V6I2 (Apr/May 2004) by Redstone Media Group

animal

HOLISTIC RESOURCE GUIDE

wellness S E E

I N S I D E

educating�your�passion

EXCLUSIVE REPORT!

TOP 10 CITIES for animal wellness Maggie’s Miracle

What made this Golden walk again, and other inspiring stories

Mad Cow Disease Is your animal at risk?

How to build a DREAM GARDEN VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 $4.95 USA/$5.95 Canada

animal wellness

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

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contents 17

features 14 Is Fido acting strange?

It could be his thyroid

17 How to build a

dream garden your companions (and you) will love! Design an idyllic landscape for your animal friends

25 Getting to the meat of the matter

Answering questions about raw food diets

32 Chinese medicine

34 Maggie’s Miracle... 55 A crash course and other inspiring stories!

Check out the winning photos in our Best Stories category

37 Little lion in a dog

suit shows us the meaning of courage An inspirational story for all

40 Top Ten Cities for Animal Wellness

The most animalfriendly places to live in North America

helps keep your equine as healthy as a horse

Cutting the risk to our companions

61 Short and sweet! Taking the stress out of nailcare

64 Serendipity

introduces a cherished friend Did more than chance bring these two together?

Feeding your horse the natural way

58 Animal passages

22 Dr. Martin Goldstein 69 Animal 46 Legal beagle

communication

72 Book reviews 82 The tail end

departments 6 8

56 Mad Cow Disease

columns 10 Yakkity yak

Clearing up the confusion about this dietary “must”

66 Making hay

Using acupressure to enhance well being

in calcium

Editorial Pony express

51 Holistic

resource guide

60 Product picks

71 What’s gnu? 73 Ad spots 81 Classifieds

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

animal wellness

The adventure continues Issue 2

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Dana Cox Ann Brightman Yvonne Hollandy Aaron Goulborn Leanne Rosborough

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephen Blake, DVM Sharon Callahan Bob Ferber Martin Goldstein, DVM JaneA Kelley Shawn Messonnier, DVM Jane Ellen Plotkin Debra A. Saum, Ph.D Lida Sideris Sally Sizer Amy Snow Lisa Ross-Williams Nancy Zidonis ADMINISTRATION & SALES PRESIDENT Tim Hockley CLIENT SERVICES Lesia Wright

CIRCULATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Vaughan King

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

CENTRAL SALES/CORPORATE OFFICE 164 HUNTER ST. W. PETERBOROUGH, ON K9H 2L2 1 (866) 764-1212, FAX: (705) 742-4596 ADS@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM SALES MANAGER Lesley Nicholson SALES ASSOCIATE Tami Bunce CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Lesia Wright LOS ANGELES REGIONAL MANAGER Becky Starr (213) 793-1867 BSTARR@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM PUBLIC RELATIONS Animal Voices Inc. TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. $19.95 and Canada is $24.95 including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Foreign orders U.S. $34.95. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 2L2 Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

Printed in Canada

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WHEN YOU’RE “INTO” ANIMALS, ADVENTURE HAS A WAY OF FINDING YOU. TAKE LAST weekend, for instance. My husband and I packed everybody up (kid, two dogs and cat) and went on an overnight road trip to visit family (trust me, that’s an adventure in itself). On the way back home, we stopped at a small coffee shop on the highway. While waiting in the van, I spotted a Springer spaniel sniffing around outside. As I watched, I realized the dog was alone. She made her way into the parking lot and started moving from car to car. Finally, she simply sat down in a state of confusion. I jumped out and moved slowly over to her. She seemed thankful to see a friendly face. Since she had no collar on I waited with her until my husband came out. He “borrowed” one of our dogs’ collars and slipped it over her head. We queried the people in the coffee shop and the parking lot, but no one had seen her before. We realized there was only one choice. Leaving our business card at the shop, we rearranged the van and piled in. The air filled with the melodious sounds of howling, sniffing and meowing as we drove home. Twenty minutes after we arrived, the phone rang. The caller had stopped to get a coffee and his 12-year-old dog jumped out of the back seat unnoticed. The man got back into the car, and until he stopped for gas some twenty miles away, he thought his spaniel was in the back sleeping. He raced back to the shop, earning himself a $100 speeding ticket on the way, and found our card. In no time at all, he showed up at our door. We grilled him first, then brought the dog out. She went crazy and I’m sure her barking translated into something like, “What took you so long!?” We talked about the benefits of identification, gave him a copy of Animal Wellness and wished them both well. As he was leaving he said, “That was the most expensive cup of coffee I ever bought, but it doesn’t matter because she’s okay. Thanks!” No problem, friend. Just another day in the life. . . of an animal lover. This issue of Animal Wellness is dedicated to the fun and adventure that comes with loving animals. From our report on the Top Ten Cities for Animal Wellness to our Dream Garden design, to our inspiring stories of Maggie, Opie and so many others, this issue will entertain you from cover to cover. Because as all of us who share our lives with animals know, every day is an adventure.

edi t o r i a l

Wishing you a happy, healthy Spring,

Our Cover: Maggie, a 12-year-old golden retriever who lives in Orlando, Florida with Pam Strickland, could barely walk last year due to a spinal condition. Read about her miracle recovery on page 34.

Volume 6

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pony express dear animal wellness magazine . . . I lost my little Maltese at age 12 last May ( I’ve had her since she was 12 weeks old) and really got into researching alternative medicine (should have done my homework for the last 12 years). I truly believe her illness came from being overly vaccinated, especially since she weighed only four pounds. I have also started to check out rescue organizations but find their animals are always “being brought up-to-date on shots” even though they are apparently healthy. I questioned one of the administrators and she agreed with me (nor did she vaccinate her own dogs), but stated that the general public wants it done. So I am hesitant to rescue, especially if the dogs are older. Do you know of any rescue organizations that use the holistic approach? Edith Mayer, via e-mail Editor’s Note: A good starting point is www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com, where you’ll find a listing of holistic rescues and sanctuaries. Or perhaps our readers know of others?

In regards to Larry’s e-mail in Volume 6, Issue 1, about us “freaks.” This “freak” has gone to a bank machine to get cash for a homeless person looking for change, has given her dinner to another homeless person she knew had not eaten, and spent time during Christmas making care packages for those in need. I also make sure to donate to as many human charities as I do animal ones. No, I cannot feed the whole world, but I wish I could. Yes, I am proud to say that I take the best care possible of my horses and cats as well as any other animal that wanders onto our farm. It brings me great joy to see animals

happy and healthy and to see that people care enough to try to protect them. It saddens me to hear that someone thinks our hearts are not big enough to extend to humans, animals and nature alike. I do feel that it is “walnut-brained” to lecture, judge and generalize about people before getting to know them. Maybe Larry should spend his time e-mailing the people who spend billions of dollars fighting wars, not those who do things from the heart. Terri Gerber, via e-mail

I had to write because I was so outraged and angered by the letter sent in by Larry. The fact that he refers to animals as a lower species, and walnut-brained, speaks volumes about his character. It is because of people who are unable to show compassion and love to innocent animals when they give so much of themselves, even when badly treated, that the world continues to be a cruel place. People who look the other way to the abuse of animals are probably just as likely to look the other way at a starving child in another country. Larry seems to feel that people should stop fussing over their animals and help people instead. My question to him and others of this opinion would be: “Why should there be a choice? As compassionate human beings, shouldn’t we care about all living beings on this planet?” It seems at times that we are slowly destroying the earth and everything that lives here, including ourselves. The quote you included by Gandhi in your reply was very fitting. I wish more people lived their lives that way. Kimberly N., Burlington, ON

It’s a shame that on the eve of adopta-rescued rabbit month (February), you would print a silly story about a woman who buys rabbits from pet stores and considers them “stepping stones” (Volume 6, Issue 1). By not focusing on a story that exemplifies the deep bonds shared between people and their rabbits, you are doing a disservice to rabbits and to your readers. Each year, countless rabbits are killed in shelters when homes for them cannot be found. Perhaps a better “stepping stone” pet for Wendy Zak would have been a stuffed animal toy. People shouldn’t be buying pets before they know what they’re getting into. I would also suggest she visit www.rabbit.org to find out information about socializing rabbits with dogs. Bringing a dog into a rabbitonly home is not always a simple matter. Kimberly Berndt, Denver, CO Editor’s Note: Upon a closer read, I think you’ll find the author is quite aware of her responsibilities as an animal guardian, even if she seems to be feeling her way at times. But thank you for reminding us that rabbits can be adopted from shelters too.

I just wanted to say, I really enjoy the magazine. Thank you for all the interesting and educational articles. Melisa McNiece, via email Note: Our apologies to all Afghan hound lovers for not including this magnificent breed in “Fit for a King,” our article on breed-specific nutrition for greyhounds and their relatives in Volume 6, Issue1.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Address your letters to Editor, Animal Wellness Magazine, and send to US:

animal wellness

PMB 168 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CAN: 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2 or by email to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Ellen DeGeneres receives Founder’s Award Each year, the ASPCA presents its Founder’s Award to people who have dedicated themselves to improving the welfare of animals. This year’s award goes to Ellen DeGeneres, host of the popular weekly talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , for her lifelong promotion of compassion towards animals. DeGeneres regularly promotes animal adoption on her show, and also issued special pleas for help with animal rescue during last fall’s California wildfire crisis. She also auctioned off a number of items on eBay early this year, including a twinsized bedding set featuring her own likeness – the items fetched nearly $20,000 in proceeds, all of which was donated to the ASPCA. Ellen DeGeneres receives the Founder’s Award from ASPCA President, Ed Sayres.

Great apes – good news for some

slides

animal wellness

If Dr. Dian Fossey, renowned for her work with gorillas, were alive today, she’d be heartened by the results of a recent census of Central Africa’s mountain gorillas. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, the number of Virunga Volcanoes gorillas (one of two mountain gorilla populations) has grown 17% in the last 15 years. It’s a significant victory when you realize the animals were on the brink of extinction in the late 1970s. United Nations Conservation organizations stress this vigilant effort must be redoubled, however. They say all great ape species, from gorillas to chimpanzees to orangutans, are in danger of extinction within the next 50 years, due to human encroachment, habitat destruction, poaching and the live animal trade if action isn’t taken. An emergency meeting convened by the UN has resulted in a survival plan for the apes. To learn more about the Great Apes Survival Project, visit www.unep.org/grasp.

Forgetful squirrels help propagate trees You wouldn’t normally regard poor memory as an advantage, but it is in the case of gray squirrels and some species of trees. A study conducted in west central Indiana showed that the hoarding practices of gray squirrels help propagate the black walnut trees that grow in the region’s hardwood forests. Unlike their red cousins, who store nuts in piles on the surface of the ground, gray squirrels bury their finds individually. Because they often lose track of where they stash their food, the forgotten nuts get a chance to germinate and grow into new trees. It’s a terrific example of Mother Nature, or biodiversity, at work.

Yakkity Yak

Genesis Awards honors compassion

Photo credit: Ron P. Jaffe/Warner Bros.

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also recently presented the 18th annual Genesis Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. This special awards ceremony pays tribute to individuals in the news and entertainment industry whose works raise public awareness of animal issues. Over 20 categories are represented, including everything from movies and TV to music and print media. This year’s guest of honor was British actress Virginia McKenna, star of the 1966 classic, Born Free. The Feature Film winner was MGM’s Legally Blonde 2, starring Reese Above: Genesis Awards guest of honor, Virginia McKenna, shown with “Girl” while making Born Free. Below: Genesis Award Feature Witherspoon as a feisty lawyer who Film winner, Legally Blonde 2. risks her career to stand up for animal rights. The Animated Feature award went to Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, the story of a young clownfish who ends up in a fish tank from which he must plot his escape (voiceover talents include Willem Dafoe, Ellen DeGeneres and Alexander Gould). Everybody Loves Raymond took away the Comedy Series award for its Thanksgiving special, while Dan Piraro’s popular comic strip Bizarro was the Cartoon category winner. A number of new features, documentaries, and children’s programs were also honored. The Genesis Awards will be televised on Animal Planet in May, so keep an eye on your listings.

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

animal wellness

Yakkity Yak Carnivore conservation goes high tech Too often, the “invasion” of wolves and other carnivores into human territory results in the animals being shot, especially if the welfare of people or livestock is threatened. Researchers are now looking into high-tech solutions that will humanely keep carnivores at bay in areas where they have become a “problem.” The technology involves motion sensors that emit sounds and strobe lights to scare predators away before they can conflict with humans. Although the technology is still in its infancy, conservationists feel it shows a lot of promise.

Donated furs go to the needy For several years now, PETA has been receiving thousands of fur coats from people who no longer want to wear these badges of animal cruelty. The furs have been used by PETA for educational displays and anti-fur demonstrations, but there is such a surplus that the organization now donates them to the needy. Homeless shelters, Keeping warm. . . an Afghan girl snuggles into a donated fur coat. Afghan refugees and, most recently, Iranian earthquake victims, are among the recipients. Only people in desperate need are eligible, since PETA stresses they are the only ones with an excuse to wear the coats. Visit www.peta.org for more information.

Doggy relief stations

Rat race

Dogs seem made for each beaches, so it’s always a shame when they’re banned from the sand and surf because their people don’t always clean up after them. The Brazilian seaside town of Sao Vicente in Sao Paulo has solved the problem by providing special beach “toilets” for dogs. Surrounded by flowers, the relief areas offer a choice of grass, cement or sand, along with wooden poles for male dogs to urinate on and bins for disposal. Maybe the idea will catch on here as well?

Mice that are addicted to exercise? It sounds silly, but a recent study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that it can happen. The study focused on animals who run faster and further on exercise wheels than the average, covering up to three times as much distance in the same time as an ordinary mouse. By studying the shifts in brain activity that occurred when the exercise-loving rodents were either allowed or denied access to their wheels, the researchers found the same pattern of changes observed in the brains of people with cravings for food, drugs or sex. Whether or not other animal species also possess the potential for addictive behavior remains to be seen.

animal wellness

Is Fido acting strange? It could be his thyroid By Dana Cox

hen Robin Simpson adopted Tater, a 11⁄2-year-old bull terrier, she knew she’d face a few challenges. On top of being deaf, Tater had already lived in three or four homes, and had developed behavioral problems. Much to Robin’s surprise, however, the first six months were a breeze. The young canine immediately settled in with her other dogs and cats, and his behavior needed only very minor correction. Then the nightmare started. “During sleep, Tater would suddenly jump up, and make a sound I can only describe as a roar,” recalls Robin. “He would attack whatever was closest to him, whether myself or one of my other pets.” Once awake, Tater acted as if nothing had happened. The episodes became more frequent until they occurred almost nightly. “Everyone I talked to said I should put him down, that he was dangerous and nothing could be done. But I couldn’t give up that easily on this animal.” While Tater slept in a crate at night, Robin, a veterinary technician at the time, scoured the internet for clues about Sudden Onset Rage Syndrome. She learned that rages can actually be a form of seizure, and a search of an epilepsy site revealed more startling information – some seizures result from a thyroid condition. The site led her to Dr. Jean Dodds, a California-based veterinarian and founder of Hemopet, a non-profit animal blood bank. Dr. Dodds has been studying the connection between abnormal behavior and canine autoimmune thyroiditis for years. Her database contains some 2,000 cases and she regularly consults for vets and clinical laboratories. Dr. Dodds believes thyroiditis is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. She wants to increase awareness of the early signs of the disease in both the veterinary community and among animal guardians, something she hopes will reduce unnecessary euthanasias. “If these animals are not good companions, they’re going to end up being put to sleep or in the pound, shuffled from pillar to post, and it’s not their fault,” says Dr. Dodds. “It’s a genetic defect, like all autoimmune diseases.”

animal wellness

What is thyroiditis and who gets it? Known as Hashimoto’s Disease in humans, thyroiditis is basically an inflammation of the thyroid gland that runs in families. According to Dr. Dodds, if not treated, the condition almost always leads to clinically expressed hypothyroidism. In dogs, the symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, poor skin and coat, and loss of energy. Before this stage, however, the dog goes through a period Dr. Dodds refers to as the inflammatory “storm”, which can produce symptoms completely opposite to those of clinical hypothyroidism. “At the early stages of the disease, we’re seeing behavior problems such as biting, attention deficit disorder, moodiness, more separation anxiety or obsessive bonding with one family member. Or a dog that never barked at the mail carrier before suddenly can’t stand him anymore.” Dr. Dodds’ research shows that some breeds are more genetically predisposed to the disease than others. Those with a relatively high prevalence include the English setter, golden retriever, Shetland sheepdog, American cocker spaniel, boxer, Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, akita, Irish setter, old English sheepdog, English pointer, German wirehaired pointer, Maltese, Kuvasz, Skye terrier, petit basset griffon vendeen, and the collie. However, all breeds, including mixed ones (particularly those made up of the breeds above), are affected to some extent.

