Raw Green Duck (Recipe)

1 lb. ground raw duck meat
2 cups organic broccoli florets
1 Tablespoon organic butter
1 Tablespoon organic parsley flakes

Lightly steam broccoli (this helps it to be more digestible for your dog), then chop in food processor (this also aids digestion).  Add 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon parsley flakes and stir together.  Add a heaping Tablespoon to raw meat in dog food bowl and stir.

Raw Green Duck

 

Make it 'greener' by adding other green veges your dog can eat, such as zucchini, green pepper and/or celery (organic is best, and lightly steam the vegetables.)  You can also use other raw meats.  See below, ground chicken without giblets.

Raw Green Chicken

Note: You can also warm some organic, low-fat chicken or beef broth and drizzle over the food.  Be creative!

Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary

Over the years I have grown to love senior dogs.  I have volunteered in small dog rescue for a little over five years.  In November of last year, I decided I wanted to do something more for these precious little creatures.  I decided to transform a room of my home into a senior sanctuary.  Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary was born!  The room was one that was more of an office/computer room....so that got moved to the spare bedroom, and that room is no more...a small sacrifice! I began tearing out carpet, pad and tack strip....repainting walls and decorating with a doggie theme.  It took months of work, as I was doing this all myself, in between every other responsibility I had.

 

I did not have to go far for my inspiration.  My little Clarisse, a Maltese, then 17 years old, whom I’d had since she was eight weeks and three days old, had certainly placed a permanent paw print on my heart.  Blind from cataracts, she needed a safe place to be away from the other ‘younger’ siblings.  This was a perfect accommodation for her, but one I was hoping to share with other senior dogs in need.  I have commented over the years that I don’t remember my life B.C. (before Clarisse), and how I couldn’t imagine my life A.D. (after dog).  Unfortunately, my sweet baby was diagnosed with kidney disease in May, and at the end of August, five weeks and one day short of turning 18 years old, she passed to the Rainbow Bridge.  I certainly want to honor her….she was a good girl.  I do not want her memory to die…she has a legacy now that needs to live on so other senior dogs can live out their golden years in a loving environment. 

 

By the time Spring of 2013 rolled around, I had managed to complete the room.  On May 5th, we were guests at a local t.v. station WISH-TV Channel 8, to promote the Senior Sanctuary.  I had gotten my first two 'residents' at the end of April.  Taegan, a 9 year old Chihuahua, and Tobie, a 10 year old Pomeranian, both from Ohio....both 'Craig's List' dogs.  Each one had their own sad story.  Then by May, we brought in Otis, a 19-year old Chihuahua.  He was an owner surrender.  He had been brought to a shelter as a stray with another dog.  When the family came in to pick them up, they said to ‘put Otis down’, they didn’t want to take him back…he was ‘too old’.   I have the surrender paperwork, that’s the words the owner used! Can you imagine? Being abandoned by someone you’d spent a decade of your life with to have them throw you away?  It is sad…it makes me angry, and it is far more common than most people would think.

 

Of course, there is no ‘free dog’.  Dogs are a daily expense, beyond the monthly heartworm meds, and yearly shots, they eat every day…and from time to time require extra medical attention for things that pop up.  Especially these older ones, you just never know, but they deserve to live out their lives, not have it callously extinguished before his/her time.  These are precious lives, they have emotion, they feel pain, but they are also very loyal and capable of unconditional love.  Would you please consider helping me to help them? I need financial assistance to care for them…to pay for their food, vetting and such….as I said, there is no free dog.  I want these babies to have the best I can offer, they deserve that.  I am limited financially…it’s just me doing this, and it is a tremendous responsibility personally and financially.  I am hoping to raise enough funds to apply for 501(c)3 status, which would make Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary not-for-profit, and those donating could make tax-deductible donations.  The cost of that is $450.  There are other fees that go along with that as well.  If you could donate to support this cause and help Clarisse’s memory live on to help other senior doggies, it would be so appreciated.  There is a donation button at the top left of this blog.  You do not have to have a PayPal account to donate.  Even $5 helps.  Thank you so much.

