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.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

Cesar Millan Talks About Daddy’s Passing

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: In Remembrance, News

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New York’s Oldest Dog Dies Peacefully

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: In Remembrance, News

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If only all dogs can live as long as New York’s oldest dog Paco Saso, I know many dog owners could agree as well. Paco Saso is one special dog living more then 140 dog years, and lucky for spending two decades with his owner.

Paco Sosa passed last week in the arms of his life-long owner, Bernadine Santistevan. The dachshund was 20 years old. “He was such a gift in my life,” stated Santistevan.

Santistevan fall in love with the dachshund when he was only a 1 month old puppy. “He taught me that all life is precious. He was amazing in that respect.”

Paco Sosa suffered from frequent seizures and neck pains for over a year. He suffered from a particularly bad convulsion three weeks ago that was too much to handle. Stantistevan brought her senior dog to Park East Animal Center on Feb 12 to end her beloved dogs sufferings.

“He was very peaceful, very happy,” she said. “He let me know it was time to let go.”

Cesar Millan’s Pit Bull Daddy Passes Away

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: In Remembrance, News

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Cesar Millan’s beloved pit bull, Daddy passed away yesterday, February 19th. He was 16 years old.

From all of us at The Dog Files, we wish Cesar and his family our sincere condolences. We know Daddy is so thankful for the life you gave him. We’ll miss him dearly.

See the announcement here.

We loved meeting Daddy and Cesar at the North Shore Animal Leagues’s Adoptathon See the video here.

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

A Dog’s Purpose (From A 6 Year Old)

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: In Remembrance, Lifestyle News, News

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A Dog’s Purpose (From A 6 Year Old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irsh Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of caner. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animals lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”

The six year old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

-Author Unknown

Pet Talk: Buddy’s Painful Death Brings A Demand For Justice

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: In Remembrance, Inhumane Practices, Legal News, News

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 By Sharon L. Peters for USA TODAY

In life, Buddy, the shepherd/blue heeler mix, was a beloved pet.

In death, he has become a rallying point for outraged pet lovers around the world who are tired of sickos hurting animals.

Buddy’s story has galvanized Grand Junction, Colo., near where Buddy was dragged to death just before New Year’s, provoking scores of people to cram into the courtroom and spill into the street when the man accused of killing him appeared at a preliminary hearing.

It has prompted the online petition “Demand Justice for Buddy!” The petition achieved its goal of 100,000 signatures — from people in nearly every state and dozens of countries, including Canada, Denmark and Australia — in just 11 days. (More than 104,000 had signed at thepetitionsite.com by Tuesday). And it inspired United Kingdom singer/songwriter Maria Daines to write and record Buddy’s Song, a moving tribute posted on her website.

“The U.S. assistant attorney (who is prosecuting the case) told me she’s never seen anything like it. She’s received several thousand e-mails,” Paul Shockley, the reporter who has been covering the case for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, tells me.

To read the rest click here.

Want To Be Buried Next To Your Dog?

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: In Remembrance, Lifestyle News, News

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Dating back to Egyptians pharaohs, royalty were buried with their pets.

Today, according to an article in the Telegraph.co.uk, companion animals are family members to those who they share their lives with and many people are now choosing to be buried alongside their pets.

Before joint animal and human cemeteries were approved, owners had to be cremated in order to stay with their beloved animals.

Last week, planners in Lincolnshire, England approved a joint cemetery where owners can be buried with their pets in the same plot. This new change reflects how society today is becoming more pet friendly. Owners are seeking burials with their dogs, cats, and even horses.

According to the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria, an estimated 1.5 million dogs and cats die every year. Some 300,000 are buried in the garden, 1,000 in pet cemeteries, 100,000 are individually cremated and the rest incinerated as clinical waste.

And even our animals would like to stay with their human companion. One widely known example is a small terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. This loyal and faithful dog stayed on guard at his owner’s grave in the yard of Greyfriars Kirk. Bobby kept this up for fourteen years until his death in 1872.

However during the time period animals were not allowed to be buried on “consecrated” ground. Bobby was instead buried inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from his owner John Gray’s grave.

