Raw Pet Digest December 2016/January 2017 by rawpetdigest

December 2016/ January2017

RAWPET DIGEST

Lulu. Photo credit: Chelsea Uribe

I N THI S I SSUE: -Cani ne arth ri ti s -Herbs f or pets -Th e j oys of eati ng -A ni mal h ospi ce -A nd much more!

Raw Pet Digest Editor-in-chief: Kristin Clark Technical editor: Dr. Jeannie (Jeannette) Thomason

To get an annual subscription (6 issues): -Using PayPal: send $20.00 USD to kristin@rawpetdigest.com -Using Square: go to mkt.com/ rawpetdigest -Email kristin@rawpetdigest.com for alternate forms of payment

All emails and letters become the property of Raw Pet Digest and may be reprinted in future issues.

Our mission at Raw Pet Digest is to share information that supports natural health with a broad audience to help improve the lives of our carnivore pets. We believe that only the body is capable of achieving and maintaining true health, but we also believe that there are many things that we can do to help support the body in its quest to maintain balance (health). Raw Pet Digest aims to help educate and inform you about those things so that you can help your pet live a long life and thrive naturally.

DISCLAIMER: All information contained in Raw Pet Digest is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prevent, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body or pets, and the author(s), publisher, and contributors accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone or their pets suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult with their physician or veterinarian. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, all views expressed herein by those being interviewed or featured are their own views and do not necessarily represent the views of Raw Pet Digest. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the author(s) and Editor-in-Chief. The articles herein are for educational purposes only. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Lycan, Merlin, Midge, and Pansy. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

FEATURESAND COLUMNS Letter from the Editor - 4 Canine Arthritis: A Naturopathic Approach - 5 The Joys of Eating - 15 Spotlight on Health: Arahu Wolfhounds - 19 The Road to Raw: Tracy Dion - 29 Cultivating Gratitude - 34 Embracing Death's Journey in Our Animals - 37 Essential Herbs for Pets - 42 Naturally Breeding and Raising Dogs - 46

Merlin, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

Living, Loving, and Adapting: Lessons from Gryphon - 51

Daiquiri the cat. Photo credit: Devin Nelson

Letter fromtheEditor It seems like only yesterday that it was the beginning of 2016. This year, with all the changes it?s brought, has gone by incredibly quickly. But, even with all the changes, there have remained some constants. The love that I see in Barkley?s eyes when he watches us? the sheer exuberance with which Motley greets each and every morning? Elle enticing the other dogs into playing with her, and her delight in sharing moments of joy with us and the other dogs? Cleo barking at me to go faster, faster, faster when I?m getting their food ready? all of these are beautiful constants that constantly lift my heart and bring a smile to my face. This year has also shown me how many people out there are committed to doing everything they can to ensuring their cats and dogs live the happiest, healthiest lives possible. Wherever people are on their journey, I have seen so many people who are willing to take that first step? and then keep walking down the road towards their pet?s optimal vitality and wellness. For example, I recently spoke with a woman who had fed her dog kibble for the dog?s whole life. She bought a large amount of beef, and the butcher offered to throw in some raw meaty bones for her dog. She called me to ask me how to feed them (should she cook them? Should she strip the meat off the bone, throw the bone away, and just feed the meat? And so on.) We talked about strategies she felt comfortable with (nope, don?t need to cook them. Nope, give the whole raw meaty bone, as long as it isn?t a leg bone and as long as it isn?t a very small bone. And so on and so on.). She sent me pictures of her dog enjoying the first raw meaty bone of her life. She, and the dog, were positively giddy! And now she is interested in doing a complete transition to a species-appropriate diet.

Kristin with Cleo, Motley, Elle, and Barkley. Photo credit: Adam Gilbert

Or the woman who started out fearful of feeding bones at all, because she was worried that her dog might choke on them. She and I discussed species-appropriate feeding, and she now feeds her dog whole prey meals and has gone on to educate herself about other naturopathic principles. She has even helped her parents transition their own dogs over to a vital, natural life. Coming into the holiday season, I want to invite you to become part of the movement to promote vitality and wellness in our animal companions. I would love to hear what steps you have taken over the past year to help your dog or cat live its best life. Have you moved them to a more natural way of eating? Exercise them more? Removed toxic cleaners and chemicals? Found a way to balance your pet?s mind, body, and spirit? Send me an email at kristin@rawpetdigest.com. Your letter may be included in a future issue of Raw Pet Digest, so make sure to include your name, your pet?s name, and a picture or two if you have one. Your journey may very well prove to be the inspiration for someone else, and what an amazing gift that is! Enjoy the issue, Kristin

CANINEARTHRITIS:A NATUROPATHICAPPROACH Cleo, an 18 1/ 2 year old Can aan dog m ix. Ph ot o cr edit : Kr ist in Clar k

Arthritis (from the Greek word arthro-, meaning joint, and -itis, meaning inflammation) is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation or an inflammatory response of one or more joints. Arthritis is not a single dis-ease. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic dis-eases and other conditions that can cause discomfort, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Dogs can suffer from different kinds of arthritis; the most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a slow, progressive disintegration of cartilage in your dog's joints; it is a chronic degenerative joint disease. When the cartilage of a joint is worn away, the adjoining bones begin to rub against one another, causing muscle discomfort and joint pain.

will assist in enhancing your best friend?s quality of life. With age, it is often the daily wear and tear of joints that begins to destroy the cartilage, often causing osteoarthritis and eventually degenerative arthritis. What happens is that the aging process reduces cell stability and membrane strength, leading to free-radical production and injury susceptibility. Much of the pain associated with arthritis is due to swelling in the joint. Nut rit ion Fact or Poor or inadequate nutrition as well as illness, injuries, and damage to body cells cause the release of compounds that cause inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Some forms of arthritis in dogs are caused by a weakened immune system due to poor nutrition as a puppy. Your dog's immune

Rheumatoid arthritis is an umbrella term for many diseases. Infection or immune-mediated diseases can be localized or affect the entire body simultaneously. Resolving the infection or addressing the particular disease with naturopathic remedies may alleviate rheumatoid arthritis all together. Let?s take a holistic, naturopathic look and approach to this dis-ease. Poor nutrition and toxin overload as well as aging can cause arthritis symptoms that have the ability to reduce the mobility and joint health of dogs, just as it does in humans. Understanding the various causes of arthritis and possible remedies for relief

Cleo is fed a species-appropriate diet, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

system can be kept in peak condition by providing raw and unprocessed food, avoiding toxins, and ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise, sunshine, and clean water. Make sure your dog is not exposed to toxins, such as household cleaning chemicals, pesticides, weed killers, or chemicals found in flea collars and topical drops. Processed and/ or cooked foods are extremely low, and in most cases totally lacking, in the amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals needed to grow and maintain healthy joints, let alone maintain health. Cooking also destroys any true live nutrients because the live nutrients cannot withstand such high temperatures. Oh sure, they list almost every vitamin or mineral under the sun on the label, but remember any nutrients listed these have all been added to the processed food and are from man-made synthetic sources. Large-breed dogs and over-weight dogs usually have a higher-incidence of joint problems than other dogs do. However, just as with humans, there are considerable differences between individuals for arthritis susceptibility and the rate of arthritis progression. Exercise Fact or Contrary to what many may think, exercise is vital for dogs with arthritis. It should start out as gentle exercise to get your dog's joints moving and progressively increase as the dog's fitness levels rise.

Senior or older dogs (especially house-bound or latch-key dogs) that do not get regular exercise, plenty of fresh air, and sunshine are more prone to arthritis. We hate to see our dogs suffer in pain, and sometimes dogs with arthritis appear to be so uncomfortable that the thought of forcing them to play or go for a walk seems cruel to some of us. However, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis and its pain! Regular, consistent, moderate exercise offers a whole host of benefits to our companions with arthritis. Mainly, exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness by building strong muscle around the joints, and increasing flexibility and endurance. It reduces inflammation from arthritis and related conditions and reduces the risk of other chronic conditions. It also helps promote overall health and fitness by actually giving your dog more energy, helping him or her sleep better, controlling his or her weight, and even helping to decrease lethargy and depression. A dog with arthritic conditions can live a normal, healthy life and will better off out playing with a ball to keep their joints and muscles moving than lying around and having the muscles and joints atrophy and "freeze up" on them. Convent ional "Treat ment " Conventional veterinary medicine generally recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. However, the NSAIDs do not eliminate the 7

causes of arthritis. NSAIDs, as with any drug, only mask and suppress the symptoms temporarily. Researchers have recently found that dispensing NSAIDs after soft tissue and bone repair surgeries is so dangerous that bone fracture surgical repairs are ending up with non-unions, and ligament and tendon injuries upon which surgery was performed have failed to heal. NSAIDS often result in liver damage; one popular veterinary-dispensed NSAID in particular here in the U.S. has become well-known for being the leading cause of liver failure. Additionally, we are finding that all drugs lead to critical nutrient depletion and NSAIDS are no different; folic acid, iron, potassium, sodium, Vit C and Glutathione are all listed as nutrients that become depleted with the commonly prescribed NSAIDs.

