Those vaccines cause so many health issues. I try to share your email with pet lovers. I try to explain to pet owners on dog walks, etc about the dangers of shots. First dog had every issue after puppy shots, then aggression towards other dogs after rabies shot. So next puppy, no more shots. It has worked out well, have to be creative to get into puppy classes. I even managed to get a spay without a rabies shot. I have to switch vets when ever an emergency. Some will refuse to see anyone without all vaccines records. So keep calling till we can get in somewhere. My friends rescue dog was overvaccinated, so I knew risk of cancer would be high. At 6 years old, was diagnosed with throat tonsil cancer. She was dying, I had been researching Fenbendazole, so I had ordered it from HomeLabVet. I searched Fenbendazole.org for approx dosage, and started her on Fenbendazole, we could see slight improvement each 24 hours. In 2 months was cancer free, and very active Hound dog self. We could not tell vet as they want to sell chemo and or radiation. We just told vet to cancel appointment, dog is healthy now. Because never know if we will have to use that vet again, and if they are mad we used Fenbendazole, they might not see us in some future emergency.
Wow, Beth! Great story!! I'm so impressed at the lengths you've gone to to get your goals met. And the fenben: amazing! I'll be bookmarking that site, thanks so much for sharing this.
We made the switch to raw feeding in the late 90s when our then-8-year-old Husky-mix was "dying" rapidly of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, and dying even more rapidly from the liver damage caused by the drugs we were giving her for VF. Following the directions of our new homeopath/DVM, we 1) stopped the drugs, 2) added supplements and homeopathic remedies; 3) stopped vaccinations, heartworm, and flea & tic prevention meds; and 3) began feeding raw.
That was back in the day when we went to a butcher, who put a whole turkey in the grinder! So we followed the BARF (Bones And Raw Food) guidelines for adding species appropriate greens and nutrients to the ground mix.
I don't recall switching gradually from kibble to raw, just as I don't switch gradually now from one protein or one brand of prepared raw food diet to the next. The sudden change in protein has never upset my dogs' and cats' stomachs. I figure in the wild, they'd go from rabbit to mouse to mole in one big bite. Why not in my kitchen?
The Husky recovered and lived a full life to the ripe old age of 17. She had earlier developed hypothyroidism and that remained, but she never had any digestive issues. Nor have we seen digestive issues in our other raw-fed animals: a 40-pound Border Collie mix, who lived to be 16 and a half, and an indoor cat who lived to 19 and a half. Neither the Border Collie nor the cat were vaccinated or given monthly preventatives.
Husky, BC, and cat all had beautiful coats, clear eyes, and looked vital up until their last couple of months. The husky had mobility problems caused by damage the Valley Fever had earlier done in her spine her last year. The Border Collie developed congestive heart disease during her last 12 months. The cat had multiple chronic conditions, including asthma, resorptive lesions, fatty tumors on pancreas and liver, and hyperthyroidism from the age of 16 on, but he thrived until his last two weeks and died a peaceful, natural death at the age of 19 and a half.
We now live with two incredibly active rescues, who arrived with a host of enteric issues, caused by worms and likely stress, that led to frequent diarrhea. We switched them to raw food the day they moved in, and after several months to a year, those issues cleared completely. They are now 9, bright-eyed, and as energetic as pups. One of them has food sensitivities that cause him to itch sometimes--but we deal with that by avoiding the offending protein. They are very healthy dogs.
Wow, you've really given it all you had and continue to do so. Lucky dogs and cats! There's such healing power available when we follow Nature's example and get off the poisons and the immune confusing vaccines, not to mention the toxic pest control.
Your animals died naturally, when it was their time. That was because of all the changes you made and the dedication you had to them. I used to see the contrast in practice. Those with the most drugging through their last years needed euthanasia but not those who lived natural lives.
You've had great examples, thanks for sharing your stories!
I have a 13 1/2 year old Weimaraner. I got her at 6 1/2. She had been kibble fed; specifically the cheapest stuff you could buy and absolutely no "people" food. Not exactly over-vaccinated, but she had her fair share. I immediately started researching raw diets; how to, what to, you name it. It was a little daunting but I was determined to do better for this girl than my previous dogs. She is picky. She had never had anything but kibble her whole life, so most everything else (like fruits & veg) were very suspicious. The meat she was totally on board with! By age 7 she was completely raw fed. She is now 13 and a half and has So Much Energy, is so happy, healthy and raring to go.
