Henry had a rough end to his year, finishing 2014 being treated for ringworm. Dogs with a compromised immune system are more likely to contract the condition when exposed to it. Initial treatment with topical solutions did not work, and we were prescribed antibiotics. The condition became much worse – the area became infected, and steroids were included in his treatment. A biopsy was taken from his already raw and tender little groin, and we were sent home to wait for the results. A few days later they informed us they believe that Henry may have Lupus.
We had looked into a ‘raw’ diet for dogs and had heard of the many benefits to following such a diet. I am vegetarian (mostly vegan). As I sat contemplating the irony, I remembered an episode of “Friends,” The One with the Fake Party. In the episode Phoebe (a vegetarian), is pregnant and develops a craving for meat.
Phoebe’s cravings are so bad that she eats meat, after all. She feels bad for the dead animals, so Joey promises not to eat any meat until the baby is born.
I’m not the type of vegetarian that will preach to others about why we should not eat meat. On the flipside, I don’t appreciate it when people criticise my choice to be vegetarian. I do not enforce my choice on my dogs either. Although for the record, Henry LOVES apples, blueberries and cucumber (skin removed from cucumber as it is not good for dogs).
Human beings have evolved, and today have more options than our cavemen predecessors. We have a choice, and whatever that choice is, we can still be respectful of animals. It upsets me very much that animals are treated inhumanely, even tortured to ensure the best cut of fur – their dead bodies disposed of. It also upsets me to see the sacrifice of their lives wasted; it is disrespectful to the animals. Yes, I get preachy about compassion and humanity!
The Native Americans respected animals as equals. They hunted the animals for food, and the hunter first asked permission of the animal’s spirit. Native Americans have strong spiritual connections to the earth and show gratitude to the earth and all its creatures. They killed in a humane manner and used every part of the animal, down to the last bone and greatly respected and thanked the animals for their sacrifice.
I researched the topic of raw food for dogs and have chosen a brand whose ethics and humane treatment of animals I am comfortable with. I hope this diet will help with Henry’s health conditions and will share with you our findings in a future post.
I will be following a completely vegan diet.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583604/
This concludes our month of ‘Resolution’ Posts. Here’s a review of how it all fits together….
One of my favourite quotes ‘My goal in life is to become the person my dog already thinks I am.’ Ironically, in order to be that person I truly believe I need to adopt the philosophies of my dogs. To live without judgment, without ego, have faith in my beliefs (instincts), love unconditionally, forgive easily and be grateful for all that I am blessed with. This goes back to yoga philosophy (Yamas and Niyamas).
Diet – Introduction of Raw food for dogs and people and how it differs.
Exercise – Activities that people can do with their animal companions and how it not only makes us stronger, it strengthens our bond with our companions. This includes Doga/Yoga (the link between exercise and mental health)
Positive Mental Health and Stress Reduction……………ties back to a raw diet; clarity/focus/feeling light and energized.
BE YOUR BEST SELF IN 2015
Patty says
I fully respect your eating choices. I am a meat eater but we grow our meat here on our farm. We butcher our chickens and it is done as humanely as possible. Our goats live an incredibly spoiled and happy life until they are taken to the butcher and they are very quick. The only other meat we eat is venison.
Patty recently posted…Those Rosy Hours at Mazandaran by Marion Grace Woolley – Blog Tour, Book Review and Giveaway (OPEN INT)
Sadie says
Thank you for your example of compassion Patty.
Michelle Wolff says
I really love this post, you present the issue well and it’s great you did your research. I fed my dogs raw 80% of the time and the cats I have now get a lot of raw added to their diets and it makes all the difference I think.
Michelle Wolff recently posted…Reiki and Cats
Sadie says
Thanks Michelle. It really does seem to be making a difference!
Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) says
I hope that the change in diet helps your baby feel better. When our babies are sick it upsets the entire house. Let us know how the new diet helps (or doesn’t) Henry’s Immune system.
Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) recently posted…Inspire Us Tuesdays – Valentine Inspiration
Sadie says
Thanks Felissa – Funny you should comment this morning; I was cleaning up two piles of puke all before 7am! Poor guy, I hope it was just because he was anxious that both parents are back to work today. I will let everyone know how the ‘raw deal’ works out. Thanks for visiting!