About Us
My life’s work as an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets has been one wrought with tales of triumph, tragedy and tail wagging. But, like most good veterinarians, it began with my deep love for my childhood pets. It almost seemed as though a life spent helping animals was my destined path.
While in veterinary school, it became apparent to me that my role as a veterinarian went well beyond checkups and surgeries. I realized that I was not only a doctor to these pets, but their friend and advocate. Our pets cannot speak up for themselves, they can’t tell you what hurts, or what they think is best. And many times, the owner can’t either. My job has always been to communicate what others have failed, and to provide healing with compassion.
But my textbook knowledge and many years spent practicing traditional Western veterinary medicine only took me so far, until I was hurled into a whirlwind of sickness, learning, healing and ultimate change.
Several years ago, my own health began to take me for a wild ride. At the same time, my dog Arnold (who was 17 at the time!) was struggling with the discomfort and decline of old age. Western medicine only helped so much, for both of us, and I soon had to let my old friend go.
Almost immediately, I decided that I’d had enough of feeling helpless, and began pursuing acupuncture and Eastern Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute in Florida. This opened up many new avenues for me, but most importantly revealed the healing powers of acupuncture, as well as herbal and food therapy.
More than ever, the importance of diet became abundantly clear to me. Most of us don’t pay much attention to what or how we eat, until our health becomes a real problem. Why is that? It doesn’t make any sense!
Paying close attention to what our pets eat, to what fuels their body, is the first step in preventative care and maintaining good health. Once I realized this in entirety, I was horrified by the food I’d been feeding my own pets, and recommending to my clients. Food from the bag or can didn’t provide proper nutrition, and certainly wasn’t promoting better health.
My mission to help pets was finally leaning in the direction of natural therapy, just as I’d always hoped it would. Acupuncture, herbal therapy and food therapy became my preferred treatments and recommendations, whenever possible. I still relied on Western medicine when needed (there are some illnesses and infections that just can’t be vanquished with herbs and oils!).
At last, I truly felt great about the treatments I was recommending. No nasty side effects and no horrific price tags. I was advocating for these pets the best I knew how, with a comfort that the treatment would never be worse than the disease. My vision of becoming a holistic health coach for pets had been realized, and I finally had the tools.
Integrative veterinary medicine gave me the chance to become not only an advocate for pets, but an ally. Of course, as a veterinarian, I always fight for what is best for the animal. But as an integrative veterinarian, with a tool belt full of holistic know-how, I was armed with options that were both effective and kind.
Today, I am no longer practicing veterinary medicine in a clinic, but have decided to continue my work as an ally for pets everywhere. The Original CrockPET Diet™ has given me a way to share the magic of food therapy with pet owners, while online pet health coaching allows me to guide owners through holistic homecare.
While I wish I could meet you and your pet in person, I do rely greatly on the help of your regular vet! Their examinations and diagnostics are powerful tools in driving our online veterinary consultations to success. While your vet is there to help manage acute medical issues (and provide regular checkups, which are super important), I am here to help you avoid them, and to help your pet recover.
Many veterinarians are simply unaware of the amazing therapies that holistic veterinary medicine provides. And that’s why I’m here. If your pet’s current treatment just isn’t working, or comes with a long list of side effects, I can help. Conventional treatments also have a tendency to drain your bank account, right along with your willpower! My recommendations can provide your pet healing and relief, naturally.
The Health Map that I can provide for your pet after consultation is the best home tool I can give you for your pet’s healthy, holistic lifestyle. Join me, and the hundreds of happy pet parents who have already committed to giving their pets the best life possible.
I am not just a veterinarian, or a Holistic Pet Health Coach. More than anything, I’m your pet’s ally. My life’s mission is to help you give your pet a better life, one that is full of many happy, healthy years.