Oh, and in the spirit of complete transparency, I ended all "preventive" meds, treat things homeopathically (I have some pretty amazing success stories with that), and No More Vaccines. She had already had plenty by the time I got her. And I do continuing education on all these things.
There is So Much skepticism when people meet me and I tell them how old she is. They look at her with awe. Anyone who thinks feeding a species appropriate diet is too expensive or too hard, needs to take a closer look. It may not be as simple as scooping a bit of kibble out of the bag, but it's no more difficult -- in fact, less so -- than making my own meals! The benefits far outweigh any difficulties.
My goal was not necessarily longevity, but just to have my dog live a healthy, happy life without the downward spiral of problems and the misery that goes along with that. I got so much more than that. I have never had a dog do this well before! Or even live this long!
Thanks Dr. Will. You're one of the people that helped/helps me navigate the holistic world. Without people like you, so willing to share your knowledge in order to help the animals, it would be so much harder.
BOOM! Thanks for sharing this Lorene. So glad you're seeing such amazing fruits of your good work on this lucky dog. The more people you "stun" with her, the happier I am! (Though I've also had readers tell me their vets were stunned, but then, when they learned the dog was looking so great from raw feeding, they got nervous and backed away, like they were crawling with evil germs!)
So, our work is far from over, but every vital animal like your Weimer is a world changer! Keep her out in the public eye and don't be shy about sharing her story to who ever is curious and in awe of her!
I was introduced to your work in about 2012 when I was working at an Arabian horse property near Austin, TX. I was already committed to natural approaches to health, nutrition etc and managed to persuade the owner to pay for a chiropractor to treat the horses. It was the chiropractor who introduced me to your work. We were kindred spirits. You may know her - Dr Mary Traverse. I also changed their feed from molasses-covered Purina cr@p to an organic sugar-free feed. The vet we used was anti-everything natural, unfortunately, but I didn't let that stop me.
When I started working at the property, one of the horses had suffered from a serious case of laminitis/founder and had been put in a sand arena on her own. She was getting remedial farriery, but the vet said she would never be able to go out on grass again. She was quite old and already retired, but I did some research into nutrition and supplements and by changing her feed and adding supplements I was gradually able to reintroduce her to grass and she enjoyed happy years out in the field with no recurrence of laminitis. Of course, the vet was astounded. LOL
I've been a raw-feeding fan for years. I had a black lab who had hip dysplasia from a young age and eventually needed a hip replacement. She was on steroids for years, which affected her digestion. I'm old enough to remember when kibble was first introduced, and my vet recommended it. When I fed it to my lab, she threw up the whole lot. Needless to say, I stopped feeding it immediately. After doing some research, I changed her to a raw diet and a natural joint supplement with the usual glucosomine, chondroitin etc, but it also included devil's claw root. I took her off all medications and her mobility improved dramatically.
In 2016 I adopted a rescue who was a young street dog, picked up in AZ at 9 months old, and, of course, the humane society vaxed her and spayed her. I didn't give her any vaccines from that point on, not even the parvo 2nd shot she was supposed to have. A few years later, she developed a fatty lump on her shoulder. I don't know if it was at the vaccine site, but it gradually grew bigger. In 2023, I decided to move back to the UK after 13 years in the US, and of course, couldn't leave my beloved dog behind. During the necessary health check, the vet confirmed it was a fatty lump and purely cosmetic and not to worry about it. Of course, she had to have a rabies shot to enter the UK, which I was not happy about, but it was unavoidable due to the entry requirements. I gave her Thuja to try to counteract any adverse reactions.
We arrived in the UK in May 2023. Within a few weeks, the lump started to grow rapidly, and she went downhill rapidly. She was eventually diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (which I've read is linked to the rabies shot) and had to be put to sleep in October of the same year. She would have been only 8 years old in November. I was heartbroken (I still am, shedding tears as I write this).
In March this year, I became the happy parent of a labrador puppy (after saying I wouldn't have another dog!!). I was determined to find an unvaccinated puppy, which is not easy because most breeders give them their first shots. I was lucky enough to find one and started her on nosodes and a raw diet as soon as I brought her home. I haven't bothered to register her with a vet or taken her for a "health check" as I knew they'd be pushing vaccines and kibble. She is perfectly healthy, thriving on her raw diet, has beautifully clean ears and turned 1 year old today. I also will not spay her, as I've read that the lack of sex-related hormones is detrimental. She's had her first season, and I don't fret about dealing with the small amount of mess it creates.
