Spirit of Animal Healing

by Martin Goldstein

The Spirit of Animal Healing is the follow up to Dr. Marty Goldstein's bestselling book on holistic veterinary medicine, The Nature of Animal Healing.
It is chock full of the very latest integrative medical knowledge (which combines conventional therapies with complementary and alternative medicine). Coupled with the vast amount of specialized expertise and learning Dr. Marty has gained from his own practice over the past 45 years, the book takes readers on a journey to the leading edge of integrative veterinary understanding to achieve greater insight into the minds and bodies of their animal companions.

However, this book is not simply a new edition of Dr. Marty's first book with some refreshed content. It is a completely new book in which Dr. Marty turns the traditional approach to animal care upside down. The Spirit of Animal Healing provides readers with the most up to-date tools and knowledge they need to keep their dogs and cats healthy and prevent disease from occurring in the first place, instead of just treating their animal companions when they are sick.

Topics covered include:
*Nutrition and supplements
*Integrative remedies and harmful treatments
*Cutting edge therapies
*The truth about vaccinations
*The latest in cancer treatments
*The spiritual nature of animals
*True, mind-blowing cases from over the years
-And much more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

Dr. Marty Goldstein's Smith Ridge Veterinary Center is in South Salem, New York. He received his D.V.M. from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been at the forefront of integrative medicine for pets for decades. He has many cats and dogs, all of which are quite old and healthy. Dr. Goldstein is also the author of The Nature of Animal Healing.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of the family is a holistic vet, whose approach to animal care I fully applaud. So I was excited to explore more in THE SPIRIT OF ANIMAL HEALING by Dr. Marty Goldstein, holistic vet and author par excellence.

Dr. Goldstein shares the newest integrative techniques in an easy to understand fashion, gleaned from 45 years of practice. You’ll learn about:

*Healing vs. harmful therapies
*Vaccine truth
*Nutrition and supplements
*Cutting-edge cancer treatment
*Animals’ spiritual natures
*Astounding true cases

THE SPIRIT OF ANIMAL HEALING is a resource I’ll turn to again and again as I care for my beloved kitty. I’m so grateful to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

#TheSpiritOfAnimalHealing #NetGalley

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are so many pets dying from cancer and other ailments more than ever ? - is it over vacationing ? over medicating, ? poor diets ? How long have the same old recommendations been applied ? Are their other treatments that could lesson the side effects. This book will make you mad, make you think and make you demand answers.
Dr. Marty questions the tried methods of treatments and vaccinations. He argues that we are over vaccinating them, each dog’s body is different. They have different weights, different ages, different levels of retention. So why is it that a 10 pound dog gets the same shot as a 90 pound dog ? Is the little one getting an overdose ? is the large one getting too little ? That little fact alone is something to think about seriously. The price of traditional is insane for the pocketbook and on the pet’s body. The side effects for many drugs are scary.
He brings up so many great points, one is why are we not focused on homeopathic medicines that build the bodies own immunity and healing ? If you had the chance to enhance your own dog’s healing for a fraction of the cost without dangerous side effects would you do it ? Well yes, but we aren’t offered these choices at most Vet clinics.
He takes in the near death cases , the ones that other Vets gave no chance and gives them quality of life for sometimes years without traditional harsh drugs. It is amazing, years ago he was called a quack today many of his early discoveries are being used across the world. He drops famous names and brags a bit about his Star Power client list which is a bit irritating. Hey, he worked hard to be accepted he deserves to toot his horn.
If you own a pet, read this books for another perspective on a sometimes archaic system. I highlighted like crazy, questioned my vet and feel better for it. Thank you Dr. Marty for not being afraid to step on sensitive toes for our pets.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the holistic approach in both animal and human healing. This book contained a goldmine of information that isn't always readily available for pet caretakers. I took off one star because there are a few beyond questionable assertions. As long as you clear things with a trusted vet, I recommend this book.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book dealing with how to help your animals achieve a higher state of well-being. Being a long-time pet owner and lover of animals, I loved the tips and insights provided by the author in understanding your animals, and what they need from us in order to thrive. I would recommend this book for any pet-owner or animal lover.

