Pets are very much a part of our lives and families. The movie and book Marley and Me drive that point home with any animal lover. It is hard to watch our pets age and suffer. However, there are many natural alternatives that you can do for senior pets, but more importantly do them throughout your pets life as preventative care. For humans, statistics show that every dollar spent on prevention and wellness actually saves you between $3-$8.

About 3 years ago, my 13 year old lab mix dog, Jesse, was having trouble getting up. She would turn around in a circle and lay back down in pain. We already knew she had an arthritic mass on her lower spine and she was on doggy arthritis medications. Out of desperation, I called my chiropractor and asked if he could adjust Jesse, since he has helped me so much over the years. He said he could not, but gave me the name of Dr. Andi Harper an animal chiropractor.

What she did to Jesse looked a bit like hocus pocus, but by the next morning Jesse was up and about again. Occasional adjustments are just what Jesse (now almost 16) and Sierra (almost 15) need when they tweak their backs or fall. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely do chiropractics throughout the dog's life versus just when they are old to help prevent some of the problems that go along with aging.

A few months later, I was introduced to Nikken - a total wellness company and started using some of the magnetic and infrared technologies and PiMag water on my dogs as well as my family. The dogs wear magnetic "necklaces" and sleep on magnetic/infrared pet beds. The change in their energy levels and ability to get up and down has been remarkable, plus an animal can't have a placebo effect. I also have not seen the "mini stroke" empty look and seizures Jesse used to have. Both have been medication free for the past 3 years (taking only supplements) and go on 1/2 mile to mile walks each day.

Give the body what it needs and it can do amazing things to heal itself. Drugs and surgery aren't the only alternatives. Our culture has become more open to "alternative" and "natural" technologies that have been successfully used for thousands of years in other cultures. Acupressure, essential oils and massage are other natural treatments to keep your pet healthy or rehabilitate an injury.

On 5/19/09, there is an Alternative Therapies for your Pet Seminar from 6:30-7:30 pm at Tails Up 401 South Gilbert St Castle Rock 80104 Here are the details:

Bring your pet for a free spinal screening. Learn about animal chiropractics and essential oils and how it helps animals with physical challenges, aging issues and preventative health. Also, learn the benefits of acupressure and natural technologies (magnetics and infrared) and nutritionals. Thanks to these natural technologies, almost 16 year old lab mix Jesse is medication free and full of energy and life. Space is limited. Call 720.308.4089 to RSVP.

More info at www.livinghealthiernow.com under the Healthier Pets tab. If you can't make this seminar, call to express an interest in a future seminar. If you need help for your pet sooner, contact Susan Trost, Living Healthier Now (natural technologies for pets) 720-308-4089, Marie Soderberg (animal acupressure and healing) 303-805-5779 or Dr. Andi Harper (animal chiropractor) 303-518-3688.