Benko - The holistic dog: inside the canine mind, body, spirit, space

Also by Laura Benko

The Holistic Home

Copyright 2017 by Laura Benko

Photographs copyright 2017 by Susan Fisher Plotner

Photograph used on The Holistic Home cover, featured on , by Susan Fisher Plotner

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Helios Press, Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Jane Shepard

Cover photo credit: Susan Fisher Plotner

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-1834-0

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-1835-7

Printed in China

This book is dedicated to my favorite three: my husband, Johnny; my daughter, Luchia; and my dog, Yogi. You guys are my world. Love, Laura

For Judah, Sam, and Jordan, and Rosiemy rock n roll. Always and forever, SFP

Contents

Acknowledgments

F irst, Id like to thank all the incredible canines featured in this book. You are all extraordinary, sentient little souls that deeply touch all those who know you, and now, my heart too. Its been a privilege to get to know you better through your adoring parentswhom Im also greatly indebted to. Much gratitude to the Mind experts, Dr. Megan Maxwell, Annie Grossman, Evan Maclean, and Nina Ottosson. Thank you to the Body team: Clare Kearny, Randy Klein, Kim Freeman, Dr. Gene Giggleman, Laura Turley, Dr. Jill Elliot, and Dr. Gerald Post. To my Spirit squad, Im deeply appreciative to Sarah Hauser, Kim Russo, Eileen Garfinkel, and Wendy Van de Poll. To Dr. Marty Goldstein, thank you for so tirelessly persevering for over thirty years in integrated veterinarian care, setting the groundwork for all that has unfolded in this field, and for your contribution to this book.

Nicole Frail, you are the most professional, reliable, and proficient editor an author could ever have. Thank you for all your hard work and continued support. Susan Fisher Plotner, thank you for taking such beautiful photographs that bring the stories and interviews to life, and for working so diligently to make this book everything it has become. Lisa and Carlos Rodriguez, I am so grateful to you both, and to your cover girl Sunny, for your presence, love and support. Thank you to Leigh and Jim Gardner, Katherine and Mary Benko, and my rock and best friend, Andrea Sanders. Deep admiration and gratitude go to Phillip Tyler Alden for being the most inspiring dog owner I have ever met and a big influence throughout this book. A million thank yous to my right hand in all I do: Desire Gudez. Your dedication, reliability, and expertise enable me to achieve and succeed in so many ways. To my Big Daddy, Gene S. Benko, your generous heart, love of animals, and your effusive spirit will always be with me. To my mom, Barbara Benko, your love makes it all possible. Lastly, thank you to my most beloved trio: my man, Johnny Ceriello, my joy and light, Luchia Ceriello, and my sweet boy Yogi, you three occupy my mind, body, spirit, space, and heart forever. Laura

I am so grateful to Laura Benko, my open-hearted partner on this inspiring journey. I could not have asked for greater dedication to, and affection for, our aspiration. What a rollicking ride, Laura!

Many thanks to all who welcomed me into their homes and helped me whisper their beloved canines into momentary supermodels. What a joy to meet you. Dog-sized thanks to Aunt Betty, Alexis Blood, Sally Cohen and Rocky Atkins, Nancy Goldberg, Emily Kandel, Martha Rizzoli, and Perry Ryan who found many of our eager participants. This book came to life with your enthusiastic support.

I am indebted to Nikki, without whom I could not leave my beloved Rosie for photoshoots far and wide. Nikki, you are cherished.

Mom and Dad, thank you for everything I am! Pamela, eagle-eyed, thank you for leading me to Laura. Finally, my S&Js, you have my heart. Thank you for your wholehearted love and unbounded humor. ILYMTYK! Susan

Introduction

I n my previous book, The Holistic Home: Feng Shui for Mind, Body, Spirit, Space , I talk about making the connections between your Mind, Body, and Spirit within yourself and your own Space. I share my clients storiesas well as my own journeyof transformation in self and space. For 78 million people in the United States, their space is one where a dog resides. Those dogs are what help make those houses into homes. In The Holistic Dog: Inside The Canine Mind, Body, Spirit, Space , I wanted to show how these creatures have become so holistically integrated into our homes and lives, by telling their stories and showcasing them in their spaces. In the interviews, I delve into the Mind, Body, and Spirit components of 108 dogs. Mind covers the personality, behaviors, habits, and intellect of the dogs. The Body aspects are physical characteristicsnutrition, exercise, breed, health care, and wellness. Spirit delves into the undeniable emotional connections, the unspoken bonds, and the karmic lessons these canines have imbued in our lives.

The book begins with Space with Susan Fisher Plotners stunning photographs of each dogusually taken in a favorite spot of their homeand includes their wide-ranging stories. Having a dog is life-changing. You might find yourself getting up early to walk them when you never were a morning person before. You might even change vacation plans just so you can bring them along or buy a bigger car to fit them in or rush home from somewhere fun just to be with them. Their companionship is imprinted on endless family memories, and their connection with their devoted humans and the lessons they teach us are profound. These lessons are as varied as the breeds and personalities featured here, but some common themes often include exercise, patience, companionship, perseverance, second chances, socializing, or unconditional love.

For every dog included, I wanted the focus to be on them. That is why humans are not pictured in the photographs and the stories only contain the names of the dogsnot the family members. (In referring to the humans associated with the dogs, youll find fluid terms such as the mom, the dad, companion, loved one, dog owner, human family member, etc. While there are raging debates as to the titles of pet parents versus dog owners, I chose varying labels for the purpose of range and diversity, not as a statement on parenting or property ownership.)