Clarisse when she was about 2-1/2 years old

 

 

Taegan - Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary resident

Tobie - Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary Resident

 

Otis - Small Paws Senior Canine Sanctuary Resident

Oh, Good Grief! Dealing With The Death of Your Dog

 

 

In Memory of Clarisse Louise Chaplin

10-3-95 to 8-28-13

 

If you've lived long enough, and most of us have, you have dealt with the loss of a loved one, human and/or companion animal.  Then comes the grieving process - a path we'd rather not trod, but a necessary one.  To deny ourselves this journey is to miss out on an opportunity to become a stronger person, enabling us to be a comfort to someone else in their time of need.

Death is an unfortunate consequence of the 'Fall of Man' in the Garden of Eden as told in the Holy Bible from the Christian faith.  It is not an end, rather an eternal beginning.  I am a firm believer that our canine companions, who most of us consider family, do possess a soul, which is the part of us that lives forever.  From the reading I have done, the word used in the Old Testament Hebrew language of the Holy Bible for 'soul' is the same for humans and animals.  A very good book to read regarding this is 'Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates' by Gary Kurz.  It will give you a clearer understanding and much insight that will provide comfort for your anxiety.

Each situation we face when the time comes for our furry loved ones to pass to the Rainbow Bridge will be unique, as will the emotions that accompany it.  For me, it helps to write, because that is so natural for me.  Sharing with friends and family...a physical shoulder to lean on, is an important part of the healing process.  Shedding tears...whether you're male or female, it doesn't matter.  Crying doesn't mean you're weak...it means you're human.  Don't expect for it to 'go away' in a day or two - healing times are different for each of us.  It is not a time for others to pass judgment on someone because it's taking 'too long'.  It is a time for compassion, tenderness and a listening ear...for how ever long it may be needed.  Eventually, the pain will ease, not go away completely forever, but you'll once again recall the wonderful life you shared, and you'll smile again.

It's been a little over four years since I suffered the loss of a companion animal, she was a foster, and she died while in my care.  Even though she wasn't 'my dog', the loss greatly affected me.  This was a life...a moving, breathing creature.  Sugar had it rough, she was a stray brought into a shelter where most likely her life would have ended because she was a senior.  Thankfully, my friend Julie rescued her, and after that our paths crossed twice, unfortunately the second time ending her life due to illness.

Perhaps I'm more sensitive than most, and I know there are those who don't understand my commitment and connection to dogs.  It is truly a tie that binds.  When my little Clarisse passed away the other day, my prayer was that she would go on her own, but that didn't happen, so it left me to 'make that decision'.  Could I really do that? Nearly eighteen years together...that's a long time...my life without her? Hard to imagine her not in my life.  I'm heartbroken.  Yes, life will go on.  I have other dogs in my care who need me.  I know she is in Heaven.  She is no longer blind from cataracts, she is free from the kidney disease that severely diminished her weight...she is whole.  That being said, I am left to deal with the loss. My faith in God will get me through, I am confident of that, and in time my heart will mend.  That void immediately felt in my heart is now filled with a tiny paw print left there by Clarisse.  Dealing with it will not be easy, getting through it will be rough, but loving her was worth it - she truly changed my life and taught me so much.  I can certainly say it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.



 

R.I.P. my sweet Clarisse <3

Unconditional Love - An Observation and Application

What is unconditional love? What does it mean to be unconditional? I really don’t perceive it as a human trait…whether we realize it or not, we place conditions on those we chose to love.  Good, bad or indifferent…a person’s appearance has a lot to do with us accepting them to be a part of our life.  We as humans tend to be driven by looks…that is a big part of the attraction equation.  I have had numerous relationships on various levels over my lifetime, as I’m sure you have too.  Most of them, especially those which I thought to be ‘serious’, went by the wayside.  Fourteen years ago, I quit pursuing those kinds of associations.  It’s been less stressful for me, and I’m okay with it – that’s my choice. I no longer need to concern myself with what someone else thinks I should do, be, say or live….ah….no conditions!