What ?s t he answer? Can we do anyt hing t o hel p ease t he pain and aid heal ing? A raw species-appropriate diet, along with the use of particular nutritional supplementation, proper exercise, and the use of therapeutic grade essential oils can help address the cause of the arthritis and can greatly aid in enhancing the quality of life for a dog afflicted with arthritis. Suppl ement s Synthetic supplements simply do not contain true food factors, which provide nutrient intelligence. The best supplements are naturally derived from whole food. Sufficient whole foods meet the body's vital energy, which is the first nutritional priority. The amount of available vital energy to the body physiology is crucial for maintaining the quality of health/ life. Most manufactured supplements are similar to refined foods? they are missing the life, the food factors needed for transportation and utilization within the body. Without these naturally occurring food factors, the body must use vital energy reserves to convert synthetic or processed vitamins into usable form. The benefits of providing nutrients in their natural state is that they don't require any changes to be made in the

Supporting your dog naturally helps keep them healthy, happy, and thriving. Image copyright Dazb75 | Dreamstime.com

body to convert them into acceptable structure to be digested and utilized, therefore saving vital energy. When nutrients are whole, with naturally occurring, complete proteins and other phyto-nutrients, they are in a form that is readily recognized and used by the body. Raw meat, bones, and organs are chock-full of LIVE nutrition? vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. for our carnivore pets. When pasture raised/ grass fed animals are fed to our dogs in a whole or prey model fashion, very little supplementation is needed: it is "all in there." Omega-3 Fat t y Acids Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. The best source of omega-3 fatty acids for our dogs is pasture/ grass-fed or wild animals. If this is not possible, then the next best thing is wild salmon oil.

Mineral status is also a key factor for determining a dog?s response to stress, injury, exercise, and illness. The vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants, which help reduce tissue damage caused by free-radicals and other harmful compounds. Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen and connective tissue repair. Vitamin E blocks destructive enzymes that degrade cartilage. I am always being asked what the best multi-vitamin supplement for arthritic dogs is. The answer is always so surprising for some reason: Organs! All animal organs are super-nutrient dense foods for our carnivore companions. Think about this? predatory animals instinctively eat the organ meats from their kill first, before moving to the muscle meats. What do they know instinctively? They know the organs are where the highest nutrient density meal is located, and they know that is what's best for them! We?re talking about the liver, kidneys, brain, pancreas, heart, spleen, etc.

Vit amins

Beef kidney contains an nutritional profile (USDA % ):

Raw meats and organs supply a natural source of vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune function to defend against harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins, which otherwise could induce rheumatoid-type arthritis.

B-12: 458 % B-5: 40% Zinc: 13% B-1: 33% B-2: 167% Iron: 26%

incredible

Vitamin A: 28% Vitamin C: 16% Beef Pancreas prof il e: B-12: 264% All other B-complex in significant amounts Vitamin C: 26% Iron: 14% Selenium: 40% Phosphorous: 37% Zinc: 19% Beef Liver Prof il e: Vitamin A: 431% (retinyl palmitate, beta carotene is not Vitamin A) B-12: 800% Iron: 25% Vitamin D: 30% Copper: 486% Selenium: 35% Liver is also a very rich source of the following nutrients: Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorous, Folate, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-3, B-5 and Protein. Green Tripe contains the following minerals per 4 oz serving: Calcium: 78.0mg Iron: 0.7mg Magnesium: 14.7mg Phosphorus: 75.3mg Potassium: 75.7mg Zinc: 1.6 mg Copper: 0.1mg Manganese: 0.1 mg Selenium: 14.1mcg

Cal cium Fresh food diets that incorporate bone matter in the diet are supplying a large amount of natural glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and of course, calcium. Bone contains calcium, cartilage is found in the joints, and interestingly, glucosamine is found in connective tissue? it is actually a structural component of connective tissue. So feeding bones and frames is feeding a perfect skeletal package. If a dog is older and missing too many teeth to handle whole bones, egg shells are a great source of calcium. More than 10 years of research have shown that eggshells are the ideal source of bio-available calcium (dense and well absorbed). Studies also showed accelerated healing when using eggshell for treating such orthopedic diseases, such as congenital dislocation of a hip or osteoporosis (softening of the bones). There are 27 elements found in eggshells. Also, the protein of a shell is composed of such essential amino acids as methionine, cysteine, lysine, isoleucine. Thus, properly prepared eggshells are the most balanced natural means to obtain calcium. Tripe, as mentioned above, is an excellent organ to feed for calcium and other immune boosting minerals. It contains 78.0 mg of Calcium in a 4 oz serving and the calcium:phosphorus ratio of green 10

tripe is near perfect (1:1), whereas in raw muscle meat it is 1:6. Col l agen Collagen is the elastic protein that holds skin together. And as our pets age, the amount and quality of collagen in the body starts to diminish Collagen is found in abundance in the joints and connective tissue of the body. In fact, collagen makes up 70 to 90% of our muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other joint-supporting tissues. As happens in the skin, when collagen breaks down in the body, the joints become less stable, the muscles and connective tissue loosen and

Happy, healthy, thriving dogs. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

become more brittle, and disorders such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, tendonitis, and overuse injuries begin to occur. Chicken cartilage is a source of Type II Collagen. Gelatin, glucosamine sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate provide only Type I collagen, which does not work as effectively with immune-system-related and joint injury forms of arthritis. When a specific joint has been traumatized through sports, accident, surgery, etc., a specific localized chronic joint problem may result which includes flaring up of rheumatism in the joint. This rheumatism is a body immune system

complexity that blocks the bioabsorption of glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate and the joint repair benefits of Type I collagen. For reasons not yet understood, Type II collagen (found in chicken cartilage) is able to bypass this immune system barrier and provide positive improvements in joint pain and functionality. According to a study published in ?Arthritis Research and Therapy? in 2009, patients with rheumatoid arthritis took 1mg per day of CCII for 24 weeks and they experienced significant reductions in pain, morning stiffness, swollen joint count, tender joint count and other indicators.

MSM MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, is natural sulfur. It is the raw material used by the body to build healthy new cells pretty much everywhere, but the highest concentrations are in the joints, skin, hair and nails. MSM makes the cells more permeable, (things can pass through) meaning nutrients in (good stuff) and the toxins (very bad) out. It is an essential nutrient that is responsible for the ability to repair or replace damaged tissue quickly. As our pets age, their body's sulfur supply depletes because the manufacturing process slows down and the result is seen in joints stiffening up, inflammation, slow wound healing, brittle hair and nails, poor circulation, joint pain, and skin problems. Older pets require more MSM. However, it has become increasingly more difficult to feed them enough MSM. The use of synthetic and chemical fertilizers on the grasses used to feed the animals we then feed to our pets have caused a depletion of most of the rich essential minerals that are needed for all-around good health. If you have been feeding your pet a cooked diet, or worse yet a processed pet food, these vital nutrients and minerals have been destroyed or, at the very least, weakened in potency. MSM and sulfur can be found naturally in raw free-range/ pasture-raised eggs, meat, and poultry; however, unless the dog has been on a sufficient raw diet for a long

Barkley, an English Shepherd, enjoying a fully feathered chicken. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

period of time already, the amount of naturally occurring MSM and sulfur may not be enough to help repair or replace damaged tissue and remove inflammation. Supplementation may be necessary in these cases. Gl ucosamine Glucosamine, which occurs naturally in the body, plays a key role in the construction of cartilage, and it stimulates joint function, improves mobility and repairs, renews synovial fluid, and relieves the pain of osteoarthritis. Meats or supplements containing glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride (both commonly known as glucosamine for short) can be very helpful for dogs primarily where the joints are involved. Glucosamine is naturally present in animal bones and, as a dietary supplement, it can help to promote new cartilage growth, relieve joint and muscle pain, and improve joint mobility. In a number of clinical studies, glucosamine has also been proven medically to be an effective alternative remedy in the treatment of both human and dog arthritis since there are no harmful side effects as compared to NSAIDS. The connective tissue of animals, such as chicken marrow, and other animal materials, such as shell fish

exoskeletons, all contain Glucosamine. Chondroit in Sul f at e Bovine trachea and gullet are a natural source for chondroitin sulfate. Bovine tracheal cartilage has also shown success in helping to isolate cancers, tumors, and other diseases by preventing their growth and spread. The green-lipped mussel is a shellfish from Australia and New Zealand. This mussel's flesh is a good supplement as a source of chondroitin and other glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans maintain and rebuild connective tissue such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, as well as reduce inflammation, which results in reduced joint pain and stiffness, less inflammation, and quicker recovery from exercise and injury. For a list of naturally sourced supplements and dried organ blends approved by The Whole Dog, click here. Therapeut ic Grade Essent ial Oil s Several therapeutic grade essential oils play a major role in supporting the body in maintaining overall wellness, as well as supporting specific body structures and functions. Essential oils that are high in carvacrol, a phenol, have been found to suppress the COX-2 enzyme, thereby greatly diminishing discomfort. Examples of a few oils high in carvacrol are Oregano, Thyme, and Mountain Savory. 13

There was a Japanese study published in January 2010 in the Journal of Lipid Research which found that several essential oils suppressed the COX-2 enzyme by as much as 75 percent ! COX-2 is an enzyme responsible for inflammation and discomfort. Thyme essential oil ranked number one out of six different oils tested. But there are over 50 different oils that show natural COX-2 suppressive properties! Please Note: I personally only use and only recommend the use of Young Living Essential oils due to their being certified Grade A, therapeutic/medical

grade oils being so pure and safe they can be ingested! As you can see, arthritis does not have to be the depressing diagnosis we dread hearing. The best news? We surely can do so much naturally and holistically to eliminate it and its effects on our dogs. -By Dr. Jeannie (Jeanette) Thomason Dr. Thomason is an animal naturopath consulting on canine, feline, and avian nutrition, aromatherapy for animals, and total wellness. She is also the co-founder and Vice President of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy. In addition, she is the founder of the Natural Rearing Breeders Association and naturally rears Standard Poodles. She has written and blogged on natural pet health, co-authored the book Essential Oils in Animal Care, and is finishing her new book on breeding and raising dogs naturally. Her articles have been featured in various publications, including Animal Wellness, Natural Horse, Pet Connection, Dogs Naturally, and others.