I've never been a germophobe, grew up playing on farms and petting the animals. These days, especially after COVID, people are obsessed with hand-washing, hand sanitiser etc. I am 69 years old, on a healthy diet (mainly organic), have a strong immune system and rarely get sick. I haven't seen a Dr since 2009 and wouldn't touch Big Pharma poisons with a barge pole (as we say in the UK). Needless to say, I was wise to the COVID scamdemic from the start, no vax, tests, or masks.
Thank you for all the valuable information you share. It is much appreciated.
A great story of your own natural path, Jan. You’ve done well by the animals who were lucky to have you in their lives. The laminitis turn around: I love it when conventional doctors are gob smacked (as they say down South). If you need any homeopathic help in UK, look up Sue Armstrong, brilliant with both animals and their humans.
I have fed raw for 19 years. I raised 3 kids and 2 grandkids in this house with 5 - 6 dogs at any given time and…. No one ever got sick from raw food in my house!!!
I have 2 barn cats and in the summer I was trying to figure out an easy way to deter fleas and ticks. I used DE and added it to kibble, ( not their usual diet). We’ll let me tell you!!! They became kibble junkies and started to look like bowling balls. Back to their normal diet and normal weights!!
Nice, Lori! I swear I've never seen an overwt animal who's been raw fed. My students tell me they have, so I guess it's possible, but yours is a great case study.
Also: the raw diet should REPEL parasites, including fleas. Not convinced DE in food would deter fleas on the surface, but it also won't harm anybody.
The side article about the study of the London Dr. did not say that the humans he tested lived with the dogs which were eating raw food. He only said the humans were from the same area. Probably because the dear Dr. never studied the dogs directly, only their feces (which he easily could have scraped off the street, and even grabbed (accidently) the feces of a dog that was kibble fed) and that, with certainty, means he did not study the dog's caregivers directly either. If only someone would perform the study as it should have been done, and prove the dear Dr. wrong.
Our dog is raw-fed, except when we have steak, then she gets a steak too. I had someone ask me how we kept her teeth so clean because we do not have her teeth cleaned by the Vets. She gets raw bones. I have noticed she has what I'm thinking is a Limpoma. Other than that at 11, she is healthy.
I've had good success with switching cats to raw diets. They take to it with no problems and I see almost immediate improvement. Dogs have been hit and miss in my experience. Many of the older dogs we take in don't tolerate a raw diet, so we cook it. Food energetics seem to be more important with them, which is why I suspect chicken is often problematic for dogs, especially those that tend to run hot. I think Cheryl Schwartz and Judy Morgan put out the best information about this. My experience with animals is that it's pretty easy to regulate and maintain their weight with portion control and their body composition with regular exercise.
Glad to see you saying that keeping away from pharma is priority #1. I don't think any diet will help if you're continually poisoning the body with vaccines and preventatives.
As far as humans, I think it's a bit more complicated. Weight gain and retention seem to be tied up with chronic disease, which is possibly why some people can't lose weight no matter what they do. It would have been interesting if you had spoken about that from a homeopathic perspective - psora being associated with underfunction, poor assimilation and weight gain.
It's frightening that pharma is selling a short cut solution with the GLP-1 agonists. I foresee big problems in the future from suppressing obesity. It's shocking that RFK Jr. is now saying that these things "have a place". Really speaks to the power and influence of big pharma.
In my own case, I find that moderation - eating fresh foods, plenty of fiber and water, small amounts of meat, and plenty of exercise - keep my weight under control.
I think RFK has had to soft pedal on some things before he's appointed (or okay'd or what ever has to happen). He knows labels like "anti-vax" are too weighty to get in the door, but Ozempic will never get handed out to kids on his watch, no matter what he's saying while awaiting the okay from the senate.
Yours is the opposite with cats v dogs and raw that I've ever heard. Just goes to show the lines can blur in biology!
I should also comment on feeding raw. I’m new to the game, probably under 2 years. I don’t even remember why or how I started, but probably with my cats. My last 2 dogs have been adult rescue dogs and I don’t know all the history. My last rescue was a young stray that must have just stopped nursing puppies based on her waning teats still having a little milk. But the shelter had all her shots and a spay done with a week before I got her. She has been on raw and no other shots since I got her. My new puppy is 13 weeks old and she has been on raw, dehydrated raw since I got her. Breeder only used kibble. No shots yet, but I have an appointment next week for her 1st shot. I do worry about parvo. Even a local herbalist who sells nosodes advised about getting at least one parvo shot before starting nosodes. I do plan on showing the dog at dog shows and maybe other competitions so I’m unsure what, if anything is required. 30 years ago it wasn’t required or checked, and I did vaccinate more during the dogs younger years and tapered off as they got older to finally, completely stopping. I want to raise this puppy as healthy as possible.
