Why Holistic Care?

My approach to practicing veterinary medicine is to consider each animal as a whole, or holistically. This involves using all my resources to treat your pet’s physical, mental, and emotional condition. 

I create an integrated medical program using both conventional western medicine and complementary alternative medicine. Some of the alternative options include: acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy. Natural therapies can mitigate the stress, suffering, and adverse side effects normally associated with medications. I proactively identify health issues and their root causes, and address them before they become problems. Keeping pets well is as important as healing them when they are sick.

A Little About Me

Becoming a veterinarian seemed both wonderful and scary when I was a high school student, so I never considered it seriously. My grandfather’s passing on was a turning point in my life because his life was rich with accomplishments and adventure. I thought about my life and realized that I always made the sensible, safe choices, and my life seemed small compared his. I made a decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

My path toward holistic veterinary medicine began with my mom who always told me to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. I sensed something was missing in conventional veterinarian education, but did not know what it was. While attending the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention I went to a Chinese acupuncture lecture. The veterinary acupuncturist was talking about making a diagnosis by looking at the animal’s tongue and feeling the pulse. She uses acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition in conjunction with conventional medicine to get better results. That is when I realized that my mom was right about the importance of diet.  

Holistic medicine is about supporting and healing the body to bring it back into balance, as opposed to focusing on fighting disease. This is a never-ending journey of learning.

Before starting my house-call practice, I worked at Peekskill Animal Hospital. While I enjoyed helping many pets, it was hard to connect with my patients because they are nervous in the hospital. I decided to take the second biggest adventure in my life, start my own holistic house call practice. Now I educate pet parents on feeding and caring for their dogs and cats for optimal health.

Just the simple switch of a pet’s diet from dry food to raw, canned or home cooked food can help them lose weight and become more active.

I am lucky to live in Columbia County where there are many nature trails and rivers. 

 I have a small cat, Mila, who was rescued by a police officer from the middle of a busy street when she was a kitten. He brought her to Peekskill Animal Hospital to treat her injuries. I didn't find anything external wounds, but she was paralyzed from the waist down. Her spine looked normal on the x-rays. So I decided to use medications, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massages to see if it will help her walk again. While taking care of her, I fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. Even though she is still not able to walk 100%, she is happy and she loves to play. Her favorite activities are sleeping in the sunlight, watching birds at the bird feeder, getting a catnip spa, and catching small bugs on the floor.

Why Wellness?

I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of health and wellness for everybody (humans and animals). Wellness means having the sense of vitality and "feeling-goodness." It means having a twinkle in the eye, lightness in every step, and the energy to do the things that we enjoy. It is my goal to bring wellness to all the animals under my care so that they will live long and happy lives.

Associations

• American Veterinary Medical Association

• New York State Veterinary Medical Society

• Hudson Valley Veterinary Medical Society

• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

• New York Complementary & Alternative Veterinary Medical Association

Degrees

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from University of Tennessee

• Bachelor of Arts in Biology from New York University

Professional Activities

• HVVMS Continuing Education Lecture Series

• Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Spring 2017

• NYCAVMA Spring seminar 2015, 2016, 2017

• Are Thoresen’s Seminar 2015, 2016, 2017

• AHVMA Annual Conference 2014, 2016, 2017

• An Introduction to Clinical Application of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in Small Animals, Chi Institute 2013

• CVC Convention 2013

• Integrative approach to IBD in cats, CIVT Webinar

• Halting and Reversing Renal Failure, CIVT Webinar

Why Mobile?

I became a mobile veterinarian because I love visiting dogs and cats in their homes where they are calm and relaxed. This is especially beneficial for pets who suffer high anxiety in a hospital setting, a car, or a carrier. Unfortunately, some of these animals don't get the benefit of veterinary care.

Loving owners who have many demands on their time at both home and work find it difficult to take their pets for a veterinary appointment. My personalized approach and weekend hours may be the solution.