Inspiring Pet Loss Book- Part 2

Last week we met Nadine M. Rosin, author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a dog, or has ever lost a pet.

Last week Nadine told us about why she wrote the book, and why she refers to the human-pet relationship as pet "parenthood." Today she shares how she dealt with her Cockapoo-terrier's illness, and how you can give your pet the best life possible.

At 8-years old Buttons was diagnosed with cancer, and given 6 weeks to live unless she had amputation, chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, Nadine launched a carefully researched holistic regimen, and after a few months Buttons was cancer free. Buttons lived—not six more weeks, but ELEVEN MORE YEARS, to the age of 19!

Question: Are there any myths surrounding the care and treatment of cancer in pets?

Nadine: In my experience the myths are that any diagnosis is hopeless and that there is only one successful treatment protocol. When Buttons’ cancer was discovered, the lab did the biopsy twice to ensure accuracy of such a lethal diagnosis. The vet assured me that my beloved canine would be dead in 6 weeks without the standard, allopathic treatment of cut/burn/poison. Because I already had a substantial background and knowledge base in alternative medicine and holistic healing, after much soul-searching, I was able to “go against” his advice. At first, I was scared to abandon convention, but since holistic treatment allowed Buttons to thrive cancer–free for an additional 11 years (to the age of 19) I am so glad I found the inner strength to do so.

Question: What should we do if our pet has been diagnosed with cancer?

Nadine: I would encourage others to research and gather information BEFORE ever getting such devastating news. One of the first things I do during a holistic consultation with pet parents is to go over all the products they use in their home with a fine-toothed comb. I believe there is MUCH we can do to prevent ever getting a cancer diagnosis. A pet’s body will metabolize everything so much faster than ours. When we unknowingly overburden their immune system with a combination of the often toxic chemicals in dryer sheets, fabric softeners, air fresheners, flea treatments, shampoos, and carpet cleaners- just to name a few, we are just asking for trouble.

Question: What advice do you have for those grieving the loss of a pet? How can your book help?

Nadine: FEEL IT! We are so used to squelching all our emotions in this country- especially the “uncomfortable” ones. I believe that in itself contributes to our own skyrocketing cancer rate. Grief is a process and one truly heals from going through the process in whatever time it takes, not by “getting over it” as quickly as possible. By honoring the sorrow, by leaning into it and letting it breathe, we are taken to places within ourselves that are no less than magical. The depth of one’s grief is in direct proportion to the depth of one’s love. There is a gift in the depth of all that grief and love and for those brave enough to go there, my book will be a cherished and trustworthy companion.

Nadine M. Rosin is a holistic pet care advocate, consultant and researcher, nondenominational minister, blogger and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer holistically, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold here or Amazon.com and all online book retailers. Contact her for more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine.


Learn how to give YOUR OWN beloved animal the best life possible by joining them as they explore the world of holistic pet care to successfully treat canine cancer. This is her true story. It is only one version of a story shared by millions of pet parents.

Inspiring Pet Book- Part 1

Looking for a great gift to give this Christmas? Here's a touching book you'll want to pick up for every pet lover in your life. The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood by Nadine M. Rosin.

Two of the most emotional issues pet owners can deal with: cancer, and grieving the loss of a pet. Although Nadine M. Rosin had to deal with both, she brings us a story of joy and hope. The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood shares the lives of Nadine and her beloved Cockapoo-terrier, Buttons.

Question: Why do you use the term “pet parenthood?”

Nadine: I always cringe a little when I hear the term pet “owner”. In the case of cats, well, it is laughable how it just doesn’t apply. Cats don’t allow themselves to be owned by anybody or anything! When it comes to dogs, I believe it is somewhat arrogant for us to refer to ourselves as their owners. They are so much more connected to love and goodness than we are. They embody the very best of our humanity. No dog has ever lied to me, hurt me, or betrayed me. I wish I could say the same of humans. I don’t believe as humans (myself included) we conduct ourselves in ways that warrant our declaring superiority over or ownership of canines. Maybe we can build computers and skyscrapers, but until we can live with the same unconditional love, forgiveness and universal acceptance that dogs demonstrate every minute of everyday, I will be sticking with the term “pet parenthood” rather than “pet ownership”. In truth, it would be more accurate to say that every dog I’ve ever lived with has owned me, rather than the other way around.

Question: Your dog Buttons greatly inspired your life, and this book. What were some of Buttons most endearing traits? Silly habits?

Nadine: Buttons inspired the book because of her stalwart spirit in overcoming cancer. When she was given 6 weeks to live without chemo, radiation and amputation, and I instead, implemented a 4-month holistic cleansing program, she was subjected to hourly doses of some pretty awful tasting stuff. Her willingness to partner with me every step of the way and embrace the treatment was nothing less than inspirational. I felt her story had to be told.

Her endearing traits and silly habits would fill a book, or at least several chapters (and it does) so for the sake of brevity here, I will share one ditty that isn’t in the book. My friend Pamela had stopped by with her Sheltie, Rider, just as I put Buttons’ bowl of food down on the kitchen floor. Rider got to it before Buttons did and when Buttons entered the room and observed Rider eating her food, instead of growling, or trying to get at the bowl herself, or even looking at me for more, Buttons “stormed” out into the next room and immediately sat in the far corner facing the wall with her back to us. Every time Pamela or I tried coaxing her out of the corner, Buttons would merely turn her head to give us a dirty look and then turn back to stare at the corner wall. There she sat until Rider was finished eating, while Pamela and I laughed and shook our heads.

Nadine M. Rosin is a holistic pet care advocate, consultant and researcher, nondenominational minister, blogger and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer holistically, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold here or Amazon.com and all online book retailers. Contact her for more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine.

Join us next Friday for part 2, where we'll learn more about Nadine's regimen for treating Button's cancer, and how Buttons survived to the wonderful old age of 19!