Midge, a Redbone Coonhound, is active, happy, and thriving, in large part because her body is supported naturally, with a proper diet, exercise, and supplements and healing modalities when needed. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

THEJOYSOFEATING

M er lin , an Am er ican Pit Bu ll Ter r ier , clear ly en joyin g h is species-appr opr iat e w h ole pr ey m eal. Ph ot o cr edit : Br e Alt h er r

We talk a lot in Raw Pet Digest about how beneficial feeding a species-appropriate diet is. When you feed a species-appropriate diet to your dog or cat, their body can actually use the nutrients? the amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and so on? that are in their food. When you feed a processed diet, the cooking process destroys these nutrients, rendering them unusable. Additionally, a species-appropriate raw food diet doesn?t contain synthetic fillers or toxic chemicals, so it actually supports your pet?s immune system and body in maintaining balance, instead of throwing it into disarray and triggering adverse reactions, which processed diets can do. The benefits of a species-appropriate raw food diet are many and varied, and we discuss them over and over in this magazine. But, one of the things that we don?t always discuss is the role that feeding a species-appropriate raw food diet plays in your dog or cat?s mental and emotional health. When you feed your carnivore pet a diet that they have evolved to eat, it taps into something primal. If you watch a dog crunching through bone, or witness a cat enjoying raw meat, you will notice the same ecstatic look on their faces that we get when we are eating a delicious meal at a fine restaurant. Imagine the bliss you felt the last time you had an extraordinary meal. Even before you started eating, the scent of the food reached your nostrils. In anticipation of the feast to come, your mouth started watering, you felt

pampered and relaxed, and when you did bite into your food? well, at that point, your meal became a delectable journey of culinary ecstasy. Our carnivore pets feel the same way. A species-appropriate diet, providing as it does the chance to use their powerful jaws for the exact purpose for which they were designed? that is, to rip, tear, and shred their food? as well as providing variety, enticing smells, various textures, and what must, judging by the looks on their faces when they are eating, be a delicious taste? is one of the most beneficial but also joyful experiences you can give your dog or cat. As pet owners, we have turned treats and toys and other pet accessories into a

A beautiful Irish Wolfhound getting ready to enjoy a raw meaty bone. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

Motley, a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno mix, enjoying some lamb. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

multi-billion-dollar industry, but from what I?ve seen, showing love to our dogs and cats must start with feeding them in a way that benefits them physically but also emotionally and mentally. Our 18-year-old dog Cleo still gets excited, jumping and barking, when it?s time to eat. She races outside and twirls around while she waits for us to set her food down. Our littlest dog, Motley, walks on his hind legs backwards to his eating spot when it?s mealtime because he is too excited to keep all four feet on the ground. As he trots next to me out to where he eats, Barkley often jumps straight up in the air, the top of his head rising above mine (and I?m 6 feet tall) in excitement and anticipation for his food. Elle races to her food spot, then races back to me, then to her food spot, repeating this until we get to where I set her food down. And our cat, Gryphon,

waits in eager anticipation of his food too, meowing and jumping around, alerted by the sound of me preparing it for him. Whenever I set their food down, all of my animals almost always bury their noses into the food for just a moment to inhale it before they dig in. I liken that moment to one akin to our appreciative sniff of food before we start to eat? it enhances the pleasure that we know is about to come. And once they do dive in, they look like they have been transported to an amazing place. There is such joy on their faces as they settle in with their food. For me, the benefits of a species-appropriate raw food diet, and the disadvantages of processed food, make my choice to feed my animals a raw food diet very easy. But the icing on the cake for me is seeing their joy during each meal. They are carnivores, and by feeding them the way that nature intended, I am honoring not just their species, but them as individuals. -By Kristin Clark

Lolo, a Border Collie, thoroughly enjoying her raw meaty bone. Photo credit: Erin O'Connor

SPOTLIGHTONHEALTH:ARAHUWOLFHOUNDS Editor?s note: This issue, we highlight Sid Wood, owner and breeder of Arahu Wolfhounds, in our regular Spotlight on Health series. Arahu Wolfhounds produces beautiful naturally bred and reared Irish Wolfhounds. For more information about natural breeding and rearing, please see our article Naturally Breeding and Rearing Dogs on page 46 of this issue. As a breeder committed to furthering the overall quality, health, and vitality of her chosen breed through natural methods, Ms. Wood takes time to educate people about natural breeding and rearing; the importance of

diet, exercise, and following nature?s principles; and she produces beautiful hounds that demonstrate the vitality, balance, grace, and beauty of a naturally bred and raised dog. In the interview, Ms. Wood talks with us about natural breeding and rearing, the importance of diet, differences between conventionally and naturally cared-for dogs, and of course the Irish Wolfhounds themselves. Ms. Wood also creates hand-crafted jewelry. For more information, please visit www.arahu-iw.com and www.arahuoriginals.com. Enjoy the interview!

One of Arahu Wolfhounds' gorgeous dogs. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

1. I know t hat you are passionat e about nat ural heal t h and rearing of dogs. Honest l y, you breed some of t he most beaut if ul Irish Wol f hounds I?ve ever seen. How did you f irst f ind out about nat ural f eeding/ heal t hcare and nat ural rearing of dogs? What drew you t o nat ural breeding and rearing? How l ong have you been nat ural l y breeding and raising dogs, part icul arl y Irish Wol f hounds? Thank you. We like our hounds quite a lot as well! Desperation drove me to natural rearing. Around 18 years ago, we had an elderly cat with chronic IBD. We had spent thousands of dollars on veterinary care for her over the span of a few years. That included an expensive vet-prescribed

canned diet. We bought a batch from our vet that ended up being tainted, and she became very ill. It was then that I came across one of Dr. Pitcairn's books and started to learn about natural rearing. I switched our cats and dog to a raw diet immediately, and within a week our IBD cat was having formed stool. She never had diarrhea again, and lived to be 23 years of age. For me, there is no turning back. Eddie was undeniable proof that animals require whole, real, raw food. I grew up with mixed breed dogs, and got my own dog when I was in my early 20s (I am 47 now). Unfortunately, London passed away at age 10, shortly after I learned about natural rearing. We got our first Irish

King, an American Bully, enjoying a raw meaty bone. Photo credit: Kim Bloomer Three beautiful Irish Wolfhounds. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

Wolfhound in February of 2002, from a natural rearing breeder. Our second hound came along in 2003, and she became our foundation bitch. I have bred 2 litters to date, both of them naturally reared. Along with always having dogs around, I worked in the dog care profession as both a dog walker and dog daycare manager for nearly a decade. 2. What drew you t o Irish Wol f hounds in part icul ar? What do you l ove most about t he breed? I have always been attracted to the Irish Wolfhound, even long before I ever saw one in person. I did not grow up reading the stories about them, or seeing them in the neighbourhood. It was more of a magical connection or draw. If you believe in past lives, I would say that I have been involved with them before this life. What I love most about them is that they are unlike any other dog breed I have ever met. In fact, they are very unlike dogs, period. They have a mystical and magical quality about them. It either draws you completely in, or it doesn't.

life of your animals. And sometimes that means disagreeing with your vet! It is about making the best decisions for your companions, and then sticking to it. We feed a species-appropriate raw food diet. That consists of meats, tripe, organs, scraps, bones, eggs, veggies? ALL RAW. There are different approaches to raw feeding, but it is important to learn about what your companion needs before diving in head first! Even better is to work with a natural rearing mentor who can help you along the way. We vaccinate minimally, and only when we feel there is enough risk to warrant it, based on the research we have done. We have 2 wonderful veterinarians involved with our brood. One is our clinic vet who is our allopathic vet (although she is very open to how we raise our hounds and cats), and one is our mobile vet who practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We consult with both, but tend to use the TCM or Western herbal approach for most ailments, unless they

3. Can you t al k a bit about nat ural rearing and breeding, f or peopl e who may not be f amil iar wit h how it dif f ers f rom convent ional breeding and raising dogs? For me, natural rearing is a ?whole being? or holistic approach to rearing. It encompasses not only diet, but also addresses environment, exercise, and medicine, among other things. Natural rearing is about being educated and informed and taking a proactive roll in the

