IN OUR HEARTS, WE ALL KNOW PATRICIA

Patricia first contacted me almost a year ago, sharing her deep and wonderful experience of reading The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood. Yesterday I received this letter from her, and am sharing it here with her permission. As pet parents, we can all relate. Please join me in holding Patricia, Buddy, and all grieving pet parents in light and love during their time of deep transition.

"Dear Nadine:

I don't know if you remember me, I am the lady from "Warehouse Vitamins" that wrote some time ago about my dog, "Buddy."

My dearest and most trusted companion fell ill, on the 23rd of July. Before I knew what was happening, and the vet miss-diagnosed him to have valley fever, and after a full panel of blood work, we discovered that his kidneys were failing.

He fell much worse by the 27th of July. Although I tried several times to get him in sooner to the vet, they were reluctant to see the urgency of my precious boy, so took him to another vet, his little kidneys were breaking down. After years of battling stones in his bladder and two surgeries, his little kidneys just could not keep up.

His little heart was enlarged and to flush the kidneys would affect the heart, and he was in such pain, that he was telling me that it was time to go. I had spent the night before nursing him and trying to make him comfortable, he kept getting up trying to tell me he had to go somewhere. After tears of heartbreak and bewilderment, I took him in early to find that his pain was too much to bear. Between the advise of a vet, of whom I have never met but was truly in tune with Buddy we decided to put him to sleep.

Buddy was to receive a sedative first, but as my baby lay in my arms with eyes wide open, looking at his mama, he was telling me he wanted me to go through this transition with him. The doctor then administered the narcotic, and little Buddies eyes were open the whole time, as I told him that mama is right here, you'll not feel any more pain, and that you are such a brave boy, and a good boy,and then the love of my life, had left... his lifeless body left with eyes left on me. Oh the grief, the heart wrenching break of almost 16 years with my most trusted friend was gone.

Your book became alive in my life! The emptiness, at home, my babies little bed empty the space of once shared on the floor is somewhat out of order now that I just keep looking for my precious "Buddy!"

Oh Nadine , I think people think I am crazy to love my boy as I did! But it gives me great relief to write this with an understanding heart on the other end. Please keep me in your prayers, the nights are long, and the mornings are the worst. But we will endure, Buddy would of wanted mama to.

With much love,

Patricia C."

MORE REASONS TO GIVE UP DRYER SHEETS

Think about it- If you use these products, you are absorbing the following chemicals through your skin (our biggest organ) via your clothes, bedding, towels...constantly. And so are your children and pets.

Chemicals Found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets
Chemicals found in fabric softeners by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments," 1991 Reference: Lance Wallace, EPA. Phone (703) 341-7509

Alpha-Terpineol - Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders... "highly irritating to mucous membranes" ..."Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema." Can also cause "excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache." "Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact."
Benzyl Acetate - Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). "From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough." "In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs." "Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects." "Do not flush to sewer."
Benzyl Alcohol - Causes CNS disorders ..."irritating to the upper respiratory tract" ..."headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."
Camphor - Causes CNS disorders. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: "local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose, and throat" ..."dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions". "Avoid inhalation of vapors."
Chloroform - Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors ...Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness." "Inhalation can be fatal." "Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage." "Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders." "Conditions to avoid: Heat..." Listed on California's Proposition 65.
Ethyl Acetate - Narcotic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "...Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract" ..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)" ..."may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys". "Wash thoroughly after handling."
Limonene - Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor."
Linalool - Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. ..."Respiratory disturbances" ..."Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ...depressed heart activity ...development of respiratory disturbances leading to death."
Pentane - "Danger - Harmful if inhaled ...Avoid breathing vapor." "Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash)."
CNS = Central Nervous System - Your brain and spine. CNS disorders include: Alzheimer's Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine.

BY THE "PAWER" VESTED IN ME...

I have a lot of respect for people’s creative expression. We have all experienced or witnessed how it makes us feel young, healthy, and happy when we're in the flow- and rather squelched and depressed when we're not.