 

Over the last five years I have become so involved in small dog rescue that ‘extra’ time is a luxury I do not have – I’m ‘sold out’ and physically spent with those responsibilities.  I’m not complaining, it is a labor of love.  Most people would never take on the magnitude of commitment I have, because it really does not allow for much of a life outside of the continual obligation necessary to try to keep up, which is a daily challenge!  For me, it is an inborn passion….my very heart.  I take it personally and I have very strong opinions regarding the care of dogs.  I do not apologize for it, and I do not back down.  Love me, love my dogs…period! They are family, and if you don’t like that status, don’t come over our house!

 

Most people cannot comprehend the time consumption of tending to multiple dogs, even though they’re all under fifteen pounds.  It is my life.  I rescue senior dogs.  Many of mine are over the age of ten.  If you were to come to our home for the day, especially on a weekend when I’m not working my full-time job, you might think I had ‘saved up’ some chores, but not so.  This is typical ‘day in, day out’.  We go for walks as time, weather and my stamina allows…but certainly not as much as I would like.  I do not go to the State Fair or concerts or ball games or participate in other ‘outside of home’ entertainment.  I rarely watch a movie at home…and a vacation? What’s that? There would certainly be no kenneling of my family members just so I could get away…and I don’t expect someone else to take on the responsibility!

 

There’s always a floor to sweep and/or mop, doggie blankets, beds and pottie pads to wash.  Somepawdy not feeling well….diarrhea, skin issues, nails to trim, an impromptu  bath because somepawdy rolled in poop in the back yard, medications to administer, shots to get at the vet, eyes to clean, teeth to brush, food to prepare (along with the couple dozen dishes to wash later, which I do ‘manually’).  It never ends…if I think I’m done…it’s probably time to wake up in the morning and start all over again!

 

All this brings me to the point of this blog – unconditional love – more of a canine trait than a mortal one.  But in the same sense, my dogs have taught me this over the past many years.  Being so involved with dogs has really brought so much positive aspects to my life – their adoration for me has rubbed off.  There are times I get frustrated and even upset and they are corrected, but never in an abusive or neglectful manner.  I have zero tolerance for that.  My love for them does not have ‘conditions’ attached, just as theirs does toward me.  They may do something they shouldn’t, but I don’t stop loving them because of that.  They are forgiving when they’d like to be ‘the only’ dog, but they’re not…mommy’s attention is very divided…I try to give to everybody, but it doesn’t always happen.  I am spread very thin, and I do the best I can…sometimes when I don’t even physically feel like it.

 

Every domesticated dog deserves a loving home which involves no less than proper nutrition, medical care when needed, a safe, stress-free environment, and to know they are loved.  I understand life can throw a curve ball, and place a person in dire circumstances, sometimes beyond their control, but more often that is not the case and it breaks my heart.  I have picked up a lot of slack of other’s carelessness and irresponsibility.  I will continue to do so as long as God allows, because the need is great and the workers are few.  Dog rescue is a never ending battle.  I know there are many who do more than I.  I am grateful and thankful for each one who is helping on the front lines.  There is no ‘free dog’…there is a constant expense and a lifetime commitment…maybe as long as twenty years.  They are a blessing, their unconditional love for you will never end.  It doesn’t matter what you look like, how much money you make, what kind of dwelling you live in, how old you are or what bad habits you have…they will love you and be loyal to you just the same.  So if you want a true definition of unconditional love, look no further than a dog – they will leave a paw print on your heart fur-ever!

 

The Canine Diet – Naturally: A Starting Point

Feeding your dog is more important than you may realize, especially what you feed.  It is unfortunate that the pet food industry at large has led pet owners to believe ‘their’ foods are ‘complete’, all your dog needs.  The days of when that was my personal practice are a blur, a very distant memory.  I am so glad I have learned better about canine nutrition.  My desire is not only to help my dogs, but everybody’s furry companions.  I love dogs…my goal, daunting as it may be is that every dog is healthy and happy, naturally.