I received an e-ARC of this book by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Marty has followed up on the book he wrote in 1999, providing additional information. He believes that pets are over-vaccinated, and that many of their illnesses can be better treated with healthful diets and supplements instead of conventional pharmaceuticals and surgeries. The reader will learn that he has treated many wealthy and famous people's pets, and doesn't hesitate to drop names.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and a good book to have in your library. I particularly enjoyed chapter 9, Walking Through Your Pets Spiritual World.

I also took notes about the vaccines vets sometimes push at us. Are they all really necessary and so often? Dr. Goldstein gives good guidance on this and I’m glad to be more informed.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital copy to read for review. This is one I’ll want to own to refer to often in the future.

[Carol Kean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oprah's favorite holistic vet spreads a message of love and healing, trusting Mother Nature over the latest scientific methods. The title is a bit misleading because "Spirit" doesn't seem to be the main focus of all these anecdotes, insights, and historical tidbits. Dr. Marty putting Oprah on hold (who does that!) seems to be as important to this author as stories of using Vitamin C injections instead of chemo to keep dogs alive longer.

The history of the dog food industry is horrifying, and I'm glad Goldstein brings this to the reader's attention. E.g. After World War I, some 50,000 horses a year were slaughtered for the first canned dog food, Ken-L rations. In 1950, soap makers stopped using animal fat, which put a huge quantity of the stuff on the market for cheap, and dog food manufacturers pounced on it. Ah, but fat quickly goes rancid, so bring on all the preservatives and chemicals that, guess what, coincide with increasing numbers of cancer cases, pancreatitis, and other maladies for vets to treat.

Dr. Goldstein shares his insights on the raw food trend, the home-cooked pet foods, and even the new move toward crickets and larvae as a superior source of sustainable protein for our pets. For years I've been blogging about entomophagy and the need for humans to kill fewer cows and pigs and eat more bugs. If we feed our dogs and cats kibble made primarily of corn, rice, or other grains, we have no excuse for rejecting a source of protein that is healthier for cats and dogs AND for the planet. (In fact, I finally found a dog food, Jiminy's, made of crickets or black sawfly larvae, rich in taurine and omega-3s, and our picky collies are eating it.) Dr. G says crickets as a food source for dogs "would help decrease the current dependence on the use of mammals, poultry, and fish as major ingredients in pet food."

The name-dropping and letters of praise from happy clients and people like Oprah may serve to convince us that this holistic vet is all that and more, but for me, it doesn't make for the most compelling reading.

I like the message of Love, Love, Love, and trusting nature, distrusting vaccinations and Big Pharma and conventional medicine, but I dislike the self-aggrandizing tone. That said, I wish my local vets were more like Dr. Goldstein. He has a lot of good messages here. Most, we've seen before in his previous book or at any number of Facebook groups and websites. I might buy the book for friends who don't surf the internet like I do, because I do endorse the philosphy and holistic practices of this vet-turned-bestselling-author.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reached out for this book because of concerns I have with my aging dog, Emi. She has an autoimmune condition, so any knowledge I could gain is helpful. It seems that Dr. Martin Goldstein speaks directly to me. His wit, attitude, compassion, and knowledge are shining through on each page. He seems to realize that if you’re reading this book, you probably have a dearly loved pet in need of special care. I soaked it up, making notes of things I could correct, enjoying the personal stories (I chuckled about his interactions with Oprah), and coming away with a better understanding of what my pet has been trying to tell me.
You don’t have to have a sick pet to read this; any pet lover will find something to assist them in the care of the very animals that are actually taking care of us.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date was February 2, 2021.

[Julie (Bookshelf Adventures) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am of two minds with this book. On one hand, it is a very informative read about alternative health rather than relying on Western (read: chemical) medications. On the other hand, it is a giant show of how many famous and rich people Dr Goldstein has had the ability to work for/with.

The novel contains a lot of information about animal health, but it’s more full of the ramblings of Dr Marty.

Full review here:

https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog...

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spirit of Animal Healing
By Marty Goldstein

Dr Marty Goldstein delivered another winning book for our most beloved animals, our fur babies, our pets whom we consider a part of our family. I loved the stories, and how the information was delivered in a very understandable and enjoyable read about how we can keep our animals healthy to live longer and healthier lives.