Pet parents often express themselves through their animals: outfits, holiday costumes, birthday parties, and the latest craze- doggy weddings.
Personally, I’ve never been drawn to doing those things with my dog. Although we DID always acknowledge her birthday with a long hike and special treats, Buttons never wore outfits except a utilitarian sweater when we were camping overnight in the cold. The one time a groomer put bows in Buttons’ hair, I swear my sweet girl gave me the angriest and most humiliated look until I removed them, and she didn’t seem too happy about my laughing all the way to the car, first.

In addition to being the author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, I am also a painter, a nondenominational minister and wedding officiant. To date, I have written, personalized and performed over 600 weddings. I’ll admit, there have been some bridezillas along the way, but technically, each and every one of the couples I’ve married have been human.

I probably wouldn’t perform a doggy wedding if asked, but I always encourage pet parents to somehow include their dogs in THEIR ceremonies. Many have been ringbearers- the rings secured in a small satin bag attached to their collar, and a few “best men” with black bow ties.
The one I’ll always remember clearly, was the black lab who insisted on licking my toes throughout the ceremony and I never again wore dress sandals to perform a wedding. In truth the toe-licking itself wasn’t so bad- it was the unexpected shock of it as I stood speaking to the couple’s 300 guests.

At the very least, when the venue doesn’t allow dogs, I suggest the couple have a framed photograph of their furry kids on the altar table. That includes beloved canines who have passed. Weddings, after all, are all about love...and of course, so are dogs.

SCENTS: Pleasant or Potentially Deadly?

The following are research studies I've found along my journey towards a more pure way of living; in order to exercise some control over what chemicals my immune system and the immune systems of my loved ones are exposed to in our highly toxic world.
I encourage you to continue your OWN research on the road towards more vibrant health and well-being for you, your children, and your animals.

Making Sense of Scents
Compiled by the late Julia Kendall, Co-Chair, Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin, borrowing from Irene Wilkenfeld's "Fragrance Facts," and from research contributed by Karen Stevens, Carol Kuczora, Milan Param, Richard Conrad PhD, Susan Nordmark, Susan Springer, Mary Ann Handrus, Susan Molloy, and Sandy Ross PhD.

"Perfumes are increasingly used in an ever wider variety of fields, including perfumes proper, cosmetic products, hygenic products, drugs, detergents and other household products, plastics, industrial greases, oils and solvents, foods, etc. Their composition is usually complex - it involves numerous natural and synthetic sweet-smelling constituents, more than 5,000 of which are known. Perfumes may produce toxic and more often allergic respiratory disorders (asthma), as well as neurological and cutaneous disorders." from the French toxicology journal, Ann Dermatol Vernereol, Vol 113, ISS 1, 1986, P.31-41
84% of these ingredients have never been tested for human toxicity, or have been tested only minimally. N. Ashford, Phd and C. Miller, M.D. Chemcial Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes 1991, p. 61

In 1986 the National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. The other groups include insecticides, heavy metals, solvents, food additives and certain air pollutants. The report states that 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. "Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace" (Report by the Committee on Science and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives, Sept, 16, 1986) [Report 99-827]
A few chemicals found in fragrances known to be neurotoxic: hexachlorophene; acetyl-ethyl-tetramethyl-tetralin; zinc-pyridinethione; 2,4,dinitro-3-methyl-6-tert-butylanisole; 1-Butanol; 2-butanol; tert-Butanol; Isobutanol; t-Butyl Toluene. Neurotoxic properties of chemicals found in fragrances have caused testicular atrophy in lab animals as well as myelin disease. The myelin sheath protects the nerves and does not regenerate. (Compiled from TOXLINE database of fragrances industry and medical journals.)

Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Lupus, and Alzheimer's are all neurological disorders. Dyslexia is a neurological dysfunction. Could any of these neurological dysfunctions be caused by exposure to neurotoxic chemicals? Symptoms are often identical to chemical hypersensitivity. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is also a neurological dysfunction. Could fragrant fabric softeners or detergents emitting neurotoxic chemicals cause the neurological breakdown?
A few chemicals found in fragrances known to cause cancer and birth defects: methylene chloride; toluene; methyl ethyl ketone; methyl isobutyl ketone; tert Butyl; sec Butyl; benzyl chloride. (Compiled by comparing a list of 120 fragrance chemicals from the EPA obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and California's Prop 65 List of Chemicals).

A few chemicals found in fragrances designated as hazardous waste disposal chemicals: methylene chloride; toluene; meythl ethyl ketone; methyl isobutyl ketone; ethanol; benzal chloride. These chemicals are listed in the EPA's Code 40 of Federal Regulations, Ch 1, Section 261.33.
884 toxic substances were identified in a list (partial) of 2,983 chemicals used in the fragrance industry: "Many of these substances are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, breathing and allergic reactions and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities." (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health report.)
In a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health study conducted by Syracuse Research Corporation, Report No. SRC TR 81-521, 1981, benzoin is named as a chemical used in fragrances found to cause enlarged lymph nodes in both male and female mice and enlarged spleens in males. Liver damage is also cited.
AMICUS journal, Winter '89, Board of Environmental Studies and Toxicology of the National Research Counsel, the research branch of the National Academy of Sciences estimates that "15% of the population experiences hypersensitivity to chemicals found in common household products".

National Institutes of Health, "Issues and Challenges in Environmental Health," NIH Pub. #87-861..."Allergic reactions and hypersensitivity diseases, for instance, are among the most costly of U.S. health problems afflicting at least 35,000,000 Americans."

Article "One Woman's Perfume-Another Woman's Poison", in "Let's Live": "The chief reactions we see are those that affect the nervous system - headaches, anxiety, depression. But anything can be affected, even diet and a personal intolerance for different foods. There are two major ways in which cosmetics and their chemical constituents can affect the body. One is through direct contact. Inhalation is the other major route for molecules of an active substance to enter the blood stream. "There is a route from the nasal passage into the nervous system," says Mandell... "It is the way, for instance, that inhaled cocaine has an effect on the brain."

DON'T LET YOUR dog/cat BECOME A CANARY

From Wikipedia: “Well into the 20th century, coal miners brought canaries into coal mines as an “early warning signal” for deadly, toxic gases. The birds, being more sensitive, would become sick before the miners, who would then have a chance to escape or put on protective respirators.”

Is it any wonder that with the “pre green” proliferation of chemical laden cleaning and laundry products, building supplies, and monthly flea poison treatments, that our pets are developing cancer at such an alarming rate? In addition to protecting one’s animal from constant exposure to a myriad of possible household carcinogens, our having to negotiate the constant recalls and dangers of an unregulated, processed pet food industry can be an overwhelming and depressing nightmare. But there’s also a deeper issue: when it comes to these everyday toxins that we have become so unconscious about or accepting of, have our cherished, innocent pets become our modern day canaries?

There are MANY things we can do to help prevent our beloved companion animals from ever getting cancer. When my 8-year old dog, aka: my adopted daughter, Buttons, was diagnosed with deadly carcinoma and given 6 weeks to live, I launched a massive personal research campaign into the world of holistic medicine.

I soon came to learn that “holistic” didn’t mean symptom treating with natural remedies or herbs in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. Instead, it meant clearing my home environment of all possible toxins, cleansing Buttons’ entire system physically and emotionally, and then giving her the proper nutritional support so that Buttons’ body could do what an unburdened body does best: HEAL ITSELF.

Buttons went on to thrive for another 11 years. Exactly 1 week before her 19th birthday, she died peacefully of old age in my loving arms. The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood is the story of our nearly 2 decades together.

THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

My 1st book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood spans the 2 decades I spent with the 4-legged love of my life, my heart dog, Buttons. It's our story of the human-animal bond, how I helped her heal from cancer, how she helped me heal from a terrified, bruised and broken heart, and how I emotionally survived her physical death.

