Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way we Live [Paperback]

Allen M. Schoen D.V.M. (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 12, 2002

Treating animals just as any healer would treat human beings, Allen Schoen has become one of America’s most celebrated veterinarians. Kindred Spirits shares the transformative power of his remarkable methods, explores how alternative healing is revolutionizing his profession, and, in the tradition of James Herriot, shares heartwarming stories of animals and their caretakers who have deeply enriched each other’s lives. Through moving scenes–such as an ailing German shepherd who fights to stay alive so he can assist and comfort his ailing human companion–Schoen details the ways in which the human-animal bond can provide a wellspring of love and support, and outlines his own special prescription for improving the care we give our animals through adopting simple healing practices at home. A remarkable new synthesis of science and spirit, Kindred Spirits at last reveals the many ways our animal friends can help us lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Invoking the "mystical, magical, or metaphysical" aspects of our relationships with animals, veterinarian Schoen (Love, Miracles and Animal Healing) recounts his dawning awareness of amazing acts of courage and compassion by animals toward both their human companions and one another. Early in his career, his golden retriever, Megan, came to act as his "ecumenical guide" and veterinary assistant, responding to the distress of an injured lamb, kitten or cow--or panicked human onlookers--with loving licks. In an engaging work that is part memoir, part argument for a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, this "left-brained" man of science tells how he gradually learned to observe and respond to an animal's emotional state, as well as to the physical needs he was trained to focus on. Since then, with Megan's help, he has learned to care for animals on both levels, and has incorporated alternative medicine into his practice. While a growing number of books espouse our interrelationship with animals and attempt to change our attitude of superiority, this account is distinguished by Schoen's fresh voice and seamless writing. "As we learn more about our connections to animals, we will consider them our heart," Schoen believes. "More than anything else on this earth, animals have the facility to make sure we remain connected to our deepest feelings.... Always remember: Do unto all animals as you would do unto yourself." Agent, Richard Pine. (Feb. 6)Forecast: Blurbs by Andrew Weil and Bernie Siegel make this book catnip for the legions of holistic healing enthusiasts. More potent still will be Schoen's appearances on pledge drives for PBS affiliates, as well as a 20-city radio satellite tour and eight-city author tour.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Schoen, a pioneer in alternative therapies since 1981, is a founder and director of the Center for Integrative Animal Health. Here he follows Love, Miracles and Animal Healing, his first book for lay audiences, and expands readers' awareness of veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, and other complementary approaches. Kindred Spirits covers the benefits of the human-animal bond; seven ways to foster a spiritual bond with your animal; wellness approaches, such as diet therapy and preventing and treating cancer the natural way; finding veterinary support; and how to let go when there is nothing further that can be done. An extensive appendix of resources is included. As with human medicine, alternative therapies are becoming more popular in the veterinary field. This readable, engaging book, filled with many anecdotal stories, should be enjoyed by anyone who is concerned about providing quality healthcare and creating a bond with their pets.DEdell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; Reprint edition (February 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767904311
• ISBN-13: 978-0767904315
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #404,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Animal Psychology

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts of a soulful caregiver March 18, 2001

By Eileen Galen

Format:Hardcover

Allen Schoen is a kind and compassionate veterinarian who from childhood has felt an intense bond with animals, and a mission to heal them. He is interested in service and sprituality, and is also a clear thinker. One of the best things about this book is that Schoen has a real, live, active veterinary practice, large and small animals, and shares it with the reader. Beneath his sweet and tender heart and soulful approach is sheer bedrock: the fact that he has (for example) gone out in the middle of a freezing cold night to drive miles to a barn, scrubbed, put on gloves, hunkered down in straw, and reached into a laboring animal in critical trouble - to aid in a birth. You are reading a man who walks the walk. His redoubtable philosophy is grounded in his career.

In vet school Schoen met with resistance to many of his convictions regarding the humane treatment of lab animals. As a practicing veterinarian, he bumped into similar resistance regarding humane treatment of livestock in particular. He shares generously - and without prejudice. Sometimes things don't always turn out in agreement with his beliefs, and he writes of them, too.

In this engaging book Dr. Schoen treats the reader to contemporary American versions of James Herriot-style adventures (heart-stopping rescues, birthing stories, and a tale about a dachshund-owning woman who ended up presenting what Schoen, in a great play on words, calls "Munchhausen by Dachsie") - with a generous helping of intelligent contributions on topics ranging from the increase of food allergies in animals; disorders of the immune system; how to "think like an animal"; cancer; aging and ailing, and the role of love, touching, meditation, and mindfulness in humans' best efforts to facilitate healing in their animals. Finally, he offers good advice on what to do when no more can be done.

This book has much to offer readers interested in bettering the lives of their animals. I would add that some, if not many, of Schoen's opinions regarding animal consciousness and the 'rightness' of humane treatment of animals are much more widely accepted today than when Schoen entered veterinary school. This book is valuable for its message of connectedness, hopefulness, and love. To that end it joins a number of other voices who have also called for those virtues. Dr. Schoen's obvious wealth of clinical experience contributes considerable muscle to this worthwhile book.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Book February 16, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I already love animals but I never knew exactly why until I read Dr. Schoen's wonderful, warm, and wise words. Extraordinarily well written, this book helps you understand why animals and humans belong together, forever, in ways that defy modern science. Please buy this book for everyone you know. It could change someone's life. As well as yours.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, Funny & Life Enhancing June 17, 2001

By Alison

Format:Hardcover

I always thought I had read everything I needed to know about the emotional lives of animals. I've read everything I could lay my hands on. This is the first book to cross my path that marries the two-way emotional relationship that we share to holistic veterinary care. Many great books on animals' lives give great detail into the many ways animals help their human companions but I had never realised that I wasn't being shown how I could return the favor.

Dr Schoen's book is a doorway to understanding non-western medicine. I had felt that I was mentally open to medicines like Chinese herbal medicine, naturopathy & acupuncture but after reading this book I can now add Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, chiropratic and several other therapies. Not only am I now aware of how these therapies are used on animals but I now have faith in their efficacy.

This book is not a 'how to' on holistic healing for animals, although Dr Schoen does provide a list of helpful books on the subject as well as details on how to locate a veterinary doctor who may practice holistically.

This is, however, a book to touch your heart, offer hope & open your mind. I was moved to tears by both his stories & how his stories made me feel towards my own past & present animal companions. I take from this book many things that I will put into practice every day and I thank Dr Schoen for his beautiful book.