My dogs are my kids and there are so many things I do for them to keep them healthy every day, just as I do for myself.

Please let me start by saying I’m not a vet. These are only suggestions and ways I like to treat my dogs.All pets are different and only you can know what you feel is right at any given time for your babies.

I like to feed my kids (dogs) in a way that simulates how they would eat in the wild. I believe this is the best way to avoid and prevent diseases. So many diseases pets get don’t exist in nature. They only came about with the invention of processed dog foods, which should tell you all you need to know right there. It might cost a little more to feed them this way…but it pays for itself in the lack of vet bills many times over-especially as the get older.

I’m vegan, but I don’t believe my dogs should be. In the wild they would make a kill and eat the stomach first, which is usually digested vegetables, and then they would eat some of the meaty bones. So I try to feed my dogs in the same fashion. Now that I live in South Africa, I am feeding local fresh foods. But I also love this brand. Their food is freeze dried so you can easily travel with it…

Stella Chewy’s

SUPPLEMENTS

There are many supplements I add to the food everyday. A lot of the food already has some supplements mixed in, but I like to add my own, specific for my dogs’ needs.

From Dr. Pitcairn’s book (I list his book as a resource below), I use his Healthy Powder. I add a little of this to their food everyday:

• 2 Cups Nutritional Yeast

• 1 Cup Lecithin Granules

• 1/4 CupKelp Powder

• 1/4 CupBonemeal(or 9,000 mg Calcium, or 5 teaspoons eggshell powder)

• 1,000 mg Vitamin C (ground) or 1/4 teaspoonsSodium Ascorbate (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and keep refrigerated. Add to each recipe as needed or combine with commercial food (1-2 teaspoons per day for small dogs, 2-3 teaspoons for medium size, and 1-2 tablespoons per day for large dogs).

I also love the products at Well-Pet Dispensary. My friend’s father, a holistic vet for over 30 years, created these products and I have spoken to him a few times about my pets and what they need. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful, as is the website…

http://www.wellpetdispensary.com/

I have been ordering these specific products for my dogs lately:

Amino B Plex

RxBiotic powder

RxEssentials for Dogs Multivitamin Powder

UltraEFA

I add a good amount of this to each of their meals:

NUPRO Joint Immunity Support

My elderly dogs used to get this everyday:

K9 Level 5000

I also like to add this supplement often:

Organic Tumeric

I also occasionally add olive or coconut oil instead of the oil mix above (Ultra EFA)

TREATS

Buy only USA made treats if you’re in the USA!!

USA made Bully Sticks – any brand is fine, but no fillers-only bully sticks

Whimzees

Bixbi treats

I don’t feed my dogs raw meaty bones anymore only because I have no outside area for them to take them into to eat. But it is something I highly recommend for anyone able to. In the wild, wolves make a kill and eat the stomachs first, which is digested vegetables, and then they go for the raw meaty bones. And yes, even chicken bones are fine to feed dogs AS LONG AS THEY ARE RAW ONLY. It’s the cooked chicken bones that become brittle and could puncture an organ when eaten.

SICK

If my dog is sick and I feel like needs some kind of antibiotic, I always try giving this herbal remedy first before going to the vet-if it seems minor. I love their products!

Vibactra Plus by Amber Naturals

ANXIETY/STRESS

If for any reason your dog has anxiety or something traumatic happens (like getting hit by a car), I think Rescue Remedy by Bach is great to have on hand.

A great essential oil to calm both yourself and your pet is Lavender. Please see all essential oils on my own personal page!

Also, there are so many great CBD and hemp products on the market now, I think this is a great way to relieve stress and potentially help prevent cancer growths. Some trusted products are again from Well-Pet Dispensary.

GROOMING SKIN CONDITIONS

I have discovered this company and love their products, for both people and pets! Their first product was created as a result of Katrina. Many of the rescued dogs had severe skin conditions and needed something natural that actually worked. Their products are great because they’re all natural chemical free. Just check out their ingredients…

KODA Dog Products by KEY

Book resources I like:

The Art of Raising A Puppy (by Monks of New Skete)

Grow Your Pups With Bones (teaches about the raw meat diet, also called the BARF diet for Bones Raw Food)

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs Cats

Inner quiet is the key to inner peace.

Meditation is a great way to connect with your true self. This world is so hectic and we often forget how to slow down and really look at what the Universe is giving us. Meditation is a great way of doing that.

Some people think of meditation as a time you must sit quietly and clear your mind.

Meditation to others can be active. It can also include chanting and visualization.

For those unable to just clear your head of all the clutter, I find that chanting is a great tool. When done correctly, it becomes a flow of words filled with an energy that helps to take you into a different state of consciousness.

I have included some of myfavorite chants at this point in time.

Another way to do it is with the help of a really incredible invention called BrainTap. It’s a device that guides you through meditations and helps you to rewire your brain for a variety of health and wellness goals!

Something else I have truly grown to love is Kundalini yoga for meditation. It really isn't yoga to me. It isn't as active as the yoga I grew up with. It's more about internal work, and I've found that a good Kundaliniclass really raises my vibration. I walk out of each sessionliterally buzzing with energy and happiness. But I have to admit, it took me awhile to find a class I connected with and thought was authentic.

Don't give up. Keep trying until you find something you connect to. Whether it be a quiet meditation, yoga orchanting, the benefits you will receive should be swift and noticeable. Just make sure you're eyes are open and your heart is ready to receive.

~Shannon

Acting has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember now. I have many past projects that have helped shape who I am today, andupcoming onesthat are even more meaningful. But this is only one facet of who I am. It's my job and I love what I do. I get to play make-believe, tell a story and sometimes learnother professionsin the process. And hopefully along the way I can either touch someone's life in a significant way or possibly evenhelp them escape for a period of time to a space of peace or perhapseven laughter. ~Shannon

"Here you'll find my publicity as an actress, an activist and hopefully a change-maker in this world to help those who don't have a voice." ~Shannon

Why, how and when I decided to change the way I eat.

Scroll below the photo gallery to read a little about my story...