The question I get asked most by readers is, "Have you gotten another dog since Buttons died?" It's then that I try to explain. Marketing a book is a full time job, especially when it's not backed by a big publishing house, and its author feels as passionately about the topic as I do. Since I'm not currently in a position to make book marketing my only full time job, but rather, my 2nd full time job (in addition to a part time business!), it wouldn't be responsible of me, with such limited time and energy, to try and share my life with a canine companion, too.

But I am immersed as deeply as ever in the human-animal bond, and I have gotten hundreds of dogs since Buttons made her transition. Everyday is a constant flow of emails, and phone consultations- the ones about Bruiser and Godiva, Dasher, Carmie, Tinker Bell, Cisco, Biskit, Rudy and Reggie, et al, asking for guidance on feeding the safest food, healthy treat recipes, homeopathic remedies, alternatives to toxic flea treatments.... and the ones from pet parents whose beloveds have recently gone to Rainbow Bridge, thanking me for the validation and camaraderie my book has brought them.

I am blessed by every one of those emails and consultations, and although at this time, there is no cold nose waking me up in the morning with a snuggley nudge, I continue to embrace my bond with the animal teachers, and am honored to keep contributing my part to the stewardship we all have of our furry companions.

IN-HOME REPLACEMENTS: Helping Prevent Cancer

As promised, here's the list of what I feel are safer alternatives- ones that I personally have used (see previous post). When choosing to reduce our pet's exposure to less toxic products in the home, we are taking a proactive, holistic approach: addressing the possible causes of cancer rather than treating or suppressing the symptoms.

NOTE: Some alternatives are safe for dogs, BUT UNSAFE , even DEADLY for FOR CATS AND BIRDS (see comment section) PLEASE do your OWN research BEFORE USING ANY of the things I personally choose to use around my dog!!!

• Non polluting, natural laundry detergent w/o petro chemicals, phosphates, formaldehyde, or alcohol-based scent (personally, I like Trader Joe's liquid laundry detergent which is plant-based and scented w/lavender oil)

• I also use Trader Joe's lavender filled dryer bags instead of chemical laden dryer sheets

• Here is some great info on alternatives to monthly flea products. There are many effective options- please do your own research and experimentation to see what works best for you and your pets.
  

Simply put:

1. cedar chips in pet bedding and outdoors
   
2. diatomaceous earth on baseboards (available online)
   
3. nematodes for the yard (available online)
   
4. combo of powdered Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Fennel, Yellow Dock, Wormwood and Rue (all available individually online or at most independent co-ops or health food stores) put in a shaker can and rubbed into pet's fur (NOTE-some herbs toxic and deadly to cats)
   
5. combo of Citronella, Eucalyptus, Cedar, and citrus oils rubbed on hands and then rubbed on dog's ears, belly, etc. (NOTE-some oils toxic and deadly to cats)

• A simple google search of "organic non toxic lawn fertilizer" will give you many safe, affordable alternatives. Remember- your pet absorbs everything it's walking on through its paws.

• Glass or stainless steel bowls for food and water are in my opinion, much safer than ceramic or plastic bowls which can leach chemicals into their contents. Be careful not to place a glass bowl anywhere in sunlight where it could possibly start a fire!
  

• Air fresheners- this should be a no-brainer. Read the labels- why inhale all those chemicals?!?!? Instead, boil some lemons on the stove- (you can then use the cooled liquid to kill fleas on your pet!) or some oranges, cloves and cinnamon- makes your house smell wonderful. Or get some 100% pure essential oils and make your own scented potpourri w/cloth bags and "oiled" cotton balls. Or buy some naturally-scented, non lead wick candles at Whole Foods, or purchase an aromatherapy diffuser (they even make plug-in models!) which will also enhance the mood of everyone in your home instead of exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals. DO your research, however: SOME essential oils CAN be harmful or toxic to some animals including birds and cats!
  

