A GIFT OF HEALTH: HAPPY LEAP YEAR!

In honor of today (and maybe tomorrow, too ;-) a first time ever special:

Buy one 60-minute holistic phone consultation ($65)
and receive a second consultation FREE to gift to a friend!

WHY YOU WANT A CONSULTATION:
Because you don't ever want to hear your vet say the words, "We got the results, and I'm so sorry to have to tell you this..."
especially knowing that there are things we can easily and inexpensively do to help stack the odds against your pet ever developing a disease such as cancer.

Don't have regrets. If you schedule your consultation today, not only will you know you are doing everything you can for your pet's well-being, but a consultation (especially in-home) is fun, interesting and informative, and will leave you feeling confident, assured and empowered.

HOLISTIC CONSULTATION: It's all about prevention, pet parents! What our pets are exposed to regularly has a HUGE impact on their health. We are all what we eat, breathe, and absorb through our skin. Our pets' bodies metabolize everything so much faster than ours: what everyday chemicals may take 40 or 50 years of exposure to create disease in our bodies, may only take 3-6 years of exposure to create disease in theirs.

In our one-on-one personalized consultation, we'll discuss your choice of food, treats, toys, home and personal products- thoroughly examining everything you currently expose your pet to- including insidious things you are not even aware of! After explaining why some of those things may be extremely harmful to your pet, I'll share some simple, easily attainable alternatives that I myself use and help guide you into creating the safest, healthiest environment possible in your home.

Just scroll down and read the left side of
this page for details.
Happy health...happy leap year!

(you will automatically receive a second, free consultation when we schedule the original- you'll only need to give me the name of the pet parent you're gifting it to and then have them email me to schedule)

IN LIVING MEMORY...

Two dear friends of mine have had to start that painful journey this month, of transitioning from a physical/spiritual connection with their beloved dog to a purely spiritual one.


It can take a lot of work to lean into that wrenching pain instead of away from it, and allow ourselves to find that sacred space inside of us where the agony and ecstasy merge; where love and connection lives and can never, ever die.

Thanks to Gretchen Kuhns for this lovely poem by Henry Van Dyke, which was written on the beautiful memorial cards she sent out for her heart dog, Biskit.

To our boys, Frisbee and Biskit- we bless you in your transitions. We bless your pet parents. May your souls soar free while always staying connected to those you loved most.

“I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout;
"Here she comes!"
And that is dying.”

YES, I'M ASKING: WHO CUT THE CHEESE?!?

Ahhh, cheese.
Delicious, creamy, convenient, tasty, easy, wonderful cheese!

• Full of salt.

• Full of steroids and hormones (eg: Bovine Somatotropin: synthesized growth hormones injected into cows for more milk production).

• A mucous-forming nightmare to the immune system (stop eating it for a week and notice how much less nasal you sound and how you're not blowing your nose as much).

• Even Dr. Oz's wife, Lisa, has tweeted about the addictive chemicals in cheese and her difficulty and determination to stop eating it forever.

I saw an online recipe today for "natural" home-made dog treats. It had 3 ingredients and one of them was cheese.

Please, pet parents- DO NOT give your beloved pets cheese in any form for any reason. Or sugar. Those things are slow-acting poisons and are far more harmful to our pets than to us because their life spans are so much shorter.

They really aren't going to love you more because you feed them ingredients that are tasty and unhealthy. They have no choice but to eat the things YOU CHOOSE to give them. Why not make sure those things are only healthy ones?

If you want to make your dog really happy, take him on an extra walk this week instead of showing your love with unhealthy food.

In other words, go ahead and continue to blame the dog for cutting the cheese, but please don't feed him/her cheese anymore. Like me- commit yourself to bad puns instead of bad ingredients.

2012

Loved getting this from a local pet sitter and happy to pass it on to you all:

May you have as much fun in 2012 as you can before someone makes you stop!

A SPECIAL VET'S HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Dr. Gloria Dodd is an amazing long-time holistic vet and researcher in northern California. Her articles and research are cutting edge- she's the vet I mention in my book who helped me discover the highly toxic amounts of aluminum in barley- and her homeopathic remedies are ones I used with Buttons in her senior years. I just got an email announcing her 25% off holiday sale on everything from remedies to anti-radiation devices. Definitely worth a look in my opinion :-) http://www.holisticvetpetcare.net/index.htm

HOW TO TREAT ALLERGIES, KIDNEY DISEASE & CANCER

Pet parents are always asking me how to treat their pets with specific diseases and conditions. What I came to understand with extreme clarity when helping Buttons heal from cancer, is that most every disease and condition is a symptom, not a cause.

