"(he insists they are omnivores – albeit 1/8)"


They are, really. An obligate carnivore like a cat couldn't live on the random stuff that many dogs live on (although probably don't thrive on), such as soy dog foods.

I think I'd call them omnivores very far over on the carnivore end of the scale.

Fascinating CJ!! Wish I had access to this guy, what a wonderful resource for you!

 Quote: cj barrett

Funny thing, he looked at me at one point and said, often what comes out in our dogs is an indication of what we ourselves need and he suggested I could probably benefit from the “Bitter Melon” as well.

This is so funny, when you described all the properties of the Bitter Melon towards the top of the post, I though, "gosh, forget fine tuning the dog diet, I could use some of that stuff!! I'd be anxious to hear the results if you do find a way to incorporate this ingredient into either of your diets. And I love that this vet is pulling from traditional Eastern holistics as well - the world is really full of some amazing natural remedies, our big pharma just has us convinced that the best solutions are synthesized in a lab...

Thanks for such a thorough recap!
~Natalya

CJ, I had a similar experience the first time I took Nico to a true holistic vet. I was left feeling that my time had really been used valuably. Nico had gotten the best exam of her life and despite the wonderfully long visit it didn't cost anymore than a typical 5 minutes with a normal vet.

CJ, I don't know what city you are in, but bitter melons are very popular among the Chinese, and you should be able to find it in any Chinese supermarket. They are usually less pricey than the health food stores

CJ you are indeed so very lucky to have this Vet! I love that he is incorporating the eastern/Chinese medicine!
I really believe in Chinese medicine very much, I wish I had someone like that here where I live.

It sounds like Vince got a really thorough exam.
It also sounds like he did great and connected with Vince which had to be so great considering the other's had him listed as
'dangerous. This Vet sounds like he has great energy.
Thanks for sharing how it all went, and I am so happy for you and Vince that you have such a good Vet.
I want to get in to a Chinese market now and buy some bitter melons as Melissa suggested, thanks Melissa!

Joyce, just be prepared, bitter melons are really bitter, my mom used to make me eat it as a child, I never developed a taste for it My husband likes it though.

They are supposed to be really good for you, especially in the summer, because it "cools" the body from the inside.

It sounds like you found a wonderful doctor for your dog.
Some vets probably are scared of your dog.

Wow, computer's been down all day, they finally got our little hick town back up and running. We’re having some nasty wind storms.

 Quote: Natalya Zahn

Fascinating CJ!! Wish I had access to this guy, what a wonderful resource for you!

Yes, it was just a total coinky doink – or maybe not.

The vet office I go to is a large practice, 8 or 9 doctors. Garrett and Echo are total little social butterflies; love the smells and meetings with the vet. But each time I’ve booked an appt for Vince, there’s always silence on the end of the line, obviously reading his “warnings” and they want full details of what I want done/checked.

I think the vet I usually see was “conveniently” booked and this guy stepped up to the plate. The fact that he took a genuine interest in him and seems to really want to help him and help me to help him just had me floored. He will be Vince’s vet from now on.

I actually want to use him for Gare and Echo too. He’ll get to see that I actually do have “balanced” dogs and I’d be interested to see how any of THEIR future conditions may be an indication of my inner needs. As well, Garrett and his Cushing’s/Myleopathy, I’d really be interested in his insights. He’s due for another blood test in a few months and I’m going to ask for this guy, mind you the other vet has been dealing with him for years and she actually quite likes him.

In any case, this guy is definitely the one for Vincent and once WE start on the Bitter Melon (he said to give it a few weeks because of the flagyl and he wants the follow-up) perhaps I’ll use him as my GP as well. I could transfer my symptoms to the dogs and see what he has to say about it…

He had a lot to say about the properties in blueberries too and to start him with a small handful a couple of times a week – so I’ve “Slap Chopped” them and some carrots (underground veggies) and mixed them into some canned tripe twice this week. He ate it just fine. I also made US a blueberry pie (just some sugar, lemon and corn starch and threw it into an already made pie shell) and we had honey glazed carrots (it’s a start – hubby loves this guy and he’s never met him).

I also found his analagies very intriguing, everything just made so much sense. His willingness to share was so delightful, he obviously brought so much back from his experience in China and was passionate about sharing the knowledge.

The stars were definitely shining down on us this day and if I ever did believe in fate, this has certainly solidified that.

This is just so cool CJ! I am really happy for you, FWIW, I envy you so much!! I'm movin to Canada! No just kidding, but there are days when I really think I should. I love Canadians! Good People!
Anyway, anytime you have vet visits and they get this interesting, you must post about them, I feel like I could learn a lot!
Thanks again, you lucky girl you!

Well you just get those bags packed. You and those gorgeous pups would be welcome here in our fair country any time, any day. Hey, we got Cesar Milan coming and now we got this really cool vet. Life couldn’t be better.

And again, thanks for showing interest in Vince’s stinky feet problem. I also find this site and these incredible people such a wealth of information. If I’m able to share and give back just a little, I will certainly do my best. It seems so little compared to the gratitude I feel in what I’ve received.