BIG LOVE FROM SMALL ANIMALS

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions.

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Big Love From Small Animals

The Joy of Furry Little Companions

by Julie Peterson

People think rabbits are quiet carrot-munchers, but they’re much more. Like many other small furry mammals, pet rabbits are expressive, intelligent and enjoy spending time with their humans.

Shana Cobin, a veterinary technician from Foster, Rhode Island, points out that just like dogs and cats, each rabbit is unique. Having had four house bunnies at different times, Cobin enjoyed getting to know each one. “They can be quite entertaining with their playful antics. My first rabbit, Koko, would come to me and lick my face,” says Cobin. “She also made a purring sound for me, which they actually make by grinding their teeth.”

Small and Sweet

For first-time pet owners, veterinarians often recommend pets smaller than dogs or cats. These can include a variety of rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice, although guinea pigs usually top the list for their general durability, especially with children. Smaller pets can be the furry friend that a family may long for without posing the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat.

For those that prefer a small furball that isn’t a rodent, a rabbit may be appropriate. “House bunnies are curious and very smart, which can be both terrific fun and problematic,” says Cobin, noting that “house-bun” curiosity, coupled with an intense need to chew, can wreak havoc on cords and other items within reach. “They always have to chew to keep their teeth filed down, but that’s why you give them appropriate things to chew.” Ferrets, members of the weasel family, are also intelligent, and like rabbits, can be trained to use a litter box.

Buyer Beware

Just because small animals seem simpler to care for, it should be noted that

their health depends on specific diets, bedding, housing, exercise and grooming. Rabbits, for example, have delicate digestive systems. “Feeding the right diet is extremely important,” advises Cobin. “A bunny’s primary diet should be hay, which helps grind down their teeth and is good for their digestion. Dark, leafy greens are also good.” As for carrots, Cobin says half of one is the most one rabbit should have in a day.

There is more to consider. “People need to think beyond the cute fluff ball,” says Jennifer Miller, a former volunteer with the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota. “Small animal cages need regular cleaning, and ferrets have a natural musky odor to begin with. People start out wanting the cuteness, then they get tired of the work and get tired of the smell. Surrendered animals can be difficult to rehome.” Before adopting a small animal, it’s wise to research the species’ specific care requirements and other information at HumaneSociety.org.

Annual veterinary checkups are something else to plan for, because many animals hide illness symptoms as a survival instinct. Having a small-animal veterinarian in place is important in case emergency care is required. “Zoological companion patients are unique and delicate. Their anatomy, physiology and behavior is vastly different from dogs and cats, yet they require the same or more expertise and care,” says veterinarian Scharlet Kelly, medical director at the VCA Acacia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, in Escondido, California.

Health Helpers

In 2019, the journal Aging & Mental Health published a survey that concluded pets benefit older adults by “providing companionship, giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing loneliness and increasing socialisation.”

According to Jeremy Barron, M.D., medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, in Baltimore, “Owning a pet provides an amazing array of health benefits.” Indeed, numerous studies have shown that petting an animal can lower blood pressure and heart rate, soothe PTSD, decrease stress hormones and boost serotonin. Simply put, petting animals is not only good for people, it feels good, too.

“Love can come in small packages,” says Liz Warner, a retired teacher in Richmond, Virginia, who adopted Laverne and Shirley, two Peruvian guinea pigs, to keep her company during the isolation of the pandemic. “I enjoy brushing their long coats and giving them their necessary haircuts. When I hold them, they kind of purr. It’s comforting.”

Cobin agrees that pets provide comfort and add joy to the home. “Bunnies do this thing called a binky. My most recent rabbit, Vivian Bucket, would just be hopping around and then she would dart, jump up and twist in the air. It’s what rabbits do when they are happy and playful, and it’s adorable.”

Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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NOTE: All calendar events must be received online by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Editorial@eNaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and instructions. No phone calls or faxes, please. Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com to submit online.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Free Introduction to Herbalism Class – 6:30-8:30pm. Offered by Twin Star Herbal Education director Lupo Passero and other area herbalists. Learn several traditions of herbal healing including herbal support for stress, and the medicinal uses of popular garden plants and wild weeds. You will also learn how to make herbal remedies at home with herbs that grow right in your own back yard. No charge. TwinStarTribe.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Plant Talk Group – 12-1pm. First Saturday. Plant enthusiasts are welcome. February we will embrace a heart-loving immune boosting herb, rose. We will take a deep dive with this plant and learn medicinal preparations, spiritual remedies, and ways to work with the plant you have never heard of.All participants receive a recording and detailed notes. No charge for new members. Info@Root2RiseWellness.org. Root2RiseWellness.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Plant Wisdom Wednesday–The Medicine Wheel: Honoring the Four Directions – 6:30-8:30pm. With

2021 Natural Living Directory

Fairfield County/ Housatonic Valley Edition COMING IN MAY

Chris Turtle Harris. We all have ancestry that connects us to Mother Earth and her cycles. Modern times have caused many of us to lose sight of these connections. Turtle comes to us with the wisdom of Native Ceremony and is willing to share the teachings as he lives them in his spiritual life. This class will be held online. $35. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Toll Free Telephone Book Club for Women with Cancer – 7-8pm. Open to people nationwide who have or have had breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Book to be discussed: The Oysterville Sewing Circle, by Susan Wiggs. Discussion leader: Amy Curran Baker. Pre-registration required. No charge. For information or to register, call Support Connection: 914962-6402 or 800-532-4290. SupportConnection.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Grounded Goodwife School of Herbalism & Wellness:

Will You Accept this Rose? – 2-4pm. DIY vanilla-rose facial mask and vanilla extract.This 4-ounce instant hydrating mask, made with real rose petals, gently soothes and tones with a plumping effect. In-person. $15 per participant, all materials provided. Grounded Goodwife, 785 Main St North, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Learn to Draw Animals – 4-6pm. Program presented by Support Connection, Inc. Open to people nationwide who have or have had breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Learn to create pencil illustrations of a variety of animals of your choosing. No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome. Instructor: Lauren Hollick. Pre-registration required. No charge. For information or to register, call Support Connection: 914962-6402 or 800-532-4290. SupportConnection.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Building a Badass Immune System – 2-4pm. 2/21, 2/28, and 3/7. A healthy immune system defends the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. We’ll teach you how to protect yourself from outside invaders. DIY remedies to include: Rose Hip-Elderberry Syrup; Winter Wellness Eleuthero-Hibiscus Infusion; Five Watchmen Cacao Chaga Brew. $95 per person. Grounded Goodwife, 785 Main St North, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@ yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.

sunday

Virtual Live Streaming and On Demand Meditations

– 10:30-11:45am. Experience inner peace and lasting happiness by learning to control your mind through the practice of meditation. Classes include guided meditations and practical advice to carry into daily life. Everyone is welcome, no meditation experience necessary. $5-$12. MeditationinConnecticut.org.

wednesday

Aleph Talks by Dr Bart Stuck and Rev Marjorie

Partch – 7-9pm. An ongoing weekly online lecture series discussing linkages between science and religion through mysticism. Email BartStuck@gmail.com explaining why you wish to participate and will receive remote lecture access information.Offered through the Unitarian Church in Westport CT. No charge. AlephTalks.com.

friday

Reiki 1st Degree Workshop: Online or In-Person – 10am-5pm. First Friday. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (24 years). Learn Reiki 1st Level (Western Style). Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate included. Zoom link will be given with e-mail and payment. Please call to register. Also held on the first Saturday. No drop-ins. $135. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.

saturday

Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:30- 8:15am. Every week we will discuss various works on topics such as self-study, meditation, self-improvement, mindfulness, joy and much more. The discussion will be followed by a 30-minute guided breath-based meditation. Proceeds are donated to our charity of the month. $10/cash. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Reiki Second Degree Workshop: Online or In-

Person – 10am-5pm. Fifth Saturday. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (24 years). Learn Reiki Level 2 (Western Style). Learn how to send reiki distance healing, deepen your use of Reiki for yourself and others and more. Two manuals and certificate included. Also held on the last Friday. No drop-ins. $225. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.

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AYURVEDA

NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA

Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com AyurvedicInstituteCT.com A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/ nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 11.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non-invasive, FDA registered.

CBD

BLACK ROCK HOLISTIC HEALTH CBD

Dr. Kristine DeMarco 203-333-6544 BlackRockHolisticCBD.com Black Rock Holistic Health Center has the most feminized Organic CBD Oregon Seed products on the market. We offer CBD oil, as well as CBD Buds. Organically Grown in Washington County, NY. CBD oil and Buds to help deal with pain, anxiety, stress and insomnia. EDUCATION

THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION

113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com

We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling.