What triggers the disease? While genes determine which dogs may develop thyroiditis, like all autoimmune diseases it remains dormant until triggered. Triggers can be varied. “There’s an event,” explains Dr. Dodds, “either a chemical exposure, a stress, a hormonal change, another dog coming into the household or someone becoming ill. Vaccines are clearly an obvious trigger. They’re probably more associated with thyroiditis than some other chemicals because more animals are vaccinated than are exposed to substances like household insecticides.”

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Because the symptoms of early stage thyroiditis mimic those of other conditions and behavioral issues, getting a correct diagnosis is not always easy. If a dog seizures, for example, your veterinarian will most likely put her on phenabarbitol, an anti-seizure medication. That’s why Dr. Dodds says it’s crucial to get a full work-up, including a complete thyroid panel. Sometimes, in the “storm” stage of the disease, everything will look normal from the outside. “I had a case the other day in which the thyroid auto antibody levels, which should have been under 200, were more than 2000. Sure enough, the results showed thyroiditis. But the animal looked normal physically.” Once the blood test is done and sent to the lab, other factors come into play. “All labs have ranges for normal canine adults. These ranges may not be appropriate for the breed and age of your dog. The vet looks at the print-out from the lab, which flags low or high values, but the lab computer doesn’t know if this is a puppy or a senior or if there’s something breed specific going on. You have to look at it within the context of everything else. And many vets don’t yet understand this or know to ask.”

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How can it be treated? For cases that are not clear cut, Dr. Dodds recommends a six to eight-week trial of thyroid medication. Since the side effects of the drugs are minimal at best (panting, pacing) and it takes only 12 to 24 hours to completely exit the system after the last pill, it seems a safe alternative to a missed diagnosis. For Robin, the veterinarian’s research proved a godsend. “Within a week of sending the bloodwork to Dr. Dodds, we had a diagnosis – autoimmune thyroiditis. Tater began a daily thyroid replacement and his rages were nearly gone after six weeks.” The story has an even happier ending. Robin’s employer was so impressed with Tater’s recovery that the clinic began thyroid testing dogs that came in with abnormal seizure activity (motor seizures, episodes of staring into space or standing in a corner). Almost 100% of these dogs had abnormal thyroid function and improved on thyroid replacement therapy.

On thyroid medication, Tater (shown left) went from raging almost nightly to being 90% rage-free.

animal wellness

How to build a

DREAM GARDEN

your companions (and you) will love!

You may think transforming your yard into something this ambitious is beyond you, but all it really takes is an organized approach. “First, list your animal’s needs and wants, taking his personality, likes and dislikes into consideration,” says Howard. “For example, some of my dogs like to go beneath things, like the Under Deck Doggy Den, while others prefer to be on top of Hound Hill.”

Along with your animal’s needs, Howard also stresses the importance of sustainability in planning the garden. “Design for where you live and use local materials. Remember that the choices you make for your landscaping inevitably affect animals in the future, both domestic and wild.” Be sure to also use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly materials and plantings wherever possible.

Photo: Carla Rowland

This animal paradise is based on a real design and includes everything a fourfooted fur-person could possibly want, from an enclosed cat garden to a doggy deck complete with raised tub. Nor is a huge property a prerequisite. “The entire plan covers about 75’ by 100’, the size of a standard city lot,” says Howard.

Next, form a site plan of your yard and zone it. “Keep it broad and simple to start with and decide where you want each area to be located. Then you can concentrate on the details. Once you’ve done your site plan, you can start connecting things and figuring out how different areas fit with existing structures, the yard’s topography, and so on.”

Whether you go all out with your design, or just decide to incorporate one or two elements, you’ll be enhancing your companion’s quality of life by adding extra interest and enjoyment to his outdoor environment. Whatever you decide to do, don’t be afraid to use your imagination. As Howard says, “Go beyond the status quo.” Howard’s garden layout incorporates spaces for dogs, wild birds and cats, who have their own enclosure (although under supervision or on a leash, they would love the rest of the yard, too!) continued on page 20

Photo: Christina Larkins

ver wonder what Rover is thinking about when he’s surveying your back yard from the porch steps? Perhaps he’s dreaming of a landscape all his own, complete with a special play area, a grassy meadow to run and roll in, paths to amble along and a solar heated kennel from which to watch over his kingdom. Sound too fanciful to be true? Not so, according to Howard Folkman, the Pearblossom, California-based landscape designer and lifelong animal lover who designed the ultimate garden plan for dogs and cats shown on these pages.

animal wellness

P-1 to P-4

SOLAR HEATED KENNEL

UNDER DECK DOGGY DEN P-1 to P-4

RAISED TUB PET BATH

ROOF TOP SOLAR WATER HEATER

ENCLOSED DOGGY DECK

WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM DOG LICK & BOWL GARAGE

LAWN

HIGH RISE BIRD CONDOMINIUM & COMMUNAL BATH SHADE TREE

V-1

P-5

SEATING WALL

DOUBLE ENTRY SAFETY SYSTEM

HOUND HILL Mounded meadow of grasses and wild flowers

P-1 to P-4

BIRD FEEDERS

COMPACTED DECOMPOSED GRANITE DRIVEWAY AND PLAY SURFACE

ENCLOSED CAT GARDEN CAT OBSERVATION BLEACHER

PET DOOR

PET PARLOR & GREENHOUSE

PLAY STRUCTURE & AGILITY COURSE

MARKING POSTS

FRENCH DOORS

NATIVE STONE PAVERS OR RECYCLED SIDEWALK CONTINUOUS 6’ HIGH SECURITY FENCE

PET SUPPLY & CARE CENTER

FAMILY ROOM

Bath

RELIEF AREA

1/2” COMPACTED CRUSHED ROCK

EQUIPMENT SHED

BENCH

PET DOOR IRON GATE FOR VISUAL FREEDOM

animal wellness

FRENCH DOORS LAUNDRY

BATH

IRON GATE AT END OF RUN

Start with a brilliant plan! Our dream garden layout (pictured left) includes: A. Doggy Deck

H. Water Filtration System

An outside space for both pets and their caretakers. Complete with raised bathtub and enclosed with 3’ fencing and gates to keep dogs clean while they dry off and get groomed.

(why not, it’s a dream garden!) A Reverse Osmosis water filtration system that eliminates all chemicals and contaminants from tap water. Water will be piped throughout the yard to various locations.

B. Doggy Den

C. Solar Heated Kennel This U.V. protected glass-roofed kennel will provide a warm outside habitat for dogs who live in a cold winter climate.

D. Play Structure & Agility Course Great for the agility competitors or, with a bit of training, as a “fitness center” for the average canine.

E. Relief Area Paved with a bed of compacted 1/2” crushed rock at least 3” deep. Easy to clean up and enriched with a biological system that will quickly break down odors and prevent potential health risks.

I. Enclosed Cat Garden An outside garden complete with feline-friendly trees, shrubs, vines, flowers and fountains specifically designed as a cat utopia. Cats can spend hours on their bleachers watching birds in the feeders outside the enclosure. The garden is enclosed by a framed structure wrapped in a wire fabric.

Photo: Amy Nicole Karibian

A 1.5’ to 2’ space under the deck lined with smooth pebbles. A cool, dry, secure environment that mimics a den.

J. Bird Condominium A tower of potential nesting sites for wild birds. Features a filtered water bird bath elevated out of reach of danger.

K. Pet Parlor / Care Center Inside rooms for animals and their caretakers that are customized for the comfort and care of your four-legged companions.

F. Marking Posts “Go here!” vertical posts help control where urination occurs, reducing the impact on plants while satisfying your dog’s need to mark “territory”.

Photo: Gina Snow

G. Hound Hill A small meadow-like hill planted with variable height grasses and wild flowers for all to enjoy. Observing the world from high ground is a natural for dogs.

L. Decomposed Granite (Driveway & Play surface) A granite soil or rock dust compacted to produce a well-drained hard surface resilient to becoming muddy. Great for running and playing ball.

M. The Lawn Partially shaded surface for rest or play.

TREES T-1 Cornus sp. (Flowering Dogwood) – butterfly host plant T-2 Quercus sp. (Native Oak) – provides shade for all, acorns for birds and squirrels along with hosting moths. T-3 Salix tortuosa (Cork Screw Willow) – butterfly host plant

SHRUBS S-1 Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) – fruit for birds S-2 Buddleia alternifolia (Fountain Butterfly Bush) – nectar for butterflies S-3 Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince ‘Cameo’) – flower for birds S-4 Ilex sp. (Holly) – fruit for birds S-5 Ribes alpinum (Alpine Currant) – butterfly host plant S-6 Syringa chinensis (Chinese Lilac) – fruit for birds S-7 Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ (Compact European Cranberry Bush) – fruit for birds

PERENNIALS P-1 Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) – flower for birds P-2 Aquilegia sp. (Columbine) – flower for birds P-3 Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – nectar for butterflies P-4 Rudbeckia sp. (Black-eyed Susan) – nectar for birds and butterflies P-5 Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) – nectar for birds and butterflies

Others to consider: Duchesnea indica (Indian Mock Strawberry) – fruit for birds Kniphofia uvaria (Red Hot Poker) – flower for birds Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) – flower for birds Nepeta cateria (Catnip) – herb for cats’ enjoyment Chrysanthemum sp. (Mums) – nectar for birds and butterflies Achillea sp. (Yarrow) – nectar and host plant for butterflies

VINES V-1 Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Boston Ivy) – fruit for birds V-2 Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) – nectar for birds and butterfly host plant animal wellness

Attracting butterflies Butterflies are beautiful to watch and you can help attract them with the right mix of plants (host plants to lay their eggs and other plants for caterpillar food) and flowers (nectar for food). In addition, they also require water and shelter (for the chrysalis or pupa, which will often hang from twigs). If your garden is seasonal, include flowers that bloom at different times so there is a constant food source. Butterflies are most attracted to orange, red, yellow and purple flowers. If you want to attract a specific type of butterfly, do some research to find out which plants you require for the butterfly larvae. Remember, do not use pesticides or insecticides as these can kill butterflies.

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continued from page 17

Keys to the kingdom As you landscape for your animal, make sure you factor in his health and wellbeing. This means using safe, non-toxic products that won’t harm your dog or cat. Here are a few important pointers: Use untreated lumber for structures such as the doggy deck or cat enclosure, and check that stones or gravel you put down for paths or walkways are comfortable enough for an animal to walk on. Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and buy non-toxic alternatives. “Animals are closer to the ground than we are, so they have a much higher chemical absorption rate,” says Susan Jamieson of Ceres, manufacturers of Perfectly Natural fertilizers and weed control products. “Reactions to pesticides manifest quickly and dramatically.” As a repellent, garlic-based products are the first line of defense, according to Eric Acosta of Biocontrol Network. “They can be

sprayed on flowers and lawns to repel pests. You can also use beneficial nematodes to attack insect eggs and larvae in the soil.” Eric further recommends pyrethrin and neem-based products as good alternatives to commercial pesticides. Many common garden plants, such as lilies, tulips, daffodils and clematis, are toxic. Keep these flowers out of your animal’s landscaping and replace them with his own “garden” plot of organic grass, oats or catnip. Unlike dogs, most cats are able to find their way over even the highest fence, so an outdoor enclosure is the best solution. “The larger the better, as a cat is less inclined to attempt escape if he has lots of space,” says Al Benner of Friendly Fence. The enclosure can be covered, but if that isn’t possible, Al recommends a fencing product that has some flex, and that has canopy extenders that will turn the cat back into the enclosure if he gets too near the top. “Also ensure that mesh openings are no larger than 2” square so he can’t get his head through.”

animal wellness

holistic veterinary advice

talking with

dr. martin goldstein

I’m writing about a formerly stray cat with a chronic nasal infection. He’s been on many different antibiotics, most recently Baytril, for staph bacteria found in his nose. I tried a holistic pet solution but it did not help. He is currently on Ester C and olive leaf extract daily. His congestion smells very similar to urine. He sleeps more than average and has a bad habit of licking plastic (related?). What else can I do for him?

Many times, bacteria are secondary to the actual congestion problem so antibiotics will provide only a temporary improvement. In our practice, we start by analyzing each of these individuals metabolically via blood samples and then prescribe specific supplementation to support and improve their organ, glandular and immune systems. Then we would use specific nutraceuticals for the symptom. For this condition we would choose from the following: Sinusitis Drops (Professional Health Products), a herbal formula called Sinus Formula or the Chinese herbal formula Blue Earth Dragon, from Seven Forests. Two natural products that have antibiotic-like properties are propolis and olive leaf extract. Sometimes, homeopathic sinus sprays, such as Heel’s Euphorbium or Quantum’s First Defense Nasal Wash give us a good response. Some of these very chronic cases (especially those that have a cancerous base) need further diagnostic work and would then require a surgical procedure that we have, in our clinic, perfected. It is a combination of conventional surgery using a board-certified surgeon in conjunction with a liquid nitrogen gas sprayed into the sinus cavity.

My 8-month-old mixed breed puppy has recently become ill. She spent all day at the vet’s office while they did blood work, but they were unable to find anything that would tell them what’s wrong. She is drooling excessively and has a high temperature. She is also bleeding at the gums, but is not sensitive anywhere else. She is normally a very happy, healthy dog. This

animal wellness

came on very suddenly but the vet has ruled out poison. He recommends a specialist for vascular or auto-immune disease. What could this be and what else can be done?

This, in my experience, is a very common effect of vaccinations, and the period in which these conditions have been documented to occur is 10 to 45 days post-vaccine. Many of these kinds of individuals, if the condition becomes life threatening, must first be stabilized medically. Although I don’t like to prescribe therapy for cases of this potential severity without direct veterinary involvement, a few of my favorites to use are Betathyme or Moducare, BHI’s Inflammation, Seven Forest’s Reconciling Tablets and, if needed and prescribed through a veterinarian, natural hydrocortisone.

I would like to see if you have any information on deaf animals. I have a 6-month-old chihuahua that is deaf – she was given to us when she was 3 months old. I’m not sure if she was born deaf or if her deafness is treatable. Sometimes it seems she might be able to hear very low rumbling noises but she cannot hear you even if you are standing behind her and scream at her. The vet said everything looked normal in her ears but I would like to see if there might be a treatment for her other than surgery to possibly correct this handicap.

The only thing I have seen work with this is acupuncture/aquapuncture. I do remember a study in a textbook I had when I was initially trained and certified in acupuncture back in the 1970s, in which Chinese masters went into a school of almost 300 congenitally deaf children and got more than 90% of them hearing to some degree.

I have been importing propolis tinctures and lately lots of customers have been using the propolis for pets, for wounds, healing, cuts, scrapes and as an antibiotic. Please advise if this will work.

They’d do anything for you.

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holistic veterinary advice

Yes, I have seen this work, especially if these lesions are infected, since propolis’ number one property, in my experience, is that of a natural antibiotic. I do have ointments such as Heel’s Traumeel or calendula that I do prefer over propolis for skin lesions that appear to be caused by some type of trauma and/or non-infectious reaction.

