. Detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests. Individualized treatment protocols suit patient’s condition and client’s needs. Homeopathy, Herbs, Clinical Nutrition, Bach Remedies, Physical Therapies. (905) 830-1030 Newmarket, ON www.DrAutumn.Net

SPEAK TO MY HEART! Take Carla Person’s Shamanic Animal Communication Workshop on DVD. Clear steps make it easy to learn. $34.95US includes CAN shipping. www.spirithealer.com/speak

Business Opportunities FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY – Combine your love of pets with this unique opportunity to own a successful business. Established in 2000, this Doggie Gift/Bakery Boutique with 5 existing locations is offering a limited number of additional franchise opportunities. Initial investment approx. $75,000. Call (508) 360-4200 or email yellowpup1@comcast.net. For more info, visit www.sandypawsinc.com.

Internet GOT PET STUFF? – All natural food, treats, remedies, grooming products. FREE samples and shipping available! FREE on-line pet insurance quotes! Convenient 24 hour secure ordering at www.healthypooch.com! Discount coupon code: AWMAG

Items For Sale MEAT GRINDER – Globe 32, 2hp, used for poultry meat & bones. Well maintained. Asking $1,500. Kingston, Ontario (613) 547-0293 e-mail: joanne@lapuptheluxury.com

Pet Guardian Services PET GUARDIAN COUNSELING SERVICES – Call (215) 499-6863 when you need: Supervised Pet Sitting, Walking, Exercise, Team approach Home Health Care for pets, Training for Rescue Dogs, Death and Bereavement Counseling (For Individuals & Family) www.petguardiancounseling.com

Pet Portraits ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS – Specializing in oil painting for 28 years. Nationwide clientele. Portraits of any pet of your choice, people with pets also. Credit card, personal check or money order. 44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website: www.petportraitsbyannieo.com

Schools & Training INTRODUCTORY & ADVANCED ANIMAL MASSAGE WORKSHOPS – Taught by experienced LMT. Canine & Equine Massage Videos, Workbooks & Anatomy Charts for sale. Integrated Touch Therapy, Inc. Free brochure. (800) 251-0007, wshaw1@bright.net, www.integr atedtouchtherapy.com. CEU’s available. www.PetMassage.com New courses: *Creating & Marketing Your Animal Massage Business*, and *PETMASSAGE: Energy Work With Dogs*, Accessing the Magnificent Body Language and Body Wisdom of the Dog through Acupressure, Chakra Balancing and Postional Release. Home Study and Workshops. (800) 779-1001, (419) 727-6716, www.petmassage.com AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) offers instruction in small animal massage therapy as well as maintenance and sports massage and a wide range of holistic products for animals. www.AMTIL.com (847) 782-1963 THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY – CANADA/USA offers a rewarding career in Animal Health. The Veterinary Homeopathy Course is taught by Dr. Femma VanAs, DVetHom and Joanne Stefanatos, BS, DVM, CVA, CVC, MHMA. Contact us for a FREE prospectus outlining the courses we offer: Canadian Contact: (866) 866-3987 Phone (613) 749-9762 Fax (613)749-7569 www.bihcanada.ca laura@bihcanada.ca USA Contact: (609) 927-5660 info@bihusa.com www.bihusa.com

Services EVER INVENTED ANYTHING WHICH IMPROVES ANIMALS’ LIVES or the lives of people who love animals? Or anything else? Considered patenting it? Paul Demchick, Registered Patent Agent, (877) 291-2140 or (252) 291-2140 www.professorpatents.com/animals.htm

Travel DogFriendly.com – Dog travel guides with United States and Canada dog-friendly lodging, attractions, parks, beaches and restaurants. Books and free online guides at www.dogfriendly.com/guides.

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD 1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

animal wellness

A Pal for Emily by Lisa Wyant-Devlin I met my friend Emily about five years ago. I was a recent college grad looking for a roommate, and she was down and out and needed a place to stay. Her parents had kicked her out and she was having an identity crisis, so I invited her to crash at my place. Her street name was Tootsie, but I called her Emily. She reminded me of the pretty, popular high school type who is good at everything from trigonometry to soccer. Expressive tan eyebrows over alert brown eyes showed the intelligence of a scholar, while her shiny black hair gave her a polished look. When she played fetch (sorry, didn’t I mention that Emily is a tri Sheltie?), her tail softly curled over her back like a cheerleader’s ponytail. Emily and I became best friends. We hung out, went for walks, and watched movies. But the bliss was shortlived. I began feeling guilty that she had no dog friends to play with while I was working, so I scheduled some play dates with other friends and their dogs. I had visions of Emily bowing down with her front paws on the grass and her bum in the air, ready to run or wrestle with the other dogs. My idea was a flop. Emily would have rather played bridge with my grandparents than cohort with another dog. “Don’t touch me. Don’t smell me. Do I want to play? No thank you!” I decided to try another tack, and registered for agility classes. No luck. Fly-ball classes? Nah. Dog sitting? Nope. Yappy hour? Uh…no. Despite all my efforts, Emily was content just being with her best friend – me.

animal wellness

When I met my husband, Emily had to approve, and she did. In fact, they adored each other. But it was always clear that I was her favorite. When we got married and my husband said how badly he wanted a puppy, I began doing research into introducing a new dog to the family. Luckily, Emily was never aggressive with other dogs; she just had no desire to socialize with them. Still, I knew this needed careful handling. For over a year, we looked at various breeds, volunteered with dogs, and did dog-sitting for our friends. We felt very nervous when we finally brought home Charlie, an eight-week-old border collie puppy. For several days, nothing happened. On the fourth evening, we were watching TV with Emily while Charlie slept upstairs in his kennel. Slowly, Emily began inching away from us and tiptoed up the stairs (cue the cartoon music, do do do do DO. . . DO do do do do). This was new – leaving me downstairs? There must be something wrong! I quietly followed her, expecting to find her on her deathbed. To my surprise, she was lying next to Charlie’s kennel. On the sixth day, Emily and Charlie were playfully chasing one another. By the tenth day, she was sulking unless they were together. Now she no longer wants to be by my side every waking moment. She prefers the company of Charlie. She does bow down with her front paws on the grass and her bum in the air, ready to run or wrestle. They lie on their backs in the yard, worming around and whispering in each other’s ears. They run. They chase. They play. I watch and smile, and know that Emily’s identity crisis is cured.

Many pet food companies have replaced protein and fat with starch because it’s cheap. That’s not nature’s way. It’s not ours, either.

IT’S WHERE YOU FIND THE MEAT. RAW FROZEN, FREEZE DRIED, CANNED AND DRY CANINE AND FELINE DIETS • RAW FROZEN AND DRY ROASTED TREATS • NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS WWW.NATURESVARIETY.COM INFO@NATURESVARIETY.COM 6200 N. 56TH ST., LINCOLN NE 68504 888-519-7387 animal wellness

animal wellness