What if your pet only had 24 hours to live?
Here’s a sneak peak at Dr. Shawn Messonnier’s new book that’ll hit bookstore shelves in the Fall …
The news is bad. You’re at your veterinarian’s office with your beloved and very sick pet. The doctor has done everything he can, but the situation is hopeless. He tells you to take the one being that utterly adores you and has always been there for you home-so you can spend a few last hours together before returning to the office for euthanasia. What would you do once you received this devastating news? Would you follow the doctor’s advice, or would you do something, anything, that might help keep your pet alive?
Dr. Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M. is a veterinarian who believes that no case is too tough to treat, and that healing can occur even when the best minds feel that “hopeless” is the kindest description of a pet’s medical problem. Once a strictly conventional doctor, Dr. Messonnier is now a nationally recognized authority on integrative medicine for animals. The author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, he also writes a monthly column for Dog World, Animal Wellness, Dog Fancy, and Body & Soul, as well as hosts the award-winning weekly radio show “Dr. Shawn-the Natural Vet,” on Martha Stewart Radio.
In his latest book, UNEXPECTED MIRACLES (Forge Books; $14.95; September 1, 2009), Dr. Shawn shares some of the miracles that he and his staff have been an integral part of during the past ten years. Countless times, conventional doctors tell pet owners that the situation is “hopeless.”
Dr. Shawn offers hope because he has the knowledge and the willingness to go beyond conventional medicine, and recognizes the benefits of integrating alternative methods such as acupuncture, natural supplements, and homeopathics in treating a myriad of conditions and diseases.
In UNEXPECTED MIRACLES, Dr. Shawn brings readers into his waiting room, and introduces them to some remarkable animals…and the courageous owners that never gave up on them. Using case studies and highlighting diseases that commonly afflict our pets, Dr. Shawn shows readers the integrative methods he has developed to help his patients not only survive the maladies they were originally diagnosed with, but in many cases go on to live long and healthy lives. Within the pages of UNEXPECTED MIRACLES, you’ll read fascinating, poignant, and inspiring stories about a wide range of animals:
- Brit-a boxer plagued with skin allergies (Dr. Shawn’s first integrative patient!)
- Shasta-a middle-aged chow/golden retriever with liver cancer
- Jessie-a three-year-old dachshund diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease
- Bailey-a tricolor beagle whose life was saved because of his owner sought Dr. Shawn for a second opinion
Divided into chapters on related conditions and chock-full of anecdotes, UNEXPECTED MIRACLES will not only entertain, but also inspire the millions of people who love pets.
Post Your Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment
T/S Members
Log in with your True/Slant account.
I wish I didn’t have to wait until fall for this book. Unfortunately, I could use it right about now.
What problem you having with your pup Viv? I hope it’s nothing too serious.
In response to another comment. See in context »Thank you for your concern, Brian. My sweet golden retriever Marley has cancer. She is undergoing treatment and is by no means a lost cause. I am hopeful. But if there is anything more I can do, either through holistic medicine or supplements, I would rather not wait to try it.
In response to another comment. See in context »Viv that sucks, and I’m really sorry to read this news. I’m wondering what you are doing in terms of nutritional support? About two years ago Tucker my flat coat/shepherd mix started developing severe symptoms of arthritis in his hips, several times he fell while attempting to get up. My vet wanted to put him on Remydil but I was reluctant because Tucker was only 9 and didn’t want him on it long term. After a lot of reading on the net I took both my dogs off commercial dog food and started preparing their food, including lots of raw veggies. The change in Tucker has been nothing but a miracle, you would never suspect he’s now 11, and except for a slight tremor in his right leg and an occasional “bunny hop” you’d never know there was anything wrong with him. Interesting unexpected advantage, even though by volume both dogs get far more food than used to, both lost weight after the food switch.
Just a suggestion and my fingers are crossed for Marley and you too!
In response to another comment. See in context »Thanks, Brian. I’m glad your dogs are doing better. It’s definitely something to check out.
In response to another comment. See in context »Brian, have you tried glucosamine for your dog’s bad hips? I use the supplement with one of my dogs and it’s made a huge difference.
In response to another comment. See in context »Hi Viv,
Brian touched on a good point. Nutrition is often overlooked as part of management for diseases. There are veterinary nutritionists who create recipes specifically for your pet to help with whatever illness he or she may have. Most of these nutritionists work in conjunction with your primary care vet. Here’s a list of vet schools that offer such a service http://www.acvn.org/site/view/103264_NutritionResources.pml
As far as holistic methods, I’ve heard a lot of good feedback from dog owners over the years. I haven’t personally tried any of these remedies with my pets but given the right circumstance I would. I figure it can’t hurt but it sure as heck could help. Here’s another resource to find a holistic vet in your area http://www.ahvma.org/
Hope the cancer treatments are successful for your pooch!
In response to another comment. See in context »Ditto, Ms Bernstein. I’ve been to three doctors and no one believes they can help. They say she only has weeks. But she is still loving, eating, sleeping … It’s about time someone gave our pets quality attention. Maybe it can lead to research for good treatments and species-specific medications. Then again, I wonder if this book is just a way for someone to encourage us to spend more dollars on our pets … Whatever.
In response to another comment. See in context »Sorry to hear, rockyinlaw. Money is always an issue, but I do the best that I can do for my dogs. Good luck to you.
In response to another comment. See in context »Thank you, Ms Bernstein.
In response to another comment. See in context »I’m so sorry to hear about your dog, rockyinlaw. Are you doing hospice care for your pet? For terminally ill pets, hospice care gives owners an alternative to expensive medical procedures or early euthanasia by teaching them how to nurse their dog or cat at home
In response to another comment. See in context »If you haven’t heard about this option here’s an article I wrote about it http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22097836
Thank you, Ms Mott. I’ve never heard of hospice service being offered by vets. I’ll do the research to see if there is anyone around where I live … The vets I’ve seen for Serafina, my kitty, have just told me that I’ll “know when it’s time.” That’s it. So frustrating. She has oral cancer and she’s going to need more help than I know how to provide very soon.
In response to another comment. See in context »Yes, but he has a history of colitis and it caused flair ups, btw not sure you’ve seen this yet:
New Flu Vaccine Approved — for Dogs
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/health/30flu.html?_r=1)
No, I didn’t see that article. Thanks for sending the link. I’ll check it out.
In response to another comment. See in context »Forget to add, Tucker does get a buffered aspirin daily which seems to help him a lot.