I've also got post that'll inspire you. If you search my site (box at the bottom of every page) for the word "championship" you'll turn up a great story about a dog a past client showed all over with nary a shot.
Under each of your articles, in the enewsletter, mention there is a Comment button at the very bottom of the email. As I didn't know, and finally saw it. That way, if anyone wants to Comment on an article, they will see mention that there is a Comment button at very bottom of email. I think there are very little comments, as no one realizes there is a Comment button at the very bottom. I just started figuring this out on Substack, in the new enewletters, no one comments, but eventually as readers learn there is a Comment button, they start commenting
i've never been able to transition my now-11 year old kitty to wet or raw, and she's suffering from the consequences. But she just refuses until she loses weight, and she is small and rather thin anyway. Have transitioned all my other animals since 1995 to raw with no issues..but this one won't even eat kibble if I merely mist water on her kibble. I get the highest quality she will eat but I know it's not optimum. I have started crumbling freeze-dried Dr. Marty's into her kibble, and even though she stares at it and eats around it, I know she gets some of it. Going to read your article to see if there is anything I haven't tried. She's not been vaxxed in 9 years since I've had her, try to only give herbs/homeopathy for health issues. she's become prone to UTIs and is currently having a herpes flare in her eyes, at my wits end with the herpes so may have to call a conventional vet, no holistic near me. Thanks for all you do and write.
Don't ever feel conventional veterinary medicine is your last chance with anything chronic. They won't be able to help and often they'll worsen things. Homeopathic vets can work from a distance, and here's how to start your search process for your cat: https://youtu.be/XyEklB8W6M0
I've got two inspiring podcasts with cats and raw food, thanks to Kasie Maxwell of SFRaw. The first interview tells how a cat got her into natural health, and #13 is all about how to make the jump to raw, particularly with cats. Never give up. And know professional homeopathic prescribing will address her appetite/preferences as well. She's a carnivore after all, and will wake up to that fact when properly prescribed for.
Thank you, didn't realize homeopathy could influence her appetite/preferences, but it makes complete sense. I was kind of clueless about "indoor only" and quirky cats when I adopted her, I've mostly only had dogs, outdoor hunter-type cats, or cats who thought they were dogs and very easy to take care of. I'm heartbroken I've sometimes had to learn at her expense, but she knows I love her and I'm happy to learn more. I'll check out the link, remote is better for her anyway, she is so terrified of the vet, she was injured at the two different vets she's seen in her lifetime because she fought so hard--the second time they were actually trying to sedate her so they could examine her.
Isn't it interesting that the good doc who makes a living pointing out the unwillingness of conventional medicine to engage in dialogue or consider the merits of other healing modalities also refuses to engage in dialogue with well meaning readers who ask questions he considers provocative and also engages in censorship? What's he so afraid of? This sort of behavior is sadly typical of those hiding behind their credentials. Or could it be that he's engaging in some transference - as a devotee of an indian guru one wonders if he expects the same sort of fanatical devotion from his readers. In either case the unfortunate behavior points to the doc needing a few remedies, especially considering his apparent liver issues.
The problem where I live (UK) is that the kennels and homecare organisations all insist on vaccinations because their insurance companies do. Last year we got a springer spaniel puppy after the death of our beloved springer cross who lived to be 16 and a half. She wasn't vaccinated but annually we got blood titres done and the results were accepted as well as the use of nosodes. Not any more...
Even the local dog training group insist on vaccination certificates and we couldn't go because they wouldn't accept homeopathic nosodes. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do about care when we go away as we have no-one to look after her.
House sitters. They are not going to have any say in your choices to vaccinate or not. Neighbors, students, etc. I did this in vet school and it was always appreciated on both sides.