Complementary and alternative medicines were also included in this book. I found this topic a fascinating read about the latest integrative medical knowledge that was masterfully delivered by someone like Dr. Marty with his 45+ years of experience in veterinary medicine. He had so much to share with the readers, and the way the book was written and the delivery of information was what I really enjoyed the most.

This book was not only a wonderful guide for pet owners on what to do when something goes awry but its focus on prevention of diseases and chronic illness was quite fascinating and very important to read about. I felt that any pet parent should read this book for its valuable knowledge and information.

This would also make a great gift for pet owners new and old. There will always be something to learn from this book that can help save our pets' lives and help them live healthier and longer.

This book was truly fantastic and one I highly recommend.

Thank you St. Martins Essentials for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Marty's book, The Spirit of Animal healing looks at integrative medical knowledge to give us the latest insights in treating our animal companions. He knows what he's talking about--he's been in the vet business for 45 years.

In this, he discusses the current state of dog and cat disease (especially the rise in cancers), how bodies heal and what we can do to allow it to happen more naturally, whether we are over-vaccinating our pets, and more.

This book was far more interesting than I was expecting. Having been a pet parent and having taken my dog to the vet "as he was supposed to" to get as many vaccines "when and how he was supposed to," I was curious to see what Dr. Goldstein had to say in this subject. I always thought it was weird how much we medicated our animals, but what did I know? I'm a language/history person; I know next to nothing about science. I can say that these pages opened by eyes. But it's more than just the vaccines. I was captivated, fascinated by what he had to say about the body's natural ability to heal. That we do so much to our pets and ourselves that is decidedly *un*natural, when we could be much healthier if we just knocked it off. This is not new, in any sense, but putting it in the perspective of how we treat our pets gave me knew ways to think about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher St. Martin's for inviting me to review this advance copy. I'd highly recommend this to anyone with a pet. I certainly learned a lot.

[ForTheThrillofBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the follow up to Dr. Marty’s bestselling book on holistic veterinary medicine with some refreshed content. This book provides up to date knowledge we need to keep our fur babies healthy and to prevent disease from occurring in the first place, instead of just treating them when they are already sick. Some topics which are covered are nutrition, vaccinations, allergies, cancer and so much more.

This book was really informative and eye opening. I loved his approach to so many issues many of us have encountered with our pets and some I hope we’ll never do. The current rate of disease in our pets has sky rocketed and we are taken through some of the contributing factors in this book as well as new methods of treatment and prevention. Great read for anyone who has pets! Even if you can’t change certain things, this book is a great way to get more informed.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating, informative, and a little disturbing, as Dr. Marty Goldstein shares the reasons why our furbabies are dealing with more debilitating health issues than ever before. More importantly, he tells us what we can do to keep them healthy.

Lots of great information here, from the basics of food choice, which is far more significant than many people realize, to treatment options for disease and the controversy of vaccines.

Goldstein’s writing style is conversational. He shares anecdotes from his personal life and practice, along with various facts and data, keeping readers engaged throughout.

*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a much needed positive book about how to care for our beloved pets no matter what their species because they do so much for us! A very informative, well written and researched book. Such great information and a very moving read! Our companion animals are our everything.

Highly recommended read!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley, Martin Goldstein and St Martin's Press Essentials for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 2/2/21

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. I have read the author's first book on animal healing and found it informative and useful. The author has 45 years of vet training and knows of the subjects he writes of. Reading this book will help you to be a better more responsible pet owner.

In this next book the author covers natural healing and current veterinarian standards for our pets. The standards of veterinarian care in the United States do not serve our pets well and are based on a money making model. You will question your vet care after reading this book .