Naturally…something that may seem eccentric or come as ‘news’ to the majority of veterinarians (which is not really their fault), and a concept I’m sure that makes me an antagonist, a thorn in the side so to speak  toward the big pet food manufacturers. Convenience aside…which is what man-made kibble is… raw is best.  Foods which would be consumed in the wild by these domesticated carnivores are truly what is needed in their diet.  Raw, not some overcooked glob with no nutrient value, or even the high-priced prescription diets.  These will not make your dog healthy, as some commercials (falsely) imply.  In fact, quite the contrary, it will most likely bring on unwanted disease and other ill issues.

That being said, my plan is to empower you to take at least some charge of your dog’s diet.  What you do or fail to do can have positive or negative consequences in regard to his or her health over their lifetime.  I know there are those who cannot for physical and/or financial reasons be able to provide the best diet, (which is raw) for their dog.  However, I believe most people can do a few things to enhance the menu.  Really, the savings down the road far outweigh the added expense at present. Most issues dogs encounter are nutritionally related.  Spend the money now by improving the quality of the food, or spend it later when chances are greater that your dog will develop a serious issue that will require medical (aka: veterinarian) intervention.

So, hopefully at this point you’re now thinking, ‘Ok, what can I do?’ Well, vegetables, fruits and herbs are a great starting point.  Vegetables, best used fresh (and organic) or frozen (and organic) are fairly easy to add and reasonably priced.  Using those that are ‘seasonal’ helps balance and support organ function, and in season typically cost less. (Buying watermelon in the winter, especially in the Midwest if you could even find it would be outrageous in price, where apples would be an easier catch).  Most areas across the U.S. have local farmer’s markets – which have a nice variety of home-grown choices.  Just as you would for your own use, wash veges well.  You can lightly steam or chop in a food processor, as this will aid the doggie digestion process (their digestion starts in the stomach, not the mouth like us humans).

 In the book ‘Holistic Guide For A Healthy Dog’ written by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, D.V.M., there is a list of vegetables to use each season.  There are a few year ‘round ones: lettuces, radishes and garlic. (Note: 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder per pound of food 3 to 4 times a week, or one clove fresh garlic per 10 to 30 pounds weight per day is considered safe for your dog).  If your dog is larger or smaller, increase or decrease accordingly.  Garlic is great to boost the immune system and for cancer prevention.  Start with small amounts of these veges to see how your dog’s system will handle them.  If you have any adverse reaction, immediately stop using.

Canine instinct tells our dogs what is needed to balance their system.  They’re smarter than most humans, I think!  This is why they eat grass from time to time (another reason not to spray your yard with chemicals).  A list of all season herbs in the above mentioned book include: alfalfa, garlic, comfrey leaf, watercress, goldenrod, dandelion and rosemary.  You can certainly grow these in your own yard, which can be fun and rewarding, and cut down on expense.  There are many that can even flourish in containers for small areas (apartment balconies, for example).  And dandelions are free of charge…compliments of nature (yet another reason not to spray your yard!).  Of course, you can also mail order those that you cannot grow in your area, and the harder to find ones.  One of my favorite places is Mountain Rose Herbs in California.  They have top quality products, many organic at reasonable prices.   I have ordered from them for many years. You can check out their website at: www.mountainroseherbs.com.  It’s best to combine three to four of these herbs (only use single herbs if using for medicinal purposes)…be creative with the above selections. (Note: use double the amount when using fresh herbs).

I will be blogging a whole lot more on what to use in season to best benefit your pooch.  If you are unsure whether an herb is safe to use for your dog, research it, or email me and ask! (TalkToThePawInIndy@aol.com)  I will be posting more exclusive ‘Chaplin Doggie Diner’ recipes for raw feeding, so stay tuned! I know many of my blogs are lengthy, but there is so much information, and many times it’s hard to condense it without losing necessary data.  The health of your dog, destructive or helpful rests in your decisions – what will you choose?

Canine Obesity - A Growing Problem

It is an unfortunate situation that so many dogs are overweight.  It is truly a growing problem, and one with great concern.  Just as it is unhealthy for humans to be overweight, so it is for our furry companions.  Obesity can bring on disease such as diabetes, skin conditions, digestive problems, arthritis, heart disease and many other issues.  It’s also easier to put on, just like with people, and much harder to take off.  Same concept, less calories, more exercise.  Eating selections for dogs are the responsibility of the pet owner, where for us, we make our choices, and those preferences affect our weight.  Poor choices need to be replaced with better ones.

