The series came about, according to Shela Boynton, who with Janice Murasko is one of the series organizers, from pet owner visits to ARF’s Sadie’s Clinic. “We were seeing that owners didn’t understand some health steps that could be taken to improve quality of life for their pets,” Boynton said, founder of Sadie’s Clinic. Boynton and Murasko conceived the series as a public service at which pet health experts would share information designed to improve overall pet health and happiness.
Beginning on Sunday, Jan. 6, and running through April 21, Sadie’s Clinic Speakers’ Series features five experts in various areas of pet communication and health. All presenters, except Dr. Monica Deitrich, will speak from 3 to 4 p.m., at Mountain Pawlytechnic Canine Education School, 23400 Highway 243, in Pine Cove.
On Jan. 6, noted author and dog trainer Nan Arthur will talk about aggressive dogs and how to deal with them. Arthur owns Whole Dog Training in San Diego and is involved with Freedom Dogs, a local service dog group that provides support to local vets suffering from PTSD. Arthur wrote “Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog,” and is a frequent contributor to other pet-centered publications.
On Saturday, Jan. 19, renowned animal communicator Dr. Monica Deitrich speaks at the Nature Center on Highway 243 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. She will also do individual readings from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 5 p.m. These are private appointments that must be reserved. They can be done with your animal present or from a recent picture of your animal, living or deceased.
Dietrich is internationally known and landing her for the series is a considerable coup according to Boynton. Deitrich is certified as an animal care specialist for both pets and wildlife. She is also certified in a number of other alternative medical specialties including Reiki, guided imagery healing and meditation. Dietrich is the author of three books, “What Animals Tell Me,” “Pets Have Feelings Too,” and “For Pet’s Sake, Do Something.”
One of the things Dietrich discusses is that animals know when they are dying, accept the fact and often would appreciate help in making their transition. “And knowing the pet’s wishes often makes it easier for a person to take that last loving step to relieve them of their pain or suffering,” said Dietrich.
The final three speakers are Dr. Susan Foster, clinical psychologist, who will talk about energy healing on Sunday, Feb. 17. Margaret Nee, San Diego pet wellness expert who will talk about nutrition, weight and feeding options on Sunday, March 24. Janice Murasko, Idyllwild canine educator, will talk about child safety with animals on Sunday, April 21. Murasko suggests bringing the kids to this talk.
Of the series, Murasko said, “In addition to helping animals, I think it’s really important that ARF reaches out to the community to give them tools to make their relationships with their pets so much better. I think it’s part of our responsibility as an animal rescue organization to provide this educational assistance.” Murasko explained that once owners better understand their pets’ needs, the pets will give back more to their owners. “People can then better manage their expectations of their pets.”
The first in the series, on uses of acupuncture for animals, featured Miles Thomas, South Park Community Acupuncture in San Diego and new owner of Idyllwild Community Acupuncture, and took place on Sunday, Nov. 18. About 10 people attended Thomas’ talk.
