Another trip to the Humane Society, and this little Siamese mix was ready for adoption. She looked me in the eyes, and reached out of the cage to get my attention. She has been so much fun this evening. She is quick and of course playful. Movies tomorrow.
If your animals could talk, what would they say?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Welcome home, Kitty!
Another trip to the Humane Society, and this little Siamese mix was ready for adoption. She looked me in the eyes, and reached out of the cage to get my attention. She has been so much fun this evening. She is quick and of course playful. Movies tomorrow.
Natural Pet Care
www.chicagotribune.com/features/tribu/ct-tribu-weigel-holistic-pets-20101018,0,4615261.column
Lessons for life
October 18, 2010
If you own a pet, you know how expensive it can be to care
for their health. I have received several e-mails from readers telling
me how awful I am for not shelling out $800 to get my dog's teeth
cleaned and removed. (I did get a second opinion, and for $200 and
change my rescue, Max, is much better now -- so stop with the name
calling, OK?)
But did you know there are some holistic options that might keep fido healthier in the long run?
"I'm seeing an increase in Reiki treatments with animals," says veterinarian Dr. Shane Siwek, owner of Kindred Spirits. "You can use Reiki for any physical problem. I have one client who brings a dog in once a month, and they notice he feels better."
What exactly is Reiki? "It's a system of hands-on healing, originated in Japan in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui," explains Siwek. "Reiki healers use symbols that connect to the energy.You can put them in your space or on acupuncture points. I mainly do Reiki for relaxation."
Reiki is also used on animals with cancer or eldery animals close to death. "It helps with the transition. It's comforting and relaxing for both the pet and the owner."
Dr. Siwek knows these techniques might sound strange to those more used to traditional medicine, but people quickly understand its benefits when they see the results.
"Many times pet owners come to me because they've exhausted all of their possibilities with western medicine," she explains." I've been a vet for 23 years and started Animal 9-1-1 back in 1992. If I see an animal with an infection, I'm going to use antibiotics. But I think we should use the best of both worlds."
Other popular holistic treatments available at Kindred Spirits include acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage and chiropractic services.
"We even have flower essences that work wonders," she says.
And if an animal specialist is too pricey -- the cost of holistic treatments often seem much more appealing.
"Our Reiki appointments for an hour are $75," says Dr. Siwek. "A pet massage or chiropractic runs about $55. Acupuncture combined with Reiki and herbs can really help relieve pain and move energy."
Dr. Siwek also teaches her caregivers acupressure so they can do treatments at home and lower their frequency of visits. And while some holistic health care can be covered through animal insurance, just as with human insurance, it can be a battle to get reimbursed.
"The pet insurance isn't very open to these therapies," Dr. Siwek explains. "I've written letters explaining what therapies are for, but they still second guess everything. It's exhausting."
Still, pet most owners will try anything if it means their pets are happy and healthy.
"More and more people are taking this route now more than ever," she says. "People are realizing we need to integrate things and they're looking for affordable alternatives. They wouldn't come to see me if western medicine was working."
jweigel@tribune.com
chicagotribune.com
Natural pet care
If a massage is good enough for you, why can't it be good for your dog, too? Check out these unusual pet treatments.
Jen WeigelLessons for life
October 18, 2010
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But did you know there are some holistic options that might keep fido healthier in the long run?
"I'm seeing an increase in Reiki treatments with animals," says veterinarian Dr. Shane Siwek, owner of Kindred Spirits. "You can use Reiki for any physical problem. I have one client who brings a dog in once a month, and they notice he feels better."
What exactly is Reiki? "It's a system of hands-on healing, originated in Japan in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui," explains Siwek. "Reiki healers use symbols that connect to the energy.You can put them in your space or on acupuncture points. I mainly do Reiki for relaxation."
Reiki is also used on animals with cancer or eldery animals close to death. "It helps with the transition. It's comforting and relaxing for both the pet and the owner."
Dr. Siwek knows these techniques might sound strange to those more used to traditional medicine, but people quickly understand its benefits when they see the results.
"Many times pet owners come to me because they've exhausted all of their possibilities with western medicine," she explains." I've been a vet for 23 years and started Animal 9-1-1 back in 1992. If I see an animal with an infection, I'm going to use antibiotics. But I think we should use the best of both worlds."
Other popular holistic treatments available at Kindred Spirits include acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage and chiropractic services.
"We even have flower essences that work wonders," she says.
And if an animal specialist is too pricey -- the cost of holistic treatments often seem much more appealing.
"Our Reiki appointments for an hour are $75," says Dr. Siwek. "A pet massage or chiropractic runs about $55. Acupuncture combined with Reiki and herbs can really help relieve pain and move energy."
Dr. Siwek also teaches her caregivers acupressure so they can do treatments at home and lower their frequency of visits. And while some holistic health care can be covered through animal insurance, just as with human insurance, it can be a battle to get reimbursed.
"The pet insurance isn't very open to these therapies," Dr. Siwek explains. "I've written letters explaining what therapies are for, but they still second guess everything. It's exhausting."
Still, pet most owners will try anything if it means their pets are happy and healthy.
"More and more people are taking this route now more than ever," she says. "People are realizing we need to integrate things and they're looking for affordable alternatives. They wouldn't come to see me if western medicine was working."
jweigel@tribune.com
Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune
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