For dogs, raw is best; home-cooked is good; dry food or kibble, I really don’t recommend as it is too high in carbs (which I am going to discuss more), canned – I do not recommended for weight loss either.  Treats, which I feel should be few can include raw baby carrots and small pieces of apples, both organic preferably. Occasionally dog biscuits, homemade being the preference. If your dog is obese, starting an exercise program can be a challenge.  Progress will be slow, so the need for patience will be great.  Walking is the best choice for exercise, as most people and dogs can do at least a little.  You can also consider water therapy, especially for older dogs or ones with joint issues.  How much and for how long? Well, it depends on the dog’s age and current health status.  If five minutes is a starting point, then five minutes.  As your dog’s weight drops and his/her health improves, you can increase the time and even the intensity.  Always check with your veterinarian if you are not sure, and let them know you are adding an exercise program to their routine.  Below is a canine body condition score chart.  Study this, then take a look at your dog and see where he/she scores.

 

There are those who think an overweight dog is a ‘loved’ dog.  No doubt, you love your pet…I would certainly hope so.  However, an overweight dog is an unhealthy dog, and overfeeding is a poor practice, just as it is for a person.  Overfeeding can cause diarrhea and feeding improperly can produce cancer environments internally.  The main problem in the canine diet is over consumption of carbohydrates.  This type of feeding over a long period of time, usually the lifespan of the dog is the main culprit in the disease issues I have mentioned thus far, not to neglect mentioning that overweight dogs have more difficulty controlling blood glucose levels.  I know most of you out there are feeding your dog dry (or kibble) food, and will probably continue to do so.  I hope you will consider a raw diet, as this is truly the diet dogs need to consume for optimum health.

I believe vets are still focused on the 20^th Century thought process of pharmaceutical treatment, especially when recommending the prescription dog foods.  On the contrary, proper nutrition needs to be considered as a component of treatment in obesity…for it is there that true weight loss will find its cure.  In researching to write this blog, a common practice of mine, I checked out one of the dry foods formulated for weight loss from Hill’s Prescription Diet.  I am including the ingredient list from their ‘Canine Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution’ formula:

Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Pea Bran Meal, Soybean Mill Run, Soybean Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Lactic Acid, Powdered Cellulose, Pork Liver Flavor, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Dried Carrots, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Lipoic Acid, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols added to retain freshness, Citric Acid added to retain freshness, Beta-Carotene, Phosphoric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

What I see on this ingredient list are numerous known allergens to the canine such as wheat, corn and soy.  Way too many carbs! I have mentioned before on how to calculate the carbohydrate percentage for dry dog food.  By law, manufacturer’s do not have to disclose this information (then you’d be too informed and probably wouldn’t buy their food).  One surprising thing was, Hill’s included it on their nutrient chart, however, I don’t think it’s accurate.  There’s not enough information provided to come to the carb content of 38.7% that it shows.  You will typically see the protein, fat, ash, fiber and moisture percentages listed.  To obtain the carbohydrate percentage, you start with 100(%) and subtract the % of protein, ash, fat and moisture and you will get your percentage of carbohydrates.  With the information supplied I can take 100 minus 29.8 (the protein), 11.6 (the fat) and that’s it (fiber is not calculated).    I come up with 58.6% carbs.  That really sounds like to me what it actually is, as I have found even the high end dry dog foods are around 50-55% carbs.  Hill’s even touts on their website that ‘88% of dogs lost weight in two months at home’.  I really question these kinds of claims, and I don’t apologize for my skepticism.