The pet food industry chapter is horrifying and more people need to be aware of what they are feeding their pets. Vaccines and the danger of are covered here which is critical information for pet owners. i almost lost my Himalayan after vaccines and choose not to vaccinate her any longer. I was aware of the toxins but the degree of toxicity in vaccines will shock you to your core. Natural models of care for cancer and illness are inclusive here with suggestions for non toxic care of our pets. I highly recommend this book for all that love their pets. This would be a wonderful gift for all the pet parents in your life.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pet owners strive to be conscious and conscientious caretakers of their furry family members and this task leads them in all directions, at all times of the day or night, depending on need. I had hoped that THE SPIRIT OF ANIMAL HEALING might be helpful in a hands-on way, when there was a sudden need for useful information; it is not that kind of a book. It is not a quasi-first aid/health book. Nor is it a book that suggests ways of treating pets across life stages in an organized fashion, or even across bodily functions. It is more of a question and answer series of ruminations by author Martin Goldstein that may or may not actually be useful or valid. It’s hard to evaluate his positions. He doesn’t care for vaccines much but feels positive, generally, about supplements. I’m not knowledgeable enough to evaluate those kinds of opinions, so cannot act upon them in any way. That pretty much summarizes my opinion about this book. Interesting but so is info on the web. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started February with this amazing book and it releases tomorrow Feb 2, 2021.

The Spirit of Animal Healing is the follow up to Dr. Marty Goldstein's bestselling book on holistic veterinary medicine, The Nature of Animal Healing.

It is chock full of the very latest integrative medical knowledge (which combines conventional therapies with complementary and alternative medicine). Coupled with the vast amount of specialized expertise and learning Dr. Marty has gained from his own practice over the past 45 years, the book takes readers on a journey to the leading edge of integrative veterinary understanding to achieve greater insight into the minds and bodies of their animal companions.

However, this book is not simply a new edition of Dr. Marty's first book with some refreshed content. It is a completely new book in which Dr. Marty turns the traditional approach to animal care upside down. The Spirit of Animal Healing provides readers with the most up to-date tools and knowledge they need to keep their dogs and cats healthy and prevent disease from occurring in the first place, instead of just treating their animal companions when they are sick.

Topics covered include:
*Nutrition and supplements
*Integrative remedies and harmful treatments
*Cutting edge therapies
*The truth about vaccinations
*The latest in cancer treatments
*The spiritual nature of animals
*True, mind-blowing cases from over the years
-And much more!

I found this book really helpful and important, we adopted a senior dog recently, and this book was just what I needed. For pet owners this is a must read, I loved his perspective on healing.

Thank you St. Martin’s Essentials for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...

[Mary Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Marty Goldstein’s latest book is part of his life's mission to open the veterinary profession to the possibilities of integrative medicine - to teach practitioners and clients how to better help our animal friends, especially those who are suffering and that conventional methods have failed to help. To better understand the subject, Cindy Meehl’s excellent 2019 documentary,”The Dog Doc” really brings out the themes of Goldstein’s book: nutrition, alternative medicine (i.e. acupuncture) combined with conventional therapies, and attention to the spiritual aspect of our bond with animals. The author speaks warmly of his connection to Meehl and others in a final chapter of stories. His writing style is cheerful, persuasive and focused on his belief that the work he has done in 47 years of practice has much to teach us about recognizing how to heal animal companions. He offers extensive evidence in a plain, common sense manner, accessible to the layman but really meant to address the critics he has dealt with over the years. What the reader is left with is a respect for a healer who is a fulfilled, happy man who admits that his own healing from an unhealthy lifestyle taught him much about treating his patients. Readers looking for a "how-to” guide to achieving animal wellness should find other resources, but The Spirit of Animal Healing is a winning, “shaggy dog”-style introduction to the topic and a charming, passionate personality. Probably to add credibility and to pique reader interest, Dr. Goldstein relies somewhat on mentions of celebrities and their pets, but this is a minor quibble about what is overall an engaging and informative book. I received an advance copy from NetGalley.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an educational & inspiring book! The amount of work that he has done over the years is simply astounding & kudos to him & all the people that have helped along the way. AMAZING! Get this book & suggest to anyone who has pets or thinking about it.
I can't help but also be completely dumbfounded by how vets everywhere aren't taking a more holistic approach to help our furry friends. It is also really upsetting to think about how this totally rings true for me. My first cat had CRF (chronic renal failure) & when she was due for vaccines I brought her in like I had done before, never thinking of why I shouldn't. It was the worst mistake I have ever made & still regret it to this day. I blame the incompetent vet for this, as not even a week later she died. The other vet in the practice even asked why she was given a vaccine considering her illness. I was simply mortified that this could've been avoided. Let this be a lesson to all of us.
I understand that some people may think parts of this book are unnatural or too radical but you know what, it really opens your eyes to an entire industry that does more harm than good. Over the years I have questioned to need for so many vaccines, they just lump them all together at the same time. Why? The pharma mega giants are there to make money so yeah they will push vets/docs to do yearly vs 3- or 5-yr vaccines. All for making a damn profit & living a cushy life. Shame on them.
I hope that more vets actually red this & learn something to start a different approach to healing our pets. We can't just be doing what the traditional vets say to do, we have to question everything& make sure our voices as well as our pets are being heard. It can be life or death.