Dinnertime! Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

are life-threatening or require stitches, etc. We use alternative modalities like acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, and supplements when needed, in place of man-made drugs. We live in the country where the hounds have lots of fresh air and land to race around and grow up on. These are hunting hounds, who were originally bred to take down wolves and live game with their hunter owners. Again, this is part of natural rearing? letting them thrive and be dogs, not couch potatoes or dolls. We also limit environmental toxins in the form of cleaners and chemicals, and we do not use systemic preventative poisons on our animals. Again, we educate ourselves about the risks of what these poisons treat, and how it applies to our animals. Natural rearing is about treating something ?if? it happens, not preventing something that ?might? happen. Natural rearing is not for everyone. It means continually learning and being active in the choices that are made for your companions. Some people would still just rather be told what to do by a professional. With regard to breeding, NR means (at least to me) letting dogs breed and whelp naturally, when at all possible. It means keeping your bitch fit and properly raw fed throughout the duration of her pregnancy. It means being aware and not interfering with your bitch when she is in whelp. It

means being there and helping as she needs it. And it means recognizing when she is in trouble and getting veterinary help for her at that time. Puppies are allowed to nurse as long as mom is willing to feed them, and we only start to wean them onto raw food once they are becoming a burden to her. She dictates the timeline. We leave mom with the puppies as much as possible, because she is the best one to teach them how to be good dogs. Our puppies are part of the pack at large, again to learn important social dog skills. Non-interference, raw food, and sunshine are key ingredients to raising healthy, vital puppies. 4. What sort of dif f erences do you see bet ween nat ural l y reared dogs and convent ional l y reared dogs, bot h in general and f or Irish Wol f hounds in part icul ar? Do you consist ent l y f ind t hat l at er generat ions of nat ural l y reared dogs l ive l onger, heal t hier l ives t han t he convent ional l y bred and raised dogs? NR dogs have a glow about them. They are just a little more vibrant, their eyes are clear, their teeth are gleaming white well into senior years, their coats are gorgeous, they are better muscled, their vitality is stronger, and they leave much less waste than conventionally raised dogs! In my opinion, NR Irish Wolfhounds grow slower and stronger than their conventionally reared 22

counterparts. They stay younger longer, and don't suffer as often from the usual elderly problems that conventionally reared hounds suffer from. In my limited experience (I am only on my 3rd generation NR with limited breeding), I cannot speak specifically to longevity and natural rearing. However, I can say with confidence that NR dogs overall enjoy a better quality of life for a longer time. And that quality can often gain them extra months, or even years, at the end of their lives. 5. What sort of advice do you give t o peopl e who are l ooking f or a puppy? I always encourage people to do a lot of research before they choose a

breed. Just liking the look of a dog is not enough! Meet as many people as you can who live with and/ or breed the dog you are looking at. Everyone loves to talk about their breed, and these people will be a wealth of information and insight. You will hear different things from different people. Listen to them all. Meet as many dogs as you can, of your preferred breed. Ask a lot of questions. Expect a lot of questions! If a breeder doesn't ask much about you or your lifestyle, they do not have their puppies' best interests at heart. Every breed has national clubs. Find the club of your breed and get involved. The people there can help you find reputable breeders, and suggest what questions you should be

Gorgeous smiles from gorgeous Irish Wolfhounds. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

Some of the Arahu Irish Wolfhounds playing together. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

asking. Don't rush!! Getting a purebred puppy or a shelter dog is a decision you are making for the life of that dog. It is not a decision to be made on an impulse or a whim. Be sure that you are ready for this lifetime commitment. Don't ?save? a puppy from a pet store. When you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are helping to keep puppy millers in business. If you feel the need to rescue a dog, bless your heart! But please rescue one from a shelter. Find a breeder who you like, and who you feel comfortable with. A good breeder will have a relationship with you for the life of your dog and beyond. They will be someone you can call day or night, who will help you with basics or through a crisis. A

reputable breeder wants to know the health and longevity of all of their dogs? not just the ones they keep. 6. Do you have any requirement s or cont ract s f or peopl e who get one of your Irish Wol f hound puppies? For exampl e, do you expect t hem t o f eed t he puppy/ dog a part icul ar way, or f ol l ow a part icul ar approach when it comes t o vaccinat ing or convent ional ?t reat ment s?? I sell my puppies on CKC limited non-breeding contracts. That means that they are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, but should they be bred from, their puppies would not be eligible for registration. I believe that if people are interested in breeding, they should first find mentors and learn about the breed, its standard, and good breeding practices for 24

the breed. This goes a long way to educating people and keeping them from making uniformed and poor choices for the breed. All of my puppies are sold to raw feeding homes, as I strongly believe this is the best diet for them. I am always happy to mentor people on raw feeding and natural rearing. If people are uncomfortable with a raw diet, I am happy to refer to other reputable breeders who are either conventional, or willing to place puppies in non-raw-fed homes. Once a puppy has left here, it ceases to be mine. While I do foster good relationships with all of my puppy people and aim to educate them about natural rearing, in the end they are responsible for making decisions for that hound. My puppy package includes numerous articles on natural rearing as well as articles specific to the Irish Wolfhound. I am here for my puppy people and do my best to help them in any way I can. 7. What is your phil osophy when it comes t o buil ding up immunit y in your puppies? Do you vaccinat e your puppies? If not , do you use nosodes or just al l ow t hem t o buil d up nat ural immunit y? Has your phil osophy about vaccinat ing changed at al l f rom when you st art ed breeding dogs t o now? My philosophy regarding vaccines is ever evolving. I continue to read and

educate myself about vaccines and the diseases that we are vaccinating against, as vaccines change and as disease rises and falls. In the 9 wolfhounds that we have had to adulthood, we have had 2 that were completely vaccine free. One of them is still with us at 8.5 years. I look at the incidences of disease, and weigh that against the possible side effects of any given vaccine. As diseases move and thrive, I revisit my decisions. I believe that NR dogs have stronger natural immunity and that that increases with each generation. Diseases like parvo and distemper can be treated successfully, if you are educated, prepared, and paying attention to your dog. Having said that, rabies carries a death sentence. It is important to seek out and know the actual incidence of disease in your area. We have had two litters of puppies, both vaccine free. I aim to educate my puppy buyers, but once they become the caretakers of the puppy, I have to trust that they will do what is best for the puppy. 8. What sort of heal t h issues do you see among Irish Wol f hounds? Do you see dif f erences in heal t h and l ongevit y bet ween convent ional l y bred and raised Irish Wol f hounds vs t he l at er generat ions of nat ural l y bred and raised? I have been in the breed for such a short time (15 years) that it is hard for me to say. Heart disease and various cancers are among the largest health issues for Irish Wolfhounds. I have been naturally rearing 25

for longer than I have had wolfhounds, so I can't speak to the differences between naturally or conventionally reared hounds from personal experience. There will always be conventionally reared wolfhounds who live long lives, and naturally reared wolfhounds that die young? and vice versa. That is just the nature of this giant breed. I would like to say that each generation gets a little stronger and more vital. But I am only on my third generation now, starting with an NR hound. Again, I think that overall vitality and quality of life is improved with natural rearing, which sets the dog up to be in a good position to fight a disease or health issue later in life. 9. What do you say t o someone who is nervous t o make t he swit ch f rom f eeding kibbl e t o f eeding raw, whet her it is f or a puppy or an ol der dog? Find a mentor if you are nervous. I think a lot of hesitation arises from the notion, which pet food companies have drilled into us, that dogs need to eat perfectly balanced meals every single day. Human beings don't eat like that, so why do dogs need to? Dogs and cats are designed by nature to eat and process raw food. Just look at their digestives systems. There are numerous wonderful books on raw feeding, so information is readily

available. Raw feeding is about achieving balance over time. But there are many companies now that are making and selling frozen raw food diets that are balanced. So if that is the issue, there are comfortable options available. 10. There are l ot s of raw diet phil osophies out t here (commercial l y prepared raw, prey model raw, a mix of raw f oods t hat are cut up f or t he animal , et c.). Have you f ound one t ype t hat you pref er? If so, which one? Does it ever depend on t he dog (size, breed, act ivit y l evel )? I have only ever raw fed Irish Wolfhounds and cats (London died very shortly after I made the switch), so I can't really speak to other breeds. But in my opinion, a dog is a dog, and I would feed another breed of dog the same way I feed the wolfhounds, only in smaller quantities. My feeding regimen has evolved over time, and I draw a little bit from various philosophies. Growing puppies and yearlings will eat an incredible amount of food! But once a

A young Irish Wolfhound enjoys some tripe. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

hound reaches adulthood, when the main growth of bones and muscling is done, that amount will taper off a great deal (usually around 3-4 years). 11. What sort of prot eins do you t ypical l y f eed your own dogs? Can you describe a t ypical day in t heir diet (incl uding how much you f eed t hem, in general , per day)? I aim to feed a variety of food to the hounds. My main sources are green tripe, beef, pork, veal, and chicken. That includes meat, meaty bones, stripped bones, organs and fat. During hunting season we also have access to venison. Rabbit is something they get when they catch it themselves, or when it is available to us from a friend, and it is fed whole. A typical day for them varies depending on time of year and activity level. Right now, they are at the Fall starving stage! Once the outdoor temperature drops, their metabolic rates go up. There is always an increase in food around this time of year. We currently have 4 hounds? one 8.5 year old, and three 4.5 year olds. The older male is small (140lbs) and gets around 1lb9oz in his evening meal. The 4.5 year olds get around 2lbs to 2lbs 8oz in their evening meal. Added to that, they are getting small bone meals every other morning.

12. Irish Wol f hounds are big dogs! How do you f ind qual it y meat t hat ?s st il l af f ordabl e f or your pack? For the most part, I buy my dog food by the case straight from the butcher. A typical dog food run will afford us 200-300lbs of food. We have 2 large freezers that house mostly dog food. 13. How import ant is it , in your opinion, f or meat (incl uding bones and organs) t o be organic, hormone and ant ibiot ic-f ree, and past ure-raised? I think it would be ideal for our dogs (and for us) to eat clean meat. Unfortunately, dog owners are at the mercy of what is available and affordable in their area. There are some areas that are more focused on raising and selling clean meat, but I think the majority of dog owners find themselves in a situation similar to ours. Some of our dog food comes from farm raised pastured animals, and some of it comes from conventionally reared animals. 14. I recent l y read an art icl e f rom a vet t hat argued t hat t here are l ot s of chemical s f ound in soil t hat f ind t heir way int o grasses and ot her pl ant s consumed by herbivores. These herbivores t hen get t he chemical s in t heir bodies, and t hese are concent rat ed even more in t he carnivores t hat eat t hem. The art icl e t hen went on t o say t hat , f or t his reason, f eeding our dogs and cat s a vegan (or at l east a veget arian diet ) was saf est f or t hem. What is your response t o t his?

