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The Proof is in the Poodle Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

One veterinarian's exploration into healing.

A reminder of the physical, emotional, and spiritual strength in us all, The Proof Is in the Poodle embodies the restorative power of hope.

The author has spent nearly two decades exploring what it means to find true healing, combining her conventional veterinary training with holistic treatments. What she’s learned along the way is that animals need inspiration to make choices; as these stories prove, the resiliency of these pets have shaped her life as much as her treatments have shaped theirs.

“Donna Kelleher, DVM, is changing the way we practice veterinary medicine, just as Andrew Weil, MD, has revolutionized human health care.”
- Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals

“Donna Kelleher is not only a gifted, talented, and compassionate veterinarian, her gifts also spill over into her sensitive writing.”
- Allen M. Schoen, DVM, author of Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable
Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This memoir of the life-path taken by one veterinarian exploring the arts and philosophies of healing is one of inspiring re-discovery and fulfillment: a synthesis of veterinary science and conventional medicine through the alchemy of empathy and compassion, opening the way for an integrative approach to the recovery of health and the maintenance and celebration of animal well-being."
-Dr. Michael W. Fox, veterinarian and author of
Healing Animals and the Vision of One Health

"Donna Kelleher is not only a gifted, talented, and compassionate veterinarian, her gifts also spill over into her sensitive writing."
- Allen M. Schoen, DVM, author of Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable
Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live "Donna Kelleher, DVM, is changing the way we practice veterinary medicine, just as Andrew Weil, MD, has revolutionized human health care."- Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals

From the Inside Flap

Book Awards:
Award-Winning Finalist in the 'Animals/Pets: Narrative Non-Fiction' category of The 2012 USA Best Book Awards

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0079OA5NM
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 14, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 521 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

About the author

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Donna Kelleher
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Donna Kelleher, DVM, has spent over twenty years caring for animals and learning about plants. She graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. She is now certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and uses acupuncture, NAET, chiropractic, herbal medicine and nutrition to help treat animals with chronic conditions. She practices in Washington state. A member of the Washington Native Plant Society, she can often be found in the forest, investigating native plants.

In her new book, she shows how helping animals heal using holistic modalities can help the wellness of the caregiver as well. Zen and the Art of Caring for Pets was a 1.5 year project and a collaborative effort with other holistic veterinarians in a response to the high rate of depression and difficulties in the profession. Follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Naturopathic Pet Doc. Now follow her podcasts on Apple or Spotify under Naturopathic Pet Doc.

"Donna Kelleher, DVM, is changing the way we practice veterinary medicine, just as Andrew Weil, MD, has revolutionized human health care."

- Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals

"Donna Kelleher is not only a gifted, talented, and compassionate veterinarian, her gifts also spill over into her sensitive writing."

- Allen M. Schoen, DVM, author of Kindred Spirits:

How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live

"Dr. Kelleher’s writing style is easily accessible and sincere, and even being familiar with the emotional challenges inherent in the veterinary profession, I found myself deeply moved by her candor and openness. I highly recommend Zen and the Art of Caring for Pets not just for those interested in how holistic modalities can benefit their own cats, but for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the challenges veterinarians and veterinary staff face every day. It may just make you view your own vet in a very different light and appreciate him or her even more.

-Ingrid King, The Conscious Cat (award winning cat blog)

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
38 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2012
This reminds me of those conversations that, at the time, just seemed like delightful and easy-going chats; but then found I kept playing with some of the ideas and questions later. I never felt as though there was a Point Of View, or Big Idea that was being promulgated. I did feel that I was getting to know how an amazing talent and unflinchingly stubborn conscience got its shape. No lecturing, no arguing. Just delightful story-telling, and an evocative sense of what it is to see the world through the author's eyes.
I'll admit that I've always been, if not skeptical, wanting to stay agnostic about many natural treatments. (I can't help it!) But, at the end of the book, I was struck by the story of her learning and using liberty training on a rescue horse. It's a method that uses no reins or ropes, but needs a huge amount of trust and clarity to invite a horse to work with you and try things your way - even though it's free to run away and do whatever it likes in an open field. Maybe I was being invited to do the same thing.
A great little book.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012
When Donna was little, about two years old,, we had spent about half an hour watching ants go about their work dragging crumbs into a crack in the sidewalk. A man came by and very intentionally stomped on the ants. Donna's soulful crying could be heard for blocks and he asked gruffly, "What's the matter with her?" The answer of course was "nothing; she loves life."

Donna's latest compelling book again shows her reverence for living things, flora as well as fauna, in a moving and meaningful way. For myself, it enhances my already established appreciation for her ability to engage with life in all its forms. She has a healing way with animals transforming them into heartwarming companions. This I have experienced in various ways over the years; for example, while "babysitting" her rescued dogs and living with a people-person, FIV cat she talked me into adopting because he faced being "put down."

Her love of outcast animals as well as often overlooked plants can teach all of us by example, reminding us of how to live fully, respectful of and engaging with other expressions of life.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018
There is so much to appreciate here. Donna’s gentle and transparent storytelling of the unfolding of her life so far and her choices along the way is uncommon, inspiring and refreshing. If you think this is only about holopathic veterinary practices, think again. She communicates with a depth of wisdom and compassion that is real. Truly this book is a gift of love. I recommend it highly to lovers of life, lovers of animals and readers of all ages who appreciate those willing to color outside the lines!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2012
I adored "The Proof is in the Poodle!" Donna reminds us to go where we are inspired, and stop listening to the outside voices. I admire Donna for doing holistic care when many many people told her it couldn't be done. This book really touched my heart.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2017
Loved this story! I just wish the Poodle anecdote had been told. I waited through the book, but it never came! But I still thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Keller's story of healing through plants!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2013
This book is delightfully entertaining. Dr. Kelleher is a skilled story-teller - a pleasant surprise in a veterinarian! Your desire to read a good story will not suffer from reading this book!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2016
This book has truly blessed my heart, thank you Dr Kelleher for sharing your stories!
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2016
Donna Kelleher is a gifted writer and a wonderful vet, I love her books!

Top reviews from other countries

Paulette Green
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2016
Great book really interesting wish all vets were like Donna Kelleher.
Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2013
This is a wonderful book with many references and is easy to read. Suitable for anybody, not just medical herbalists!
One person found this helpful
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