They are symptoms of the body, which is created as a self-healing organism, losing its ability (for the time being) to maintain vibrant health. So- NO MATTER WHAT THE CONDITION OR DISEASE, my answer is always the same: "clear/cleanse/build".

The first step is to remove the CAUSES- the things that are burdening the body and sapping its self-healing ability! Some of these things include nutritionally empty food, chemical additives, chemical-laden drinking water, toxic chemicals in the form of cleaners, grooming supplies, air fresheners, stain removers, flea treatments, and toxic bowls, toys, and treats.

Of course, as I talk about in my book, I know there are times when circumstances call for immediate pharmaceutical or surgical action, but when I say that, I'm talking about things like when Buttons had a stroke at the age of 17 and we gave her a steroid shot to reduce the swelling in her brain and bring her far enough away from danger so I could then employ more natural support. This is not the same as 9 years earlier when the lab diagnosed cancer and the vet gave her 6 weeks to live. I knew 6 weeks was enough time to kick start her body's own natural healing response, so I said no to the surgery and chemotherapy that the vet insisted she needed to stay alive.

Next, the body must be cleansed of all residual toxins. The liver is the main storehouse of these immune-burdening chemicals. The proper use of diet, herbs and homeopathic remedies can effectively and safely cleanse the internal organs and tissue.

"Build" is the final step- supporting the body nutritionally with clean, simple, NON PROCESSED organic food, along with megadosing certain vitamins like ascorbic acid. Bodies are amazingly resilient when causes are removed and proper nutrition is introduced. When I think about the toxic, chemical soup most people (and their pets!) live in due to cleaners, air fresheners and laundry products, combined with consuming things like sugar, hormones and antibiotics in meat and dairy products, and drugs like caffeine on a daily basis, not only am I amazed at the body's ability to withstand abuse, but I'm surprised even MORE people and pets aren't developing devastating disease.

Here is a book and a film that I personally have found invaluable in more fully understanding this truly holistic paradigm of "clear/cleanse/build" versus fighting the disease and symptom-squelching:

3 Simple Steps to healthy Pets and Food Matters which is also available to stream via Netflix

I get no compensation for directing people towards either the book or the film- I just want you to stay informed and healthy! It's a different way of looking at healing, but one worth investigating, in my experience. May you and your pets have long, vibrant lives!

THE CHICAGO PET SHOW

Here's s little help for Chicagoland pet parents and shelters.
Please feel free to download and print for yourself and anyone you know who's able to attend. I will be speaking several times at the St. Charles weekend on both pet loss and preventing canine cancer. My book will also be available for purchase and I'll be happy to sign and endorse it for you.
Looking forward to seeing you there and helping some shelters!

AIR = ERROR WHEN IT COMES TO KIBBLE

Recently I had the opportunity to "test drive" a brand new pet product. You know I am extremely hesitant to endorse anything, but I think this is something every pet parent will want to know about.

It's called the Pet Silo and its for quick, easy, AIRTIGHT dry dog food storage. So if you are still a kibble-feeder, PLEASE consider this great product to avoid feeding your dogs rancid food (see my post on this here).

If your kibble is just sitting in its bag or in a container you open at every feeding, there is an overwhelming chance that the oils in it have turned rancid. Rancid oils are a HUGE burden to the immune system and if you've followed anything I've been saying since I helped my dog's body heal itself of cancer, you know a burdened immune system leads to allergy problems, skin problems, and eventually disease...like cancer of the whatever.

If, instead of being a kibble-feeder, you have embraced a home-cooked diet for your dogs like I did with Buttons for 11 of her 19 years, guess what- this is also perfect for safely storing quinoa or millet!

Now, back to the test drive.
The first thing I really liked about the Pet Silo was that I didn't even need to look at the assembly instructions to put it together right out of the box. In fact, it took me less than 5 minutes to "build" it. I'm STILL wishing I could figure out the mp3 player I got 2 weeks ago.


Each piece was sturdy and well-made and you know those beautiful bins in the bulk section at Whole Foods? Well this is like that except larger and on legs- perfect for a big ole bag of your favorite dry dog food. (you can also modify to use on shelves or counters)

It's got the same kind of great "pull to open the shoot" mechanism at the spout- just hold your dog's bowl below it. It's easy to clean, easy to use. It's a MUCH better alternative for kibble users than anything I have seen on the market, or seen people use in their homes.


Of course, being the purist I've been accused of being, I would much prefer a stainless steel lining in the FDA approved plastic bin. Perhaps the good folks at Pet Silo will make this available in the near future, too? But believe me, keeping your kibble air-tight in this great product is an important battle for all pet parents who feed dry food to choose until that happens.