What do you say t o peopl e who are concerned about t he chemical s and t oxins t hat herbivores are exposed t o? That argument holds no weight. If the plants are putting toxins into the animals that our dogs/ cats are eating, how is eating the plant directly going to be any better? That aside, I classify feeding a vegetarian diet to a carnivore as cruelty. Look at the digestive system of a canine or feline animal. From the teeth to the back end, they have evolved to eat other animals. Cats especially are obligate carnivores. Unfortunately our species has made this planet toxic. All we can do is the best we can for ourselves and the animals in our care. Kibble is subject to the same toxins that we all are, and fooling oneself into thinking that kibble or canned food is ?safe? is like sticking one's head into the sand, in my opinion. Look at all of the pet food recalls the industry has seen over the past few years. I have never poisoned an animal with raw feeding, however I almost lost Eddie from a bad batch of canned cat food.

15. I have had many dif f erent peopl e t el l me t hat t heir vet s t ol d t hem t hat t heir specif ic breed of dog cannot digest meat and prot eins as wel l as ot her breeds, and so t hey shoul d f ocus on f eeding f ruit s and veget abl es. Have you ever come across any breed t hat does not digest meat / bones/ organs/ gl ands wel l ? Why do you t hink t hat vet s are saying t his? In part icul ar, I have heard t his about Rot t weil ers, Labradors, Dachshunds, Terriers, and Aust ral ian Shepherds, so it ?s a pret t y wide range. I have never heard this theory. Again I say a dog is a dog, and dogs are designed to eat and thrive on raw meat and bones. Domestic animals have been around but a blink in time, in terms of evolution. I find it impossible that certain breeds have evolved beyond being able to eat how nature intended. 16. What are your t hought s about f ast ing? Do you f ast your own dogs? I do not fast our hounds on a regular basis, but I do not have a problem with it. Our adult hounds eat once a day, with small morning meals added in when needed. If I forget to thaw something out for them, they may go a little longer between meals. If I have a sick hound, then I may fast them for a period, giving bone broth and water, until they are back on their feet. But I infrequently have anyone under the weather.

THEROADTORAW: TRACYDION Ralph sn u gglin g w it h Tr acy. Ph ot o cr edit : Tr acy Dion

Editor?s note: This article was originally published on CatCentric.org, and is reprinted in its entirety here with permission from the author. Tracy Dion has provided a wealth of information in Raw Pet Digest about cat health and feeding, including how to transition your cat to a species-appropriate raw food diet. She has helped countless cat owners support their own kitties in leading happy, healthy, balanced lives. And in this article, she shares with us how and why she started feeding her own cats a species-appropriate diet. If you have a cat, take a look at what started her on the road to raw, and then check out our past issues of Raw Pet Digest to learn how you can transition your own cat over safely and effectively. Enjoy!

Allen, the face of CatCentric. Photo credit: Tracy Dion

This article describes CatCentric founder Tracy Dion?s long journey from the horrific 2007 pet food poisoning to the day she finally gave up processed pet food products for good. One of the most important but difficult mission objectives for the CatCentric team is helping cat owners make the transition off of commercial cat food products and onto fresh whole foods. It?s a tough sell for many reasons, including fears of pathogens, but primarily because the very breadth and complexity of those reasons throws up such a fog of confusion that it shuts people down. They spin from one confusing question to another to another and become so tangled in information?

some of it even contradictory? they become frustrated, throw their hands up, and return to feeding what they?ve been feeding all along out of sheer self-defense. This post kicks off a new and thought provoking series that we hope will help cut through that fog by bringing you along as, one case at a time, we explore the journeys of cat owners as they move from their first encounter with the raw feeding concept to becoming staunch raw feeding advocates. (Editor's note: Visit CatCentric.org to read all of CatCentric's "My Journey to Raw" posts.) The ?My Journey to Raw? series may touch on transitioning the cats, but the focus will be on each author?s unique cognitive journey from fear and (in many instances) desperation, to questioning, learning,

experiencing comprehension, advocacy.

and finally, acceptance,

to and

The series is open-ended with an undefined number of entries, each written by a different person? many of them members of the public just like you. It is our fervent hope you see yourself or your cats in one of these stories and in so doing, become better empowered to start your own transition to feeding a fresh diet? and, not incidentally, watching your beloved kitties begin to bloom with true good health. Since I?m introducing the series, I?ve also been elected by the team to kick it off (although you likely know much of it already), so here goes!

The newly rescued family. Photo credit: Tracy Dion

Back in 2006, I pulled my first litter of feral kittens off the street. Lucinda, the mother cat, was an abandoned housecat, but her 8week-old kittens had never been handled and were quite the little spitfires. Although it took only a few weeks to socialize Allen, Oliver, Rachel, and Meghan, the experience was AMAZING and I became, for the first time, a failed foster mom. Lucinda was adopted out and all four kittens found their forever home with me.

Or so I thought.

I?m a little bit OCD. OK, maybe more than a little! I research everything, exhaustively, before I make most decisions. And the feeding and care of my newest family members was no different. One of the first things I learned was the complete inappropriateness of kibble products in a feline diet, closely followed by the craziness of feeding grains to carnivores. This was back when ?grain-free? meant ?starch-free? (which is not the case today) and I put the quartet on healthy, nutritious, grain-free canned products of the highest quality.

What you won?t find written anywhere and what I will confess to you here is this? it took me a whopping 22 months ? almost two full years? to start feeding my babies fresh foods. I?m a smart chick, I was betrayed in the worst way by the pet food industry, and yet it still took me nearly two years to overcome that awful doubt with which we?ve all been trained to view taking control of our pets? diets and feeding raw.

In early 2007, one of the ?awesome? foods I was so lovingly feeding my furkids killed Ollie and sickened the other three. There aren?t any words for the devastation I felt, but I?ve written about that before. I?ve also written about the subsequent transition of my kitties to a prey model raw diet, with all the questions and learning experiences that accompanied it.

So when I say it?s perfectly natural to feel reluctance, you can be sure I know what I?m talking about, and I know exactly how you feel. I wasn?t working at the time and was able to devote all day to researching, and that?s exactly what I spent all that time doing (CatCentric and many of today?s other feline nutrition resources didn?t exist back then). It was ALL about research. I had data and facts and figures and examples at my fingertips; I was all but buried in information. I relentlessly investigated commercially packaged foods: the history, the practices, the behind-the-scenes info,

Ollie. Lost in the 2007 pet food poisoning. Photo credit: Tracy Dion

and eventually turned my attention to feline nutrition? talking to experts, reading books, digging up reports and studies and examining them in detail. And finally, I reached a point at which it became obvious that a fresh diet was? is!? exactly as common sense right for cats as it is for us. And it was at that point that I finally made the transition. It wasn?t long after the switch to raw that I saw the most shocking behavior change in my cats. Of course, I also saw all the usual changes people talk about ? softer fur, cleaner smelling bodies, near-odorless poops? but the most remarkable change was in their temperament and activity level. The amount of time they spent sleeping dropped noticeably, and the amount of time they began to spend playing, with each other, with me, and even on their own, shot way up. Clearly, beyond any doubt whatever, these cats felt a substantial improvement in their physical and emotional condition. In a way, it broke my heart to recognize how poorly they must have been feeling all along.

And that, my friends, is how I came to feed fresh foods to my cats (and why I?ll feed nothing less). P.S. While writing this, I got a little heavy on promoting the benefits of raw feeding. Easy to do since it?s such a large part of my life, but not, as my team subsequently pointed out to me, what this series is about. So I?ve made some edits to tone down the rah!, rah!, raw! and put the focus back on my actual journey to raw feeding. -By Tracy Dion Tracy Dion is a writer and feline care and behavior consultant, specializing in nutrition and feeding a species-appropriate diet. She has worked with rescue and shelter organizations rescuing and socializing cats, dogs, birds, rats, and reptiles for many years, but her focus for the last decade has been on cats. She is dedicated to improving their health and welfare through owner education, and is passionate about improving the owner/animal bond through increased understanding of natural feline behaviors and needs. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers? Association and past Editor of Raw Instincts Magazine, as well as the mind behind CatCentric.org. Her articles have been published by the Feline Nutrition Education Society, the online magazines Raw Instincts and Catnip Chronicles, the American Council for Animal Naturopathy, and more.

