Peace and Serenity NOWW

05/15/2026

04/27/2026

Think all petting feels good to your dog? Not even close. Science shows a lot of what we call affection is actually overstimulation. Slow it down. Your dog doesn’t want a drum solo on their head. Slow strokes equal calm, fast pats equal stress.

A new peer-revied study surveying dog and cat owners looked at how touch relates to pet wellbeing and found clear differences between species. For dogs, gentle petting had the biggest positive impact, especially slow, calm stroking along the chest, shoulders, and sides. The more time and physical contact, the better, with added benefits when dogs lean on their owners or sleep close by. This type of touch mimics natural social grooming and helps reduce stress while promoting relaxation. In contrast, owner-initiated petting didn’t have the same effect in cats. What mattered more was cat-initiated contact, particularly head rubbing, also known as bunting. Gentle touch can improve wellbeing, but only when it aligns with the animal’s natural behavior and comfort level. Takeaway: If your dog leans into you, relaxes, or closes their eyes, you’re doing it right, if they pull away or get restless, adjust pressure or location.

04/26/2026

What a gorgeous day . No more snow or ice on the water . Buds getting ready . Spring …

04/21/2026

04/19/2026

Before you reach for a monthly flea and tick pesticide, it’s important to understand the full picture. These products can have unwanted side effects, and the FDA has issued consumer awareness statements about neurologic adverse events (this isn’t fear mongering, it’s reality). Informed consent matters here (especially when you read stories in the comments from pet parents who had no idea these medications could lead to lasting medical conditions in their pets💔).

At the same time, context matters. In high-risk areas where tick-borne diseases are common, protection is necessary. But that awareness should extend to the whole family. If ticks are a risk for your dog, they’re a risk for you too. Use the same level of prevention vigilance for your two- and four-legged family members, and make tick checks a non-negotiable habit after every outdoor, woodsy outing.

This isn’t about choosing extremes, it’s about making smarter, more balanced decisions. Many functional medicine veterinarians use hybrid parasite protocols, rotating and layering chemical products with lower-toxicity options, and supporting the body with targeted detox strategies when pesticides are used.

I’ve outlined non-toxic support strategies and my favorite detox protocols in my latest blog, read it now (link in comments) ⬇️🐾

04/03/2026

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