Luckily for people today, time has changed. With the rising popularity of owners seeking burials with their companion animals, our society now allows us the option to stay with our family members that including our pets.

Would you like to be buried next to your beloved canine? Let us know in the comment section.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Who’s The Alpha In Your Pack?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Lon L. Flewelling, News

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Who’s The Alpha In Your Pack?

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

I would love to help you to be the Alpha Dog in YOUR pack, and as dogs are approximately two percent wolf, I offer the following ‘commandments’ of successful dog leadership based on the actions of alpha wolves within their packs;

The Alpha Pack Leader:

The Alpha Pack Leader has an outgoing personality combined with a quiet demeanor. She is a fair, assertive leader who is more Oprah than Simon Cowell.

Always goes out the door or vehicle first, making dog wait to be told when to exit.

Always makes the others wait before leaving the den (crate.)

Always eats first, getting the choicest pieces of the prey before the rest.

Always controls the amount and timing of rewards such as pets, rubs, treats, eye contact.

Always controls the activity and energy levels at the front door. Upon arrival home, no eye contact, no rubs, no talking to them until they comply to quiet behavior.

Always responds to misbehavior with an, “AH!” to get attention and stop the activity, such as barking, excitement, aggression toward each other. A raised hand with finger extended at the perpetrator works, too.

Always knows they can use the lead to control the dogs before an ‘event’ like company coming to door, excitability at door and window, or to control after getting attention during an event.

Always rewards the behavior, not the dog. Such as good settle, good come, good sit, etc.

Always uses the dog’s name to get attention only, not to chastise.

These are some basics to regain control from your dog and to help them learn to follow your calm, assertive leadership.

Good luck!

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

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

Builder Of Vermont Dog Chapel, Stephen Huneck, 60, Commits Suicide

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: In Remembrance, News

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A very sad story coming out of Vermont. Our condolences to the Huneck family in these trying times.

– Kenn

By John Curran For The Washington Post

Folk artist Stephen Huneck, whose whimsical paintings, sculptures and woodcut prints of dogs celebrated his love of animals and won him a worldwide fan base, committed suicide Jan. 7. He was 60.

His wife said he was despondent after having to lay off employees at his Dog Mountain studio and dog chapel, near his home in St. Johnsbury, Vt.

“Stephen feared losing Dog Mountain and our home,” Gwen Huneck wrote in a letter announcing her husband’s death. “Then on Tuesday we had to lay off most of our employees. This hurt Stephen deeply. He cared about them and felt responsible for their welfare.”

Mr. Huneck shot himself in the head while sitting in a parked car outside the office of his psychiatrist in Littleton, N.H.

“He was one of the most creative and active members of the Vermont crafts community,” said Jennifer Boyer, co-owner of the Artisans Hand craft gallery in Montpelier, Vt.

Mr. Huneck, a native of Sudbury, Mass., started out whittling wooden sculptures and later moved on to dog-themed furniture, like the wooden pews eventually installed in the chapel. The chapel, built in 2000 with wood harvested from his 175-acre Dog Mountain property, was a miniature version of the 19th-century churches that dot Vermont’s landscape. It had vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows with images of dogs pieced into them.

“Welcome all creeds, all breeds. No dogmas allowed,” the sign outside said.

Dog lovers made the trip to Vermont just to see the chapel, many writing handwritten notes to long-gone pets and affixing them to the interior walls.

“When dogs pull up in here, they may never have been here before, but it’s like they saw the ‘Disneyland’ sign,” Mr. Huneck said in a 2008 interview with the Associated Press. “They just get so excited, so happy.”

Mr. Huneck wrote several books about his Labrador retrievers. The books had woodcut prints accompanied by quirky captions.

“He seemed to create works and captions that just captured that expressed every dog lover’s insights into owning and loving animals,” said Irwin Gelber, executive director of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a library and art center where Huneck often gave readings.

Last Minutes With Oden

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Health & Science News, In Remembrance, News

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An incredibly powerful piece about one man’s last few minutes with his dog and how that dog changed his life.
Disclaimer: This is a three hanky video. An expletive or two.

– Kenn