Don’t assume the pet food industry at large is accurate in their research of what your dog needs, and that these foods are ‘optimum’ diets.  You’re the pet parent….your dog is your responsibility…from pottie breaks, to feeding to vetting. I believe the prescription diets are a lot of hollow hype, and don’t solve a problem, but create further issues down the line.  This is not how dogs were intended to eat.  I don’t buy into it.  My dogs no longer have kibble in their diet.  Any time in the past when an upset stomach or some other issue has risen, the kibble was the first to get eliminated.   Nutrition is a continual learning process, and I have acquired a great deal of insight and information in the last five years when I started home cooking for my dogs.  More recently, in the last 12-18 months, I have discovered that raw is best, and now that I have made that change for them, I am starting to see positive results in just 6 weeks!  It’s your decision, you’ll feed your dog what you choose.  My hope in creating, writing and continuing this blog is to inform and educate pet parents so they can make the best decision for their dog, as they are one family member that will never outgrow their dependence on you.

Proactive Observation

Being a pet parent is quite a responsibility….a long-term one, especially when raising a dog from a puppy to senior canine.  Every dog deserves owners who are dedicated to their health and well-being. We can all play an active role in aiding a long, healthy life by the choices we make for them.  It is unfortunate that so many (myself included in the past) have been brain-washed by the big corporate dog food industry and ill-trained practitioners. Lifespans can be as long as 15 to 20 years, and especially to those who start with a young dog, this time allows a great opportunity to be of most benefit, as it is important to start off on the right paw!  There is a challenge to adopting an older dog, and especially when little or nothing is known of the dog’s past care.  However, that being said, immediate focus to detail such as behaviors and nutrition need to be of utmost consideration because these can communicate a wealth of information to issues that need to be addressed…and some quite quickly.

My (human) nutritional background spans almost three decades.  In that time I have read and been exposed to a lot of health and nutrition information.  Throughout those years, I have learned much by personal application, and a lot through assisting family, friends and co-workers, how to sift through the vast and overwhelming hype to find out what really works.  My conclusion has long been, that which nature provides for us is far superior to what man formulates.  Creation has no need to compete with man, because what is provided is very good, it’s been around a long time.  There is no need to build or add on to it.  There is no greed involved, as monetary compensation means nothing, but to man it will always be about the profit possibilities. Once you can rid yourself of that mindset, the sooner you can reap the benefits of natural remedies not only for yourself, but for your dog as well. It is necessary to take charge of this area, and not leave it to someone else who feels you are not capable of knowing how to feed your dog.  Personally, that ruffles my feathers to think they believe I’m not smart enough! It’s not the rocket science propaganda that is so prevalent in the public eye.

There are two things specifically I have been reading about lately, and I am very excited to learn more and really delve into so I can share this information with my blog readers.  I have said before that you need to monitor your dog.  Know what is normal so when something isn’t, you recognize it.  It doesn’t pay to be passive.  Realizing an issue promptly can be a literal life-saver to your dog.  The sooner a problem is realized, the better prognosis for true healing.  I recall many years ago reading a couple articles about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  At that time it just wasn’t something I felt I needed to pursue.  Now, with my continuing studies on canine nutrition, I am reading more about holistic alternatives.  This is an area I have long felt is the right direction.  There are times when ‘western medicine’, such as antibiotics and surgery are necessary.  This should not and does not have to be the norm.  Simply treating symptoms does not get to the origin of the problem; in fact, many times it makes it worse, not mentioning numerous and sometimes life-threatening side effects.  Prescription drugs contain ingredients that man has formulated; elements that are toxic to our bodies.  This in turn causes other issues and thus a viscous cycle of more and more intruders invading us that our systems view as harmful, setting in motion an overwhelming response which triggers more and so on and so on.  It can get to a point of no return…the body becomes so overcome, it shuts down.

Herbs and natural remedies are more gentle and compatible with the biological rhythms of our bodies.  In this area, our canine companions are no different than we are.  They too require this approach, as this is what they would experience in the wild.  Yes, we have domesticated these creatures and brought them into our toxic world, and they simply cannot survive under these extreme, unnatural conditions. Don’t let anyone tell you any different, because it’s simply not possible.  Our unhealthy practices are causing them to develop diseases that they should never have to deal with.  It is our responsibility to bring them back into balance by doing what is right.  TCM, along with implementing the five element theory and kinesiology to detect allergies, will greatly enhance their lives.  Our pets for most of us are family, we need to be proactive proponents for them.  Watch your dog…he’s trying to tell you something.  Are you listening?