The Nature of Animal Healing by Martin Goldstein
Martin Goldstein is a veterinarian who is more than open to holistic, natural remedies. He includes these in his practice. I found Goldstein in 2000. Oprah found him more recently.
Whenever one of the dogs had a problem, I found answers and recommendations in this book – everything from ear infections, bladder issues, and fear and emotional problems (thunder storms, separation anxiety), to how to cook for dogs. I credit this book for saving Nick’s life when he had bloat (see Dog Blog). Goldstein’s discussions on vaccines are eye-openers – at least they were then.
It's refreshing to find a veterinarian who recommends table food (that is, healthy table food) over commercial dog food. The commercial food is easy but if you have the time, it makes so much sense to feed our dogs the same wholesome food that we feed our other family members.
For the first number of years I fed high end kibble topped up with home cooking. By the time the dogs were ten, they were no long digesting the kibble (noted flatulence) so with the book’s help, I moved the dogs entirely to home cooked food. They loved it. I’ve read the occasional contradiction on the internet to some of Goldstein’s food choices but really, a 19-year-old golden retriever sort of says it all.
I check out this reference book for my dogs or a friend’s dog almost daily. I highly recommend you get a copy if you don’t already have one. No, I’m not being paid to say this. I write it for the good of the dog.
The Wabi-Sabi House by Robyn Griggs Lawrence
I remember when I first read this book I said Yes, my aesthetic! I love the simplicity of it and I whine about how we spend the first half of our lives acquiring stuff and the last half trying to get rid of it. The wabi-sabi lifestyle makes so much sense. Oh just read it. (I'm going to do that again right now.)
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
If you love dogs - and I have no idea why you'd be on this site if you don't - you'll love this book. My daughter gave it to me and I remember thinking, Do I really want to read about a talking dog? Well if you're thinking that, the answer is Yes, you do.