?If youwant to findhappiness, findgratitude.? ?SteveMaraboli

Cultivating gratitude Gr yph on an d I en joyin g som e t im e t oget h er . Ph ot o cr edit : Devin Nelson

I recently saw a quote that said, ?When gratitude becomes an essential foundation in our lives, miracles start to appear everywhere.? I don't know who said this, but it resonated deeply in my heart. During the holiday season especially, I think it is important to pause and reflect on all the things we have in our lives to be thankful for. Part of maintaining true health and vitality is maintaining a healthy spirit, and one of the best ways to do that and stay in balance is in remembering and being appreciative of all the good in our lives. And, when we are happy and balanced in our spirits, we are better able to support our pets in their own health and vitality. Indeed, if we aren't healthy ourselves? if we are out of balance, or unsettled in our spirits or minds, our pets will pick up on it and become unsettled themselves. To support them in vitality requires that we support ourselves, in balance and in happiness and in gratitude. What profound truth is reflected in the saying ?Gratitude starts a chain reaction to happiness.? In the spirit of that, and in the spirit of cultivating gratitude and vitality of the spirit, I wanted to personally thank all the people who have helped me with this issue of Raw Pet Digest. My heartfelt thanks to Sid Wood, Ella Bittel, Tracy

Dion, and Dr. Jeannie Thomason for their article contributions. Thank you to Bre Altherr, Devin Nelson, Peg Clark, Tracy Dion, Milton Clark, Erin O'Connor, Kevin Peuhkurinen, Chelsea Uribe, and Adam Gilbert for their generous contributions of photographs. And especially, thank you to each and every one of you for doing everything you can, wherever you are in your journey, towards helping your pets live their optimal lives. Unlike us, they don?t have a choice as to what they eat, or when they exercise, or even, in many cases, whether they get a chance to get outside into the fresh air and sunshine. When we bring them into our homes and hearts, we enter into a relationship and a partnership with them. And one part of this relationship is to do everything possible to help them thrive in wellness. I appreciate each and every one of you. You take your pet?s health and wellbeing seriously, and I am so honored to be able to bring you valuable information on how to keep your pet balanced, happy, and thriving. I know how busy the day-to-day activities of life get, especially at this time of year. But I would urge you to take a moment and reflect on your own joy...to reflect on what you are grateful for...and to make a habit of doing this every single day. No matter what, each of us is surrounded by blessings, and reflecting on those will help to ease your spirit, calm your mind, and lighten your heart. 35

I invite you to share with me what you find. I?m always eager to hear what you notice and learn, whether it?s about your own well-being when you practice gratitude or about how you?ve supported your pet in improving their

own well-being. Send me an email at kristin@rawpetdigest.com and let me know. Your letter may be featured in an upcoming issue of Raw Pet Digest. Happy holidays, everyone! -By Kristin Clark

Motley on his favorite pillow, on his favorite couch, getting ready to take a nap. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

EMBRACING DEATH'SJOURNEY INOURANIMALS

A beautiful sunset. Photo credit: Adam Gilbert

Editor?s note: Like so many people, I have known the pain of losing a beloved animal companion. And like so many, I have always found myself doing everything I possibly can to extend the lives of my pets, until that dreaded day when I decide that it is ?their time.? It never occurred to me that there are other options, until I read some of Ella Bittel?s articles while I was working towards my small animal naturopathic certification. As with any aspect of caring for your pet, I believe that each person should make the decision that is right for them, their pet, and their circumstances. However, I also think that it can be eye-opening and liberating to realize that in death, as in life, there are options. That is why we are bringing you this article, reprinted in its entirety with permission from the author. Animal hospice is one such option, and while it is not for everyone, it may be right for you and your pet. To learn more about hospice for animals, please visit http://www.spiritsintransition.org/. The passing of an animal is never easy, but it is my hope that, knowing you have options, you can make a decision that truly is best for you and your pet.

It only looked like a slight nosebleed, when I picked up my dog Momo from the sitter. Somehow though, the red fluid slowly collecting until it was licked off appeared like precious ink being used to give me notice that our blessed time together was running out, drop by drop. I observed my panic kick in, recognized the mind's struggle to, in its educated way, locate anything of value regarding this situation? after all, I am a holistic

veterinarian. And yes, that had contributed greatly to Momo having lived for 17 good years in this German Shepherd-sized body? enough of a blessing. Enough? The days following were filled with attempts to stop the merciless countdown of life force trickling out of Momo's body. Certainly I was grateful for having had all this time with her, and no, I was not going to be one to try holding my loved one back when her time comes. But had it come? What was it she wanted? In my mind I laid out the situation to Momo, wanting to know her take on whether it was too bothersome to stay in this body, or if she wanted me to help her get well one more time. I received no message that felt like she wanted to be euthanized, my signal to pull the strings of modern and alternative veterinary medicine. Momo died a month later, shortly after her third blood transfusion. I was left with knowing intellectually I had tried everything I could. There was no guilt, just a vague sense that in spite of all my actions I may have missed something... It took more than a year, then it struck me one day? I had overlooked the obvious. In the options I had laid out to Momo, between trying to get her well or to put her down, I did not give her a third choice: Simply just to die in the pace she would on her own, without much interference. In this instant, I knew that was what she had wanted. How could that happen to ME? Way before it had become fashionable, already as a student of veterinary medicine, I had focused 38

on looking at the WHOLE picture. How could I have missed thinking outside the conventional box here, in my own life, with my own companion animal? Why had only the two choices? to treat the animal, or else euthanize it "to relieve its suffering"? occurred to me? It was staggering to fathom the extent of my well-educated ignorance. Nothing in my extensive training had ever covered how to provide for the special needs of animals dying naturally. Worse, in all those years of education, I had failed to notice this gap in the curriculum. There was no excuse nor comfort in the next moment's realization that clearly, even inside my profession, I was not the only one unprepared to provide for an animal what hospice provides for people. Given that our companion animals have become family members to us, surely there would be books out there, and tons of easily accessible information on the internet. Yes? Well no, not really. Our focus has been to come up with a thousand different ways to try

to keep our animals well and have them live a happy life. Death does not fit in that picture. But is death that unacceptable? Is it really something we need to "protect" our animals from by euthanizing them (unless our animal happens to be one of the few who indeed dies in its sleep, as everyone hopes for)? Isn't dying a way to get ready for the great change for all involved? the one transitioning into the realm beyond the physical, and the ones caring for this beloved traveler? My experience with Momo's passing was a wake-up call for me. Since her passing, Animal Hospice has become the passion of my life. Most of the reasons we have for utilizing euthanasia would crumble and vanish if exposed to a more encompassing investigation. How many dogs are put down because of trouble getting up and walking?

Beautiful tree blossoms overlooking the river. Photo credit: Milton Clark

Would that be the case if people knew how well acupuncture can help that condition? A dog may even be paralyzed behind, yet happy to use a doggie wheel chair to get around. The animal may refuse food. How often have I heard that sentence "I KNOW it is time (to euthanize, but we skip that word, don't we), when my animal stops eating." Fasting is a natural preparation inside the transition process. From the human field we know that the dying just don't feel hungry anymore. It's the wise way of nature? the body knows it can no longer properly digest, plus it won't be using that fuel provided by nutrition anymore. The bottom line is this: the physical condition of an animal isn't all decisive, but rather its internal state. Does the animal still want to live? Animals are blessed in a way. They don't compare their current condition to the strength and vitality that was available to them in the past. They don't look into this gloomy future of never again being able to run around as they used to. They tend to go with the flow of things without questioning them. In fact, they even deal with pain often quite casually. My neighbor's dog still chases trucks with the same vigor, whether or not his one knee gives him pain to the point that he can't put weight on it anymore. Even at the end of an animal's life, being in pain does not

automatically equate to no longer wanting to live. In this as in so many areas, we tend to get lost in our own experience. It often is painful for us to witness our animal friend's health decline. Because we are unfamiliar with the natural dying process, we're not good at prioritizing in the end time of life. Sensing that the essence of our loved one will survive may lessen our grief, but it barely reduces the helplessness we feel in dealing with practical challenges. Too often, driven by our concerns about letting the animal suffer, our final decisions are made from a state of fear? the least wise of our guides. Though our society tends to separate the act and fact of dying from everyday reality whenever possible, that is not the case in many of the great traditions, including Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, and Shamanism. In these, life is seen as an opportunity to prepare for the great transition called dying. When viewed this way, daily life provides us with many chances to practice letting go. We can learn from such wisdom and not confuse our willingness to let our animal go with having to let it be necessarily euthanized. If we can just let go of all of our preconceived notions of what a life still worth living ought to look like, of how much time we can afford attending to

the dying animal, of how quickly dying ought to be happening? if we can let go of all of that and more, in recognition that all of these concepts have nothing to do with what is best for our animal, THEN we are ready, or at least close to ready, to perceiving where the animal is at for itself. And isn't that what counts?

Coming to peace with the "real-life" process of dying, versus some theoretical concept of it or its distorted TV mask, can let us discover its incredibly life-enriching value. Animals can teach us about this if we let them, giving us a last priceless gift from that relationship of person and companion animal.

Caring for the dying is an art, and unless we prepare for it ahead of time, chances are we won't be up for the task when it is upon us. The experience will seem daunting to us rather than sacred. Whether the care taker is aware of it or not, much happens in the last days and hours for a dying human or animal in terms of getting ready internally for the great "change of address." A privilege indeed it is to wave our loved one off, neither holding it back, nor trying to rush it.

-By Ella Bittel

Beautiful flowers blooming. Photo credit: Milton Clark

This article was reprinted with permission. The original article can be found here. Ella Bittel is a Holistic Veterinarian who specializes in holistic modalities, including veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic, cranio-sacral work, homeopathy, TTOUCH, and energy medicine techniques adapted from Donna Eden. Ella became involved in animal hospice after her dog Momo passed away. She has created seminars and online classes for anyone interested in options in end-of-life care for their animal companion; runs the website Spiritsintransition.org, aimed at supporting people who are caring for a dying animal, including via a helpline; and speaks at various professional conferences about animal hospice care. She has also published numerous articles on that topic. Ella Bittel graduated from veterinary school in Hanover, Germany in 1994. She is on the advisory board for the NHFP (Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets). Certified with AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) 1998, with IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) 1999. Member of AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association).