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

Editor’s Note: This column is for information purposes only. It is not meant to replace veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your animal any remedies. For a listing of holistic veterinarians, please refer to our website at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com.

I am thinking of adopting a 21⁄2-year-old mini dashie named Buffy. She is the breeder’s dog, who cannot keep her because she has had a seizure. Buffy’s brother has also had seizure problems. I have a dog from her that is 5 years old and has only had one seizure. I really want this dog so do you have any advice on what to do for the dog to prevent future seizures? Absolutely. STOP vaccinating and get a professional exception for the rabies vaccine. Nutraceuticals I typically use for epileptics are: Standard Process Labs’ Neurotrophin, Epilepsy Drops by Professional Health Products, and an herbal formula that contains a combination of herbs for nervous sedation, primary of which are skullcap and valerian. The two

we use in our practice are Calming Formula or Crystal Star’s Relax Caps. I’ve also seen good classical homeopathic veterinarians and acupuncturists have excellent success in treating epilepsy. Since seizures run in the family, you should also ask your vet for a complete thyroid panel to check for autoimmune thyroiditis.

animal wellness

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

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS FOR DR. GOLDSTEIN’S COLUMN TO: DR. MARTIN GOLDSTEIN, E-MAIL: INFO@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM WE REGRET WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION.

Getting to the meat of the matter Answering common questions about raw food diets.

by Ann Brightman Carrie has been thinking about switching her border terrier, Norm, to a raw food diet. But she has some misgivings. “I’m a single mother, and although I work from home, I often put in long days,” she says. “As much as I love Norm, I’m not sure I have time to get into making meals for him as well as for the kids. And isn’t it a lot more expensive than ordinary kibble?” These are just two questions animal guardians often raise about raw food diets. Like Carrie, some people are concerned about cost and convenience; others might be worried about hygiene or confused about meat sources or supplementation. If you’re in the same dilemma, read on for answers to some of the FAQs surrounding raw food.

How convenient is it? Many people shy away from a raw food diet because they think it’s going to be too inconvenient, messy or time-consuming. If you opt to feed homemade meals, you will have to spend some time chopping, mixing and portioning the food. Many people like to do this, but it isn’t your only alternative. A growing number of companies now offer prepared raw food diets that combine convenience with good nutrition.

up to a year in the freezer, although unthawed portions should be used promptly.

What about adding veggies and supplements? Another benefit of prepared raw foods is that they often incorporate the vegetables, vitamins and other supplements your animal needs along with the meat, which means you don’t have to worry about what and how much to add to ensure your animal is getting a balanced diet. “Our food includes fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish oils and minerals, so it can be fed as a complete diet,” says Scott. You might wonder why a dog or cat would need vegetables at all, but most companies agree they are necessary. “Wild carnivores do a certain amount of ‘grazing’ on green matter, or when eating the intestinal matter of prey,” says Melinda. “In trying to replicate a ‘natural model,’ we thus add some vegetables.” Natasha Betancor-Leon of Amore agrees:

“Frozen raw food comes in all kinds of packaging,” says Scott Freeman of Nature’s Variety. “You can get various-sized tubes of meat, as well as patties, small medallions or cubes.” Adds Melinda Miller of Bravo, “Prepared raw food is easy to feed. It’s very much like ordinary pet food – you just open the package and put it in the bowl.” As with any raw meat, these foods must be kept frozen until ready for use – they can be stored for animal wellness

“Vegetables contain antioxidants like beta carotene, which help prevent cancer. Our animals are living in polluted environments and they need the antioxidant qualities that natural vegetables provide.” Many prepared raw foods also contain things like ground raw bones and organ meat to provide additional nutrients like calcium, essential fatty acids, extra protein, taurine, and vitamins. Urban Carnivore is one company that utilizes whole animals in its frozen raw diets. “Our patties include muscle and organ meat as well as bone and all the other things found in a whole animal,” says Brenda Hagel. If you’re still concerned about whether or not your animal will get all the nutrition he needs from a raw diet, talk to a holistic vet, or call the company that makes the food for information about their products. Most of these encourage consumers to call with their questions. “And don’t forget to read product labels: they should show a list of ingredients, a nutritional analysis, feeding guidelines and contact information,” says Brenda. If you choose to prepare homemade meals, you will definitely need to add extras to the food, since raw meat on its own does not comprise a balanced diet. Recommended vegetables include carrots, spinach, broccoli, zucchini and apples, which can be pureed or steamed and mixed in with the meat. Grains such as cooked oatmeal, millet and brown rice can also be added but should play second fiddle to the meat as a protein source. You’ll also need to add supplements such as salmon or flaxseed oil for essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and a “green” food like kelp or alfalfa. If you don’t feel confident doing this, you can buy a supplement pre-mix to add to the raw meat for a complete meal. Companies offering pre-mixes include Urban Wolf, Sojourner Farms and Amixx. Depending on the product, a pre-mix can contain various combinations of fresh dried vegetables, fruits and herbs, whole egg, kelp, salmon oil, organ meat and grains, all of which add the necessary nutrients that muscle meat by itself doesn’t offer.

Isn’t raw meat dangerous? Many people are concerned about feeding raw meat to animals because of the risk of parasites and bacteria. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently sent out a release that suggests raw food diets could pose a health threat to animals. The release comes from a case study of two cats in a single household that reportedly died of Salmonella infection contracted from a raw meat-based diet. However, the study was very limited in that it dealt with only the two animals in question, and did not include test/challenge or control groups. A spokesperson for the AAHA could not say where the meat originated from or how it was prepared and served. Nor does the AAHA plan to further its research into raw food diets at this time. It’s worth noting that none of the veterinarians we spoke to has seen an animal die from salmonella related to a raw meat diet. As long as raw meat is handled properly, you should have no problem. Think about how you would treat raw hamburger or chicken that you might prepare for your human family. You keep the meat frozen until you’re ready to thaw and use it; wash your hands, utensils and countertops thoroughly after handling it; and promptly dispose of or refrigerate uneaten portions. Extend this same care to the meat you’re preparing for your dog or cat and you should have no trouble with illness in either yourself or your animal. “Keep it in the freezer,” says Scott. “You don’t want it to be thawed out over two or three days because that’s when the meat has a chance to grow more bacteria.”

animal wellness

True, you’re feeding the meat raw, not cooked, but if your animal is in good overall health, he’ll digest it without contracting parasites or bacterial infections. This is because a carnivore’s GI tract is a lot shorter than a human one, which means the meat passes much more quickly through the animal than it does through us. Bacteria just don’t have a chance to take hold and cause illness. In fact, most dogs and cats will thrive on a raw food diet. It can even help with conditions such as allergies or diabetes, which are often associated with poor quality commercial diets. Problems may occur, however, if the animal has a compromised immune system or suffers from inflammatory bowel disease. If you’re in doubt about your animal’s health, have him checked over by a holistic vet before putting him on a raw food diet, and then follow the vet’s recommendations for feeding.

Does it matter which meat I feed my companion? Beef, chicken, turkey, fish and lamb were once the most common animal proteins found in pet food, but now you can get a wide variety of different meats, some of which may seem quite exotic, like wild salmon, ostrich, buffalo, venison, rabbit, duck and goat. “We use alternative meats for two reasons,” says Natasha. “One is that some animals have developed allergies to

traditional meat proteins. Secondly, it’s wise to switch meats for the sake of variety.” “Dogs and cats are no different from us in this respect,” adds Melinda. “Their health depends on a wide variety of nutrients, so switching meats is good, even vital.” Keep in mind that different meats will offer different levels of fat, EFAs, and other nutrients. “Ostrich, for example, is extremely rich in Omega oils and is good for animals with immune problems,” says Natasha. According to Scott, alternative meat sources currently account for less than one percent of sales, although more people are giving them a try. “Most raw feeders use chicken and turkey three or four times a week, and beef and lamb on the other days,” says Melinda. “We encourage them to feed an alternative meat once every ten days or so, just to ensure as large a nutrient spectrum as possible.”

Where does the meat come from? If you’re like many animal lovers, you may find yourself in a moral quandary when it comes to feeding meat to your dog or cat. What about the welfare of the farm animals that provide it, not to mention the growth hormones and antibiotics found in factory farmed meat? Happily, the majority of raw food companies are addressing these important questions, buying hormone- and antibiotic-free

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“We don’t buy from factory farms or feedlots, or any other place where animals aren’t raised properly,” says Brenda. “We also won’t buy animals that have been fed antibiotics, hormones or feed additives.” Meat sources can not always be totally organic, however, for the simple reason that they’re cost prohibitive. “If we used all organic meat, only the top two percent of the population would be able to afford the products,” says Natasha. “But the animals we do use are humanely raised and are free of antibiotics and hormones. We know every farmer we buy from.”

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Can I substitute a freeze-dried or dehydrated food? Dehydrated and freeze-dried raw foods offer the ultimate in convenience. The processes differ in that freeze-drying occurs at much lower temperatures than dehydration, and takes place under vacuum, but both methods generate a lightweight, low-volume, easy-to-use product that preserves the nutrient value of the ingredients. “Dehydration is a natural form of food preservation,” says Lucy Postins of The Honest Kitchen. “It locks in nutrients, vitamins and minerals and you don’t have to use any artificial preservatives.” To use these foods, you just add water, let stand for a few minutes, and serve. “One cup hydrates to make about one pound of food,” says Lucy. Can you feed a dehydrated food in place of a homeprepared or frozen raw food? “It’s not imperative to add anything to our diets,” says Lucy. “Having said that, most people enjoy adding their own ingredients such as raw bones, ground turkey, cottage cheese, yogurt or mackerel. As well, a lot of people will use dehydrated food when they’re travelling, because it’s so convenient.” Freeze-dried food is also ideal for this purpose. “It’s great when you’re hiking or camping,” says Scott. “It can be hydrated, or you can feed it right out of the package as a nutritious treat or a supplement for canned or dry food. Very few people use it as the sole diet, however, because the freeze-drying process makes it quite expensive.”

How much does it cost? Whether freeze-dried, dehydrated or frozen, a raw diet is going to cost more than a run-of-the-mill canned or dry product – but for good reason. Unlike low quality commercial foods, which contain questionable protein sources, byproducts, coloring, preservatives and other additives, a raw food diet is made from unadulterated high quality meat, vegetables and

animal wellness

supplements. “Condemned, diseased meat, typical of what is found in low quality commercial pet foods, is going to be much less expensive than USDA inspected and approved meat and bone,” says Melinda. For most people who go the raw food route, knowing they’re feeding their best friend a safe, healthy diet is worth the extra expense. “As someone said to me the other day, ‘I’m either going to pay for the food, or I’m going to pay for vet care. I’d rather pay for the food,’” says Natasha.

in just about any major city in the States and Canada. There are probably over 1,000 stores carrying it now.” As she does more research into the benefits of raw food, Carrie feels increasingly confident and comfortable about making the switch. “It’ll entail a bit of adjustment, and I’ll have to spend more, but it’ll be worth it. It gives me a good feeling to know I’ll be helping Norm live a longer, healthier life.”

“Generally, frozen raw foods fit into the same price category as a holistic kibble,” says Brenda, although she adds that prices will vary considerably depending on what ingredients a company uses, in what proportion, and whether or not they’re organic. Again, it’s important to study labels, just as you would for a packaged food. “You need to know what you’re buying.”

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Not so long ago, if you wanted to feed your animal a raw diet you had to buy the ingredients separately and prepare the food yourself. A lot of people continue to do this, of course, but now that more companies are coming out with prepared raw foods, it’s getting much easier for consumers to access these diets. It may still be a while before you start seeing them at the larger chain stores, but dozens of smaller businesses, especially those with an interest in healthy products, are jumping on the bandwagon. “Availability has grown substantially just in the last year,” says Brenda. “More and more pet food stores, grooming shops and holistic vets are starting to bring in raw food products.” Stocking raw food means installing freezers, but consumer demand is prompting many businesses to make the investment. “Distributor and retailer interest is high,” says Melinda. “To date, our products can be found in pet stores, health food stores, dog training and day care facilities, grooming salons, feed stores and vet offices.” Adds Scott, “You can find prepared raw food diets

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Arusha Pet Foods offers a variety of foods for cats and dogs, formulated with naturally raised or certified organic Chicken, Turkey, Ostrich, Bison and Elk. Dog food is available in pre-mixed dinners with meat, bone, organs, veggies and supplements as well as separate meat/bone/organ and veggies. Cat food is formulated with meat, bone, organs and supplements. Meaty neck bones, leg bones and chicken frames are also available. www.arushapetfoods.com, phone: (780) 455-3647.

Calli’s Cuisine As breeders and handlers of Weimaraners we have always endeavored to find the competitive edge for our dogs. From agility to conformation our dogs’ health shows! Calli’s Cuisine started with Calli, the foundation of our breeding. Now, three generations later we would like to share the secrets of our success with you. Top quality food, careful rearing and gentle health care will bring glowing health and a competitive edge to your special dog. Calli’s insist on quality ingredients. Even Calli’s people could eat this stuff!! Raw free range, non-med or organic. Human grade fresh frozen products. Check our website www.calliscuisine.com or email us at waltzweimaraner@aol.com or call (604) 980-5947.

Nature’s Variety Nature’s Variety now offers the industry’s first USDA certified organic raw frozen diet for pets. Nature’s Variety™ Prairie Brand™ Organic Raw Chicken Diet is a complete raw diet for dogs and cats. It contains 90% organic chicken, and 10% organic fruits and vegetables. The Nature’s Variety facility is certified by Integrity Certified International to produce USDA Certified Organic products. For More Information, Contact: Bret Welstead (402) 466-8302 info@naturesvariety.com www.naturesvariety.com

Companion Natural Pet Food Companion Natural Pet Food is made with raw human-grade meats, vegetables and supplements, ground in small batches and packaged in sealed tubs for ultimate freshness. All varieties 100% grain-free, food-sourced nutrition with no preservatives, are manufactured in a USDA inspected facility. Available in beef, turkey, chicken and duck. We ship direct on dry ice at a reasonable price. Visit www.companionnaturalpetfood.com or call (414) 372-5433.

Something extraordinary for your pet! The Urban Carnivore is the first and only pet food company to offer “whole animal” diets for dogs from naturally raised farm-fresh livestock and specialty poultry. No hormones, no antibiotics, no preservatives, and no unnecessary ingredients. You’ll love our convenient easy to serve patties; your dog will love our variety of delicious and nutritious flavors including beef, lamb, chicken, duck, rabbit, goat and bison. Pure and Simple! Visit us at www.urbancarnivore.com

Amore Pet Foods Amore Pet Foods is a Western Canadian company with its own manufactory in Richmond, BC. There they make a completely unprocessed line of raw foods and bones for dogs and cats. Their meats are free-ranged, antibiotic and hormonefree and they publish the names, addresses and phone numbers of the farms they buy from on their website, www.amorepetfoods.com. animal wellness

HEALING TOUCH FOR HORSES

1 2 3 J 4 5

1. Find a calm, comfortable place where both you and your horse can relax. Take three, slow, even breaths. Think about how you want to help your horse feel better; taking a moment to formulate the intent of the treatment is very important. 2. Begin by resting one hand near your horse’s shoulder. Place the heel of your other hand at the poll and gently stroke down his neck, just off the midline. Continue stroking down to the hindquarters, staying to the side of the midline. To finish, stroke down along the outside of his leg to the coronary band. Your opposite hand can trail along the same path, touching the horse lightly. Repeat this stroking procedure three times on each side of your horse.

3. Now you are ready to do the point work. Rest one hand on your horse wherever it is comfortable, and use your other hand to perform the point work. Use either the tip of your thumb or the two-finger technique (with your middle finger on top of your index finger), depending on which is more comfortable for you. Place the tip of your thumb or finger directly on the acupressure point, also called the “acupoint” (see chart opposite), and hold it gently, but with intentional firmness, for three to eight seconds.

