Last week proved to be a very exciting time for me. You know how much I love helping the animals. Each year, the Petco Foundation sponsors a major event in Southern California, in association with the “Make A Wish Foundation”. They call it Wags for Wishes and thousands of dog enthusiasts showed up from all over the country to participate in the contests, agility trials, and to be a part of an “over the top” top dog- doggie event. Halo® sponsored the adoption arena and successfully assisted a variety of shelter pets to find new, loving homes, and to spread the word about keeping pets healthy - using holistic methods.

I signed books, met some really wonderful people and helped introduce some of the shelter pets. We wound up sending about 35 dogs to their new homes, equipped with all kinds of great health products to support the transition process.

The agility trials were especially interesting to me. The Australian Shepherds and Border Collies took center stage in most of the events. (I’m crazy about Aussies, and as you know - my Bravo and my Jazzie are two of the greatest Aussies I’ve ever encountered. - O.K. - I’m just a little biased!) These dogs flew through the air, ran intense courses, jumped fences, slid down slides, leaped tall buildings in a single bound and rescued small children from running away! All kidding aside, they were awesome to watch and a great time was had by all.

I had the great pleasure of also meeting Lassie. The magnificent and legendary collie who probably started the iconic television dog/human bond. Well, it wasn’t Lassie per se, but it was Lassie number 9. A direct descendent of the Lassie from the 50’s T.V. show. And I also had the pleasure of meeting little Timmy. The boy who played Timmy on the show is all grown up, and what a really nice guy! Jon Provost (his real name) was there to sign autographs with Lassie, and to promote his new book entitled “Timmy’s in the Well”, which talks about his life in the limelight and what it was like to be a child star and the trials and tribulations of fame and fortune at such a young age. He is full of life, and lights up when he speaks about days gone by, and the fantastic story of living with Lassie in the days of Hollywood and its rich history. I can’t wait to read the book when its released in October 2007.

I did want to say how great it was to participate in this event to help shelter pets. If you aren’t already a part of a group that helps animals, I would like to suggest that once or twice a year you consider doing something that makes a difference to some unwanted pets. Perhaps you can volunteer some time at your local shelter, or foster some needy dogs or cats. It becomes a really feel-good thing to do that helps spread some happiness and good cheer. Isn’t that what life should be about?

Thanks for doing your part in helping the animals too! Why not let me know what you’ve done and post your own event on this site?

I wanted to take some time to thank everyone who has contacted me about their experiences with their pets, after they’ve had the opportunity to read my book. Many of you have begun the Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats, and have been very pleased with the results you’re getting as you witness your own pets miraculous transformations! This book is the definitive guide on how to have a healthy pet, no matter what stage of life your pet is in, and no matter what you’ve been told about overcoming chronic, common problems. My hope is to work with many of you on an ongoing basis and incorporate your experiences and use your journals to compile information for my next book (currently in the works). So- do keep those letters coming in!

It’s been a thrill to hear how so many animals have already benefited from my eight week plan, and to know that you’re all dedicated to improving your pets’ health, and gathering more knowledge.
If you haven’t already picked up a copy - you can find it online at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, google.com -or even halopets.com.

There are over 25 recipes for making your dog or cat’s food, along with yummy treats, beneficial supplements, and even herbal grooming aids! Not to mention all of the true, heartwarming pet stories about all kinds of animals who were at the “brink of disaster”, but who’s owners were determined to find the cause of the problems, and work with diet to help bring them back.

Last week, I got the great news that Petco Animal Supplies also picked up my book in all of their stores, so it’s been a thrilling experience to see how the popularity of the book has grown.

I even found a lovely entry on Rick Rockhill’s blog, (he’s the senior dog food buyer at Petco, but has his own cats and wants only the best for them) and there’s a photo of us “chowing down” on some Spot’s Stew® together! Check out the link here: http://rickrockhill.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html

Once you’ve experienced your pet’s great health, I know you’ll accept nothing less. Make the Whole Pet Diet a part of your life and share the good news with friends. I’m always here to work with you to ensure that the plan works for you. Remember to love your pets with wisdom.

Wishing you great health always!

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!