ESSENTIALHERBSFORPETS

A Basenji racing through a field. Image copyright: Yurikr Dreamstime.com

Keeping your pet?s immune system strong and balanced goes a long way towards ensuring that they thrive and live a life of optimal wellness. But sometimes, our pets need a little extra help in rebalancing so that they can be well and thrive. And when that happens, natural healing

modalities? which work with the body?s systems instead of suppressing them? are some of the best ways to help your pet get back on track. We have been looking at various natural healing modalities in previous issues of Raw Pet Digest, and we continue our exploration 42

of them in this issue by looking at the herbs Comfrey and Saint-John?s-Wort. Like always, I want to emphasize that herbs (like any other natural modality) do not heal in and of themselves. Instead, they help support the body?s own natural, internal healing mechanisms. It is not a matter of simply seeing a symptom and giving an herbal remedy. That is an allopathic approach that does not support true healing and vitality. Instead, it is much more productive to view the symptoms as a way of determining what is truly out of balance in the body, and then using the herbs (or other healing modality) to help support the body in addressing that root cause, and thereby come back into balance. As we have said before, when the body is very out of balance, it often presents as weakness, disease, or a loss of vitality; when this occurs, we may sometimes have to do more to help the body bring itself back into a state of harmony and balance. The body can work wonders, but sometimes the damage is beyond repair, and in those instances, we may have to continually support the body with extra things to help it maintain balance (because it has lost the ability to truly achieve and maintain balance on its own). But always, always, the goal of naturopathy is to support the body, along with the mind and the spirit, into coming back to and then maintaining a state of balance naturally. I also want to remind you that when you are using herbs with your pet, you will

have to make some changes from how you might use herbs for yourself. Since our dogs and cats are much smaller than us (in general? certainly some dogs outweigh the average-sized human!), quantities should be adjusted accordingly. However, keep in mind that our dogs and cats have a much faster metabolism than we do, so you may find that you need to increase the dosage after a few days. You must monitor your pet and adjust accordingly. Some pets respond very well to a very small quantity of herbs, while others may not respond at all, even when the amount is increased. If you do find that you need to increase how much you?re giving, do it very slowly. You may want to cease giving any herbs for a few days if the dosage needs to be decreased, and then start up again at the lesser amount. In short, think balance and moderation (which is, after all, one of the guiding naturopathic principles). If you aren?t sure how much to give your pet, it is a good idea to consult with a qualified small animal naturopath who is familiar with herbs for small animals; you can find a list of certified animal naturopaths through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy by clicking here. It?s best to only use one or two herbs at a time. This helps ensure that you can monitor your pet?s response to the herb, and determine whether it?s effective or not. Many people also recommend that you give your pet two days off from each herb (on a weekly basis)? the thinking is that by doing this, you help ensure that balance is maintained. Giving your pet a break also 43

helps ensure that there isn?t a build-up of tolerance or toxins if you use the herbs on a longer-term basis.

method you use will depend on the herb, why you?re using it, and the animal to whom you?re giving it.

I have found it helpful to keep a written record of any changes, either positive or negative, when giving the herb, along with any observations about that particular animal?s response to the herb. I find this helps me understand what works for that particular individual over time, and respond accordingly. The written notes will be invaluable to you when deciding how effective the herb is, and determining whether you should continue to use it or move to something else.

Now that we?ve gone over some general guidelines for using herbs for pets, let?s take a look at some specific herbs that you might find helpful to keep on hand for your pet. As always, do your research before giving anything to your pet, whether you have a dog or cat, to make sure you understand any potential risks or restrictions, how to use it, how much to give, and so on.

Remember that, even though herbs are considered natural alternatives, they can sometimes produce a toxic reaction. Generally, when the body encounters toxicity, it will respond by vomiting soon after the herb is given, but sometimes you may notice itching, sensitivity to light, diarrhea, or other issues. Keep careful note of any reactions, because they could indicate that you should stop giving the herb completely or give it in a smaller quantity. Again, if you are in doubt, seek the advice of someone knowledgeable about herbs for pets.

Comf rey (Symphytum officinale): Comfrey is a member of the Borage family. I first became interested in comfrey when I was researching the best species-appropriate diet for my rabbits. It is a beautiful plant with long, triangular leaves and tubular flowers that range from white to pale yellow, pink, or purple. Comfrey is a perennial that starts

Herbs can be used in various forms, including fresh herbs, dried bulk herb material, tinctures (alcohol extracts), glycerites (glycerin-based herb extracts), herbal teas, decoctions, poultices, salves and ointments, and oil infusions. The Comfrey. Copyright Rumxd1 Dreamstime.com

blooming at the beginning of spring and continues blooming through the end of fall. All the parts of comfrey can be used medicinally. It is used primarily with wounds, and is also useful as an astringent. Comfrey also has anti-inflammatory properties. If your pet has an abrasion, a burn, is suffering from insect bites (including flea bites), a laceration, or any other skin irritation, comfrey can be very valuable herb. You can apply it as a poultice or a salve, or make an infusion with the leaves and apply it directly to bruises, sprains, and even fractures. Comfrey contains allantoin, which is a compound that researchers have found speeds cell reproduction. If you are using comfrey in a poultice or salve on an open wound, it is a good idea to include an herb with an

antibacterial property in the poultice or salve. One good choice is Saint-John?s-Wort. As with anything, use caution when giving comfrey internally. In large amounts used continually over time, it can lead to a buildup of toxicity in the body. As a natural modality to address wounds and other irritations of the skin, though, I have found that comfrey is a very useful herb to have on hand. You can find comfrey at nurseries that carry herbs. You can also find the dried herb at many health food stores. Saint -John?s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Saint-John?s-Wort blooms for several months during the summer. A native of Europe, it is now found throughout a great deal of North America. Saint-John?s-Wort is used to help with wound healing, and it also has antiseptic, antiviral, and antidepressive properties. It is also used as an immunostimulant. One of the things that I find the most fascinating about Saint-John?s-Wort is the remarkable number of compounds, essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, and other constituents (including hypericin constituents and phytosterol constituents) that it contains, all of which work together to make it an effective holistic way to help the body address bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Saint-John's-Wort. Copyright Alexmak72427 Dreamstime.com

Saint-John?s-Wort can be used as a salve, tincture, or oil infusion in situations where first aid is required. Some people administer it internally as well, particularly if there is nerve pain and damage. Saint-John?s-Wort pairs well with other herbs to help increase its effectiveness in supporting the body. However, like any herb, it is

important to research before using it on your pet, and to monitor your pet carefully to ensure that there are no adverse reactions. Saint-John?s-Wort can be obtained from nurseries and seed catalogs. You can often find the dried herb from herb retailers.

Dog running in field. Image copyright Adinamnt | Dreamstime.com

-By Kristin Clark

NATURALLYBREEDINGANDRAISINGDOGS As public awareness about natural methods of caring for dogs grows, people are beginning to think more and more about how to keep their dogs healthy and living their optimal life, from puppyhood through to old age. People are starting to look at epigenetics (in other words, how nongenetic factors influence genes and gene expression) and the role it plays in the health of our companion animals. They are starting to realize that sometimes, even if you feed your dog an optimal, species-appropriate raw food diet, and don?t subject them to toxins of any sort, prior damage has occurred, either to your dog directly or by being passed down the

line (for example, vaccine damage can come from parents that were vaccinated, which has an adverse effect on the puppies, even if they aren?t vaccinated). And so, more and more people are starting to look into getting a puppy from an established, responsible natural breeder. While many people (myself included) choose to adopt dogs out of shelters and from rescue organizations, many decide instead that they want a puppy that has a ?clean slate?? no damage done to it, either mentally, physically, or emotionally? and again, this is where many people are starting to consider naturally bred and raised dogs.

A naturally reared Irish Wolfhound. Photo credit: Kevin Peuhkurinen

I know that many people have very strong opinions about buying puppies from breeders. I want to emphasize that, when I talk about breeders in this article, I am only referring to responsible natural rearing (NR) breeders, who are working to further their chosen breed, are committed to the health and wellbeing of their dogs, and are following natural rearing and breeding standards. The goal of this article is to share this information with people who may not yet be familiar with natural breeding and rearing. As always, we aim to inform people of their various options, and let them make the decision of what will best fit for them. What is Nat ural Rearing? Natural rearing breeders aim to develop and support a strong immune system in their puppies. As you know, a strong immune system is the foundation for a lifetime of optimal wellness. Of course, making sure that puppies get that all-important strong immune system involves a holistic approach, and natural rearing breeders aim to optimize every part of their animals? lives, from the mothers to the fathers to the puppies themselves. By promoting and supporting natural immunity and a strong immune system, they help each dog thrive, and they help to ensure that each dog increases in vitality and passes that vitality on to subsequent generations.