4. Using sing the chart, locate the acupressure points, and watch your horse’s reaction. Healthy energy releases include yawning, deep breathing, muscle twitches, release of air and softening of the eye. If your horse overreacts to a particular point or exhibits pain, work the acupoint in front of or behind the reactive point, and try the latter again in a later session. 5. To complete the session, repeat Step 2.

Keep in mind that it can take 24 hours for the horse to experience the effects of an acupressure treatment, and that the initial problem can occasionally seem to worsen during that time. Don’t be alarmed: he will soon manifest the benefits of this ages-old healing technique.

animal wellness

Chinese Medicine helps keep your equine as “healthy as a horse” by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

“Just look at her. She’s the epitome of health. Her eye is bright, her head’s erect, her ears are alert and her coat is shiny and lustrous. She’s strong and athletic. She moves with grace and elegance. She’s a joy to ride, and is so responsive for a young horse.” Gwen loves to enthuse about her sixyear-old mare, Fancy, and no wonder. Fancy is the perfect image of a healthy horse.

Eye to eye Like Fancy, all horses can tell us a lot about their well being by how they look, move and respond. Usually, our first impression comes from the eye. If the eye is bright and shiny, we assume the animal is basically feeling well. If the eye is dull and half-lidded, it could mean something’s wrong. In fact, the appearance of a horse’s eye is often the first indication of a health problem. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that the mind/spirit is “housed in the heart, and revealed in the eyes.” It further asserts that the mind/spirit, called shen, is closely linked to the health of the entire body and that everything in the body is interconnected. If the heart is strong and blood abundant (that is,

the blood is circulating properly), mental and physical activity will be balanced. The internal organ systems are interrelated with each other as well as with the tendons, ligaments, and tissues of the body to create an integrated whole. This means that if the horse is in pain or experiencing physical or emotional discomfort, it will be reflected in his eye. This is why we tend to look at the eye first to detect any sign of imbalance or ill health.

Body language After checking the eye, we look at the horse’s entire body for clues regarding his general condition and attitude. Most horse guardians can tell at a glance if their horse is even slightly off color. We observe the way he holds his neck and head, and look at his ears, top line, coat condition, and the placement and condition of his legs and hooves. We also look for obvious signs of injury or discharge from the eye, nose or mouth. Body movement and muscle tone are also telltale indicators of health. A fluidity of movement demonstrates that the bones, muscles, joints and sinews are receiving the nourishment needed to sustain and

Bai Hui

Ll 11

Equine Health Maintenance Acupressure Treatment – Point Work

St 36 Ll 4

Lateral POINT Ki 3 Ll 4 Ll 11 St 36 Bai Hui

TRADITIONAL NAME Great Stream Joining Valley Crooked Pond Leg Three Mile Heaven’s Gate

Medial

Ki 3

Lateral

LOCATION Located in the thinnest part of the hock, medial. Medial aspect of foreleg, distal to the head of the second metacarpal bone. When the elbow is flexed, Ll 11 is in a depression found in front of the elbow. Located 1-2 inches from the head of the fibula on the lateral side of the tibia. Located at the lumbosacral space.

promote that movement. If the animal is not moving well and muscle tissue is atrophied or flaccid, it means the horse is experiencing an imbalance and there is a body system breakdown.

Checking on Chi There is more to a healthy horse than a smoothly functioning physical body. In Chinese medicine, there is also an intangible energetic component that is essential to health. This energy aspect of the living body is called Chi (also Qi or Ki, but pronounced “chee”). It is the spark that ignites and sustains life-promoting energy in the horse’s body, and is responsible for warming, protecting and promoting bodily functions necessary for life and health. When the animal dies, Chi leaves the body. Health is sustained when Chi, blood, and body fluids are flowing harmoniously, performing their roles of nourishing, warming and providing energy to the entire body. If this harmony is disrupted, an imbalance can occur. The longer an imbalance remains, the greater the possibility of illness.

Acupressure to the rescue Chi circulates along invisible but very real pathways or meridians that course through

the horse’s body. When there is a Chi energy disruption, it can cause a blockage or stagnation along a meridian. For instance, if a horse is grieving from loss of a pasture mate, it will affect his entire system and disrupt the harmonious and free flow of Chi. Acupressure is an effective method of clearing blockages and restoring the harmonious flow of Chi, thus supporting the well being of the whole horse. To keep your horse healthy, start with life nourishing ingredients such as adequate, healthy food, clean air and water, a pasture to roam in, positive training, companionship, a balance of exercise and rest, natural hoof care and other life enhancements. Now add a health maintenance acupressure treatment (see sidebar) every four to five days. This will ensure that Chi is balanced and able to flow harmoniously through the body to maintain a strong immune system. With all this sustenance, your equine friend will be “healthy as a horse.” NANCY ZIDONIS AND AMY SNOW ARE THE AUTHORS OF The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure; Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure AND Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual. THEY ALSO PROVIDE TRAINING COURSES WORLDWIDE. WWW.ANIMALACUPRESSURE.COM

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. . . and other inspiring stories! “Blaze” Maggie Brennan Bayfield, ON

Gentle giant Like pit bulls and mastiffs, Rottweilers don’t have the best reputation, but 11-year-old Blaze disproves everything bad you may have heard in the media. “She’s the most gentle, spirited dog in the whole world,” says her guardian, Maggie Brennan. “Our vet says she should be the poster child for Rottweilers because she has such a great personality and disposition.” So great, in fact, that Blaze was the first of her breed in the region to become a St. John’s Ambulance therapy dog. “As part of our volunteer work, I used to take her to the Bluewater Youth Center, a detention center for young people, and she’d just hang out with the kids,” says Maggie. “She would be paired up with one inmate and would just sit there and give the youngster love and tenderness.” Though now retired, and a bit arthritic, Blaze is still going strong. “She doesn’t get around as much anymore, but she’s still so happy. Her nickname is Boo-Boo Blaze Dog – it sounds kind of silly but it just shows how gentle she is.”

Nationally Recognized Veterinarian Shares His Personal Cancer Story Harry Quick, DVM

Inventor of the “90 day flea tag”

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

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

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animal wellness

Maggie’s Miracle Recovery. . . We were so overwhelmed by the number and quality of images we received for our Amazing Animals Photo Contest, that we just couldn’t resist sharing more of them with you! In this issue, we showcase the winners of our “Best Stories” category – beautiful photos accompanied by heart-warming accounts of courage, loyalty and love.

Maggie’s back in the swim

“Maggie the ‘pupperfish’” Pam Strickland, Orlando FL photographed by Barbara Rainey, Orlando, FL

You’d never dream this happy water baby is actually a 12-year-old with advanced spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis). “When Maggie was diagnosed last year, she was literally debilitated,” says the golden retriever’s guardian, Pam Strickland. “She could barely walk, seemed to be in terrible pain, and it was obvious she’d given up.” Happily, Pam herself wasn’t ready to give up and took Maggie to a holistic vet who treated her with herbs, acupuncture and chiropractic. “She has hydrotherapy sessions three times a week and also enjoys massages. She’s on a good diet and receives natural supplements.” The treatment paid off and now, one year later, Maggie is once again her active self. “There’s no doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for the combination of good diet, complementary veterinary care and her beloved swim therapy, my best friend would not be with me today. Perhaps this picture will give hope to others in the same position.”

He’s a great guy He started out as something of a loner, but Guy, an orange and white male neutered tabby, has found his calling. “We were fostering him from a local animal rescue and he was very reclusive,” says Toni Mills. It wasn’t until the Mills agreed to babysit another two foster kittens that Guy began to come out of his shell. “These two little Maine Coon type kittens, Adelaide and Ariel, were immediately loved and cared for by none other than Guy,” says Toni. “They were the ones who brought him out from under the bed.” Toni was delighted by the interest Guy took in his new companions. “It was so endearing to see – and of course, the end of the story is that we adopted all three! How could we ever have separated them?” As you can see, one of Adelaide’s favorite pastimes is to share a hug with her adopted ‘dad.’ “The ‘girls’ are spayed and more grown up now, but Guy still loves them and they love him.” A happy ending for all!

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“Adelaide and Guy” Toni Miles State College, PA

“Rescued kittens” Barbara Farren Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Small but spunky These little guys look like they’re heading out on a great expedition – but then adventure is nothing new to them, according to Barbara Farren, who rescued them from a canyon hillside behind her home. “I’d just gone to bed one night and kept hearing these little noises outside,” says Barbara. “I got up, started hiking around the hillside with a flashlight, and found three tiny kittens, only a day or two old and with their eyes still closed.” Stunned, Barbara took the babies home and called her vet, who told her how to care for them. Though she believed they were feral, she was reluctant to return them to the wild in case something had happened to the mother. So Barbara became their new parent and raised the kittens herself, bottle-feeding them until they were old enough to feed themselves. As the photo shows, it wasn’t long before the trio was ready to start exploring again – this time under the watchful eye of Barbara’s son, Lucas!

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Healthy Pet Systems A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet!

Illustration: Robyn Feeley; bungalowart.com

By Stephen Blake, DVM

Little lion in a dog suit shows us the meaning of courage

Every once in a while you run across a micro dog who thinks he is a lion in a dog’s suit. This best describes my good buddy Opie. He is a special little ten-month-old terrier who has attitude with a capital A. He was a perfectly normal spunky little guy who loved to run and play. He had his puppy shots and seemed fine until December. Suddenly his tongue began to hang out of the side of his mouth although he seemed fine in every other way. In February he started to become paralyzed in his hind legs. He went to his veterinarian who x-rayed him and made a tentative diagnosis of a congenital defect in the lower spine. He vaccinated him for DHLPPCB and said cortisone was the only thing he could suggest. He added that if Opie were his dog he would not give the cortisone. He said there was nothing that could be done. Opie developed an egg-sized mass on the left side of his neck. He continued to get weaker and weaker in his rear legs. He then had Advantage applied in June and began to have trouble chewing. When I saw Opie staggering up my walkway with his “Mom” and “Aunt”, my heart broke. His tongue was hanging out of his mouth and he could barely stay on his feet. He was very frightened and I could tell he was wondering what this new guy was going to do to him. I gave him some Rescue Remedy and Lime Tree Gemmotherapy orally – for detoxifying the nervous system and helping to heal damaged nerve tissue – and massaged Frankincense into his little body. Opie stumbled around and tried to hide under his Mom’s chair. I continued taking his case history when suddenly his rear legs animal wellness

began to spasm and tremble uncontrollably. Opie was calm about it but his Mom was very distressed. I explained to her that a healing crisis is common when using energetic medicine. It is very unusual for a patient to react this quickly, though – only 20 minutes into treatment. The crisis lasted about ten minutes and then stopped. Opie got back on his feet and hid under a chair where he could keep an eye on me.

Opie’s tongue was back in his mouth and he was standing straight and tall. He looked at me, cocked his head to one side and said, “Check this out!” I was amazed to see a symptom that had been there 24/7 for seven months disappear so quickly. Opie strutted out from under the chair, walked over to the step and jumped to the ground without falling down. “Miracle!” said Mom. I was lost for words.

We were 11⁄2 hours into the intake when Mom whispered to me, “Look at Opie.” I was so engrossed in entering the case into my computer that I hadn’t noticed what Mr. O. was up to. When I looked up, I was not prepared for what I saw.

I treated him with Lime Tree Gemmotherapy and Common Juniper Gemmotherapy for drainage and detoxification, Colostrum, Thuja 30C (one dose), Berry Young, and Animal Essentials Catalyn. My diagnosis was vaccinosis, which is any condition secondary to a disease state after being vaccinated. Opie still was unsteady but he was so much better by the end of the visit. He led his Mom and Aunt down the walk, head held high, swaggering along, tongue in his mouth. Then he turned back to look at me. I swore he winked at me. Then he lifted his leg on one of my plants and urinated on it. Typical terrier! I couldn’t help but laugh and give him a thumbs up. Seeing Opie put up such a brave fight is an inspiration to me, and shows me that my favorite quote is his also: The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it. I saw Opie four months later. It made my heart soar to see him walking up my sidewalk. His tongue was in his mouth and he was strutting around showing his stuff. All two pounds of him! His caregivers told me that his walking had continued to improve gradually after his first treatment. He was now not afraid of the other dogs. He was lifting his leg like all the other male dogs and proud of it. His tongue was staying in 80% of the time. When I picked him up he was a little afraid but definitely braver than our first visit. After I rubbed him down with some Release (a blend of essential oils releasing emotional or physical trauma), he gave me a kiss. My treatment consisted of a dose of homeopathic Silica CM, and to continue him on the supplements suggested during his first visit. Nerve cells are the slowest cells in the body to heal. We do not know how much of

animal wellness

the vaccine-damaged brain will regenerate but at least at this time he is no longer paralyzed and is gradually getting stronger with the passing of each day. His Mom was very excited with his progress and told me all of her friends comment on how much better Big Opie is doing. After our visit ended, Opie strutted down the sidewalk. Just as I was about to go into my home, I saw him look back and hike his leg on one of my bushes. I knew he was saying, “Check this out, Doc, not bad for a paralyzed dog.” Excerpted from The Pet Whisperer by Stephen Blake. To order, visit www.thepetwhisperer.com

N I W

STEPHEN BLAKE GRADUATED FROM

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

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WHEN

WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PESTICIDE TOXICITY, THE ONLY WAY HE COULD CONTINUE PRACTICING WAS TO SEE PATIENTS WHO USED NO PESTICIDES ON THEIR ANIMALS.

REALIZED HE WOULD HAVE TO LEARN

NEW CHEMICAL-FREE METHODS OF CARING FOR ANIMALS. HOMEOPATHY,

“WHEN I STARTED STUDYING BACH FLOWERS, ACUPUNCTURE,

MASSAGE, AROMATHERAPY AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATION, THE TOOLS

REALIZED THESE WERE

NEEDED TO HELP ANIMALS.”

DR. BLAKE CURRENTLY

SAN DIEGO, CA AND IS AN “ELDER” OF THE AMERICAN HOLISTIC VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. PRACTICES IN

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animal wellness

Top 10 cities for

ANIMAL�WELLNESS � in North America

#1�BOULDER,�COLORADO

What’s your idea of an animal paradise? If your answer is 100 acres in the country, you may want to think again. A rural idyll might be perfect for some, but you don’t need to head for the hills to offer your buddy a healthy, happy place to live. In fact, many urban centers are going out of their way to become more animal-friendly and health-conscious, and their four-legged citizens are reaping the rewards.

practicing integrative medicine (including chiropractic and acupuncture), air quality and the number of retailers carrying higher quality (more nutritional) foods and supplements, as well as anti-cruelty legislation, the number of rescues and shelters, dog parks and beaches, pet sitters, animal-friendly accommodation and alternative practitioners such as animal massage therapists.

Over the last three months, we’ve compiled data on cities across North America, searching for those that support the best quality of life for our companions. Cities of approximately 100,000 people or more were scrutinized according to 14 criteria and rated on a per capita basis. Criteria included the number of veterinarians

We hope you enjoy this coast to coast wellness tour. And don’t worry if Frida or Fluffy starts packing her bags – we’re sure she’s planning on taking you too!

animal wellness

For a listing of the top 50 cities, visit our website at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

1 Boulder, Colorado Top Dog (& Cat) honors go to Boulder, Colorado. Located at the base of the Flatiron Mountains, this small city (approx. 100,000 people) is big on animal wellness. If you’re looking for an integrative veterinarian, this is the place to find one, with approx. one for every 3,000 people. High quality pet food? No problem. The healthconscious human population of Boulder knows how to look after the nutritional needs of their four-legged friends, too. And with 30,000 acres of open space surrounding the city, not to mention the trails and offleash parks, you and your animals have lots of opportunity for fresh air (which, by the way, is relatively good) and exercise. Though we didn’t measure it, it’s worth noting that Boulder also led the way in formally recognizing an evolving relationship with animals. In 2000, it passed legislation to replace the word pet “owner” with “guardian”. Since then, the Boulder newspaper routinely uses the word guardian in articles and editorials; the Humane Society of Boulder Valley uses guardian in their daily language and in all printed material; and signs erected by City Staff in dog parks now use the new terminology.