Those vaccines cause so many health issues. I try to share your email with pet lovers. I try to explain to pet owners on dog walks, etc about the dangers of shots. First dog had every issue after puppy shots, then aggression towards other dogs after rabies shot. So next puppy, no more shots. It has worked out well, have to be creative to get into puppy classes. I even managed to get a spay without a rabies shot. I have to switch vets when ever an emergency. Some will refuse to see anyone without all vaccines records. So keep calling till we can get in somewhere. My friends rescue dog was overvaccinated, so I knew risk of cancer would be high. At 6 years old, was diagnosed with throat tonsil cancer. She was dying, I had been researching Fenbendazole, so I had ordered it from HomeLabVet. I searched Fenbendazole.org for approx dosage, and started her on Fenbendazole, we could see slight improvement each 24 hours. In 2 months was cancer free, and very active Hound dog self. We could not tell vet as they want to sell chemo and or radiation. We just told vet to cancel appointment, dog is healthy now. Because never know if we will have to use that vet again, and if they are mad we used Fenbendazole, they might not see us in some future emergency.
Wow, Beth! Great story!! I'm so impressed at the lengths you've gone to to get your goals met. And the fenben: amazing! I'll be bookmarking that site, thanks so much for sharing this.
We made the switch to raw feeding in the late 90s when our then-8-year-old Husky-mix was "dying" rapidly of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, and dying even more rapidly from the liver damage caused by the drugs we were giving her for VF. Following the directions of our new homeopath/DVM, we 1) stopped the drugs, 2) added supplements and homeopathic remedies; 3) stopped vaccinations, heartworm, and flea & tic prevention meds; and 3) began feeding raw.
That was back in the day when we went to a butcher, who put a whole turkey in the grinder! So we followed the BARF (Bones And Raw Food) guidelines for adding species appropriate greens and nutrients to the ground mix.
I don't recall switching gradually from kibble to raw, just as I don't switch gradually now from one protein or one brand of prepared raw food diet to the next. The sudden change in protein has never upset my dogs' and cats' stomachs. I figure in the wild, they'd go from rabbit to mouse to mole in one big bite. Why not in my kitchen?
The Husky recovered and lived a full life to the ripe old age of 17. She had earlier developed hypothyroidism and that remained, but she never had any digestive issues. Nor have we seen digestive issues in our other raw-fed animals: a 40-pound Border Collie mix, who lived to be 16 and a half, and an indoor cat who lived to 19 and a half. Neither the Border Collie nor the cat were vaccinated or given monthly preventatives.
Husky, BC, and cat all had beautiful coats, clear eyes, and looked vital up until their last couple of months. The husky had mobility problems caused by damage the Valley Fever had earlier done in her spine her last year. The Border Collie developed congestive heart disease during her last 12 months. The cat had multiple chronic conditions, including asthma, resorptive lesions, fatty tumors on pancreas and liver, and hyperthyroidism from the age of 16 on, but he thrived until his last two weeks and died a peaceful, natural death at the age of 19 and a half.
We now live with two incredibly active rescues, who arrived with a host of enteric issues, caused by worms and likely stress, that led to frequent diarrhea. We switched them to raw food the day they moved in, and after several months to a year, those issues cleared completely. They are now 9, bright-eyed, and as energetic as pups. One of them has food sensitivities that cause him to itch sometimes--but we deal with that by avoiding the offending protein. They are very healthy dogs.
Wow, you've really given it all you had and continue to do so. Lucky dogs and cats! There's such healing power available when we follow Nature's example and get off the poisons and the immune confusing vaccines, not to mention the toxic pest control.
Your animals died naturally, when it was their time. That was because of all the changes you made and the dedication you had to them. I used to see the contrast in practice. Those with the most drugging through their last years needed euthanasia but not those who lived natural lives.
You've had great examples, thanks for sharing your stories!
I have a 13 1/2 year old Weimaraner. I got her at 6 1/2. She had been kibble fed; specifically the cheapest stuff you could buy and absolutely no "people" food. Not exactly over-vaccinated, but she had her fair share. I immediately started researching raw diets; how to, what to, you name it. It was a little daunting but I was determined to do better for this girl than my previous dogs. She is picky. She had never had anything but kibble her whole life, so most everything else (like fruits & veg) were very suspicious. The meat she was totally on board with! By age 7 she was completely raw fed. She is now 13 and a half and has So Much Energy, is so happy, healthy and raring to go.
Oh, and in the spirit of complete transparency, I ended all "preventive" meds, treat things homeopathically (I have some pretty amazing success stories with that), and No More Vaccines. She had already had plenty by the time I got her. And I do continuing education on all these things.
There is So Much skepticism when people meet me and I tell them how old she is. They look at her with awe. Anyone who thinks feeding a species appropriate diet is too expensive or too hard, needs to take a closer look. It may not be as simple as scooping a bit of kibble out of the bag, but it's no more difficult -- in fact, less so -- than making my own meals! The benefits far outweigh any difficulties.