DISCLOSURE: I received no compensation for this review. Pet Silo shipped me the product free of charge for my honest evaluation.

SAVE THE DATE!

I am thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this wonderful Chicagoland event Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and 30th.

http://www.chicagopetshow.com/

Besides the scheduled talks I will be giving on holistic care, preventing canine cancer and pet bereavement, I will also be available for meet, greet and book signing at the St. Charles location. Looking forward to this great event and meeting you and your pets there! For discount coupons, please click here.

YOUR PET WANTS YOU TO WATCH THIS FILM!

Some of my readers know that last summer I did a 92-day green juice fast/feast ("feast" meaning LOTS- up to a gallon a day- of fresh green juice so one is never physically hungry). It was very difficult for me psychologically for the first 4 days (my MIND wanted food- and not fruits and veggies!), but then for the most part, the rest was smooth sailing.

This was not my first juice fast. I started out years ago doing 3-4 days of only fresh juice. The summer before, I did a 7 and a 19-day juice fast. All my research told me it's important to work your body into it so as to not overload the liver, gallbladder, etc. with an onslaught of toxins that your body releases during a fast.

In each fast I experienced a lot of cleansing and healing on many different levels. During the 92-day fast, age marks, liver spots, skin tags, hip pain, shoulder pain, depression, hormone fluctuation and migraines disappeared. Energy level skyrocketed and clothes I hadn't been able to wear in decades were not only back in style, but fit comfortably.

Just like the "clear/cleanse/build" protocol I used to trigger the healing response in Buttons' body when she developed cancer is often challenging for people to embrace because it flies in the face of western medicine's much more radical, painful, and money-making, chemo/radiation/surgery, people are often skeptical about juice fasting.

If you know me at all, you know I'm a firm believer in gathering lots of information and then experiencing the things I'm drawn to that make sense to me- the ones that somehow ring true for me in my mind.

Well, here's a delightful little film (available for instant-watch streaming or dvd on Netflix) which can help you wrap your mind around the whole concept of juicing. It is fun, interesting, inspiring, and informational.

If you are experiencing any kind of physical or emotional pain or discomfort, and especially if you are managing a condition with side-effect causing pharmaceutical medications, I encourage you to take 90 minutes to watch this film. It might very well save your life. It will at least give you something interesting to think about.


*Thanks to HiimRawn for his daily inspiration and for passing along the info about this film!

TOP 3 THINGS I WOULD NEVER USE AROUND MY PET

"But they're sold in my favorite store, how can they be bad?" I hear this all the time in consults.


Truth is, many commonly used chemicals have been shown through government studies to produce respiratory problems, tumor growth and brain damage in laboratory animals. And yes, they find their way into household products and into the organ tissue of our 2 and 4-legged loved ones anyway. Why? Because manufacturers put profit before well-being.


Therefore, it is up to us to be informed and vigilant. You've got a computer- it's easy to do a little research. Start googling and substituting. Things like fresh lemons and white vinegar can effectively replace many chemical-laden products. So far, I doubt lemons have ever caused tumor growth or brain damage.


That said, I would never use:

1. Fabric softener
2. Dryer sheets
3. Most carpet stain remover and a fourth bonus one:
4. Plug-in air freshener

What substitutions have you made recently to ensure a safer environment for your pet? (no product names, please)

Whole Lotta Fun!

Thanks to everyone who made it to my Wednesday evening class at Whole Foods Evanston/South. Your questions were wonderful. For those who weren't able to attend, we discussed some new toxic-free cleaning products (along with oldie but goodie ones like fresh lemons) and the use of Bach Flower Remedies.

Specifically, one of the attendees was concerned about the negative behavior her dog was exhibiting of late. Turns out it was her brother's dog whom she adopted recently when her brother passed away. Surely the dog, along with everyone in the family, is grieving and traumatized. In my experience, Bach Flower remedies are incredible for clearing trauma and upset from the emotional body, which in turn affects the physical body, not to mention behavior. Scroll down this page to see all the different remedies available and the conditions they address.

Hopefully I'll get a progress report from that attendee to share with you soon. Will also be posting some photos from the event in a future post. I'm looking forward to doing many more events in the Chicagoland area and meeting those of you who are local.

If you HAVE an event in the Chicago area you'd like me to be a part of, please email me at the link on the top left of this page. I love helping pet parents learn how to give their pets longer, healthier lives and will take every opportunity to do so.

FOR CHICAGOLAND PET PARENTS

Hope to see you there!
Wednesday July 13th- 6:30pm
Whole Foods 1111 Chicago Avenue Evanston, Il
Call 847.475.9492 for more info

BEEN SAYIN' THIS FOR YEARS...