• And finally, replacing negatively-focused, dramatically inclined people :) Well, the best remedy I have found/experienced for that can be found by clicking right here!

COMMENT QUESTION: Have you replaced anything in your home with something natural that's not included on this list?

PREVENTING CANCER IN PETS

Holistic treatment is all about prevention. Start listing the chemicals many of us use in our homes, and it's easy to see see how dramatically we may be adding to the toxic overload of our beloved pets' immune systems.

The following is a short list of things I made sure were not in Buttons' environment. We stopped the cancer she was diagnosed with at age 8 and she lived to be a vibrant 19.

A Quick & Easy Home Toxin ✔list :

• Pet or human bedding or cloth toys washed in non natural laundry detergent or non natural fabric softener

• Pet or human bedding or cloth toys dried in chemical-laden dryer sheets

• Monthly flea products

• Chemical lawn fertilizer

• Non natural rug and floor cleaners

• Secondhand cigarette smoke
  

• Plastic food or water bowls

• Most plug-in or spray air fresheners and non-naturally scented candles

• Negatively focused, dramatically-inclined people (Don't laugh-or actually, DO! Animals are highly sensitive and tend to act as emotional shunts for the people they love and are devoted to.)

COMMENT QUESTION: Which, if any of these things are you currently using around your pet?

Please stop back for my next post: NON TOXIC REPLACEMENTS

Health & Beauty For You AND Your Dog

Early last year, a dear friend of mine turned me on to the health benefits of extra virgin coconut oil. I always heed her nutritional advice and immediately began my own research because:

A. - Everything she has ever shared with me regarding health and physical well-being: green smoothies, rebounding, eating raw, has been incredibly beneficial

AND

B. - She's approaching 60 and looks and lives like a vibrant 40-something

I did a lot of reading about extra virgin coconut oil then, because like so many other people, I was only aware of the negative smear campaign it got several years ago especially regarding movie theater popcorn. But then, thanks to Hanna- MY EYES WERE OPENED!
This stuff is not only EXTREMELY healthy and beneficial, but it's the only oil that doesn't turn rancid when heated. Tropical Traditions is a brand I prefer. They also make a killer (pun intended, I guess, *grin*) botanical broad spectrum disinfectant that I love using at home and consider totally safe to use around beloved pets.

I have also read numerous articles about the health benefits of extra virgin coconut oil for dogs. Most testimonials and vets say adding a little to a dog's diet is a sure-fire way to clear up skin allergies and other skin sensitivity conditions when nothing else has worked. Worth some research for interested pet parents.

Do you use coconut oil for yourself or your dog?
What's YOUR experience with it?

10 Things I WOULD Feed My Dog

Ok, it's always better to focus on the positive-
so here ya go!

1. organic, human-grade, hormone-free, antibiotic-free turkey
2. organic millet and quinoa
3. organic sweet potato
4. organic, grated veges
5. organic, human-grade, hormone-free, antibiotic-free chicken
6. organic, human-grade, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, grain-fed beef liver
7. organic millet, spelt, or quinoa flour
8. organic egg
9. organic, virgin coconut oil
10. organic, beans

ANOTHER NO-NO INGREDIENT

I would never again feed my dog barley. To explain why, here is an excerpt from The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood. To "set up the clip" let me say, that Buttons had been recovering rapidly from a severe stroke in her 18th year.

By January her C neck had disappeared completely and she was able to walk pretty well, her CDS symptoms had lessened and she no longer got “stuck” in corners or behind furniture. The only symptom we couldn’t seem to overcome was the late-night pacing. I figured it might have been too late -- that perhaps she’d had the symptom too long for the alpha-lipoic acid to reverse it.