My goal was not necessarily longevity, but just to have my dog live a healthy, happy life without the downward spiral of problems and the misery that goes along with that. I got so much more than that. I have never had a dog do this well before! Or even live this long!
Thanks Dr. Will. You're one of the people that helped/helps me navigate the holistic world. Without people like you, so willing to share your knowledge in order to help the animals, it would be so much harder.
BOOM! Thanks for sharing this Lorene. So glad you're seeing such amazing fruits of your good work on this lucky dog. The more people you "stun" with her, the happier I am! (Though I've also had readers tell me their vets were stunned, but then, when they learned the dog was looking so great from raw feeding, they got nervous and backed away, like they were crawling with evil germs!)
So, our work is far from over, but every vital animal like your Weimer is a world changer! Keep her out in the public eye and don't be shy about sharing her story to who ever is curious and in awe of her!
This is very long, but please bear with me...
I was introduced to your work in about 2012 when I was working at an Arabian horse property near Austin, TX. I was already committed to natural approaches to health, nutrition etc and managed to persuade the owner to pay for a chiropractor to treat the horses. It was the chiropractor who introduced me to your work. We were kindred spirits. You may know her - Dr Mary Traverse. I also changed their feed from molasses-covered Purina cr@p to an organic sugar-free feed. The vet we used was anti-everything natural, unfortunately, but I didn't let that stop me.
When I started working at the property, one of the horses had suffered from a serious case of laminitis/founder and had been put in a sand arena on her own. She was getting remedial farriery, but the vet said she would never be able to go out on grass again. She was quite old and already retired, but I did some research into nutrition and supplements and by changing her feed and adding supplements I was gradually able to reintroduce her to grass and she enjoyed happy years out in the field with no recurrence of laminitis. Of course, the vet was astounded. LOL
I've been a raw-feeding fan for years. I had a black lab who had hip dysplasia from a young age and eventually needed a hip replacement. She was on steroids for years, which affected her digestion. I'm old enough to remember when kibble was first introduced, and my vet recommended it. When I fed it to my lab, she threw up the whole lot. Needless to say, I stopped feeding it immediately. After doing some research, I changed her to a raw diet and a natural joint supplement with the usual glucosomine, chondroitin etc, but it also included devil's claw root. I took her off all medications and her mobility improved dramatically.
In 2016 I adopted a rescue who was a young street dog, picked up in AZ at 9 months old, and, of course, the humane society vaxed her and spayed her. I didn't give her any vaccines from that point on, not even the parvo 2nd shot she was supposed to have. A few years later, she developed a fatty lump on her shoulder. I don't know if it was at the vaccine site, but it gradually grew bigger. In 2023, I decided to move back to the UK after 13 years in the US, and of course, couldn't leave my beloved dog behind. During the necessary health check, the vet confirmed it was a fatty lump and purely cosmetic and not to worry about it. Of course, she had to have a rabies shot to enter the UK, which I was not happy about, but it was unavoidable due to the entry requirements. I gave her Thuja to try to counteract any adverse reactions.
We arrived in the UK in May 2023. Within a few weeks, the lump started to grow rapidly, and she went downhill rapidly. She was eventually diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (which I've read is linked to the rabies shot) and had to be put to sleep in October of the same year. She would have been only 8 years old in November. I was heartbroken (I still am, shedding tears as I write this).
In March this year, I became the happy parent of a labrador puppy (after saying I wouldn't have another dog!!). I was determined to find an unvaccinated puppy, which is not easy because most breeders give them their first shots. I was lucky enough to find one and started her on nosodes and a raw diet as soon as I brought her home. I haven't bothered to register her with a vet or taken her for a "health check" as I knew they'd be pushing vaccines and kibble. She is perfectly healthy, thriving on her raw diet, has beautifully clean ears and turned 1 year old today. I also will not spay her, as I've read that the lack of sex-related hormones is detrimental. She's had her first season, and I don't fret about dealing with the small amount of mess it creates.
I've never been a germophobe, grew up playing on farms and petting the animals. These days, especially after COVID, people are obsessed with hand-washing, hand sanitiser etc. I am 69 years old, on a healthy diet (mainly organic), have a strong immune system and rarely get sick. I haven't seen a Dr since 2009 and wouldn't touch Big Pharma poisons with a barge pole (as we say in the UK). Needless to say, I was wise to the COVID scamdemic from the start, no vax, tests, or masks.
Thank you for all the valuable information you share. It is much appreciated.
