I am truly lucky. I have gloriously healthy pets. I’ve never felt better in my life, and all in all - things are really pretty grand. But great health for most any “being” is something that can only be achieved if it’s worked at on a conscious level. We always need to examine the live portraits of the family members that we create - from every angle and reassess them as they age. Nothing stays the same. For many of us (pets included) it’s an art to achieve total wellness, and we have to give ourselves credit for our own triumphs and challenges alike. The balance we create in our world is reflected in how we look and feel. Manifestation is physical.

My book; “The Whole Pet Diet” was published in September of 2006, and since then - I have had the great privilege of working with so many caring dog and cat owners, and have assisted them in their transitions to a healthier lifestyle for the ones they love.

Several hundred people have contacted me in recent months to express their fears about the recent pet food recall, and fortunately, many of them have found safe haven in the practice of making their own foods. Bravo to all of those who have dared to think outside the “litter box”! We’ve all walked down the same path together, at one time or another, and most people have expressed how thrilled they are with their pet’s new diets and the changes they’ve seen them go through. I’ve had so much positive feedback about my book and I can’t think of anyone who has not written me back, to let me know how beautifully their pets are doing on the new program. (Remember that it’s never too late to eat better! )

I hope that you have committed yourself to taking your pets well being into your own hands. If you haven’t done so - get a copy of my book. You can easily find it at halopets.com or at http://www.amazon.com I think it’s chock full of great information, thoughtful tips, wonderful recipes, along with true and heartwarming stories of pets - just like yours.

You are free to share your thoughts and opinions on my blog. My wish is that others will benefit from your input, your questions and your wisdom.

Have a safe and loving holiday weekend. Don’t forget to spend some quality time with your pets and give them a few healthy snacks for me!

The goal is to find a veterinarian who practices what they preach, and one who supports and helps guide you in your decision to love, care for, and heal your own pet as naturally as possible.

You’ll find more and more animal hospitals are beginning to take an integrated approach to animal wellness, and offer more natural and alternative methods in conjunction with traditional or allopathic medical practices. But let’s not confuse the issue, while many veterinarians may refer to themselves as holistic or homeopathic - they might not actually be “walking the walk”. Just because a veterinarian incorporates a few vitamins into their practice, or provides chiropractic services - it does not necessarily make them holistic. I’ve actually found some conventional or allopathic vets who are even more open to, and supportive of my whole pet healing views than some who might “claim” to be truly holistic.

The true holistic approach treats the whole pet rather than just the disease and takes all symptoms —physical, emotional, and environmental— into consideration. Nutrition, lifestyle, sunlight, and activity levels are critical to healing, as is a loving, caring, and nurturing manner. Not just a nice, bedside manner, but a whole pet manner — one that supports your pets’ natural ability to heal itself with the ultimate goal of producing glowing, great health.

The most important thing in selecting a vet, is not what type of medicine he or she practices, but that they will support you and your choices in this life-long journey to whole pet wellness, and embrace your own healing abilities as you work with your individual pet’s needs.

Love your pet wisely, learn all that you can and make educated choices for your entire family. Remember, food is the foundation of life, and know that you hold in your hands the power to help make your pets live better!

From my heart to yours!

Keep your pets healthy and flea free this summer without using chemicals!

Never use anything on a pet that you wouldn’t want on your own skin.
Anything you apply topically on your pet gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Each time the chemical is used, the immune system is under attack. Many pets appear drugged, nervous or lethargic after using chemical flea products. Some chemical flea collars have even been linked to pet poisonings. Pesticides which are left on indefinitely can also cause skin irritations and hair loss.

The stronger the pet’s immune system, the less susceptible it is to any problem (including fleas and ticks!). Summer is the best time to consider doubling up on supplements to combat the naturally occurring environmental stresses your pet might encounter.

Nothing takes the place of good grooming, a great flea comb, great food and a clean environment. Spend just 5 to 10 minutes a day enhancing your pet’s skin and coat. Make sure your shampoo contains no detergents, and your topical products are natural and contain only the finest essential oils and extracts. Your pets will not only smell great, but they’ll help to repel their own pests naturally!

People are always asking me what I recommend as a healthy pet treat for a dog or a cat. There are so many options available to us, when we’re hunting through the fridge, if we just keep it simple. Why not try an organic carrot stick for your dog? Honestly, there’s nothing better for the teeth and gums, and this great source of beta carotene really helps exercise their jaws. If your dog doesn’t quite “get it” and looks at you oddly when you serve up a carrot, try putting a dab of cottage cheese, or a schmear of peanut butter on it. Both dips are healthy sources of real protein, and my guess is that you’ll have your pooch begging for more.

A great choice for a cat is a cantelope ball! Oh, I know you’re thinking I’m a little crazy here, but seriously - all of my cats go crazy for this luscious fruit. One or two balls a day are enough. Too much fruit can cause fermentation in their bodies, so don’t overdue it.

One of my absolute favorites for any dog or cat is Voyko’s Paw Lickin’ Liver Treats (right out of my book). No pet can resist them, and they’re really easy to make. Try it yourself!

Ingredients:
3 pounds of organic chicken or turkey liver
Fresh or dried oregano
Fresh or dried rosemary
Minced fresh garlic

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the liver on a large baking pan and sprinkle the herbs on top. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool, then dice the liver into 1-inch cubes. Put a few ounces into individual ziplock bags, and freeze the portions that won’t be eaten right away. Your healthy, homemade treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, and up to a month in the freezer.

Smart snacking keeps their bodies trim and fit. Stay away from grain filled biscuits and treats and your pets will enjoy all the health benefits that great food provides.

For other great recipes for the ones that you love, get a copy of “The Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats”. www.wholepetdiet.com