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving Dr. Goldstein 2 stars because he is sincere in his beliefs, and does make a strong case for "integrative" veterinary medicine which combines traditional "Western" protocols that often include invasive surgeries and drugs that have side effects almost as bad (or worse) as the disease they are designed to treat, and "alternative" therapies like acupuncture, diet, and supplements. I do share some of his beliefs, especially regarding the consequences of over vaccinating our pets. However, I take strong offense with his statement: "Disease is not something that just happens to you or your animal companions, but something that you allow to happen, either consciously or unconsciously." This "principle" was included in his previous book The Nature of Animal Healing, and is repeated in The Spirit of Animal Healing. Our golden retriever was diagnosed with pancreatitis at six months after drinking some contaminated water. We manage this with a strict diet, probiotics, and vitamin B-all things touted by Dr. Goldstein. Neither our golden or my husband and I-we would take a bullet for our beloved dog- either consciously or unconsciously allowed this to happen. She's a puppy and did what puppies do-eat and drink whatever they find. I think of all the bablies and young children with cancer or other life threatening diseases. They "allowed" it to happen?? Really??? For this reason I cannot recommend The Spirit of Animal Healing.

ARC from Publisher
February 2, 2021
St. Martin's Publishing Group

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spirit of Animal Healing by Marty Goldstein

9781250249692

384 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: February 2, 2021

Nonfiction, Healing, Pet Care, Animal Care

This book is a follow up to his book from 1999 and has the following chapters. There are also questions and answers.

Chapter 1: How Far Have We Come?
Chapter 2: A New Perspective on How the Mind and Body Heal
Chapter 3: Inside Your Pet’s Mind and Body
Chapter 4: Food is Still Where It Starts
Chapter 5: The Tremendous Power of Nutraceuticals
Chapter 6: Other Remarkable Therapies
Chapter 7: The Current State of Dog and Cat Disease
Chapter 8: Doctor, Do No Harm
Chapter 9: Walking Through Your Pet’s Spiritual World
Chapter 10: Tails Beyond the Clinic
Chapter 11: Looking to the Future – Where Do We Go from Here?

The author shares his experiences with different animal cases. He discusses proper nutrition and animals’ age. There are so many things to take into consideration when choosing what to feed my dog. I am glad he provides such detailed information. The information on spays and neuter was surprising. There are so many that believe it should be done at a young age. I am happy he recommends waiting until the animal is older, so they have time to develop.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very informative and shows how we can take care of our pet family as well as we take care of our human family.

[Tanya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a dog owner, I’d like to think that my Vet has the correct answer for everything. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my vet! But I also know there are many different ways to solve problems and no one way is the right way.

As the owner of 3 dogs, one 11-year old Shih-tzu, one 3-year old Golden Retriever and one 3-year old rescued German Shepard mix, it’s easy to see that all dogs have their own varied health requirements and what works for one dog almost never works for all 3! <>

I loved that the focus of this book is on healing and that much of that has to do with love, overall wellness, love, nutrition, love and supplements. Oh yeah, and love. That’s the best place to start, isn’t it? While the title references spirit, I didn’t directly find that in the writing. However, I was often reminded of how important it is for the body to work together, to find it’s balance, and to me that is the spiritual reference Dr. Goldstein may be referencing without placing the human elements of spiritualty into a dog’s universe.