A great story of your own natural path, Jan. You’ve done well by the animals who were lucky to have you in their lives. The laminitis turn around: I love it when conventional doctors are gob smacked (as they say down South). If you need any homeopathic help in UK, look up Sue Armstrong, brilliant with both animals and their humans.
Raw feed for over 18 years Rotties, Pointers, Bichons never needed a vet never vaccinated. Never ill.
Us human dog slaves and all in family never had any reaction to handling raw foods
Beautiful! Thanks for the confirmation: not only safe but full on healthy and building natural resistance. Carry on, you've got this.
I have fed raw for 19 years. I raised 3 kids and 2 grandkids in this house with 5 - 6 dogs at any given time and…. No one ever got sick from raw food in my house!!!
I have 2 barn cats and in the summer I was trying to figure out an easy way to deter fleas and ticks. I used DE and added it to kibble, ( not their usual diet). We’ll let me tell you!!! They became kibble junkies and started to look like bowling balls. Back to their normal diet and normal weights!!
Great articles as always! Thank you!
My latest read
The Medical- Pharmaceutical Killing Machine:
Facing Facts Could Save Your Life
Nice, Lori! I swear I've never seen an overwt animal who's been raw fed. My students tell me they have, so I guess it's possible, but yours is a great case study.
Also: the raw diet should REPEL parasites, including fleas. Not convinced DE in food would deter fleas on the surface, but it also won't harm anybody.
The side article about the study of the London Dr. did not say that the humans he tested lived with the dogs which were eating raw food. He only said the humans were from the same area. Probably because the dear Dr. never studied the dogs directly, only their feces (which he easily could have scraped off the street, and even grabbed (accidently) the feces of a dog that was kibble fed) and that, with certainty, means he did not study the dog's caregivers directly either. If only someone would perform the study as it should have been done, and prove the dear Dr. wrong.
Our dog is raw-fed, except when we have steak, then she gets a steak too. I had someone ask me how we kept her teeth so clean because we do not have her teeth cleaned by the Vets. She gets raw bones. I have noticed she has what I'm thinking is a Limpoma. Other than that at 11, she is healthy.
Nice, Pat! Raw bones: Nature's best tooth brush!
I've had good success with switching cats to raw diets. They take to it with no problems and I see almost immediate improvement. Dogs have been hit and miss in my experience. Many of the older dogs we take in don't tolerate a raw diet, so we cook it. Food energetics seem to be more important with them, which is why I suspect chicken is often problematic for dogs, especially those that tend to run hot. I think Cheryl Schwartz and Judy Morgan put out the best information about this. My experience with animals is that it's pretty easy to regulate and maintain their weight with portion control and their body composition with regular exercise.
Glad to see you saying that keeping away from pharma is priority #1. I don't think any diet will help if you're continually poisoning the body with vaccines and preventatives.
As far as humans, I think it's a bit more complicated. Weight gain and retention seem to be tied up with chronic disease, which is possibly why some people can't lose weight no matter what they do. It would have been interesting if you had spoken about that from a homeopathic perspective - psora being associated with underfunction, poor assimilation and weight gain.
It's frightening that pharma is selling a short cut solution with the GLP-1 agonists. I foresee big problems in the future from suppressing obesity. It's shocking that RFK Jr. is now saying that these things "have a place". Really speaks to the power and influence of big pharma.
In my own case, I find that moderation - eating fresh foods, plenty of fiber and water, small amounts of meat, and plenty of exercise - keep my weight under control.
I think RFK has had to soft pedal on some things before he's appointed (or okay'd or what ever has to happen). He knows labels like "anti-vax" are too weighty to get in the door, but Ozempic will never get handed out to kids on his watch, no matter what he's saying while awaiting the okay from the senate.
Yours is the opposite with cats v dogs and raw that I've ever heard. Just goes to show the lines can blur in biology!
Thank you for continuing to educate pet parents. I so appreciate your knowledge and the topics you bring to our attention.
I enjoy your writing and the photos about where you are in the world.
I should also comment on feeding raw. I’m new to the game, probably under 2 years. I don’t even remember why or how I started, but probably with my cats. My last 2 dogs have been adult rescue dogs and I don’t know all the history. My last rescue was a young stray that must have just stopped nursing puppies based on her waning teats still having a little milk. But the shelter had all her shots and a spay done with a week before I got her. She has been on raw and no other shots since I got her. My new puppy is 13 weeks old and she has been on raw, dehydrated raw since I got her. Breeder only used kibble. No shots yet, but I have an appointment next week for her 1st shot. I do worry about parvo. Even a local herbalist who sells nosodes advised about getting at least one parvo shot before starting nosodes. I do plan on showing the dog at dog shows and maybe other competitions so I’m unsure what, if anything is required. 30 years ago it wasn’t required or checked, and I did vaccinate more during the dogs younger years and tapered off as they got older to finally, completely stopping. I want to raise this puppy as healthy as possible.