2 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Blessed with a semi-tropical climate and good air quality, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities with your animal buddies all year round (just wear your sunscreen). You’ll have no problem finding veterinary healthcare that goes beyond the conventional in this southeastern coastal city. And while you’re enjoying those fresh Florida oranges, your companions can chow down on nutritious foods available from one of the many higher end retail stores. Though we couldn’t measure it, no doubt the gentle climate makes for less stress in the lives of both you and your animal.

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Seattle, Washington

On the other side of the continent, Seattle animal companions are lapping up a better quality of life, too. Located on Puget Sound only 113 miles from the U.S.-Canadian border, Seattle had only one poor air quality day in 2002 (the most recent stats available). In addition, integrative vets are easy to find, and, judging from the number of pet sitters and dog walkers, Seattle animal lovers go out of their way to ensure their buddies are taken care of when they’re away or at work. The mild climate means easy access to lots of recreational fun and the spectacular mountain and water views are pretty doggone gorgeous too.

San Francisco, California

The largest city on our list, San Francisco ranked strongly in most categories. The moderate climate, walking paths and other outdoor opportunities make for an active lifestyle that animals love. San Francisco’s open attitude to integrated healthcare extends to the animals within its boundaries, so your companion should be well taken care of if the need arises. Incidentally, the Board of Supervisors there recently passed an ordinance amending city and county laws to include the “owner or guardian” of animals, as opposed to simply the “owner.”

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Portland, Oregon

Ron Ruhoff/Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Portland is known for being “green”, so naturally this is a good place for your fourlegged friends to hang out. If you like to take Fido jogging, you’ll love Portland’s exercise trails and its 37,000 acres of parks in the metro area alone (the 5,000-acre Forest Park is an urban dweller’s dream). Portland’s cool progressive outlook draws a wide range of integrative veterinary practitioners to its fold, and ensures there are plenty of places to buy great food for your buddies. There are a number of animal-friendly restaurants and cafes so you can watch the world go by in your best friend’s company, maybe while enjoying a cold one from one of Portland’s many micro-breweries.

Denver, Colorado Denver people, we found out while preparing this article, are downright “gushy” about their animals. The mile-high city ranks solidly in all categories and its proximity to wide open spaces and the cool, dry climate make it a good choice for animal lovers to put down roots. The 300+ days of sunshine per year don’t hurt either!

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7 Sacramento, California

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Atlanta, Georgia The south is known for its hospitality and Atlanta tops the list when it comes to being animal-friendly. Recently voted the #1 city for entrepreneurs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this kind of independent, progressive thinking that catapults Atlanta into our Top Ten list.

Photo: Kevin Rose with Rose Studios, Inc.

Photo: Tom Myers

Located in a scenic valley northeast of San Francisco, Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital, Sacramento, did well based on all our criteria. The mild temperatures, proximity to fresh water (rivers & lakes) and acres of parkland make outdoor adventure a sure thing.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Photo: Kevin Rose with Rose Studios, Inc.

Eugene, Oregon

Sally McAleer

Centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, Greensboro is a mini-mecca of animal wellness. With a variety of integrative vets and practitioners, including massage therapists, as well as pet sitters and an abundance of retailers selling better quality food, it’s no wonder animals would want to live here.

Eugene describes itself as a city where tie dye and tuxedos live harmoniously together. Apparently this harmony extends to our four-legged friends as well, with a high number of integrative veterinarians, pet sitters and retailers selling super premium foods. The mild climate and scenic location on the Willamette River mean outdoor activities are fun all year round. And if we gave out bonus points, Eugene would get a few for its guide to pet-friendly lodging, attractions (how about taking a gondola ride up the mountain with your dog buddy?) and its off-leash parks.

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12 San Diego, CA 13 Vancouver, BC 14

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THE GREAT DIVIDE Photo: Jessica McCartney

Who gets Rover when the relationship’s over? by Bob Ferber

nyone who has been through a separation or divorce knows how traumatic it can be. It becomes even more painful when a companion animal is involved and the couple can’t agree on who should get him. Sadly, it’s a situation that’s becoming increasingly common, given that at least 62% of households have companion animals, and that half of all marriages end in divorce. Although animals are still regarded by most courts as property, they have nevertheless assumed a role very different from inanimate objects like cars or houses. Animals provide a bond of love and companionship as well as emotional and physical support. They are also sentient creatures capable of feeling pain, misery, loneliness and joy. In many households, animals are family members that assume a status close to, or even replacing, that of children. Is it any wonder emotions run high when estranged couples start quarreling over Fido? What’s the solution? Can custody be granted as in divorces involving children? Are visitation rights established? Will one party pay “animal support” for the dog or cat’s continued welfare? Who decides who gets custody – the judge or the couple? Or should the animal be given the choice, as in the 1977 movie As Good As It Gets, where Verdell the dog “chooses” his temporary caretaker over his own owner who has been laid up in hospital?

Courts regard animals as inanimate Although there are exceptions, North American law still says animals are property and will therefore be treated like inanimate objects when couples separate or divorce. This means that courts will not consider the best interests of the animal when deciding who gets him, any more than they would consider the best interests of the family car. They won’t look at who bonded most strongly with the animal, who took him to the vet, or who showed

animal wellness

him the most love and companionship. If the couple can’t agree who should get the dog or cat, the court will make the decision for them, ignoring what’s best for the animal. Moreover, custody battles can become very nasty and often result in decisions and actions made in anger and resentment – not the best environment for deciding what’s best for your beloved companion.

Couples should make “just in case” arrangements If a couple can mutually agree on an arrangement for their animals, the courts will generally allow and enforce those agreements (e.g., wife gets dog, husband gets cat; or both retain joint “custody” and work out a sharing arrangement). This is very important, because it means you have the ability to choose in advance how to handle the problem. It’s therefore a good idea to make written arrangements (an enforceable contract prepared by an attorney is best) before marital problems begin, rather than leave the decision to a judge who is bound by law to treat the animal like a sofa or car, without respect for the human/animal relationship. A written agreement is particularly important for unmarried couples, since there are few guidelines on what the results might be without one. Interestingly, in divorces that also involve children, the courts tend to give the animals to the party with primary custody of the kids – but only because the animals serve the best interests of the child. The animals’ interests are still not considered.

Child custody laws for companion animals? Some argue that child custody laws should apply to animals. But in child custody cases, the court considers a number of factors including the preference of the child...depending on the child’s age, intelligence and maturity. These considerations would obviously be difficult if not impossible to apply to animals. There are limited exceptions, such as one case where the court gave the dog to the wife because

legal beagle there was evidence the husband had neglected or abused the animal. But that is clearly the exception…nor is it clear if such a court order is valid, since the husband didn’t appeal the judge’s decision.

Photo: Jessica McCartney

Those who argue animals should no longer be regarded as property and that their caretakers should be guardians instead of owners, cite the difficulty current laws have in deciding who gets Fido or Fluffy when couples separate. As long as animals remain classified as property, the best interests will never truly be protected.

Yays and nays Not everyone agrees that the best interests of animals are worth considering. Dr. Rick Cupp, professor of law at Pepperdine Law School in Malibu, California, is quoted as stating: “Is it a good use of our judicial resources, taking up a courtroom to decide whether the dog is more bonded to mommy than daddy?” Dr. Cupp states that children’s best interests need to be considered because “…he could be the next Einstein, or the next Bin Laden or Hitler. Children have this future potential that’s so tremendously good or bad.” He goes on to state that his dog is “not going to save the world if he has a better owner, or blow up buildings if he doesn’t.” Dr. Cupp complains that proponents of change are equating animals with children. Barbara Newell of the Animal Legal Defense Fund disagrees. “I don’t think anyone is trying to say the pet is equivalent to a child. But animals do have interests and can suffer pain, and they’re not the same as the dining set when there’s a dispute over where they’re going to live.” Regarding Professor Cupp’s suggestion that an animal’s best interests aren’t worth considering, what about the volumes of research that document how animals have positively changed individuals and our society? Therapy dogs have brought thousands of emotionally challenged children out of their shells, “war dogs” have sacrificed their lives for their guardian soldiers, and many more animals have given terminally ill people a reason to stay hopeful. These are some of the contributions animals make to society. Most important of all, what of the simple reverence for the lives of creatures who think, feel and bond with human beings in ways words cannot describe? How can we not consider the best interests of animals when couples separate? For more information on companion animal issues in separation and divorce, visit www.petcustody.com and/or www.vetcentric.com. Before making decisions, including the preparation of a prenuptual agreement, consult an experienced family law attorney familiar with your state or provincial laws. Special thanks to law student Stephanie Wernette. BOB FERBER HAS BEEN A LOS ANGELES PROSECUTOR FOR 24 YEARS, AND HAS RECENTLY BEGUN FOCUSING EXCLUSIVELY ON ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES.

HE ALSO RESCUES AND FOSTERS “UNADOPTABLE” ANIMALS AND RUNS AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT TEACHES SCHOOLCHILDREN REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE.

animal wellness

Working for

animals

From trainers to groomers to communicators,

animal-related careers abound by Jane Ellen Plotkin Careers with animals are as varied as the individuals who create them. They’re also growing in popularity as the pet industry continues to expand, and as more people seek to enhance the bond of love and understanding they share with their animals. Since the field of holistic products and services is still relatively new, there’s a lot of room for entrepreneurs, small business owners, teachers, trainers and healers to carve a niche for themselves.

Marie Sabatine’s dogs inspired her to open her own animal resource center and retail outlet.

Although a love for animals is at the root of these careers, success is also dependent on time, patience and a willingness to take risks. Whether you’re just starting out, or contemplating a midlife career change, perhaps these stories will give you the inspiration to follow your dreams and make a difference in the lives of our animal friends.

Holistic health care

Priscilla O’Malley shifted gears from a career in sports medicine to focus on canine agility training and raising Airedales with husband Michael.

Dr. Nancy Scanlon enhanced her conventional veterinary skills with acupuncture, chiropractic and massage.

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Training tactics John Flanagan, aka the K-9 Guru, is a wellknown trainer and spokesperson for the “new school” training method. “I was raised under negative reinforcement training, and through that experience, learned that fear-based training is bad for everyone,” says John. “I would like to see the word ‘punishment’ out of the vocabulary.” John mentored under Dr. Jean Donaldson at the Dog Training Academy of the San Francisco SPCA. There, he mastered the positive, reward-based training that eschews choke chains and pinch collars, and instead uses treats, body language, and hand signals to establish new behaviors. John has been a trainer for the past eight years, “ever since Garbo came into my life.” Garbo is John’s nine-year-old schnauzer who accompanies him each day to work.

Nancy Scanlon has been a veterinarian since 1970 and a vet acupuncturist since 1989. Like many people who enter animal-related careers, Nancy drew her inspiration from her childhood experience. “As a kid, animals got along well with me. Dogs that bit others wouldn’t bite me, and cats that ignored others would jump on my lap.” Nancy’s intuitive gift for animals has expanded throughout her career. “I can sense when the pets I work with are hurting.”

Well groomed

After becoming a veterinarian and acupuncturist, Nancy also became licensed as a pet chiropractor and certified as a trigger point massage therapist, shifting her focus from conventional to holistic practice. “As a regular vet, the animals don’t like you because you keep giving them injections. Now they like me again – as they did when I was a girl.”

If you dream of opening your own grooming shop, beware of the cost of overhead. Large conglomerates like Petco can undercut you by hiring groomers whom they train in a basic shampoo and cut for minimum wage. But if you have the gift of the gab and the willingness to hang out your shingle, together with an excellent location and sufficient capital to stock products for sale, you could earn $100,000 or so a year.

David Lena began his career as a mobile groomer. According to David, it takes six to eight months to get certified, and lengthy hands-on experience to become a master. For David, in fact, experience became his university on the subject. “Grooming is not as easy as it looks. In addition to learning the cuts, you have to know how to handle an animal’s resistance without losing your cool.”

Agility et al Michael and Priscilla O’Malley, owners of Liebe Aire Acres, blend a number of services into their business. Michael started out in health care management, while Priscilla taught sports medicine all over the world. When they got their first Airedale, however, it changed their direction. “We sold the home we loved, acquired three acres of land and invested $7,000 to $8,000 in agility equipment,” says Michael. They learned to groom and show as well as teach obedience and agility. A sideline to the business is a small doggy bed and breakfast. The couple offers dog parties and socials where such events as relay races and swamp swims are a regular occurrence. “Every dog wants a family and deserves a life,” is the O’Malleys’ philosophy.

Getting into retail Marie Sabatine is another pioneer in her field. She’s the founder/ owner of Pets Naturally, a holistic pet store her customers and their animals use as a neighborhood hangout. Marie started out as a liquor store manager, but when she met her dogs, Snowball and Sandy, her life changed. Both dogs had serious illnesses, so Marie started researching alternative health options and found she had to get their supplements at human health stores. “In those days, there were hardly any high grade nutritional products for pets.” She therefore decided to take out a loan and open a shop that supplies animals with the quality resources they deserve. That was nine years ago. Since then, Pets Naturally has become a successful holistic resource center.

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Learning to communicate Lydia Hiby is a well-known animal communicator who drew her inspiration from a childhood dream of becoming a fairy godmother to animals. She has even published a book on the subject, entitled Conversations with Animals. Lydia started out as a licensed animal health technician. “It takes about two years to get licensed,” she says. That education became the bedrock of her work today: “I am able to bridge the gap between my clients and their vets.” When Lydia began mentoring under Beatrice Lydecker, the original pioneer in the field of animal communication, she gradually shifted her focus and finally decided to become a full time animal communicator. Today, she lectures on the subject, and offers private consultations and seminars for animal guardians. Whatever career you choose, it’s important to do market research, especially before investing in a capital-intensive business. You might also ask yourself: “Do I feel inspired to do this? Can I afford to take a risk? Am I willing to embark on a journey that may lead me on many twists and turns in the process of fulfilling my dreams?” If the answer is yes, then destiny is probably calling you! Different animal careers require varying levels of education, experience and training. The following page offers some tips and resources to get you started. animal wellness

Holistic vet or vet tech

Vets can earn from $20,000 a year for part-time work in a small town, to several hundred thousand if they practice where holistic services are welcome. Vet techs may earn from $15 to $60 an hour, depending on education and experience. It is possible to train under the supervision of a veterinarian, without the need for licensure. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association – www.ahmva.org

Massage therapist

May earn from $20 to $75 per session. You can find some excellent certificate courses on the Internet. International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork – www.iaamb.org PetMassage Training & Research Institute – www.petmassage.com

Groomer

Income ranges from $20 to $100 and up per session for a variety of basic to fancy products and services. PetGroomer.com – www.petgroomer.com

Trainer

If you’re good, you can earn as much as $100 per session. Training is offered through most SPCA organizations, as well as the following. National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors – www.nadoi.org Delta Society – www.deltasociety.org Association of Pet Dog Trainers – www.apdt.com.

Animal Communicator

Can make from $30 to $150 an hour and up, depending on skill level and marketing ability. Publication can help your reputation. Check out this issue for ads related to communication seminars.

Shelter manager or attendant

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Compassion and a knack for working with animals are important qualifications for a shelter attendant. For a manager, leadership and communication skills are also crucial. Shelter Central, American Humane Association – www.ahasheltercentral.org National Outreach Shelter, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – www.aspca.org/shelters Humane Society University – www.HumaneSocietyU.org

Wildlife rehabilitator

Some experience working with wild animals is important. You might also need a bachelor’s degree in animal science, and/or veterinary technician credentials. International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council – www.iwrc-online.org National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association – www.nwrawildlife.org For more information on these and many other positions, refer to 105 Careers for Animal Lovers, Paula Fitzsimmons, PJ Publications, Madison, WI, 2002. Order through www.pjpublications.com.

