Approaches to heal our pets

Judaism has a lot to say about the treatment of animals and pets. In Chabad.org. the article “Judaism and Pet Ownership: 18 FAQs” covers everything from Jewish laws and traditions to what to feed our pets on Passover.

In this column I want to talk about the health of our pets and different modalities of care and treatment.

In the article “The Jewish Way To Care For Dogs, Cats, Birds and Fish” in Aish.com, Rabbi Dov Lev writes (with numbered biblical references at the end of the article), “God’s compassion extends to every living creature, caring for all their needs. As we strive to emulate our Creator, we have a responsibility to demonstrate concern for animals, to take care of their needs and to alleviate their suffering.”

Rabbi Lev continues later in the article “For Jews, there are many halachic issues involved in pet care. For some animals, providing food and paraphernalia can get expensive, as well. The Talmud stresses that before you acquire an animal, you must be certain that you can properly care for it. As King Solomon said: «A righteous person considers the life of his animal.”

To check out the numbered references, go to https://aish.com/35-animals-and-pets-2/

My friend and colleague, Becky Chambers, whom I have interviewed on my radio programs, has a new book out called “Energy Healing for Pets: Self-Help Guide to Solving Health & Behavior Problems with Homeopathy & Whole Body Vibration.”

Becky talks about a renaissance in the use of natural health and energy medicine methods in recent years, and how this can be applied to our pets.

She writes, “In fact, the DNA of dogs is 94 percent the same as a human being, and cats have 90 percent of their DNA in common with people. Homeopathy and Whole Body Vibration are growing in popularity because they address the body as one contiguous system, heal the source of disease, and restore balance to the body and mind. And just as allopathic medicine can and is used with animals, so too can these powerful and safe natural methods.”

Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process. Homeopathy can be an invaluable aid in addressing common and often chronic afflictions animals can suffer from such as allergies, ear infections, digestive ills, weight gain, and Lyme disease. It can also address common behavioral issues in our pets driven by emotional issues, such as overeating, territorial behaviors, and phobias.

Whole Body Vibration is best known as a workout system where the user exercises or stretches while on a vibrating plate. However, it also has dramatic benefits even if you or your animal just stand on the gently vibrating plate.

Becky writes, “Whole Body Vibration is a body, mind, and spirit system that has dramatic benefits for bone, muscle, and joint health. In fact, it’s currently regularly being used in the competitive world of horse racing, jumping, and other events, where it’s valued for its remarkable physical therapy benefits for healing injuries, and for the competitive edge it provides for athletic performance.” She concludes, “These are methods that you can use for your beloved animals and yourself.”

Personally, I have used the Whole Body Vibration machine and have found it very helpful. I have not used it with a pet but since our DNA is so similar to our pets, this may be worth consideration.

Judaism emphasizes respecting and caring for our pets. This holistic method is another alternative for the care of our pets.

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an award-winning radio producer, business owner and leader. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica.com