Dog Files Viewpoint: April Fresh or Potentially Toxic?

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Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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April Fresh or Potentially Toxic?

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

Do you use chemically scented laundry detergent? Fabric softener? Dryer sheets? Think about it- If you use these products, you are absorbing the following chemicals through your skin (our biggest organ) all day long via your clothes, then throughout the night via your bedding, and finally, after a nice, hot shower with totally open pores, via that “april fresh” bath towel. These are the types of things we as consumers must start being aware of, because for the sake of “convenience” and some company’s bottom line, we are unnecessarily overburdening our immune systems and those of our beloved children and pets.

Bodies don’t “get” cancer, they DEVELOP it. When the immune system is overburdened with chemicals, it can no longer maintain its natural state of vibrant health. When it is overburdened and unbalanced with unhealthy food and environmental toxins, it develops disease. When I do Toxic-free Living consultations with pet parents, even the most aware are often amazed at the amount of hidden toxins they are unknowingly exposing their entire family to. Kind of like the “skinny photo” taped to the refrigerator door: we see it for about 2 minutes and then rarely notice it ever again. Investigate. Read labels. Consult an expert. Just because something is sold in a grocery store, doesn’t mean it’s safe to use especially for years on end.

Chemicals Found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets

Chemicals found in fabric softeners by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments,” 1991 Reference: Lance Wallace, EPA. Phone (703) 341-7509

Alpha-Terpineol: Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders… “highly irritating to mucous membranes” …”Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”

Benzyl Acetate: Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”

Benzyl Alcohol: Causes CNS disorders …”irritating to the upper respiratory tract” …”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”

Camphor: Causes CNS disorders. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: “local irritant and CNS stimulant” …”readily absorbed through body tissues” …”irritation of eyes, nose, and throat” …”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions”. “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”

Chloroform: Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors …Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness.” “Inhalation can be fatal.” “Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage.” “Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders.” “Conditions to avoid: Heat…” Listed on California’s Proposition 65.

Ethyl Acetate: Narcotic. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “…Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” …”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)” …”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys”. “Wash thoroughly after handling.”

Limonene: Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking …applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”

Linalool: Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. …”Respiratory disturbances” …”Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression …depressed heart activity …development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.”

Pentane: “Danger – Harmful if inhaled …Avoid breathing vapor.” “Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash).”

CNS = Central Nervous System – Your brain and spine. CNS disorders include: Alzheimer’s Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine.

Natural markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and numerous online eco-product companies sell safe and chemical free laundry soaps. A little white vinegar added to the rinse cycle will safely soften clothes. A thin, knotted cotton sock filled with a handful of lavender flowers from the garden or health food store with eliminate static cling. Easy. Inexpensive. Safe. Please be safe.

Nadine M. Rosin, Holistic Pets/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, author & speaker.

Available for phone consultations, your next function or fundraiser

The Healing Art Of Pet Parenthood
A book about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, and a new take on pet loss.

Pet Parenthood Blog
A blog with answers & information about natural healing, grief, and parenting our beloved pets.

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The Mission Behind the Book :

Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devastating loss of a beloved pet.

Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere.

Dog Files Viewpoint: What Does “Holistic” REALLY Mean?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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What Does “Holistic” REALLY Mean?

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

As the rate of canine cancer continues to skyrocket, so does our passion for battling it and finding a cure. But when this terrifying disease threatened to steal my own beloved canine from me, in my vets eyes, I did the equivalent of burning my draft card and moving to Canada.

Because of its dire consequences, the tumor biopsy was done twice, and my 8-year old dog, Buttons, was diagnosed with virulent carcinoma. The vet insisted that without immediate amputation, chemotherapy and radiation, Buttons would be dead in 6 weeks. After an emotional 24-hours of intense soul searching, I instead adopted the alternative medical philosophy I had been exposed to as a child- that prevention was the best cure and one should focus on the cause of disease, not the symptoms. Ignoring the vet’s advice, I immediately launched my own massive research campaign deep into the world of holistic medicine.

I soon came to learn that “holistic” didn’t mean symptom treating with natural remedies in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. It wasn’t about squelching the symptoms or waging war against cancer with alternative treatment. Instead, it meant addressing the possible causes: food, treats, cleaning supplies, flea treatments, toys, rawhide chews, and the emotional environment we were living in, to name just a few. It meant clearing my home of all possible toxins, cleansing Buttons’ entire system, and then giving her the proper nutritional support so that Buttons’ body could do what a chemically unburdened body does naturally: HEAL ITSELF.

Our pets metabolize everything much faster than we do. Whereas our bodies can endure a certain amount of toxic abuse for 40 or 50 years before retaliating, a pet’s body will begin showing disease as early as 4-7 years.

I believe a holistic approach starts with our being more conscious consumers. Just because something is sold off a grocery store (or even a health food store) shelf, does not mean it’s safe in the long run. We all know that money, not well-being, is the bottom line in our consumer market. Manufactured food and other products aren’t tested for a person’s, or even a pet’s life span, before being approved, advertised and sold. Think about Teflon, DDT, aluminum pans, Red Dye #2, lead paint. Now take a moment to google “dryer sheets toxic” or “parabens cancer” and then go read the labels on your skin care products, make-up, and laundry products. Please don’t wait for a devastating cancer diagnosis of someone you love to be your wake up call.

