Comments on Ready? Or Not? Homeopathic medicine is not for everyone.

I often have a hard time detaching from those I encounter who explain various tales of woe regarding the ongoing chronic, nagging health issues of their pets... or when I agree to pet-sit for a friend and upon arriving, the stench from the litterbox is on the level of biological warfare, and they have clue zero that it doesn't have to be that way and that the cat is telling them something. Hearing these doting owners detail the endless conventional vet visits, the litany of steroid, antibiotic, antifungal, invasive, or otherwise suppressive treatments, that though have not helped their pets, they keep continuing to follow and pursue.
Those who know me have witnessed the stunning effects of homeopathy, but they too are often skeptical or afraid of how it works, or what it entails.
So I try to lead by example. If they clearly are not open to homeopathy, I offer nutrition. If not raw, then better than average store-bought. And I know many people who have taken the nutrition advice... that's good enough for me and a step up from where they were- even if they go no further into holistic solutions.
Anymore, I am very open and clear. I don't assume everyone wants this path. I know not everyone will accept it. I am very detailed in explaining just how detail-oriented and observational good homeopathic symptom reporting and remedy administering can be. I am blunt. "Are you ok with analyzing the color/texture/odor/frequency of Sparky's poop?" For example. :) If they don't shudder at the thought, then I invite them to check out your website. And I tell them to read it all. And that it will take a while. And then, and only then, if it makes sense and sounds like something they are open to trying, to email or give a call. And I tell them it isn't for everyone, and that is ok.

It frustrates me to think of anyone sitting in your office not wanting to be there! Had I had the income necessary I would have applied to come see you in a heartbeat, and I also would never think to send someone to you without first knowing where they stand on their companion's health. I recently moved back to Saint Louis, MO.....from Austin. (was there 2 years) While in Austin I had a hard time finding a Vet I could see eye-to-eye with regarding some seemingly simple issues. I never did settle down with one. I found one practicioner at Premier Animal Hospital that I felt (although not holistic) was not pushy with the medications, and he also had at least a basic understanding of a raw diet. Unfortunately, it was not my dog, Duke, that ever needed to be seen by him! I also switched my dog over to an all raw diet a year ago (S.A.D. Dog Sushi)....once I made this decision I knew it would be even harder to find someone! I was referred to a practice in South Austin where the treatment is mostly holistic...but again just did not get that great vibe from the vet I saw...and I knew they probably could not comapare to your practice. Alas, I do regret that I could never come in. :-) Duke has been vet-free for the past year! I took the raw food route to attempt to address Duke's allergy/skin issues....I was not willing to pay for all kinds of tests when changing what he ate could possibly work. Thankful that I chose to do so ...Duke has not been into the vet in the past year. A simple matter of giving him porbiotics has helped control his tendency towards "Yeastie Infections" ... hard to understand the masses of people who prefer to go straight to antibiotics and harsh medicines...save those for if it's necessary! :) I know I need to bring him in to get some bloodwork done, but I just don't know what to ask for. Anywho --- I am glad you have gotten to see the miracles of healing with your clients. I hope in the future every practice will be mostly holistic, but until then.... thank you for your webpage!!

I think I wish you had a clone and a practice in Boston,MA!! :) Elizabeth

Dr. Will, I can certainly empathize with the position you've been put in by clients' enthusiasm...faced same thing working for an indie Health Store, helping my bosses educate the friends of our customers, in how to use nutritional supplements. They were not prepared for having to take charge of their own health, as the bewildered friends of your clients were not prepared for instruction in how to give homeopathics, or the results they should look for. Or the need to call you back, I'm sure, with detailed reports on their pets' progress. Excellent idea, having them referred first to your website. Prevents a lot of glazed eyes looking back at you, and a lot of frustration for you! Gives them a good baseline of understanding about the territory they are about to enter! In this country, Homeopathy is quite a Brave New World for most pet owners!

Thanks, Dr. Falconer, for this thoughtful post. You mention itchy ears that persist even after careful cleaning in cats. Is there a general homeopathic remedy, or must it be tailored for each particular cat?
Thanks, Joyce