The part I didn’t love was the huge focus on Big Pharma being the Big Bad Wolf. I agree that there is a problem with cancer being on the rise for our beloved pets. I have a Golden and I know that cancer rates have been on the rise with that breed for years now and that’s really scary. But I don’t think that all comes from vaccinations or medicines. So some parts of the book I did have to take with a grain of salt.

Overall, this is a very interesting and important read for dog owners and I highly recommend it.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not read Dr. Marty's previous work, so this was my introduction to his integrative practice of veterinary medicine. I appreciated the discussion of how he came to explore the various methods used in his clinic such as acupuncture, nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements), magnetic wave therapy, etc. Since I have friends who have used magnets in treating fibro myalgia and supplements for conditions from arthritis to acid reflux, I know that surgery and standard prescriptions are not the only ways that can be used to improve health. And I have heard of holistic and integrative vets, but have not seen firsthand how they use the various approaches for treatment.

Dr. Marty includes plenty of examples from his practice to illustrate how increasing vitamins or minerals for various patients helped to clear up stubborn issues, or how he was willing to try the Magna Wave himself before offering it to his animal patients. There are also short articles/essays by other experts that he has consulted or worked with to explain how they developed their approach and shared it with him.

If you are looking for a different way to care for your fur babies and appreciate less processed food, holistic treatment, and trying to rebalance the natural systems within your animal friend's body - then you should read this book and get some pointers on where to look for more information about products to try and finding practitioners in your area. The discussion on the lack of quality nutrition in pet food is probably worth the price of the entire book, and that is just one section within all the information presented.

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Marty Goldstein’s The Spirit of Animal Healing is a good resource for any animal lover. Dr. Goldstein questions everything in modern veterinarian medicine including vaccinations. While I can’t say that I agree with everything Goldstein presented, it is always good to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible.

Dr. Goldstein touches on the current hot topic of the lack of control and oversights in the pet feed industry. The topic never ceases to shock me. Unfortunately, he doesn’t offer up any DIY suggestions for preparing food for your pet. The topic I appreciated most was nutritional supplements for your pets. It was very interesting to learn about the various supplements you could give your pet and how it improved their health. Some of the information mirrored a book I recently read about human gut health!

From high-dose vitamin c to an elixir made of mushrooms, Dr. Goldstein promotes homeopathic medicine for both humans and their pets. His passion on the topic is evident in his extensive research. I loved that he referenced ancient remedies and holistic and ayurvedic medicine.

I received an advance copy of this book from St. Martin’s Essentials in exchange for my honest review.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit, after reading the introduction to this one, I had to pause and look to see if I had Dr. Marty's first book already on my shelves, because a lot of this felt so familiar. But, it turns out that this is my first experience with him! Some readers may be familiar with Dr. Marty through his appearance on Oprah or from his SiriusXM show on Martha Stewart's channel - or even from his own pet products. This book, though, references the fame that Dr. Marty has achieved, but it's not the focus of the book - nor does this feel like an extended informercial to push his own line of products. He outlines his own tenets for healthy pets - revised and updated from his 1999 book. It sounds like there is some overlap between the two volumes, but I think that this will feel more relevant and modern - as it is written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes direct references to that in several places.