Dogs that are naturally bred and reared are fed a species-appropriate raw food diet; grow up and live in an environment free of toxins and chemicals; get plenty of time outside in the fresh air and sunshine, on grass and/ or dirt that is free from chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides; get appropriate exercise; and are given clean, pure, filtered water. Generally, nature is allowed to take its course, which means that puppies aren?t arbitrarily weaned before they are ready. Most often, the mother is allowed to determine when to wean her puppies, thus ensuring that they are allowed to develop as normally as possible, and not subjected to the stress and shock of being separated from their mother and littermates too soon. The goal of natural rearing breeders is to improve their chosen breed. That means that sometimes, they must make difficult decisions about which dogs to breed. If a dog is damaged genetically, a true NR breeder will never use him or her in their breeding program; they will choose the strongest, healthiest, most correct dogs when selecting dog to produce the next generation. As Dr. Jeannie Thomason says in her excellent book Natural Rearing: Breeding and Raising Dogs the Way Nature Intended, ?The goal of the natural rearing breeder is to produce truly sound puppies? mentally and physically.? 48

To get an even better sense of the philosophy of natural breeding and rearing, take a look at the Natural Rearing Breeder?s Code of Ethics (to go to the Natural Rearing Breeder Association?s page, click here): Natural Rearing Dog Breeders Code of Ethics: As a member of t he Nat ural Rearing Breeder Associat ion, I st at e t hat : I have been feeding my dogs and puppies exclusively a raw meat, bone and organ diet for a minimum of three years. I am committed to feeding/ rearing my dogs on raw meat and bone diet and do not feed processed kibble or canned foods as a supplement or treats. I do not vaccinate required by state law.

except

where

I do not use chemical products in, on or around my dogs such as commercial wormers, flea preventions, floor cleaners, lawn pesticides, etc. I breed my dogs with care and attention for the preservation and improvement of my chosen breed. I test my breeding program in an objective venue such as conformation showing, work, tests and/ or trials, etc. I research health, temperament, and conformation for each litter I breed. I ensure that my dogs that are offered for stud and the bitches that are accepted for stud service are in good health and free from communicable diseases and sound structurally as well as mentally. I rear the puppies in a human home where they will get a maximum of human contact and socialization.

Elle, a Lhasa Apso mix, as a puppy. Photo credit: Adam Gilbert

I provide health and temperament information on my breed in general as well as on my specific dogs or puppies to all prospective puppy buyers. I provide all required documentation with each puppy, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the registry the litter is registered with. I personally and carefully screen each prospective puppy buyer to ensure that the home is appropriate for the breed and the individual puppy and make every effort to place puppies in homes where they will continue to be raised ?naturally?. I remain available to my puppy buyers for the life of the puppy to mentor if need be and provide education in natural rearing. I take back puppies at any time during their life if necessary, ensuring that each dog I breed has a home for its lifetime. All puppy placements are done by me, the breeder, never by third parties such as brokers, dealers, or wholesalers, nor through auctions, or as prizes. I will sell no puppy or dogs to a commercial facility, puppy broker, pet shop, puppy mill or their agent. I refuse to sell any puppy or adult dog to a buyer who cannot or will not provide evidence of ability to properly care for the animal.

I hold myself responsible for the welfare of every dog I breed and/ or sell. I will conduct myself at all times in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dog showing and Natural Rearing of my specific breed. I am a member in good standing of a breed-related, show-related, canine education-related, working dog-related, or rescue-related club or organization. I can provide three references (with phone numbers and/ or mailing address) if requested by the Natural Rearing Breeders Association. What are t he benef it s of a nat ural l y bred and reared dog? When you talk to people who are familiar with natural breeding and rearing, they all say the same thing: puppies that are naturally bred and reared have an incredible vitality to them. They are supremely agile, mentally sharp, and mature into beautiful adults that tend to live optimal, long lives. Many conventionally reared puppies are roly-poly and, depending on the breed, have joint and bone issues, or suffer from diseases at a relatively young age. Puppies that are naturally bred and raised tend to grow more slowly and are not fat, which means that their bones and joints are not placed under unnatural stress and their bodies are able to operate with efficiency. They also tend to have much less incidence of disease, especially later 50

generations of naturally reared dogs. Their teeth, jaws, bones, joints, muscles, and organs are strong and healthy, and many of the more common ailments that may be associated with a particular breed don?t show up in naturally reared dogs of that breed. All of this is good news, both for the individual dog and also for the breed itself. By promoting strong, healthy genes, natural rearing breeders help to ensure that individual dogs are set up to live healthy, happy lives. And, they also help to ensure that the breed?s gene pool gets the best genes to ensure that future generations can thrive. The bottom line? If you are considering getting a puppy, it is definitely worth looking into a naturally reared puppy. A dog that is naturally bred and raised has a huge head-start on living a life of wellness and vitality, and this can help ensure you many happy years with your chosen companion, while at the same time reducing the stress that comes from having to try and get a sick

or out-of-balance dog back to a state of wellness and balance. If you decide to get a naturally bred and raised puppy, I would recommend doing your research first. Make sure that the breeder actually adheres to the standards of natural rearing. They shouldn?t vaccinate, except where required by law. They should not use any form of chemical preventive, such as conventional flea and tick medication, heartworm pills, and so on. They should feed a species-appropriate raw food diet, and they should be willing to help you understand how to feed it too. They should be able to share with you how they ensure that their puppies grow up in a chemical and toxin-free environment. You may want to visit the Natural Rearing Breeders Association breeder directory to find a breeder that meets these standards. Remember, even if a breeder is listed there, you should still do your research to make sure their puppies truly are naturally reared before you get one. To see the breeder directory, click here. -By Kristin Clark

LIVING,LOVING,ANDADAPTING: LESSONSFROMGRYPHON Gryphon, a Domestic Shorthair cat. Photo credit: Devin Nelson

Gryphon is 14 Â˝ years old now. By many estimates, he?s a senior cat. In fact, I have read many articles that say that most cats live to between 12 and 15 years old. Many people seem to feel that, if a cat is over the age of 12 or 13, they will be feeble, arthritic, and frail. But Gryphon defies these notions. At his age, he is healthy, thriving, vital. He still loves to play, and he jumps up to his favorite spots on the bed and desk with all the grace of a cat much younger. I got Gryphon when he was 5 months old, plucked from an elementary school playground. Some kids were being mean to him, and after I handled that situation, I picked him up, determined to get him somewhere safe. He didn?t run from me? in fact, he came right to me, as though he knew that he could trust me. I lived in a small apartment at the time and already had two cats, so I wasn?t really looking for another, especially a kitten, but by the time I had walked to my car, he had fallen asleep in my hands. He was so small, and so trusting, despite what he had been going through. My heart melted, and I decided right then that my little family of three (me and my two cats) was going to become a family of four.

furniture. He integrated himself almost seamlessly into our lives, although my older, crankier cat, Isabelle, didn?t much like him until he got older? he did have a tendency to try and use her tail as a toy, which, as you can imagine, she found to be completely unacceptable. With the exception of Isabelle, everyone got along with Gryphon. For a time, I had a rabbit (inherited from a friend who was moving and didn?t have a home for the rabbit). Gryphon got along wonderfully with the rabbit, who lived inside with me and the cats. When I got Barkley, he and Gryphon soon learned to respect each other, and while they weren?t the very best of friends, neither did they hate each other. Gryphon absolutely loves people, and when given the opportunity, will happily sit in the lap of a new person as readily as the lap of someone familiar, purring for all he?s worth.

Gryphon has been one of the sweetest cats I have ever known. His best buddy growing up was my Maine Coon, Dexter, who was the kindest, most gentle, patient ?big brother? any kitten could have. As a kitten, Gryphon was full of energy (what kitten isn?t?), but he was so sweet. He never bit anyone, and he never tried to shred the Gryphon at the age of 4. Photo credit: Peg Clark

WhenI holdGryphon,I amremindedthat wehaveachoice inhowwerespondtoanythingthat happenstous...wecan softenintothechange,growfromit,andthrive. -KristinClark

Gryphon has been with me for 14 years. In that time, he?s lived in two different states and various cities within those states. He?s lived in multiple apartments and houses. He has shared his life with other cats, with dogs, with a rabbit. He has gone from eating processed kibble to eating a species-appropriate raw food diet. He?s gone from being a strictly indoor cat to a cat who gets to enjoy the outdoors safely for a few hours each day (weather permitting). Always a super slim guy, he?s finally put on a bit of weight, thanks to his raw diet. He?s been one of the brightest spots in my life, and he?s helped me understand just what is involved in transitioning a cat over to a naturopathic life, which has helped me better support my clients when they are transitioning a cat of their own.

I often think about the fact that he is getting on in years, and that, as a cat, he is part of a species that has the reputation of needing a constant, unchangeable routine to prevent stress. And what occurs to me is that, no matter what someone who doesn?t know him might think, he is an incredibly adaptable individual. He helps me to be more flexible, more accepting of the changes that are a natural part of rhythms of life. When I hold Gryphon, I am reminded that we have a choice in how we respond to anything that happens to us. We can resist the change, let it stress us, get angry about it? or, we can soften into the change, grow from it, and thrive. I choose to follow the example that Gryphon has set for me, and I hope that, as time passes, I can live his example more fully each and every day. -By Kristin Clark We would love to hear from you about an animal teacher, past or present, that you?ve known. Send an email to kristin@rawpetdigest.com with your story and pictures of your animal teacher. If your story is selected, you will receive a free Raw Pet Digest T-shirt. Stories may be edited for clarity and length. Make sure to include your full name, your email address, your T-shirt size, and your mailing address. Submission of a story grants permission to Raw Pet Digest to publish your story and any pictures.

Gryphon as a youngster, playing with my Maine Coon cat, Dexter. Photo credit: Kristin Clark