I lost a cat to cancer two years ago. My feeling that I was somehow responsible for his demise at such a young age wasn't entirely grief related. For instance, was there something wrong with feeding an animal the same old stuff day and night for his/her entire life, often dried stuff at that? If so, what other options were there? And how about tap water? If we the people are concerned about drinking it, what about our pets? Inquiries about diet to everyone, vets included, almost always elicit the same response: do not feed table food or "scraps." Trouble is, most of us just do not have a scientific and/or medical background with which to argue the point. Dr. Goldstein discusses food and tap water and how it affects health in this book.

All that is required for reading this book is an open, active mind and the ability to strive for something better. People who have added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and, yes, even soy products to their diets know that they feel better, look better, and are healthier. And so it would be with animals. My 3 remaining cats are doing much better after only two weeks on real MEAT, grains, and vegetables. I know my cats so you can trust me on this point. Some people will want studies. Well, scientists have concocted chemicals for making the RENDERED BY-PRODUCTS in commercial pet food appealing to animals via smell and/or taste. But show me a study which says it's GOOD for our animals. Isn't it golden age advertising and hasn't it worked, especially in this busy world!! Incidentally, several natural pet food brands are mentioned in the book for non-cookers.

Finally, I've concentrated my comments on diet (and maybe one or two too many on my own opinions :)) because health starts with food and food is one aspect we pet owners really have control over. However, Dr. Goldstein covers many other topics including vaccines, herbs, supplements, natural remedies, and devotes an entire chapter to cancer. Many of his patients are very sick. He explains why he believes in helping an animal heal itself by treating the disease rather than the symptoms. Feeding real food is part of the process. Dr. Goldstein writes from experience. He even admits he doesn't understand how or why some of the holistic methods work; he's just seen it work year after year. His final chapters deal with the spiritual realm, including our relationship with our pets, and death of pets (choosing when to let go, euthanasia, grieving). There is an extensive resource guide at the back.

I also recommend FOOD PETS DIE FOR by Ann N. Martin. She spent 7 years investigating the ingredients in commercial pet food. If you read that book first, you'll surely want to read this one (or vice versa).

Whoa, did I get ever get carried away here. But I've waited a long time for this book. Thank you, Dr. Goldstein, for writing it.


Wonderful Introduction to Holistic Pet Care   August 23, 2000
Sasha (Southern California)
82 out of 82 found this review helpful

While written for the average pet owner who is not familiar with terms such as vaccinosis or nosodes, even those of us who have been into natural rearing for a long time can find some useful information in this book. The section on heartworm, for instance, is excellent. Few vets are even aware of the fact that alternative heartworm prevention and treatment methods exist. Also excellent: the chapters on vaccinations and the nature of disease.
The chapter on nutrition points the reader in the right direction (i.e., away from processed pet foods and toward homeprepared fresh food diets), but there's not enough information to enable readers to formulate a balanced homemade diet for their dogs or cats (Dr. Pitcairn's book is better in that regard).
Dr. Goldstein is not a classical homeopath and some people may object to his use of homeopathic remedies. Nonetheless, his A-Z guide to canine/feline ailments and their possible cures is thorough and full of useful information. He uses dietary supplements, glandulars, Western and Chinese herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies, and occasionally even allopathic drugs. His motto seems to be "whatever works." The chapter on cancer is good but would have been even better if Dr. Goldstein had addressed the important dietary guidelines for cancer patients and survivors.
The book concludes with a wonderful chapter on the spiritual connection between us and our animals and a great chapter on coping with the death of a beloved pet.


This will change your views of the veterinary profession!   December 14, 1999
36 out of 36 found this review helpful

I have been providing our dogs with alternative health treatments since 1995. I was fed up with conventional care--too many pills that merely masked underlying illnesses and no real treatment. Our dogs have glowing health and everyone remarks on their vigor & beautiful coats. Dr. Goldstein, because of his successes with cancer & chronic illnesses, has conventional veterinarians quaking in their boots. So much of medicine is run by the profit motive, totally denying the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors and vets. Think of the marketing of pet foods and vaccinations in the office of the vet--two of the biggest money-makers in the industry. It is no wonder those boots are quaking. I implore you to read this book for the sake of your pets' health.


Please buy and read this book.   December 20, 1999
cwoods@spindle.net (Ft. Worth, Texas)
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

I have read many books on holistic/alternative veterinary medicine over the years in order to keep my 5 cats and 5 dogs as happy and healthy as possible. But I've never read one as useful, comprehensive, and readable as Dr. Goldstein's. His explanation, for example, of vaccinosis (disease resulting from too many and too frequent vaccinations) is the most understandable you'll find anywhere. And in discussing treatments, he not only gives you medicines and sources, he even gives dosages based on the pet's weight. Not very many books do this! I am recommending this book to everyone I know who owns a dog or cat, and I urge you, I BESEECH you, to buy this book and begin partnering with your vet to make better decisions about how to keep your pet healthy and, when treatment for illness is needed, how to use less invasive and harmful cures that treat the source of the illness rather than the symptom. If you're reading this, I'm probably preaching to the choir. But if you buy this book, please pass the word along to your friends with animal companions. Most of them will be interested; they've just never thought to question conventional veterinary medicine and so don't know it's not a great idea to give their pets yearly vaccinations and cortisone shots for allergies. They deserve to know the rest of the story.


"Path" less traveled... a refreshing approach to pet care!   April 16, 2004
Amanda Eaton (Custer Park, IL United States)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

I have been waiting SO long for a book like this! Little did I know that Dr. Goldstein had finally granted the hopes and wishes of people across the nation begging for an alternative to the drugs, disease, and unnecessary treatments plaguing our pets. His book is one enormous exposé on the veterinary and pet food industries!

**Highlights**
The first 4 chapters; if you read nothing else, I beg you to read chapters 1-4.
- Chapter 1 & 2 make the concept of disease and infirmity completely understandable. Basically, sickness is the absence of health! Restoring health, instead of squelching the symptoms of illness, is the only way to your pet's ultimate wellness, longevity, and quality of life.
- Chapters 3 & 4 are about food and vaccines respectively. Dr. Goldstein covers all of the basics of what is wrong with that bag of kibble in the closet, and why our companions deserve the best we can give them... not to mention the numerous health benefits of feeding them a wholesome food! In chapter 4 he goes on the expose the facts about vaccinations, why the could be HARMING our pets instead of helping them, and what vaccines are really necessary (if any).

Best Points:
· Very inspiring and motivating! If you've ever had excuses for doing things "just because I've always done it this way" this book will definitely change your perspective.
· Dr. Goldstein is a real person. Not gimmicky like other authors, he actually admits his faults and explains his own reasoning. He is extremely credible (see his credentials as a vet) and believable.
· The book is very well-written and easy to read
· Back section has an "Alphabet of Ailments" from allergies to worms, and how to treat them effectively with natural remedies
· The book is "open" and very fit-to-your-lifestyle

Things some people may be uncomfortable with:
· The "evidence" for his theories is largely anecdotal... but since half of healing and medicine is mystery, there is no way to test "wellness" or a degree of healing really. The volume of evidence is enormous, yet still the extremely scientifically minded may have a problem with it.
· He does discuss topics like animal "spirituality" which some may not agree with. He also talks about animal communicators and his own qualms about such things though, so it's fairly balanced.

An entire chapter is devoted to the "big C"... Cancer. From causes to cures he sheds an interesting light on the role of veterinary medicine in cancer.

Overall, this is THE best book I have read on the subject of healing in general. I urge any pet lover to read it, especially if you are skeptical about holistic/alternative therapies. It is explanatory, helpful, and inspiring!