I am ecstatic to announce that I recently enrolled in a western veterinary herbal course that is very extensive and will take almost two years to complete with part-time study.  The international college that offers it is based out of Australia and they have a few levels of western herbal training of which this course is the most comprehensive.  Two well-known veterinary herbalists have designed the course and it covers many ailments in veterinary medicine in great detail.  The benefit of this particular herbal course is that it is designed specifically for veterinarians, so the particular physiology and dosages required by the four-legged patients will be emphasized.

As my training proceeds, I will incorporate herbs into treatment protocols where appropriate.  For example; boswellia, turmeric, and others are useful for anti-inflammatory action.

My personal goal is to gain a very strong appreciation for western herbs so that I may pass along knowledge to my clients.  Some herbs (i.e. rosemary, thyme, catnip) may be easily cultivated in your own garden.  

Sustainability and great medicine all at the same time!!!!!  Music to my ears!

Warmly,
Dr. Becky
 
 
In recognition of this festive time of year, I decided to post an easy recipe for a tasty dessert that you may share with your dog or cat.  This recipe features pumpkin which can easily be sourced locally at your local farmers' market.


                  Pumpkin Popsicles                    
                   
Ingredients (choose local and organic when possible):

1 1/2 cup pureed freshly cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin
1 cup plain yogurt 
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves

1.  Combine pumpkin puree/canned pumpkin, yogurt, agave and all spices in a bowl.  Mix well.
2.  Pour the mix into an ice cube tray or a freezer tray designed for popsicles.  Place on a flat area in the freezer.
3.   Wait 10-15 minutes then place popsicle sticks in the mix when it is firm enough to support the sticks but not too frozen. 
4.   Enjoy in about an hour!  If you are sharing with your pup, make sure he/she is not able to ingest the popsicle stick or just make some popsicles without sticks!

*Adjust sweetness and spices to your liking.  If adding more agave nectar to the recipe for yourself or if you would prefer not to give any sweetener to your pet, omit the agave nectar from a portion of the pumpkin/yogurt mix. 


My daughter loves these, as well as myself!

Enjoy :)
 
 
Since my relocation to the Portland area, I have decided to drop the lower end of my acupuncture sliding scale to $100.  This will hopefully allow more frequent treatment as necessary for your animal companion or in the very least make it more affordable for less frequent sessions.

New sliding scale;
$100-$140 per session (1st animal)
$80-$100 (each additional animal on same visit)

Paying at the lower end of the scale will save $160 if your pet is receiving weekly treatments.

Contact me if you have any questions!

Dr. Becky :)