ENERGY HEALING

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com TLCTarot.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 3.

ESSENTIAL OILS

WAYNE LEISS, LMT

20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury 203-994-1207 Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com

WAYNELEISS Centering our lives through touch. Essential oils address stress reduction, pain relief and overall well-being. They are used in topical, internal

CENTERING OUR LIVES and aeromatic applications. THROUGH TOUCH Improve physically, emotionally and spiritually as I teach you about the benefits and uses of massage with natural and pure dōTERRA Essential Oils. See ad, page 3. TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 • TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, autoimmune problems, toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive personalized wellness plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com

Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Sobo to offer cutting-edge technologies such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments and adult stem cell therapy. Dr. Sobo’s integrative approach addresses a variety of conditions such as: food allergies, Alzheimer’s/ dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight loss, hormonal health, fibromyalgia, anti-aging medicine, and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 13. og\

LIFE COACH/HYPNOTIST

THEA LITSIOS, CHY

Life Coach, Hypnotist, Teacher of Active Dreaming Remote sessions available TheaLitsios.com • 203-693-1493 Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 3.

It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. ~John Burroughs

MEDITATION

CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION

9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 • ReddingMeditation.org We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.

METABOLIC OPTIMIZATION

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years experience help to determine precisely which individualized therapies – including energy medicine, oxygen therapies, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with you in a caring environment. See ad, page 25.

METAPHYSICAL STORE

THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first and only Shungite room in the USA. Wide selection of crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils and soaps. Spiritual gifts, statuary, oracle decks and tarot and home décor. Available in The Shungite Room: readings, Reiki, meditation, sound therapy, energy work and workshops. See ad, page 10. NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA

Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 11.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years experience help to determine precisely which individualized therapies – including energy medicine, oxygen therapies, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with you in a caring environment. See ad, page 25.

. PSYCHOTHERAPY

HOLISTIC NEW DAY COUNSELING SERVICES

Jessica Lima, MS, LCSW Holistic Psychotherapy/Coaching 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-260-5769 HolisticNewDay@gmail.com Jessica will align with you on your journey to emotional and physical well-being. Combining her traditional psychotherapy background with her certification in integrative healing, she will work with you in exploring a more holistic approach to feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and more.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/bonding, child development and parenting. See ad, page 8. Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs. See ad, page 23.

REIKI

GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER

Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 AngelHealReiki.com Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme disease and back pain. All Reiki levels taught.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER

EMBODY THE SACRED

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Ridgefield and New Milford Deana.Paqua@gmail.com EmbodyTheSacred.net Offering classes, training programs, healing sessions and mentoring in cross-cultural energy medicine and contemporary shamanism for healers, spiritual seekers and the energy sensitive. Learn self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred.

Life can be a rocky road. The challenge is not to let it grind you into dust, but to polish you into a brilliant gem. ~John Milton Fogg

HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers hummingbird sound yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC

Transformation Coach - Shamanic Healer TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real selfacceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 3.

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com TLCTarot.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 3.

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

Eilis Philpott Fairfield • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul-level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 11. THE ANGEL WING, A DIVINE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Wing hosts workshops, yoga classes, retreats, energy work sessions, readings, Reiki and guided meditations. It is available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. Optional rental spaces include a large open room and/or an intimate private room with massage/Reiki table. See ad, page 10.

SALT CAVE OF DARIEN

555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com

Our wellness destination offers a rich lineup of therapies: community salt cave sessions, special events with local healers, lunchtime meditation class, coffee chatter sessions and weekly yoga and stretch classes. See ad, page 3.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 • NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for mind, body and spirit.

classifieds

BOOKS

RECOGNIZE AND HEAL YOURSELF Through the Power of the Spirit.The human being is an energy field of the Spirit—The spiritual forces are also healing forces that can be requested. GabrielePublishing-House.com. Toll-Free: 844-576-0937.

HELP WANTED

IMMEDIATE PT FLEXIBLE POSITION:

Apprentice/assistant for yoga sound healing studio. Experience in social media, online delivery and live recordings. Enthusiasm for hands-on garden and grounds projects for concerts, small events. Resume/interest/references to PO Box 2186, New Preston, CT 06777.

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