JANE ELLEN PLOTKIN IS AN ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR AND CHANNEL WITH A LONG HISTORY AS A FAMILY THERAPIST.

BASED IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, SHE USES HER GIFT AND EXPERIENCE TO IDENTIFY AND SOLVE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND OTHER ISSUES.

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ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

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Inside this issue: Animal Communicators Animal Health Care Aromatherapy Holistic Veterinarians Internet E-Tailers Natural Product Manufacturers Shelters & Rescues

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April 3-8, 2004 – Toronto, ON Tellington TTouch Training with Edie Jane Eaton Contact: Robyn Hood 1-800-225-2336 ttouch@shaw.ca • www.icefarm.com April 17 & 18, 2004 – Rockwood, ON Animal Communication Workshop Level 2 with Barbara Janelle Contact: Dixie Golins 416-487-8714 dgolins@yahoo.com

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March 20-21, 2004 – Plymouth, MA Gregory L. Tilford Seminar Contact: The Healthy Animal 1-781-826-9760 sjcurtis@adelphia.net

April 23-25, 2004 – Las Vegas, NV No More Homeless Pets Conference Contact: Barbara Williamson, Best Friends Animal Society 435-644-2001 barbara@bestfriends.org • www.alexispark.com/index.htm April 24-28, 2004 – Maumee, OH Tellington TTouch Training for dogs Contact: Janice Fron 1-800-854-8326 info@tellingtonttouch.com • www.tellingtonttouch.com May 1-5, 2004 – Mountain Center, CA Tellington TTouch Training for dogs Contact: Janice Fron 1-800-854-8326 info@tellingtonttouch.com • www.tellingtonttouch.com

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May 1-6, 2004 – Ottawa, ON Tellington TTouch Training with Edie Jane Eaton Contact: Robyn Hood 1-800-255-2336 ttouch@shaw.ca • www.icefarm.com May 23-27, 2004 – Omaha, NE Tellington TTouch Training for dogs Contact: Janice Fron 1-800-854-8326 info@tellingtonttouch.com • www.tellingtonttouch.com June 5-6, 2004 – Pasadena, CA Animal Wellness Expo – Adoption & Shopping Event Contact: Tim Hockley 1-866-764-1212 info@animalwellnessexpo.com www.animalwellnessexpo.com

Post your event online at:

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events

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NUTRITION

A crash course in calcium If you feed raw or home-cooked meals to your animal companion, you probably have questions about supplementation. Calcium, which tops the list of the twelve most essential minerals for dogs and cats, is probably the nutrient that gives rise to the most confusion and is also a supplement you have to take some extra care with.

Calcium is crucial for the development of strong teeth and bones, but did you know it’s also necessary for normal blood clotting, and for nerve and muscle function? Calcium also influences parathyroid hormone functions and the metabolism of Vitamin D. Phosphorus is calcium’s partner, and is important for the storage and transfer of energy. Calcium and phosphorus must be properly balanced in an animal’s diet. National Research Council (NRC) guidelines state that dogs require a daily minimum of 119 mg of calcium and 89 mg of phosphorus per kilogram of body weight, while cats need 128 mg of calcium and 96 mg of phosphorus. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), meanwhile, recommends that adult dogs and cats get a daily minimum of 0.6% calcium and 0.5% phosphorus. What does a calcium deficiency look like? In growing dogs and cats, it can cause skeletal deformities

and lameness. In a lactating bitch, you could be faced with hypocalcaemia causing eclampsia, also known as milk fever, a metabolic condition that can occur when there is an increased demand for calcium. On the flip side, you can also give your animal too much calcium. In dogs, this can result in different types of bone deformities, and joints can break down, especially in large breed puppies. Excess calcium in cats can lead to poor growth, increased bone mineral density, and a greater need for magnesium. If you are home-preparing food for your companion, it is important to remember that meat without bone is very high in phosphorus, but deficient in calcium. In order to balance the two minerals, you need to add a calcium supplement to every meal. An excellent guide to calcium supplementation can be found at Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s website, www.drpitcairn.com. Calcium supplements include products made from pure bone meal, such as Swiss Natural Sources or KAL, or non-animal sources like Animal Essentials, which is natural calcium from seaweed. Your animal can also derive calcium from vitamin supplements like AMIXX’s, which provides calcium from parsley, sesame seeds, sage and rosemary. Or you can make your own supplement by drying egg shells overnight and pulverizing them in a coffee grinder, adding 1/2 teaspoon to each pound of meat served. Raw bones are another good source of calcium, but keep in mind that animals who only gnaw or lick at the bones without ingesting them are not getting enough of the mineral. Feeding ground bones rather than solid ones helps solve the problem. For help adjusting the calcium/phosphorous balance when feeding bones, check out the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database for Standard Reference at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/ nut_search.pl. Just enter the meat source you are feeding and the site will provide you with a nutrient content analysis. You can also feed vegetables rich in calcium. These include dark leafy greens like collard or turnip greens, kale, okra, bok choy, and broccoli. Calcium is an essential building block in your friend’s nutritional health. It’s up to you to provide him with the best quality food and supplements you can. If you’re not sure about what you are feeding, or have further questions about calcium or other supplements, seek advice from a holistic veterinarian or canine nutritionist.

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Mad Cow Disease:

Cutting the risk to our companions

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

p until a year ago, Mad Cow Disease (MCD) was considered “foreign” to North America. We watched in dismay as Europe struggled with the implications of this disease. With the discovery of an infected cow in Canada last May, however, and the more recent report of one in the U.S., this is no longer someone else’s problem. Many people have expressed concern about their animal

P RO D UCT SHOWC A S E

companions contracting MCD. Is this possible? Should you be concerned about the health of your dog or cat as well as your own? I’m not really surprised that MCD (also called bovine spongioform encephalopathy or BSE) has made an appearance here. The food supply is “generally safe,” since meat intended for human consumption must pass inspection by food health veterinarians who check the meat at the point of slaughter. Even though the infected cows came from Canada, a U.S. cow could just as well have been the culprit, as detection systems for the disease are not as good as they should be, according to some experts. Due to the worldwide distribution of this horrible condition, it was only a matter of time, regardless of the controls we have on food inspection, that MCD would be detected. Mad Cow Disease is not caused by bacteria or viruses but by protein particles called prions. These prions, which start out as normal components of neurological tissue, are very resistant to destruction, and survive anything and everything, including freezing, heating, pressure, and irradiation. They concentrate in the nervous tissue (brain and spinal cord) of infected animals. Scientists believe the disease originated from the agricultural practice of feeding meat to ruminants (cows, sheep, etc.), which normally would never be carnivores in the wild. Many countries have now banned this practice, although it is up to local farmers to follow and enforce the ban. It seems there are two forms of MCD in people. The first and most well known is the condition called CreutzfeldtJakob Disease (CJD), usually seen in older people. It may be confused with Alzheimer’s disease and progresses very slowly. A new variant form of CJD affects younger people (usually) and is more rapidly progressive. In the U.K., this second form has been linked to eating beef stricken with MCD. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, either conventional or alternative. Death occurs over time

animal wellness

as “holes” develop in the brain, giving it a spongy appearance (hence the medical term, spongiopathy.) While it is vitally important to do all we can to keep MCD off this continent, the number of people worldwide with the disease is thankfully still small. Since it is such a horrible condition with no cure,

steps such as completely banning the practice of feeding slaughterhouse waste to livestock, and testing every animal before it is eaten, must be applied and followed worldwide. A move away from feedlots, while controversial and not politically popular, and towards range or grass feeding would also be helpful (and continued on page 72

Pet food labels 101* The only way to know if the food you give your dog or cat might contain ingredients that could become infected with the prions causing MCD is to learn to read labels. We used to think more expensive foods contained better, safer ingredients, but this is not always the case (although in my experience, the cheaper the food the more likely it is to contain animal by-products). There are specific rules about how manufacturers are allowed to list ingredients, but there are so many definitions and exceptions that it’s often impossible to know exactly what’s in the food without contacting the manufacturer and asking questions (which I encourage you to do). Here are definitions for some of the ingredients found in pet food: Meat: Clean flesh from slaughtered animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, etc.) limited to skeletal muscle or muscle found in the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus, with or without fat, sinew, skin, nerve, and blood vessels. Meat meal: Animal tissue that has been rendered (a process where fat and water are removed) without blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure and stomach contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It can contain meat from “4D” animals (dead, dying, diseased, or disabled) which have been condemned for human consumption. Meat meal can also come from dehydrated meat (meat without the water content) and can be of higher quality. Meat and bone meal: Similar to meat meal, except that it includes bone. This is a by-product with variable amounts of meat, bone and protein quality. May contain meat from 4D animals.

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Meat by-product: Non-rendered clean parts other than meat, including lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, stomachs and intestines freed of contents. Meat by-products cannot contain hair, horns, teeth, and hoofs. While it may be more wholesome than meat meal or meat and bone meal (since it comes from non-rendered tissue and from slaughtered animals rather than carcasses of already dead animals), there is no way to tell from the label which “by-products” are included. Contact the manufacturer to determine what is contained in the meat by-product. Sometimes it may be healthy organ meat (liver) and sometimes it might simply be intestines (not so healthy). Animal by-product meal: Rendered tissue without hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure and stomach contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. This definition covers tissue products that do not meet other definitions and is not intended to be used to label a mixture of animal tissue products. *Adapted from 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, Shawn Messonnier, DVM, (Rodale, 2003.)

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animal passages

Iris: my first animal teacher

by JaneA Kelley One spring day in 1982, a mother and her children arrived at the local animal shelter to adopt a cat. There were all kinds of candidates, from an old battle-scarred tabby with a halfchewed ear, to an orange and white cat who eyed the humans sullenly, almost daring them to open his cage. The family looked at and played with many cats and kittens, but there was just no spark. Until they came to the last cage.

shared our lives as a loving family companion. I learned about unconditional love when she comforted me during times of sadness. And most of all, I learned about the mysterious bond that forms between people and animals, a bond that transcends the petty dramas of human life.

Inside, a sweet calico kitten with sea-green eyes greeted them with a squeaking mew. She was snow-white except for orange and black patches on her back, tail and head. The woman took her out of the cage and stroked her. She began purring and instantly won the woman’s heart. The mother let her kids hold the kitten and then asked what they thought. The little boy smiled and nodded, and the teenage girl (who’d hoped for a black cat but didn’t want to start an argument) said, “Sure.” That was how my family adopted Iris.

One such lesson stands out clearly in my mind. Eleven years ago, I was staying at my family’s house in the country. It was spring, and a flock of wild turkeys had taken up residence at the edge of a nearby cornfield. One afternoon, I decided to get a closer look. My plan was to walk to the edge of the woods by the cornfield and then cut through the trees until I reached the spot where the turkeys were nesting.

Over the next 18 years, as I grew from teen to adult, Iris

Memorial Urns “We received Bonnie’s angel today. She is absolutely beautiful! I am overwhelmed with her beauty. For the first time since we lost Bonnie, I actually felt a bit of peace in my soul that has been missing.”

animal wellness

As I reached the woods, I looked back and saw Iris following me. “Go on, get away,” I whispered, sure she would scare the turkeys before I had a chance to see them. She looked at me as if to say, Yeah, right. “Okay,” I told her. “If you insist on coming, then lead the way.” Without missing a beat, Iris marched in front of me and into the woods. She glanced back with a look that said, “Well, what are you waiting for?” and I followed her. We paced slowly through the trees with Iris literally showing me where to place my feet to avoid unnecessary noise. Every time she took a step, she glanced back to see if I’d been paying attention before moving on. When I stumbled on a branch, she shot me a reproachful look: Some hunter you are! We entered a clearing, where a chipmunk loudly berated us for invading its space and destroyed my hopes of seeing the turkeys. We went on, however, and Iris led me to the edge of the woods, where I saw several large twig nests built in low branches a few feet from the ground. We were right by the cornfield where the turkeys had been gathering. As we returned home, I thanked Iris for leading me on this wonderful expedition. How she knew I wanted to find the turkeys, I have no idea, but her ability to take me directly to the turkeys’ nesting ground was nothing short of incredible to me.

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animal passages . . .most of all, I learned about the mysterious bond that forms between people and animals, a bond that transcends the petty dramas of human life.

Illustration: JaneA Kelley

breathed a sigh of relief. I was glad the end had finally come, and that it had been a tranquil one. But what had I just seen under the kitchen table? Had I just imagined I saw Iris…or perhaps her spirit was bidding me one last farewell. Now, Iris is wherever cats’ souls go, but I believe that someday she’ll return. If I’m meant to share my life with her again, she’ll find me. If not, I know she will bring a lifetime of joy, magic and love to the person lucky enough to be blessed by her presence.

Time to say good-bye On October 2, 1999, after a long and happy life, Iris died peacefully at home near the people she loved. I had so many feelings about her passing that it was hard to sort them out. I felt guilty because for several years after we adopted Iris, I liked other cats better. I was also somewhat relieved by her passing. In her last few months, she’d really been showing her age. She remained affectionate and purring, enjoying her food and her family, but she’d gone deaf, was blind in one eye, and getting very forgetful. I sensed she was ready to leave her body, so I started saying goodbye to her. I urged my mother and brothers to do the same, and to give her permission to go. One autumn day, my mother called to say that Iris was getting close to the end. I came home to say one last goodbye. When I arrived, Iris was resting in her carrier in her favorite sunny spot. She looked up at me with her one good eye and meowed “hi” as I knelt down and touched her hip gently. Tears fell from my eyes as she struggled to her feet and turned around to face me. I gently stroked her head, telling her, “Goodbye, Iris. It’s okay for you to go now.” I stopped by my mother’s house again at around 11 that night. As I walked through the back door and into the kitchen, I saw Iris poke her nose out from under the tablecloth, and then duck back. I was just about to comment on her renewed agility, when my mother told me she had died quietly about an hour before. I

JANEA KELLEY IS A WRITER AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR LIVING IN BELFAST, MAINE. SHE AND HER CURRENT CAT TEACHERS, SINÉAD O’KITTY AND SIOUXSIE MEW, WRITE A WEEKLY ANIMAL ADVICE COLUMN CALLED “PAWS AND EFFECT” FOR WWW.VILLAGESOUP.COM.

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A good quality nutritional supplement is an important addition to your companion’s diet. Healthy Pet Systems’ Longevity Formula contains 32 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in a bacon-flavored powder that you sprinkle on or mix into your buddy’s food for enhanced immune function, a shinier coat, and all-round better health. For animals with joint problems, FlexoR Joint Health Super Formula combines glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with other essential nutrients to ease stiffness and discomfort. Longevity Formula: $39.99 FlexoR: $49.99 www.vithealth.com

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Taking the stress out of nailcare by Sally Sizer It’s a familiar scenario. One glimpse of the nail clippers and your dog or cat scurries away to hide under the bed or some other hard-to-reach spot. But don’t give up. Regular nail maintenance is essential to your animal’s health, and there are ways to make it easier on both of you.

Why trim his nails?

One of the most important reasons to keep your dog or cat’s nails short is that they are less likely to scratch and injure someone. This may seem trivial at first glance, but a serious scratch can cause a lot of physical and emotional distress, especially to a child – and in some cases may even result in a lawsuit. As a volunteer and professional pet-assisted therapist, I need to be careful that my animals’ nails don’t accidentally scratch and potentially infect my clients. All animal guardians should be aware of this potential for injury to others. Aside from the damage they can to do other people and animals, not to mention your furniture and flooring, long nails can also be harmful to your dog or cat. Not only can they get caught on things, but they’re also more likely to split down the middle and become infected. Eventually, they can grow into the footpads, necessitating an operation to cut the nail back and stitch up the pad. This is a costly procedure and one that requires your animal to be put on

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Start ‘em young If possible, acclimatize him from an early age to having his paws handled. Kittens and puppies can be taught to accept this at nine weeks old. • Start by gently massaging his feet and in between his toes – this helps reduce his sensitivity to having his feet touched prior to any clipping or grinding.

