Chicago veterinarian Dr. Barbara Royal has a new book out called
The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets -- and I highly recommend it. Dr. Royal can claim some celebrity pet clients indeed, but she treats each dog, cat, or whatever animal she sees with an amazing level of care and attention, and you do not have to be rich or famous to visit her warm, friendly clinic on Chicago's north side. I know because my cat was a patient of Dr. Royal's and she helped me -- and especially him -- through the last month of his life with true compassion. (Yes, he was an exceptional cat among a world of exceptional cats but maybe I'm somewhat biased!) Her book details the holistic and conventional elements to her practice, and her words emphasize her level of feeling for all creatures great and small. And as a wildlife, zoo and domestic animal vet, she really knows her creatures. There are also recipes for natural diets and therapeutic options to help our indoor pets live with more outdoor vigor. With the holidays just around the corner, this would be a great gift for any pet lover on your list.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains
unawakened. --
Anatole France
