Natural Companions
For many people, sharing their lives with animals is as natural as breathing. The faculty and staff of Clayton College are no exception. If you’ve been around Clayton College for any length of time, you’ve heard of those lovable bundles of fur that bring a twinkle to their humans’ eyes whenever the topic turns to animals. Their names are Karma, Summer, Razzie, Tucker, Peach Pit, Biskit, Little Bit and Lucky, just to name a few. Their lives are happy and carefree, and they have been known to be somewhat spoiled. They are very fortunate to have caretakers who use natural approaches to keeping them healthy.
The idea for a program based on holistic nutrition and alternative healthcare designed just for animals grew from the staff’s love for their animal friends and the desire to keep them healthy. The certificate program is Holistic Care for Companion Animals, and includes topics such as traditional Chinese medicine, nutrition, bodywork, herbology, homeopathy and flower essences in addition to general care.
We are always happy to share interesting stories about these wonderful creatures we love so much. Here are some of the interesting examples of natural approaches that have been successful in addressing the different health issues and concerns encountered by our fourlegged friends and their guardians.
While our companions provide lots of mischief and laughter, those who are homebodies need to have a safe haven where any potentially hazardous material is securely put away. Make considerations for your animal companion as you would for a toddler: keep toilet lids down; put away medications and any potentially toxic substances; and dispose of or put away small items such as wire bread wrappers. Cubbie likes to steal lollipops and put them in his water bowl, wrapper included. While this probably makes the water taste good, drinking this feline version of Kool Aid is not good for him or his many feline housemates.
Cleaning products have the potential for leaving residue that may get on your pets’ paw pads or fur and eventually be licked off. Using non-toxic cleaners such as vinegar and water is sure to prevent any accidental poisoning. Likewise, be aware of any freon spills. Cats are especially drawn to this fluid and will unintentionally poison themselves. Cubbie and Bitsy have the added security of an “off limits” room that houses plants that are potentially toxic and the occasional present with tempting ribbons.
While some animals stay close to home, some like to travel! Among Clayton’s jet set are Biskit and Dixie, a.k.a. the “Beach Kitties.” Since they were kittens, Biskit and Dixie have spent many weekends at their beach getaway. As kittens, valerian root helped keep them calm and acclimated to riding in a car. Now, at almost three years old, they can make the five to six hour ride easily.
Peach Pit, a 17-year-old
yellow tabby, owes her longevity
to lots of love and a powdered
supplement that is mixed into her
food twice a day. The supplement
contains concentrated green food,
beta-carotene, antioxidants and
natural enzymes, all of which
keep her active and energetic. She
continues to enjoy tons of energy
and loves to be the center of
attention.
Little Bit turns 11 years old this June and despite her mild heart murmur, has almost boundless energy. After a lengthy struggle with dry skin, hot spots and lethargy, a change to an organic diet revealed sparkling eyes, a silky coat and a new-found love of playing with strings and the occasional bug. She no longer creeps around the house as though her joints hurt; rather, she sprints along, ready for her next adventure.
Josie is four years old and has
a problem with shedding. A daily
dose of omega-3 fish oil has
helped keep her hair shiny and
reduced hair loss. Tucker gets
flaxseed oil in her water during
the winter to keep her dry skin
under control. She also loves to
munch on spirulina tablets
as treats.
Lucky and Bear have also been the recipients of natural healing. Lucky once had a badly torn ear from a combination of tangled hair and a toenail. A poultice of green clay stopped the bleeding that was not stopped by any other method short of a trip to the local vet. Bear was treated with powdered goldenseal root for hot spots. This not only took care of the hot spots externally, but also kept him healthy internally when he licked it off.
Razzie, the daredevil dog who loves to jump off the couch or bed, has been subject to sore hips and an inability to get around very well. She has been given glucosamine regularly to help with the acrobatic injuries that keep her from being so agile.
Summer has been given
vitamin C daily for prevention of
hip problems, and gets an apple
every morning for her treat. She
has been known to eat all types of
fruits and vegetables that help to
keep her healthy. Her favorite
fruit is watermelon, which really
keeps the kidneys working well.
She is also being given flower
essences to aid in the grieving
process after the death of her
“sister,” Karma.
Tigger developed feline diabetes mellitus at the age of nine, when his vet discovered his blood sugar to be 400. As an indoor cat, he and his sister Little Bit were often given vegetables to prevent them from eating house-plants. His love of vegetables helped to both lower his blood sugar and keep it stable while also reducing the need to constantly increase the level of insulin he received every day.
Although letting go is the greatest kindness, knowing when to do so is difficult. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, and one that we all take seriously. Even when we do all of the right things their lives end all too soon, whether we are ready or not. Addressing the grief we feel when this happens is very challenging. Charles Hart, DVM, advised one of our faculty members by stating, “When it gets to the point that you are doing to the animal instead of for the animal, you will know it is time.”
Those who have made the decision to let their animal friends go understand the need to grieve. For many, these oft unsung heroes of our lives have seen us through both trials and tribulations; taught us many life lessons; and shown us unconditional love. Karma, Tigger, Katie, Taupe and the many free spirits that have gone before have left their paw-prints on our hearts and taken a bit of our soul with them. We celebrate their choice to make us a part of their lives and are grateful to have shared the time allotted to us.
Rebecca Haack, B.A., N.D. and Anita Barnett, R.N., N.D.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|