from us

    At times, the line between animals and humans seems distinct; other times a line does not appear to exist at all. Regardless, there is a strong connection between our species and other animals. From the envi-ronments of our homes to the environments of the world, we recognize that animals play an important role in our lives. In this issue, “Animals Like Us,” we explore a number of animal-human connections, including ways that animals and humans go beyond interaction to actually help each other and even communicate.
    In one of our cover stories, “What Horses Reveal About Being Human,” author Jackie Lowe Stevenson brilliantly describes the emerging fields of equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-facilitated learning and the development of equine-guided leadership. Her article illustrates how horses can “resonate with our true emotions and reflect our authentic selves back to us.” The rewarding experience of working one-on-one with horses allows us to move toward wholeness and well being. As Jackie explains, “For horses, their offices are pastures. Their clients are people seeking direction, personal healing, improved leadership ability or an understanding of complex relationships. Most all of the horseplay takes place on the ground. This is not about riding horses; it is about making commitments to authentic relationships.”

    Randall Edwards authored our second cover story, “Habitat is the Foundation for Revitalizing Ohio's Native Wildlife.” In this article, Randall explains, “Without healthy, diverse places to call home, Ohio's wildlife could not survive.” He goes on to discuss the headway that wildlife biologists have made in restoring both habitat and native animal species to our area. He stresses the integral connection between the two, as well as the necessity for us, as humans, to contribute to these efforts. We must not factor in only preservation of habitat, but auxiliary factors such as pesticide use and water quality.

    This issue also explores a number of ways to care for our beloved pets. Author Neal J. Sivula, DVM, PhD, delves into two holistic therapies in “Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care for Pets.” Our Spa Spotlight department article focuses on doggie pampering and reviews a Reiki treatment and a spa-grooming treatment in a mobile-grooming van. In “Healthy Pet Food,” Nancy Winrod explains, “Without knowing it, many well-intentioned pet owners feed their companion animals a witch's brew of chemical preservatives, food coloring and condemned animal parts that have been rejected for human con-sumption.” Thankfully, she also provides us with some helpful guidelines to help us provide the best food for our pets.

    And, of course, we didn't forget that the delightful winter-holiday season is upon us! We have included a fabulous holiday gift guide to direct you to some of the best (and often healthiest) options for the season. Step out of your homes (and off the internet stores) and into the fine establishments in your own backyard. Art, clothing, fitness, gift baskets, services from practitioners and more come in one-size-fits-all packages. In addition, shopping locally supports our economy which is a gift to all of Northeast Ohio.

Our love and blessings for a beautiful holiday,
Balanced Living Magazine