Dr. Marty is pro-raw food for pets with some home cooking as well and he errs on the side of caution in regards to vaccines. The book is an interesting read with some miraculous sounding anecdotes - though some may find equal amounts of awe in how much wealthy clients have spent on private jets for pets, attaining foreign equipment and foods for their well-being. It's also the first time that I have heard of a vet buying a pet from an actual pet store and not an adoption event! So, I think some may not be as impressed with this one. But, I do think that a holistic approach to health makes sense for many pets. I had hoped that he would have gone into even more detail into the supplements. We have a now senior dog and we have been giving him vitamins for years - so I wanted more from that angle. It would have also been nice to have some more down-to-earth examples of caring for pets, as not everyone has access to a private jet in the case of an emergency.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. I like the idea of using holistic medicine to treat our four legged, furry, non-speaking family members. Life has improved for them over the past 60-70 years- greatly-, but there remains a long way to go, I think. I think this should be a must read for all pet owners. And may our animal caretakers, too. It certainly can't hurt to look into some of the ideas Dr. Goldstein presented. To use in conjunction with standard practices certainly wouldn't hurt. I think food for our pets needs to be better made and regulated, too. I think there have been to many recalls in recent years to be healthy and often wonder what I'm feeding my "kids" when I open cans or bags. Raw diet sounds healthful, but unless I'm the one raising and killing my own animals to feed the "kids", I'm not entirely trusting of manufactures providing the best raw products. I have to admit, too, I'm not a big fan of Dr. Oz or Oprah, so if they give their seals of approval I'm always a skeptic. Still, they did give Dr. Goldstein a platform and the seal of approval, so many more people will have heard of his take on pets and their health.
Good and interesting book; thought provoking.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I have been yearning for ever since Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) became a headline. I read Dr. Marty’s first book in 2013 when I was desperate to help my sick puppy heal. 8 years later, she is a happy, healthy dog, and I’ve been following Dr. Marty’s advice on diet, supplements (nutraceuticals as he calls them), and vaccinations ever since. But a lot has happened and changed since his first book was published... I have often wondered what he would say now, especially about dog food. The Spirit of Animal Healing answered all of my questions about diet and so much more. As I read, I recognized some symptoms in one of my dogs that indicated a gut imbalance. After a week of Dr. Marty’s probiotics, the symptoms disappeared... we were especially glad to see the stinky breath go! But here was the part that surprised me: how very much this book touched me. There is such good information here on the connection between humans and their animal companions. I feel grateful to have been offered the opportunity to read The Spirit of Animal Healing early and I’ve already pre-ordered my hardcopy for reference in the future. Once again Dr. Marty has written a game-changer of a book.

Publish date: February 2, 2021

#NetGalley

[Kay Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wealth Of Information For Keeping Your Pets Healthy

I thought I had already read all the information available on pet health. This book proved me wrong. There is a wealth of information here, presented in a logical and easy to understand format. Having lost one pet to cancer 25 years ago and another to uncontrollable seizures 13 years ago, I have embraced a raw diet and healthy treats for my now 10 year old rescue dog. Cisco still thinks he is a puppy, running and playing and “protecting” us from people who ring our doorbell or just walking by on the sidewalk out front. After reading The Spirit of Animal Healing, however, I realize there is much more I can do to assure he will remain healthy for many years to come. Years that we will enjoy together in good health.

If you love your pets you will want to learn about all the ways you can contribute to their well-being that haven’t been revealed to people outside the industry before now. There are tips to help you recognize when your pet is in trouble as well as a world of information to help you head off problems that could be lurking in the future.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Marty Goldstein for an advance copy of the valuable information in your book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integrative Medicine for Your Pet

People with pets want the best for them, but sometimes it seems like you spend quantities of money and don’t improve your pet’s health. This book gives some reasons why.

Food is a main reason pets don’t thrive. I have read other books about the lack of quality in pet food. Dr. Marty’s solution is more raw food for your pet. I have a friend who worried that her pets might not thrive because she was cooking food for them rather than giving expensive dog and cat food. The opposite is true. Her pets have shiny coats, resist disease and even in old age are playful.

Another problem of modern medicine is vaccines. Dr. Marty points out that vaccines should not be one size fits all. The weight of the animal should indicate how much is required. Another caution is that vaccines may be given too often. Immune systems need a chance to develop protection on their own.

I highly recommend this book if you love your pet. Whether you’re already a fan of holistic medicine of not, this book will make you think. My only reservation about the presentation is that is sometimes becomes repetitive. However, since Dr. Marty has good things to say, they probably bear repetition.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly interesting. I have been integrating holistic practices into my life as well as that of my beloved pets for years. I use it in combo with traditional medicines and treatments as needed because I don’t believe all or nothing works either way. This provides a lot of information and that can help to educate even the most skeptical and in easy simple ways to integrate into your daily life. There is so much we can control with food, supplements and treatments that can help to keep our beloved fur family members safer, healthier and for much longer than if we only follow what has been traditionally taught in schools. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves their furry family members. It may not all be for you, but little steps at a time can only serve them well. This was well written, well thought out and offers some wonderful suggestions and ideas of how to best serve our pets. I know my sweet girl is going to benefit from some of these ideas.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks to Netgalley.com and St. Martins press for the opportunity.