Twenty years ago I threw away my microwave. I stopped buying rawhide chews (often formaldehyde-dipped) and using any kind of plastic containers, bowls and bottles. (can leach formaldehyde into contents especially when heated)

Today, Yahoo reported that the government has not only classified formaldehyde as a cancer-causing chemical, but noted that it's also used in many everyday cosmetic products. Don't be afraid to read this article. Be informed. Be aware. Be cancer-free and healthy.

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE IN 90 MINUTES

• This film talks about everything I based my "clear/cleanse/build" protocol on to help Buttons heal from cancer.
  
• It's everything I talk about in my book that my father was into and taught me about health and healing.
  
• It's a simple and entertaining 90 minutes explaining how the body heals itself whether that body is canine, feline, or human.

I urge you to take the time to watch the entire film. It could literally save your life. It could save the life of someone you love.

SWEET HOME CHICAGO

NOW OFFERING: In-home consultations for pet parents in the Chicagoland area!

Not only, like in a phone consultation, will we go through everything in your home with a fine-tooth comb that your pets are exposed to, but the process will take place in person in the presence of your pets! This will allow me even greater ability to hone-in on and personalize which changes you make, and to better suggest the absolute easiest ways for you to make them.


WHY YOU WANT A CONSULTATION:
Because you don't ever want to hear your vet say the words, "We got the results, and I'm so sorry to have to tell you this..."
especially knowing that there are things we can easily and inexpensively do to help stack the odds against your pet ever developing a disease such as cancer.

Don't have regrets. If you schedule your consultation today, not only will you know you are doing everything you can for your pet's well-being, but a consultation (especially in-home) is fun, interesting and informative, and will leave you feeling confident, assured and empowered.


Just scroll down and read the information and directions on the left hand column of this page to see pricing and details to schedule your consultation. Some Chicago locations will also be charged a separate travel fee agreed upon in advance and due at my arrival. No travel fee to Barrington, Elgin, East & West Dundee, or Carpentersville, Illinois.

I'm looking forward to helping you and your pets have many, many years of vibrant health and precious moments!

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

A conventional vet reviews The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood HERE.

Many thanks to Dr. Lorie Huston for her time, support, and open-mindedness!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A recent television interview about The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood can be seen HERE. Enjoy!

A FREE LECTURE FOR TUCSON ARIZONA PET PARENTS

"Help Prevent Your Pets From Ever Developing Cancer"

On Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 6:30 pm, The Holistic Animal Care Shoppe 6336 N. Oracle (SE corner of Oracle and Orange Grove) welcomes author and certified holistic pets/toxic-free lifestyle consultant, Nadine M. Rosin who will help you stack the odds against your pets ever developing a degenerative disease.

One in 4 dogs will die of cancer according to the Morris Animal Foundation. That's over 60 dogs per day in AZ. But 8-year-old Buttons didn't die when she was diagnosed - even after the vet gave her only 6-weeks to live without chemo, radiation and amputation. That's because Rosin didn't fight Buttons' cancer. Instead, she implemented a "clear/cleanse/build" protocol to help Buttons' body HEAL ITSELF. After 4 months, Buttons was cancer-free and thrived an additional 11 years to the age of 19.

This free, interactive lecture will include valuable information from Rosin's one-on-one holistic consultations followed by a question and answer period with the audience. Afterwards, she will be signing copies of her book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood available now for purchase at both Holistic Animal Care Shoppe locations (part of the book's proceeds the night of the lecture will go to the Humane Society of Southern AZ).

"Be it human, canine, or feline, the body's natural state is one of vibrant health," says Rosin, "But we've forgotten that because these days we know few, if any people who are vibrantly healthy. Cancer isn't something we 'catch', but rather, something the body develops when the immune system is overburdened with unnatural substances. These toxic offenders enter our bodies through our food, water, the air we breathe, what our skin absorbs and how we handle stress. Because their bodies metabolize everything so much faster than ours, our pets are even more vulnerable than we are when it comes to developing cancer, and most home environments are teeming with substances that are toxic to pets, unbeknownst to even the most aware pet parent."

Who: Certified holistic pets/toxic-free lifestyle consultant and author, Nadine M. Rosin

What: Free interactive lecture & book signing

When: Thursday, April 7, 2011 - 6:30 pm

Where: The Holistic Animal Care Shoppe 6336 N. Oracle (SE corner of Oracle and Orange Grove)

Why: To help save your pet's life!

A WORTHY CAUSE

Proud to be a part of this upcoming Tucson event: