SHS logo Sequoia Humane Society
Promoting animal welfare and individual responsibility for the care and protection of animals
A No-Kill Shelter Promoting Spay/Neuter
6073 Loma Avenue, Eureka CA 95503
(707) 442-1782

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Incoming animals by appointment only

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2005 Annual Report
Please click here to view the Sequoia Humane Society's 2005 Annual Report (PDF)


Vets who support SHS Spay/Neuter Drives

Sunny Brae Animal Clinic
900 Buttermilk Lane
Arcata, CA 95521
822-5124

Eureka Veterinary Hospital
4433 Broadway, Eureka
442-4885

Animal Health & Surgery Center
1257 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna
725-6154

Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital
2715 Hubbard Lane, Eureka
443-8686

Ferndale Veterinary
1140 Van Ness Ave., Ferndale
786-4200

McKinleyille Animal Care Ctr
839-1504

ALTERNATIVE PET THERAPY ALTERNATIVE PET THERAPY
by Cynthia MacMillan, Executive Director, Sequoia Humane Society

Taking care of our pets' health is important. This means bringing them to the veterinarian when they are sick or injured. Most veterinarians use 'conventional medicine' to treat our pets' symptoms. Indeed, conventional medicine and surgery are invaluable in treating acute illnesses, trauma and other emergencies. Conventional diagnostic tests such as blood work, radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound are also important in determining the cause of an illness. However, once a diagnosis has been made, particularly with chronic or difficult to treat diseases, our animal friends may benefit from a holistic approach to medicine.

The concept of holistic (or as some prefer 'wholistic') medicine emphasizes evaluation and treatment of the whole patient, rather than focusing on a specific disease. Typically this involves addressing all aspects of an animal's life to identify sources of stress that may contribute to illness. We recognize the importance of a wholesome diet of fresh food, exercise, and a loving family in maintaining our own health and well-being. The same is true for our 4-legged companions.

In general, alternative or complementary therapies aim to help support the body to heal itself. Practitioners of holistic medicine may employ one or more modalities to help a patient, or, when appropriate, integrate holistic and conventional medicine.

There are numerous complementary and alternative therapies currently in use in veterinary medicine. Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal or botanical medicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy and flower essences are among the most widely used modalities. As people are becoming more aware of the benefits to be obtained from these therapies and seeking holistic care for themselves and their animals, a growing number of veterinarians are pursuing additional training and certification in one or more of these fields. There are also a growing number of books for laypeople written or coauthored by veterinarians who have specialized in holistic medicine. These books explain how various therapies may benefit animals with different conditions.

Holistic medicine is not a 'prescribe it yourself' form of home therapy for your pet. While many holistic remedies may be available at the local herb store, you should consult a veterinarian knowledgeable in holistic medicine before administering them to your beloved companion. Remember, plants are the source of many conventional drugs, and in the wrong dosages can be extremely toxic or even deadly.

Dr. Sarah Green, DMV and Veterinary Housecalls practice a form of integrated therapy combining the holistic and conventional approaches to veterinary medicine.

Always remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!

Following is a partial list of references recommended by Dr. Sarah Green, DVM:

  • Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pitcairn and Susan Pitcairn
  • Complete Holistic Dog Book: Home Health Care for our Canine Companions by Jan Allegretti and Katy Sommers
  • The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness and Longevity by Martin Goldstein
  • Four Paws, Five Directions. A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
  • Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs by Don Hamilton, DVM
  • Herbs for Pets by Mary Wulff-Tilford and Gregory Tilford
  • Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis

e-mail
humane@sequoiahumane.org

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Woofstock 2008 & 13th Annual Mutt Strut
Sunday, September 7th, 2008 10am - 5pm at Halvorsen Park in Eureka, CA
Make a Donation

Visit the SHS Forever Friends Memory Garden

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Holiday gift certificates are now available. It can be used towards the purchase of adoptions, spay/neuter vouchers, microchips and Tailwaggers thrift shop.

Great gift idea!
Woofstock 2007 t-shirts are on sale for $10 each.
Sizes are limited.
Woofstock T-shirt

 

HSUS - Feral Cats

National Animal Poison Control Center

Plants for Pets: Hazardous and Safe

Small Animal Poisons (AVMA)


North Coast Legacy
By leaving a legacy through a gift in a will, your commitment can continue.