As a result of my on-line research, I was lucky enough to also have secured the advice of a holistic vet in northern California, Dr. Gloria Dodd. After reading Dr. Dodd’s website, I emailed her and the next day received a detailed response about her experience working with other CDS animals using homeopathy.
Excitedly I called her office. Forty minutes later, I hung up from our conversation with a heart full of hope and a list of suggestions. Number one on that list was for me to send a sample of Buttons’ fur to a lab for hair analysis. This was something I was familiar with, as a few years before, I had sent samples of both my hair and Buttons’ fur to a lab in Texas, which did analysis on people and dogs. Basically, a hair analysis will give you an idea of the mineral levels and their ratios in the body -- kind of like how geologists determine natural history by studying layers of rock. Back then, Buttons’ had come out normal in everything while my analysis had indicated extreme magnesium deficiency, a common symptom of CFS and adrenal exhaustion.

In addition, Dr. Dodd gifted me one of her products called a Healing Halter™, which arrived a few days after our call. It consisted of a green, nylon halter that fit around Buttons’ body and neck with Velcro. Sewn into the halter were quartz crystal mandalas and an anti-radiation bead, which also used the principal of pyramid configuration energy, something I was familiar with from Dad’s energy plates long ago. As Dr. Dodd explained on her website, the halter was designed to balance the body's own electromagnetic field (EMF) and in so doing stimulate the immune system and natural healing mechanism of the body.
In our small apartment, Buttons was never too far from the television or the refrigerator, both of which I knew to have large electromagnetic fields. Ten years before I had gotten rid of the worst culprit, a microwave oven, and I was happy for any protection the halter may have offered her from the other appliances. Again, it was at worst something that I knew couldn’t hurt.

When we got the results of Buttons’ fur analysis we were surprised to see that her level of aluminum was through the roof. It made sense as far as her Alzheimer’s-like symptoms went: the mystery to unravel was the aluminum’s source. Dr. Dodd and I carefully went over all the supplements Buttons had been on over the last five years. The water she drank was distilled. The treats were mostly homemade and always contained natural, organic ingredients. I’d never used aluminum cookware, so that wasn’t it. And then we found it.
Two years before I had taken a natural-care pet consultant’s advice to replace brown rice with barley in Buttons’ food. When she heard that, Dr. Dodd jumped on it, explaining that in the past she’d sent several types of grain to the lab and all the barley had tested the same: containing high, perhaps toxic levels of aluminum. Although Dr. Dodd had some personal opinions as to why that was so, all I cared about was finding the source of aluminum and removing it from Buttons’ world. So I took Dr. Dodd’s suggestion and sent a sample of the organic sprouting barley I’d been special ordering from the health food store to the lab for testing. Sure enough, it came back showing an extremely high aluminum content. Immediately after receiving the results, I threw out the ten pounds of barley I had in the pantry along with the all-natural, dry dog food with barley listed in the ingredients that I kept for travel and emergencies.

Frustrated that even high quality organic products could be toxic, I focused instead on our next step: trying to pull some of that aluminum out of Buttons’ brain. I ordered a series of nosodes -- homeopathic remedies developed for a specific problem, in this case, aluminum, the probable cause of her CDS. All I could do was pray that they were truly clean and natural.

For the next several months, Buttons was on those remedies and the results were subtle, but sure. The late night pacing continued, but her mind seemed sharper, more alert, and her spirit more present, enabling me at times, to bask in the illusion of staving off time. Most importantly, she never developed the CDS symptom of not recognizing me. In any event, between the pacing and the stroke, there was no denying that we were in the beginnings of our major transition, the one that would take her physical body away from me forever.

Copyright © 2008 Nadine M. Rosin. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or retransmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the author.

BUDGET CRISIS: SOLVED!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to introduce POCKET, the dog who has single-pawedly come up with an efficacious solution for the U.S. budget crisis. In her own words, here is the plan:

"Did you see this story? A dog pooped $400.00. I can do that! I poop about eight times a day. I could walk into that AIG place, jump on the conference table, squat, wait 30 seconds, and say "Hey, there's your bonus pal!" I could go to the White House, get on the office rug, lay down a shadoobie, and say "Your stimulas package has arrived, Mr. President." I could go to Congress, drop a deuce, and say: "Here's your earmark Senator." Talk about Troubled Asset Relief."

(As you can see from the above photo, Pocket is ready to serve her country and is anxiously awaiting a call from the White House)

10 INGREDIENTS I WOULD NEVER FEED MY DOG

1. "meal"
2. "byproduct"
3. wheat
4. corn
5. fructose
6. chicken fat (the inorganic kind in most commercial food)
   
7. organ meat that is not human grade or organic
   
8. gluten
9. soy
10. cheese

For more information, read THIS!

ANIMAL WORLD MAGAZINE

My deep appreciation to Kathy Gorish, Organizer, Florida Week for the Animals, and Christy Crabtree of The Animal World for their time and generous hearts in helping spread the word about the book.

This review can be found on page 12 of Animal World USA,
March 2009 issue

The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood by Nadine M. Rosin
Book Review by Christy Crabtree

"If ever there was a doubt in anyone’s mind that animals can heal us, then Nadine M. Rosin’s The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood will dispel that notion. It is an incredible tale of her emotional and physical journey with her dog, Buttons. Through tremendous emotional turmoil, they are there for each other and in the process Rosin learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

A spiritual adventure, this book highlights holistic pet care particularly dealing with canine cancer. Buttons was diagnosed with cancer and given six weeks to live yet she triumphed for eleven years to the age of nineteen years old! A powerful message about the gifts that the animals bring to us and what we can, in turn, do for them. A blessing to read and a gift to share."

(Paperback: 296 pages Publisher: Wheatmark (May 15, 2008)

DOG WITH A CAUSE

While The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, reads easy like a novel, there is a bigger purpose behind the book.

Buttons and I want to thank the hundreds of readers who have taken the time to email and share their stories of how the book has helped and touched them. You readers are the book's only marketing department. Thank you for embracing the mission and helping spread the word!

THE BOOK'S 3-FOLD MISSION:

♥ Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere

♥ Helping pet parents realize that we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

♥ Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devastating loss of a beloved pet

"ANIMAL TRANSLATIONS"

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of being interviewed by animal communicator, Maureen Harmonay and am delighted to be able to share our hour together here with you. Her questions were deep, insightful and probing. I hope my answers did them justice.

Click on the icon below to listen and please enjoy!

4 PAWS UP FOR "7 DAYS WITH 7 DOGS"

I'll admit, when a friend gifted me this dvd and I read on the case that it was written, filmed, starred in, and produced all by one small, independent, husband-wife company, my expectations were rather low.

OH MY DOG...was I ever surprised!!! Nothing small-time, unpolished, or unprofessional about this precious gem. It is by far the most engaging, authentically heart-touching film about the human-animal bond I have ever seen.

I laughed, I cried, I moved my body to the music. I delighted in the scenery, cinematography, and seeing other pet parents willing to not only go to any lengths for their animals, but rejoicing in and celebrating those lengths.

Like a really good dream, the emotionalism and beauty of the film stayed with me for more than 7 days! I enthusiastically encourage you to order a copy for yourself, friends and family, and its focus on holistic pet care makes it the perfect companion gift for The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood!

"Seven rescued dogs. Mostly elderly and most with health problems. You want to take them on the trip of a doggie lifetime, but where do you go and what do you do?

In "Seven Days with Seven Dogs", filmmaker and animal psychic Billie Dean and her filmmaker husband Andrew Einspruch bundle their seven rescued dogs from the Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary and hit the road on a journey of discovery.

Filmed in some of Australia's most beautiful places, and shot by AFI Award winning cinematograhper Anthony Jennings, the documentary follows Suki, Louie, Tala, Twylah, Cedar, Willow and Raffi as they do everything from stay in five-star resort accommodation to taking a horse-drawn gypsy caravan ride.

A short of "Seven Days with Seven Dogs" has already screened at a number of film festivals and on the ABC’s Stateline (ACT). It’s heart warming and fun, and indeed, is getting quite a following.

The full dog-umentary is now available. It's an hour of uplifting entertainment about seven rescued dogs as they journey through some of Australia’s most picturesque country and having the healing holiday of a doggie lifetime."

A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO RAWHIDE CHEWS

As I have already shared in an earlier post, the dangers of rawhide include it not being regulated in any way. Some imported brands (China, Philippines) have been reported as soaked in formaldehyde or contaminated with arsenic. These foreign hides may also contain other detrimental things such as antibiotics, insecticides, or lead- things you'd never want your dog to ingest.

Recently on twitter, I read that my beautiful Golden Retriever pal, Mackenzie, tried and fell in love with a safer alternative made from - drum roll... shed deer antlers! Here is the reliable brand that Mackenzie and her dad get from the good folks at Best Bully Sticks. Yum. Yum. Woof!

Teleconference: The Animal Communication Book Club

I am honored to be an invited guest and hope you will join me and renown animal communicator, Maureen Harmonay as we discuss
The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.
This is from her blog:

Talk with Nadine M. Rosin of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood on Thursday, February 26th!

"I'm simply delighted to announce that my guest on the next "Conversations with Animal Authors" teleconference will be Nadine M. Rosin, author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, a book that's creating a big buzz among animal lovers across the country. I'll be interviewing her "live" on Thursday, February 26th at 8:00pm (EST), and I hope you'll join me.

In The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, Ms. Rosin chronicles her 19-year journey with her beloved dog, Buttons, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma when she was eight years old, and given just six weeks to live unless she had her tail amputated and followed a grueling course of radiation and chemotherapy.

Devastated, but undeterred, Nadine refused to accept that grim prognosis, and took matters into her own hands. She tapped into her background as a trained therapeutic bodyworker and created a revolutionary holistic regimen for Buttons, eliminating all household toxins from her environment, cleansing her body of all residual toxins, and giving Buttons' body the nutritional support it needed to heal itself. The results were dramatic. Buttons was not only cured, but she thrived for an additional 11 years, passing peacefully of old age a week before her 19th birthday.

THANK YOU, PENNSYLVANIA!

"Love for animals obviously is the driving force behind the Action for Animals Humane Society. The emotion was evident Friday evening at the group's third annual "Love Is in the Air" event at Latrobe Country Club.

An hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception with silent auction preceded a talk by Nadine M. Rosin of Tucson, author of "The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood."

Rosin's long resume includes being a holistic bodywork practitioner trained in BioTouch, deep tissue massage, reflexology and zone therapy; an ordained nondenominational minister; and an artist. She says her most rewarding experience has been as a pet parent.

The book tells the story of life with her beloved cockapoo-terrier Buttons; Buttons' cancer diagnosis at age 8; and the holistic healing approach Rosin used to effect a cure that led to an additional 11 years of life for the spunky canine.

She said another purpose in her writing the book was to offer "comfort, camaraderie and validation" to those going through the grieving process after losing a pet.

Action for Animals board president Kathy Newill apprised the audience of the shelter's ongoing work and upcoming events, including a March 28 cash bash, the yearly Auction for the Animals on May 15 and the Walk for the Animals in September.

"Our shelter is always full," Newill said. "But we're seeing more people having trouble keeping their pets in their homes because of this economic downturn."

She said Action for Animals is responding with an outreach program that includes providing food and vaccinations to aid people in providing homes for their pets. The creation of a pet food bank also is being discussed.

Board members at Friday's gathering included Bernadette Braszo, Rita Whiteman, Laura Guskiewicz, Joanne Bergquist, Dr. Hank Croft Jr. and Gretchen Kuhns.

Among the animal lovers were Dr. Mike and Terry Zorch, Eric and Michele Bononi, Wendy Anton, June Anton, Bea Conn, Paula Maloney, Peg Seabol, Regis and Christine Tomsey, Erick Bergquist and Tina McDowell."

-- Shirley McMarlin