The next step in Buttons’ and my healing process was clearing her body of all residual toxins. To do this, I used a number of different homeopathic remedies, herbs, and tinctures. Buttons’ diagnosis came in 1992 when holistic vets were scarce. Today, that’s not the case. I would encourage others to find a holistic vet that adheres to a true holistic regimen of clear/cleanse/build, rather than just symptom treating with natural remedies.

Because a holistic approach means addressing one’s life as a “whole”, as part of our healing process, I had to also consider Buttons’ emotional environment. Not surprisingly, her cancer developed during one of the most painful times of my life, as I dealt with a broken marriage engagement. I was torn apart, hemorrhaging emotionally, and on a good day, horribly depressed. Although I continued to care for Buttons as devotedly as ever, I was doing it all with a shattered heart.

I have heard it said that our animals often shunt energy for us, and no doubt, Buttons was feeling my pain in every cell of her own body. When I refer to “our” healing process that is exactly what I mean. She’s the one who got the remedies squirted down her throat, and I’m the one who had to go deep into my heart, and for the sake of my beloved canine companion, do some hard, healing work.

The final third of our holistic protocol involved nutritionally fortifying Buttons’ own immune system. Remember, the body’s natural state is one of radiant health. When supported properly, that is where it will gravitate. I threw out the prescription dog food from the vet. I began home cooking pure, simple, organic ingredients for her meals and treats. I supplemented with a few natural superfoods.

There are numerous web sites today where one can quickly educate oneself on the dangerous ingredients in most commercial pet food including several brands that are advertised as “all natural” and “organic”. Spend an hour reading- it could translate into many additional years with your own beloved animal.

My sweet girl, Buttons, went on to thrive cancer-free for another 11 years to the age of 19. My own toxic-free lifestyle and consultation services are only a small part of her profound and loving legacy.

Nadine M. Rosin is a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, speaker, and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer naturally, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold on Amazon.com and all online book retailers. For more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine, please go to: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

Dog Files Viewpoint: The Depth Of Our Love

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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The Depth Of Our Love

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

There’s little if anything I can think of that brings more instantaneous joy than time spent with a beloved dog. That silly grin, that waggedy tail, the rush you get from flinging your heart wide open without fear or reservation while simultaneously being showered with totally accepting, faithful, and unconditional love. What perfect and precious moments our dogs provide. It’s the stuff great mystics have described, this safe and blissful love.

Our furry apostles are constantly reminding us that regardless of circumstances, worldly events, or economic climate, life is supposed to be fun. It’s to be lived with our awareness seated in the present moment without regret, judgment or betrayal of others. One never needs to protect oneself emotionally with a dog. Instead, they show us by example, how to live freely and love completely.

There have been people in my life who have done or said things that I’ve reacted to by feeling extremely hurt, sad, angry, or irritated, sometimes for years on end. But the truth is, I have never felt irritated or angry towards a dog for more than a few seconds. Our canines embody the highest, best parts of our humanity, and I believe, they make us better people. So, is it any wonder, then, that the death of a beloved dog can cut so deeply, can be so utterly emotionally devastating?

Taoists, quantum physicists, and motivational speaker and author, John Bradshaw, all agree that emotion is energy in motion. But instead, in our culture, we are encouraged to keep our grief, one of the strongest of all emotions, under control, private, and subdued. Above all, we are admired for our stoicism in the face of profound grief. Those who care for us strive to help us get over our pain and loss as quickly as possible- to stop all that emotion, not to take the longer road of letting it move around and out at its own pace. And as pet parents, we are often hurt the worst by the words of well-intentioned friends when they ask us, “So when are you going to get another dog?”

When my heart-dog Buttons, died in my arms 1 week before her 19th birthday, I thought the pain, loss and heartbreak would kill me, too. But as I began to spend less and less time listening to those who were trying to make me feel better, and instead, spent more time surrendering to and leaning INTO the pain, it took me to a place where I could begin to find true, authentic comfort. I found that when I let the emotions move through me and allowed myself to experience them fully, they allowed me access to a place within my own heart that no mantra or meditation had ever taken me to. And there, in that very deepest part of myself, where the agony and the ecstasy merged, there was no pain- there was only love. Because, of course, the depth of our grief is in direct proportion to the depth of our love.

In the nearly 2 decades we were together, I never once saw Buttons try to squelch any of her emotions. Yes, I could have gone out soon after her death, gotten another dog and eased some of my pain, but oh, what a gift I would have missed by not letting that pain lead me into such a deep and special place.

I am honored to be a guest writer for The Dog Files and I look forward to sharing more about my perspective of pet-loss, grieving, and the holistic approach that gave Buttons and me so many joyful and healthy years together. In future columns I will be sharing about the cancer Buttons was diagnosed with at the age of 8 when she was given 6 weeks to live without chemotherapy, radiation and amputation and how she went on to thrive an additional 11 years with exclusively holistic treatments. I will also explore with you, the many tools and paths to emotional healing I have discovered when a beloved animal passes.

But now it’s your turn. Please, share with us about your own heart-dog. Talking about it is a way to put the energy in motion.

Nadine M. Rosin is a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, speaker, and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer naturally, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold on Amazon.com and all online book retailers. For more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine, please go to: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com