dog cancer

Nadine M. Rosin- The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood

Posted by Barbara Techel

Nadine M. Rosin, author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood

Last week I took part in a Twitter party sponsored by Blogpaws.  Met many interesting people who love to blog anything dogs and animals- right up my alley!  In fact, the first ever conference dedicated to blogging animals is coming up April 9th and 10th in Ohio, so check out the details.

During the Twitter party we were able to follow along and answer questions to win prizes.  I was thrilled to win a 1/2 consultation with Nadine Rosin.  She is a Holistic Pets/Toxic-Free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, Speaker and Author.  Her book is The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.

Her dog, Buttons was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8 and was given weeks to live.  She took the holistic approach and buttons lived to almost 19 years old.  From Buttons inspiration, her book was born and now she helps other pet parents.

I learned many things on the call with Nadine.  The food we feed our pets, as well as our environment is vital to their well being.  Feeding our pets nutritious food, and home cooked if you can, is important.  If kibble is a way you need to go she suggested checking out Azmira dog food, as well as their supplements.  She suggested Dr. Lisa Neuman’s book, Three Simple Steps to a Healthy Pet which you can download for $5.95.

Nadine had many helpful suggestions on cleaning up our environment for the health of not only ourselves, but our pets, as well.  Suggestions about cleaning supplies from laundry to kitchen, to the lawn to the bowls we put our pets food in, and some things that surprised me that I was unaware of.  They are all a common sense approach, as well as affordable and easy to start implementing right away.  To get started and learn more Nadine offers a 15-minute phone consultation with a donation that is comfortable for your budget.

We also talked about pet loss.  I shared with her that at times I worry when I lose Frankie because she is everything that I do.  Most of my days center around sharing her message and it brings me so much joy.  Her suggestion was to spend time with Frankie. Just sit and be with her.  I loved that idea!  In fact, I told her I had just done that before our call.

Frankie was soaking up the mid day sunshine in front of our patio door, so I laid down next to her and sat in the moment with her.  It was divine.  She nuzzled her nose into my hair and was intent in looking into my eyes.  Nadine said, “Those are the moments that will be with you when Frankie is with you in body and then in spirit someday.”  That brought tears to my eyes and comfort and peace to my soul.

To learn more about Nadine, please visit her website.  She has a wonderful video about her dog Buttons, which moved me to tears.

Be sure to also check out her book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, the true story about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, senior canine care, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. My copy is on it’s way, so will look forward to reading it.

Saying Goodbye to Miss Willow who Inspired Waggin Tails Cookies

Posted by Barbara Techel


Losing a beloved pet can be so difficult.  Add the holiday season and add a pet who inspired you to live your passion, and the loss becomes magnified.  Any loss of a pet is hard and for each of us, we grieve in our own, unique way… and just when we think we are ready to go through this, we find we are not.  So is with my friend, Barbara who is struggling with the recent loss of her dog, Miss Willow.  I don’t think we are ever ready and especially with a friend, such as Miss Willow, and as all dogs do, they love us unconditionally. Not having that presence every day is a big hole in our heart.  And it will take time to accept, look for the new realm of being together, and moving forward… and knowing whatever time that takes is perfectly OK.

Miss Willow was not expected to live to the ripe old age she did, because at eight years old she was diagnosed with cancer.  Barbara would not accept it was the end and did all she could to bring Miss Willow back to health.  Indeed she did, which inspired Waggin Tails Cookies, which are wholesome gourmet cookies…. and wait till you read the age Miss Willow reached.  A testament to good food, positive thinking and lots of love.

My heart goes out to Barbara as she finds her way without Miss Willow… though I know without a doubt, Miss Willow is right beside her in spirit and will continue to be for as long as Barbara needs her.  I received notice of Miss Willow’s death yesterday from Barbara and asked her if I could share her moving, beautiful note with you, my readers.  She graciously agreed.

A SAD DAY

Miss Willow that inspired the Liver Cookies of Love left us today.  She was born March 25, 1994 and left us December 1, 2009.  A good run to be sure.  I was told over 8 years ago to take Willow home that the cancer left us no hope and to prepare for her to die.  Well, she did not listen.  She was the light of my life and she just got too tired now.  She was almost 16 years old.  She inspired me to make these wonderful cookies.  She taught me how to feed my dog and how to clean my home.  She helped so many other animals that had cancer.

I will forever be grateful for all that we shared and all that she taught me.  She went quietly this morning and I have to say that the Vet was so supportive and caring.  There were flowers and a blanket and candles.  It was as sweet as a horrible moment could be.  I know that she is now again dancing in a young new body and not trapped in the frame of an elderly dog.

I loved you best of all Miss Will..and I always will.  Please hold us all in your prayers as we learn how to do life without Willow here in the form she was this morning.  I know that she will always be with us and I hold her in my heart and give thanks for all the blessings that came from her.

In loving memory to my sweet Willow.