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• After a week or so of this gentle handling, you can move on to the actual trimming. Recruit a friend or partner to help, making sure it is someone the animal is familiar and comfortable with. • Have your helper sit on a couch with a towel on their knees, and let them gently “contain” your animal on their lap (allowing the animal to move about within the confines of the person’s arms, but without escaping). Once Fido or Fluffy is settled, have your helper tenderly hold a paw in one hand while holding the animal’s body with the other. You should have the following tools handy – a nail clipper or grinder, a styptic pencil, and a cotton swab. • Hold the clipper towards your animal’s paw and nail. While talking soothingly, expose and insert one of the nails into the clipper. Take careful notice of where the quick is before you start to trim – the quick is the fleshy part of the nail that’s similar to our own finger pads, and is easiest to see in animals with white nails. To avoid cutting into the quick, clip off just the tip of the nail. • This procedure is a little harder if your animal has dark nails, but it is possible. Again, clip off only the tip of the nail, making sure to frequently check the location of the quick so you don’t cut it by accident. It is sometimes easier to locate the quick after an animal has had a bath (if he doesn’t mind being bathed) because the water helps soften the nails, thereby making the whole process easier. When using clippers, just remove the tip of the nail. A nail grinder is a popular alternative to clippers.

• You’ll know if you’ve accidentally hit the quick if the nail begins to bleed. You can stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the nail with a styptic pen (you may also have to wrap a cotton swab around the pen).

What should I use?

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Photos provided by Sally Sizer

You can use either a clipper or a grinder to shorten your animal’s nails. If you prefer

to trim or cut the nails, the best choice is a guillotine-type nail cutter. Just make sure the blade is kept sharp. A dull blade will crush the nail instead of making a clean cut (hairdressers and barbers have their scissors sharpened constantly). It’s also a good idea to buy a product that can take replacement blades. You can purchase a guillotine nail cutter kit with replacement blade and styptic pen through Cherrybrook (www.cherrybrook.com) for around $7. Replace the blade on your nail cutter at least once every four months (more often if you have multiple animals).

SOOTHING HIS ANXIETY I have found Tellington TTouch™ Raccoon TTouches to be highly beneficial in placating animals who are particularly reluctant to have their nails shortened. Start by separating one of your animal’s toes from the others and gently exposing the nail. Using the tips of your fingers, gently hold the nail for a brief moment before grinding or clipping. The keyword

is gently. You can check to make sure you’re not putting too much pressure on the toe by observing whether the top half of your thumbnail is pink or white. If it’s white, you’re pressing too hard. Maintaining a light, gentle pressure is very important: animals will instinctively fight back when their nails and toes are being pinched.

Nail grinders are more expensive than clippers or cutters, costing around $30 on average, but some people prefer them because they preclude the danger of cutting the animal’s quick. If you grind your animal’s nails, it’s important to make sure you do not pinch or squeeze his toes during the process. Instead, gently separate each toe and hold it in your hand. Next, turn the grinder on low and let your animal listen to the sound. Move the tool nearer the animal and gently pass it over your animal’s paws (being careful not to catch the fur). You may also feed your animal some tasty treats to reward him for good behavior. Next, touch the grinder to the tip of your animal’s nail and move its sanding band continuously around the tip of the nail, grinding it to a smooth, round surface. Periodically check the location of the quick – you can quickly turn off the grinder before you hit that sensitive part. I recommend clipping or grinding your animal’s nails once a month. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, take him to your veterinarian or groomer to have it done professionally. Either way, proper nail care will make life safer and more comfortable for both you and your companion. BASED IN WESTBROOK, CONNECTICUT, SALLY SIZER HAS 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS A DOG BREEDER AND TRAINER, AND IS A TELLINGTON TTOUCH™ AND REIKI LEVEL 2 PRACTITIONER. HER ANIMAL FRIENDS INCLUDE FOUR DOGS, A CAT, A BUNNY AND TWO TORTOISES. animal wellness

Illustrations by: Debra A. Saum

SERENDIPITY It’s hard to explain but magical when it happens. A couple of issues back, our editor-in-chief, Dana Cox, shared a serendipitous story of her own and asked our readers to share theirs. Here is one of the wonderful stories we received.

SERENDIPITY W intr oduces a cherished friend By Debra A. Saum, Ph.D.

We were an all-cat household. My husband and our family of seven felines enjoyed the many positive challenges involved in a multi-animal household. Although we had often talked about wanting a dog, there never seemed to be the right dog at the right time. Our fur children had made it abundantly clear that they weren’t in any real hurry to have a canine on the premises. We decided to let time and nature take its course. It had been a tough year for me personally. My mom, who had been battling cancer for almost two years, was wearing down. After my visit to see her in January, I realized on the plane trip home from Florida to San Diego that Mom’s time was now very limited. I feared for how I was going to handle her passing. I had already lost my dad years before. . . he was a fireman who died in the line of duty. My heavy heart mulled over the thought of becoming an orphan at 52 years old. Both of my parents were avid animal lovers. . . my childhood was filled with bunnies, guinea pigs, turtles, cats, dogs and horses. My mom was the tolerant, “okay you can keep that new kittie” type, while my dad was the rugged outdoorsman

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who was always looking for a way to teach me and my brothers about Nature and her animal kingdom. He loved being out in the wilderness, especially with his beloved dogs. One of my favorite memories is of my father and Beau, his beautiful, mellow Weimauraner. Wise and loving towards

“Beau”

our entire family, Beau was also my dad’s best friend. Never would my dad’s facial expression soften so much as when he was with Beau. There was a special kind of love between them, like brothers. Fast forward to 2003. A knock on my door. It’s the next door neighbor, Judy,

with a dog in tow. A big, beautiful huskyshepherd mix. But wait a minute. She doesn’t have a dog! “This is Beau,” she explained. “I’m trying to find a home for him. He used to live with my friend, Ray, and Ray was shot and killed a few nights ago. Security guard. Died in the line of duty. I just couldn’t let them take Beau to the pound, so Jeff and I are gonna keep him till we can find him a good home. I’ve been taking him to work with me, but tomorrow I can’t. Any chance you could stop over real quick and check on him?” Serendipity, is that you knocking at my door? I’m staring at this beautiful, shy, special dog with the most sad expression on his face. “Of course, Judy. I’ll be happy to check on him. His previous human was just killed? How very sad. Are you okay? Did you say his name was Beau?” The next morning, I went over to the neighbor’s house and sure enough, Beau was calmly waiting for me. Rather than just visit with him, I decided to take him for a walk and then bring him home for the duration of the day. He had been through too much to be alone all day. And yes, I wanted to check out how he was with the other fur kids. My intuition was

already in serendipitous gear. I had a strong niggle inside about this Mr. Beau. When my husband came home that night, it was to the shy nuzzle of a grateful Beau’s nose against his pant leg. “Hi honey,” I said, “this is Beau. . . remember the one Judy brought by last night? He’s been with me and the kitties all day.” “So does this mean we now have a dog?” he asked. “What do you think?” I answered. “I mean his name is Beau. And you know how often I’ve talked about my dad’s Beau?! The kitties are doing amazingly well with him. Nobody has hissed or thrown a fit. And Beau is a real gentleman with them – very sweet and unassuming. . .” When Jeff and Judy heard from us that evening about wanting to make Beau a part of our family, they were thrilled. I asked Judy if she had planned this all along. But of course, I knew the answer to that question in my heart of hearts. Beau was planned, that’s for sure. But it was the gods of serendipity who did the planning. I had asked for him! Over and over on that plane ride home from visiting my mom, I had asked, I had pleaded, I had hoped. “Something, someone help me cope with my mother’s death. Please. . . bring me something to help me get through this.” My mom made her passing a couple of months ago. She’s with my dad, I’m sure. And Beau is with me. We take walks every day, sometimes several times a day. We talk about Nature and all her kingdom. We talk about my mom and dad. We talk about family. But mostly, we just walk, breathe fresh air and act thankful. Thankful for finding each other, and thankful for serendipity. DEBRA SAUM

IS AN ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

AND ANIMAL ARTIST WHO LIVES IN CALIFORNIA WITH HER HUSBAND, FIVE CATS AND A DOG NAMED

BEAU.

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animal wellness

Making hay FEEDING YOUR HORSE THE NATURAL WAY by Lisa Ross-Williams

Photo: Lisa Ross-Williams

ust as Mother Nature intended, the wild herd spends many hours happily grazing. But their diet consists of more than just lush green grass. As they meander over the land, noses rarely rising from the ground, they encounter a variety of native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and during the fall months, a little ripened grain. Horses are natural grazers and foragers. Unfortunately, many have had their fundamental eating habits changed, either because pasture is not available or because it’s easier for people to keep them in confined spaces, feeding them only once or twice a day.

Infrequent feeding is unhealthy

A horse’s digestive system needs to be supplied with small quantities of food numerous times daily. This is because his stomach is relatively small and can hold only one to four gallons of food at a time. This food moves into the gut track very quickly, which means the horse feels hungry again about an hour after eating. Infrequent feeding can unbalance his intestinal bacteria, resulting in stomach disturbances, diarrhea, and colic. It can also contribute to gastric ulcer disease, estimated to afflict 60% to 90% of mature horses. The type of feed, along with boarding practices, chemical use, and performance

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training also play a role in the development of ulcers. They can range in severity from mild stomach lesions that heal on their own, to those serious enough to perforate the stomach wall and cause death. Symptoms may include low appetite, poor muscle and hair condition, and intermittent colic, although many affected horses show no obvious outward signs. Ulcers occur when stomach tissue is damaged by digestive acids. Because a horse is meant to graze on an almost continual basis, his stomach constantly produces digestive acid for the breakdown of food. When there is food in the stomach, the acid is properly absorbed and neutralized. Allowing your horse free access to pasture or grass hay, while cutting down on grain and concentrated processed feeds, lowers his risk of developing this often serious disease. If you don’t have a pasture, or the one you have is over-grazed, you can divide your horse’s daily feeding into multiple smaller amounts, or offer free-choice hay by scattering small piles in his paddock. This re-establishes a more natural feeding pattern, wakes up his foraging instinct, and mentally challenges him to work for his food.

What is a natural diet for horses? There’s more to feeding a horse than offering freechoice hay, as not all hay is created equal when it comes to equine health. Different types of grass hay, such as Bermuda, Timothy, Orchard, Brome and Rye, along with small amounts of alfalfa or grain hay, give your horse a variety of textures, tastes and nutrients. When feeding your horse on a free-choice basis, grass hays should comprise the main course, with legume hays like alfalfa serving as a condiment

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only. One reason for this is that alfalfa can contain 50% more calories and protein per pound than grass hay. People often make the mistake of feeding alfalfa hay in the same quantities as grass hay, or worse yet, as the only feed. No horse needs this much protein or calories. In addition, alfalfa has a high calcium to phosphorus ratio – often 4-1 and higher. The ratio for a healthy horse is 2-1.

The importance of mineral balance

Furthermore, a University of California study confirms that too much alfalfa may lead to a higher risk of enteroliths. These rock-hard mineral deposits, also known as stones, build up in the stomach or intestine and can cause colic and death. The study revealed that horses suffering from stones had a higher pH concentrate in their colons, and more alfalfa in their diets. Cushings, insulin-resistant, and chronic laminitic horses, as well as ponies and burros, are particularly susceptible to the ill-effects of alfalfa.

A correct balance of minerals is needed for energy production, fluid balance, normal growth, bone formation, healing, and the proper functioning of cells. Imbalances can cause a variety of disorders including skin and hoof conditions, allergies, poor stress tolerance, low immune reserves and intestinal problems. Stress, environmental toxins, unbalanced feeding programs and genetic patterns can all contribute to mineral imbalances.

Too much grain can also cause health disorders. In the wild, grain is found only in small scattered amounts, often when winter is approaching and the horse needs more calories. It is neither natural nor healthy for a horse to consume large amounts of this highly concentrated foodstuff, which can cause vices, colic, ulcers and high insulin levels if overfed. Grain can also wreck havoc on a horse’s glucose levels. Grain contains simple carbohydrates, which enter the horse’s bloodstream much more quickly than the complex carbohydrates found in fiber-based foods like hay. This triggers a surge in glucose levels, which in turn causes a quick increase in insulin and a rush of adrenaline. The body must then remove the extra insulin from the bloodstream, causing fatigue which can last several hours. Cushings and insulinresistant horses in particular should not be fed grain. Though most horses will get their needed nutrients from a variety of hays and/or pasture, more active animals do benefit from added fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. Rice bran, wheat bran, beet pulp, small amounts of grain (a pound or two), and some commercial natural feeds can be used in small quantities to supplement the horse’s mainly roughage diet.

The hard desert ground is no match for the gray’s powerful natural hooves. Inch by inch, he digs into the bank until he uncovers what he’s looking for – a reddish rock that he begins to lick. Although there are many other rocks around, this one contains certain minerals his body needs.

A Hair Mineral Analysis, when done by a qualified practitioner, is a very effective tool for pinpointing mineral imbalances. From a sample of your horse’s mane, an HMA can reveal mineral excesses, deficiencies, key ratios, and levels of toxic substances such as aluminum, lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. These imbalances can then be corrected through proper supplementation.

The facts on flax Adding ground flaxseed to a horse’s diet can strengthen the immune system, enhance mineral absorption, help chronic inflammatory conditions, improve hair, skin and hoof conditions, and may even alleviate allergies. Flax can help prevent sand colic because it’s a soluble fiber source that forms a gel to trap, suspend and carry sand out of the body. It’s also high in Omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient lacking in most horses that are fed only hay instead of pasture.

Variety is the spice of life Horses also derive needed nutrients from a variety of natural plant materials, and rarely choose to eat only hay or grass. They will nibble on leaves, bark and seeds, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Providing branches from a variety of trees not only lets your horse animal wellness

nibble leaves and bark for nutrients, but also gives him a chance to use his teeth naturally, helping to wear down sharp edges. Many types of trees may be used, although fruit, citrus and pine are good to start with. Check with your local county extension office about whether or not a particular tree might be poisonous, and also ensure the tree doesn’t have large thorns or has been sprayed with pesticides. Natural logs with bark can be obtained from specialized lumber yards, often free of charge from their scrap pile. Be sure to use only natural logs and branches, and avoid lumber or wood that splinters or has been treated. Horses will also enjoy fresh vegetable scraps along with edible flowers and leaves. Many will even like the tangy taste of citrus fruit. Bird seed can be sprouted and offered as a treat, or try the sprouted seed mixes available in grocery stores. Organic carrots grown in your own garden will always be a hit!

obstruction. Respiratory problems can occur because foreign particles are easily inhaled, causing irritation and possible infection. If you are wary of ground level feeding because you’re concerned about sand colic, use rubber mats or tire feeders, and supplement with flax seed. Although equine nutrition is a complex subject that should be geared towards the needs of the individual horse, implementing a natural feeding program will go a long way towards ensuring a happy, healthy life.