You can absolutely use only nosodes to protect against parvo, your herbalist is wrong I'm afraid. Clients and readers have done it for years: https://vitalanimal.com/parvo-distemper-nosodes-kit/
I've also got post that'll inspire you. If you search my site (box at the bottom of every page) for the word "championship" you'll turn up a great story about a dog a past client showed all over with nary a shot.
Under each of your articles, in the enewsletter, mention there is a Comment button at the very bottom of the email. As I didn't know, and finally saw it. That way, if anyone wants to Comment on an article, they will see mention that there is a Comment button at very bottom of email. I think there are very little comments, as no one realizes there is a Comment button at the very bottom. I just started figuring this out on Substack, in the new enewletters, no one comments, but eventually as readers learn there is a Comment button, they start commenting
Good point. I'll have to look for that button. If it's way at the bottom, it might help if I could place it in a few spots. Thanks.
i've never been able to transition my now-11 year old kitty to wet or raw, and she's suffering from the consequences. But she just refuses until she loses weight, and she is small and rather thin anyway. Have transitioned all my other animals since 1995 to raw with no issues..but this one won't even eat kibble if I merely mist water on her kibble. I get the highest quality she will eat but I know it's not optimum. I have started crumbling freeze-dried Dr. Marty's into her kibble, and even though she stares at it and eats around it, I know she gets some of it. Going to read your article to see if there is anything I haven't tried. She's not been vaxxed in 9 years since I've had her, try to only give herbs/homeopathy for health issues. she's become prone to UTIs and is currently having a herpes flare in her eyes, at my wits end with the herpes so may have to call a conventional vet, no holistic near me. Thanks for all you do and write.
Don't ever feel conventional veterinary medicine is your last chance with anything chronic. They won't be able to help and often they'll worsen things. Homeopathic vets can work from a distance, and here's how to start your search process for your cat: https://youtu.be/XyEklB8W6M0
I've got two inspiring podcasts with cats and raw food, thanks to Kasie Maxwell of SFRaw. The first interview tells how a cat got her into natural health, and #13 is all about how to make the jump to raw, particularly with cats. Never give up. And know professional homeopathic prescribing will address her appetite/preferences as well. She's a carnivore after all, and will wake up to that fact when properly prescribed for.
Thank you, didn't realize homeopathy could influence her appetite/preferences, but it makes complete sense. I was kind of clueless about "indoor only" and quirky cats when I adopted her, I've mostly only had dogs, outdoor hunter-type cats, or cats who thought they were dogs and very easy to take care of. I'm heartbroken I've sometimes had to learn at her expense, but she knows I love her and I'm happy to learn more. I'll check out the link, remote is better for her anyway, she is so terrified of the vet, she was injured at the two different vets she's seen in her lifetime because she fought so hard--the second time they were actually trying to sedate her so they could examine her.
So yes, remote is good. Thanks again.
Isn't it interesting that the good doc who makes a living pointing out the unwillingness of conventional medicine to engage in dialogue or consider the merits of other healing modalities also refuses to engage in dialogue with well meaning readers who ask questions he considers provocative and also engages in censorship? What's he so afraid of? This sort of behavior is sadly typical of those hiding behind their credentials. Or could it be that he's engaging in some transference - as a devotee of an indian guru one wonders if he expects the same sort of fanatical devotion from his readers. In either case the unfortunate behavior points to the doc needing a few remedies, especially considering his apparent liver issues.
The problem where I live (UK) is that the kennels and homecare organisations all insist on vaccinations because their insurance companies do. Last year we got a springer spaniel puppy after the death of our beloved springer cross who lived to be 16 and a half. She wasn't vaccinated but annually we got blood titres done and the results were accepted as well as the use of nosodes. Not any more...
Even the local dog training group insist on vaccination certificates and we couldn't go because they wouldn't accept homeopathic nosodes. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do about care when we go away as we have no-one to look after her.
House sitters. They are not going to have any say in your choices to vaccinate or not. Neighbors, students, etc. I did this in vet school and it was always appreciated on both sides.