BASED

ARIZONA, LISA ROSS-WILLIAMS IS A NATURAL HORSE CONSULTANT, FREELANCE WRITER, CLINICIAN, AND HOST OF PHOENIX RADIO TALK SHOW, If Your Horse Could Talk. LISA HAS IMMERSED IN

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How a horse is fed is as important as what and how often he is fed. Because humans don’t want to eat off the ground, we assume horses don’t either, so we install chest-level hay racks and mangers. However, a horse is built to chew and swallow with his head at ground level. Eating with his head raised leads to improperly chewed food, decreased saliva, and uneven tooth wear, and also increases the possibility of choking or partial

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Lessons from a Zen dog Photo: Lee Spark Jones

By: Sharon Callahan

o all appearances Ranger was the typical shelter dog -- large, excitable, untrained and past the cute puppy stage. Since he was first given up at two years of age he had been through four homes. In between he was in shelters for up to three months at a time. During the last of these long incarcerations, Ranger became aggressive not only towards other dogs as was his habit, but the shelter staff as well and consequently was scheduled for euthanasia. With less than 24 hours to live, he was rescued and placed in foster care with Lee Spark-Jones. Lee intuitively saw a bright glimmer beneath Ranger’s fearful, aggressive façade. She felt she could prepare the dog for placement in a permanent home. “Once away from the shelter, Ranger was deeply loving toward people,” says Lee. “He had received some basic training, but was over-excitable and would stiffen, pull, lunge, salivate and generally ‘lose it’ when he saw a dog.” Lee began working Ranger intensively using positive training methods with deference and relaxation protocols, giving him lots of de-escalation experience such as turning him away from approaching dogs, keeping him focused, and using lots of treats and praise. She worked with a trainer and her dogs, which helped Ranger tremendously and readied him for basic obedience class. Still something was missing. “My understanding of his early life drew a blank,” explains Lee. “I thought if I had a picture of what his early experience had been I could better understand the basis of his underlying anxiety.” During our first session, Ranger revealed his early life was one

of chaos and unpredictability, where adults and children seemed to be going in different directions at once. As much as he tried, he didn’t know where to focus and became increasingly scattered and insecure. When his family gave him up, he blamed himself for the whole mess and was sure no one would ever want him. His nightmare began to fulfill itself as everyone who adopted him returned him to the shelter. When Lee came into the picture he fell deeply in love with her and set about proving himself the only way he knew how... by being overly protective. Ranger communicated that he wanted a simple quiet life with a routine. When he had something to focus on he felt calm and safe. He hadn’t stopped long enough to notice that Lee provided exactly what he was describing. We offered him reassurance and he relaxed. Over the next few weeks I worked with Ranger telepathically during daily meditation sessions, reassuring him and directing his attention to the gifts available in his present life. I also sent Lee a flower essence formula to animal wellness

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support Ranger in relaxing into his present circumstances and encouraged her in trusting her own intuitive abilities. Beneath the outer challenges of the situation, it seemed clear that Lee and Ranger were destined to be teachers for one another. “Being able to communicate with Ranger helped me to understand his past and do the things that help him feel secure now,” says Lee. “Since our sessions, Ranger seems softer and more open, as if he senses that things are going to be all right. Today we went to the edge of the park and passed about four (leashed) dogs en route with minimal fuss!

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“The whole process has been like Zen training – I have hardly come across anything which requires that I dig so deeply and immediately into a well of calm. Every time he stiffens, or pulls, it is my cue to relax, breathe, empty myself of expectations, tensions and pressure. Ranger needs me to be detached, loving and a leader. I need him to learn the things that will make him safe and happy living in the human world. Together we are learning in ways that neither of us could alone. The two of us are reaping the rewards of simplicity. Underneath it all Ranger is a very Zen dog.”

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

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

What’s Gnu? Keep him smiling

Princely products for your pooch

Periodontal disease affects over 85% of dogs and cats above four years old, and if left untreated can lead to serious health problems. From McIntosh Pro Line comes Denta-Fresh, a product designed to improve dental health by helping to remove plaque, reduce bad breath, and fight the bacteria that causes gum disease. For best results, it’s recommended you use Denta-Fresh in conjunction with regular veterinary dental checkups. Just sprinkle the powder on your animal’s food twice a day. www.McIntoshProLine.com

Your dog deserves to be treated like royalty, according to Prince Lorenzo Borghese, creator of the recently launched Royal Treatment Pet Formulas product line. Though he initially developed the products for his own dog, the grandson of cosmetic icon Princess Marcella Borghese is now marketing them internationally. The line includes all-natural grooming products and treats as well as bedding, sweaters, collars and other accessories. A line of dinnerware is also in the works. www.getroyaltreatment.com

Fight against puppy mills continues The inhumanity of puppy mills has sparked widespread outrage against these factory-like breeding operations. In ongoing efforts to help stop the cruelty, House Representatives Sam Farr and Ed Whitfield, with the support of PETA, HSUS and the SPCA, have drawn up a new version of the Puppy Protection Act, an earlier draft of which failed last year because of pressure from the American Kennel Club. The new law would strengthen existing Animal Welfare Act legislation with several key provisions, including “three strikes” enforcement resulting in the revocation of breeder licenses. To learn more, visit www.hsus.org.

Telethon sets national record

On January 18, the Los Angeles SPCA held its 6th annual telethon, “Friends for Life,” aired live on KCAL-TV. The event attracted the participation of a number of celebrities, including Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde 2), Barbara Eden and Dann Florek (Law Actor Barbara Eden (right) chats with SPCA/LA & Order), Mindy Sterling (Austin president Madeline Bernstein at the “Friends for Powers), James Avery (Soul Food) Life” telethon in Los Angeles. and many more. Over $800,000 in donations was raised, the highest total ever for a pet telethon. The money goes towards SPCA/LA’s work of adopting out homeless animals and providing shelters, helping to pass anti-cruelty legislation, and recruiting investigators to find and prosecute animal abusers.

Alpha and omega Essential fatty acids are crucial for a healthy skin and coat, which is why Canyon Meadow formulates its natural coat and body care line with Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids derived from ostrich oil, a particularly good source of these important nutrients. Products include a Natural Moisturizing Dog Soap, a gentle and effective Natural Ear Wash, and a Dermal Care Spray for relief of irritated skin and hot spots. www.canyonmeadow.ca

Bringing dog lovers together You’ve heard of people meeting their soulmates online, but how about fellow dog lovers? Meetup.com (www.meetup.com), a website that locates people with similar interests and brings them together in real life, has dedicated part of its site to dog guardians. There are dozens of categories to choose from, whether you’re into a particular breed or have an interest in dog rescue, senior dogs or other topics. Sign up by entering your zip code, see if a meetup is scheduled near your area – then vote on a local venue and show up to meet your new friends.

Just add water…. Clean, pure water is getting harder to come by, so it’s nice to know there’s a product that can help make it safer. OxyDoc from Doctor’s Finest Pet Products kills bacteria, fungi and viruses by rapidly changing the pH of the water. It also neutralizes chlorine, a chemical that can kill friendly intestinal flora and cause a variety of disorders in you and your animals. Just add a few drops of OxyDoc to a glass or bowl of water. Similarly diluted, it can also be used externally to treat skin problems. www.doctorsfinest.com animal wellness

book reviews Title: The Pig Who Sang to the Moon Author: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson The best-selling author of When Elephants Weep is back, this time with a thoughtprovoking book that focuses on the feelings of farm animals. The Pig Who Sang to the Moon – The Emotional Lives of Farm Animals asks searching questions about our relationship with the creatures we exploit and eat, and shows that pigs, cows and chickens are just as capable of experiencing love, joy, grief and fear as we are. The premise of the book is both simple and profound. Masson examines the concept of animal happiness, and demonstrates through personal observation, anecdotal evidence and scientific study that it is impossible for any intelligent, conscious creature to be happy in chaotic, overcrowded conditions, where fear, pain and death are everyday occurrences. “Should it matter to us that a chicken may be capable of real joy, but will never experience it because it’s kept in a cage?” he writes. The answer is a resounding “yes.” If you’re debating whether or not to stop consuming products derived from factory-farmed animals, this powerful book is sure to settle the matter once and for all.

Title: Cat Culture Authors: Janet M. Alger and Steven F. Alger Some people believe cats are anti-social and aloof and don’t need companionship. Cat Culture: The Social World of a Cat Shelter proves them wrong. Written by two sociologists, this fascinating book is set in a no-kill shelter in Albany, New York, where dozens of uncaged cats live together. By studying the felines’ behavior and interactions, Janet and Steven Alger discover the cats have evolved a complex social world all their own, where each individual is governed by rules and expectations that define his or her position in the group. From Marquis, the no-nonsense “security guard,” to Cedric, who helps socialize new arrivals to the shelter, each cat has a role to play in this feline fellowship. An academic study as well as highly readable, the book is filled with illustrative stories and delightful photos, making it a must-read for anyone who loves cats.

animal wellness

continued from page 57

would improve the fatty acid content of the meat we eat). MCD is even more unlikely to affect dogs and cats, although it is possible (so far, cats but not dogs appear susceptible). To date, I’ve never seen any credible reports of this disease appearing in the U.S. in our pets, although there have been reports in both domestic and wild cats in Europe. However, in my opinion, there is a greater chance of MCD affecting our pets than ourselves. Why? Because most pet foods do not contain the healthiest ingredients. The U.S. recently announced that “downer” cows (dead, dying or diseased cows) would no longer be allowed to enter the human food chain, but no such promise was made for pet food. That means manufacturers are free to use animals most at risk for having MCD. Many brands of food contain ingredients such as animal byproducts and meat and bone meal. These are the ingredients most likely to include the nervous tissue (brain and spinal cord) of cattle. And since so many pet foods contain these less-than-healthy ingredients, cattle, sheep, deer and other ruminants infected with MCD can easily and quickly infect our pet food supply. Earlier this year, in fact, one Canadian manufacturer recalled dog food that contained rendered parts from an infected cow. What’s the solution? Simple. Whenever possible, prepare nutritious homemade recipes for your animals, using trusted protein sources. If that’s not practical for you, learn to read pet food labels and choose foods that do not contain potentially infected material. Natural diets containing whole meats without byproducts will minimize the risk of infected ingredients in the food. All it takes is some vigilance and self-education. DR. SHAWN MESSONNIER IS THE AUTHOR OF The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & CatS AND 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. HIS VETERINARY PRACTICE, PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL, IS LOCATED IN PLANO, TEXAS. YOU CAN CONTACT HIM AT WWW.PETCARENATURALLY.COM OR NATURALVET@JUNO.COM THE AWARD-WINNING

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Animal Communicators

Associations

Holistic Veterinarians

LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available. Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy.com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (416) 219-3803.

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

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416) 757-3569 Fax (416) 285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net www.holisticpetvet.com

ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT THE VALUE OF HIRING A POOPER SCOOPER SERVICE – Find A Professional Pooper Scooper Service In Our National Directory! Association Of Professional Animal Waste Specialists. www.aPaws.org

ESSEX ANIMAL CLINIC – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Physio and Rehab Therapy. Phone consultations available. (519) 776-7325 Essex ON. www.essexanimalclinic.com

CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide. Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults, email (315) 329-0116, jdefonda@ark-angels.org. LOVING CONVERSATIONS with your animals alive or in spirit, to support you both in deepening friendships and healing and resolving any issues. Energy healing sessions. Work on phone/in person. Learn yourself in workshops or tele conferences. Morgine Jurdan (360) 247-7284 morgine@tds.net www.communicationswithlove.com “Wisdom often lies where you least expect it”. SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behaviour, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing. Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops. Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR, TERA THOMAS – Author of: Opening My Wings To Fly What Animals Have Taught Me. Workshops/Training (919) 742-5929 www.hummingbirdfarm.org I TALK TO THE ANIMALS! Rev Peggy Ray is featured regularly on radio & in newspapers. Phone or in-person, live or in-spirit communication; Bach Flowers & essential oils. (732) 345 8394; www.celestialcreations.net or celestialcreations@comcast.net

Animal Health HEALTH INTUITIVE FOR PETS??? People too! For 15 years, Carol Keppler has been discovering the hidden causes of difficult health issues and their remedies. Try the water-based vibrational formulas that have helped thousands. Special half-price offer for an intuitive reading by phone call (888) 280-4711. BREAKTHROUGH ELECTROLYTE FORMULA! Animals and Humans are Electromagnetic Beings. Coralyte is a powerful electrolyte that is taken with water. Safe and Effective. Can also be used for skin and muscle. To order call David and Sheilagh (888) 610-9898

Books, Publications & Videos “CONVERSATIONS WITH DOG”, “CAT” AND “HORSE” BOOK SERIES, “Holistic Animal Handbook,” Raw Food Videos for Dogs and Cats, BioSuperfood for healing, Animal Communication sessions. Visit our website at www.AKinshipWithAnimals.com Kate Solisti-Mattelon & Patrice Mattelon, internationally known authors and teachers. (866) 499-9356 VISA/MC accepted. LEARN TO LISTEN to your animal friends. Let them remind you of who you really are. For a subscription to “Species Link,” quarterly journal on animal communication, send $25 (check/ money order) to Anima Mundi Incorporated, P.O. Box 1060, Point Reyes, CA 94956. Or visit www.animaltalk.net. SPEAK TO MY HEART! Take Carla Person’s Shamanic Animal Communication Workshop on DVD. Clear steps make it easy to learn. $34.95US includes CAN shipping. www.spirithealer.com/speak

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

Energy Work ANIMALS HAVE ENERGY BODIES TOO, and absorb many emotions. John Wasinski facilitates 3-ray energy work to help support animal companions. John can travel to you in the Great Lakes region (in many cases) and performs distance energy work, wherever you may be. Email animalfriend@woh.rr.com or call (419) 308-1983.

GODERICH VETERINARY CLINIC – Dr. Bill Schilthuis. Holistic homeopathic health, complementary medicine. All animal species. Homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, worming, flea control, heartworm treatment remedies available. Phone (519) 524-2631 Fax (519) 524-2633 Email holistic@hurontel.on.ca

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

Pet Memorials www.ILovedMyPet.com – Preserve the memory of your pet with a free online pet memorial. Visitors can add their own photos, comments and parting sentiments. All profits donated to The Humane Society.

Pet Portraits

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

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

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

INTRODUCTORY & ADVANCED ANIMAL MASSAGE WORKSHOPS – Taught by experienced LMT. Canine & Equine Massage Videos, Workbooks & Anatomy Charts for sale. Integrated Touch Therapy, Inc. Free brochure. (800) 251-0007, wshaw1@bright.net, www.integratedtouchtherapy.com. CEU’s available.

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by Lida Sideris

FORT MAXINE

Springtime! When hints of heaven appear in the guise of fragrant flowers. And so it was in my garden one morning. Beauty reigned supreme – at least until that afternoon, when I came home to discover that my garden had vanished. I stared at the devastation, as shocked as Rip Van Winkle after his hundred years’ nap. Leafy vines were reduced to naked stalks. Cheerless thorny stumps had replaced budding roses. A swarm of locusts might have left me more. I eyed potential culprits, but it was unlikely the dog could wreak such havoc, and the chickens lived in a covered enclosure and so had a solid alibi. One suspect remained: Maxine, a sixmonth-old Alpine dairy goat, who just happened to be missing from her enclosure. I tracked her down to the only trees that hadn’t yet been stripped bare. There she was, lounging in the shade, lower jaw busily gyrating and flanks bulging like sacks of potatoes. Before

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I could begin to question her guilt, she jumped up and over the fence with the assurance of a kangaroo and began chomping on a few forgotten leaves. She’d been so adorable as a kid, nimbly kicking up hooves the size of bottle caps and skipping sideways for sheer joy. She’d looked so happy dancing on air that I tried it myself and found that skipping sideways felt rather good. But now Maxine seemed to think the whole world was her trampoline. To prevent encore performances, I tied her to a large mulberry tree in the middle of her corral with a long wire dog leash. At first, Maxine spent most of her time sky gazing, but I was certain that behind those black oblong pupils lurked a busy, calculating mind. Sure enough, I looked out one day to see her run at top speed away from the tree and neatly snap her leash. She leaped the nearest fence and busily chewed up some pears she’d missed on her previous rounds.

I replaced the dog leash with a steel enforced cord that could have held a dragon. Peace lasted slightly longer, but one afternoon I saw with dismay that her corral was empty. A neighbor called a short while later to report that Maxine was in his house. He kept his back door slightly ajar so his dog could get in and out, and our crazy goat had walked in and was lounging on the living room carpet, watching a TV movie. I sheepishly escorted her home, finally realizing that the only way to keep her there was to build a large pen with six-foot reinforced fencing. I called it Fort Maxine. Recently, Maxine had kids. At just two weeks old, one of them jumped on the roof of her miniature barn to enjoy the scenery. Like mother, like daughter. You might well ask why I added more goats to my family, knowing their supreme capacity for getting into mischief. Well, how else could I have perfected my side skip?

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