We are thrilled to see the NRBC membership growing! With countless hours behind us, the sky is the limit for this global organization (and labor of love!) We're accepting memberships, litter listings, and providers for our Referral Network. Check out the carnivore diet suppliers in Resources, too! Welcome to the first edition of our free newsletter, the Natural Rearing Digest! Our goal is for it to become the premier newsletter for Natural Rearing breeders and owners alike. Our commitment at the Natural Rearing Breeder Connection (NRBC) is to offer guidance and support along your path to more healthy animal companions. We intend for the Natural Rearing Digest to serve that end as well. So what can you look forward to in future issues? A variety of the following: We welcome content contributions so drop us a note if you'd like to submit your original articles for consideration. We’re always open to pawsitive ideas! Please share the Natural Rearing Digest with anyone you think would appreciate learning more about Natural Rearing. Goodness knows we need to spread the word and help more people learn how to be the voice for their precious companions! Founders, Paula & Krystal |
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In this Issue: Natural Rearing 101 Meet the Founders Essential Oil Profile: Lavender Homeopathic Highlight: Arnica |
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By Krystal L. Beers, C.S.A.N. Natural Rearing is a holistic approach to life. Simply put, it's about caring for animals as close to nature as possible, getting back to basics and the nature of how animals were created. Juliette de Bairacli Levy coined the phrase "Natural Rearing" (also referred to as NR). Around 1930 while studying to be a veterinarian, this intrepid Englishwoman adopted a nomadic lifestyle traveling among peoples who raised their animals naturally. She was a well-known breeder of Afghan Hounds and began practicing what she learned for her dogs and clients- feeding raw foods and treating illness with herbs. For decades, her book "The Complete Herbal Handbook For The Dog and Cat" was the only reference for owners and NR breeders around the world. And then in 2017, Dr. Jeannie Thomason published her definitive work “Natural Rearing: Raising and Breeding Dogs the Way Nature Intended”. Dr. Jeannie (as she was affectionately referred to) was an NR breeder of standard Poodles and Boston Terriers, a Veterinary Naturopath, co-founder of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy, founder of the Natural Rearing Breeders Association, and much more. The very foundation of Natural Rearing is building a strong immune system. This is accomplished by feeding raw meaty bones and organs, fresh air, clean water, minimal stress, appropriate exercise, and lots of love; using natural alternatives to chemicals/medication when appropriate; supporting natural immunity so each dog has the opportunity to live a long life full of vitality, in turn, passing this strength to future generations. Dr. Jeannie Thomason described NR this way: “The basic principles of natural rearing are both simple and elegant. Simply stated, natural rearing means going back in time and raising, caring for and ethically breeding our animals as close to how they lived in the wild, prior to being domesticated.” Natural Rearing is like a high-quality diamond to which precisely cut facets are applied so its brilliance can radiate outwardly, like a fire within. The “facets” of Natural Rearing are a species-specific raw diet, proper exercise, clean water, sunshine, allowing bitches and queens to raise and wean their young on their own schedule, fresh air, proper rest, appropriate supplements, vaccine-free, toxin-free environment, and trust in nature’s ways. Natural Rearing is about eliminating toxic substances from every area of life- in the garden and landscape, household and laundry cleaners, air fresheners, human and animal grooming products; and not putting toxic substances in, on, or around animals. Period. This includes chemical flea/tick/de-worming products. Natural Rearing’s vaccine-free protocol relies on the dogs’ natural immune responses and healing ability to see it through a dis-ease cycle. Experience and science itself provide solid evidence that dogs not given vaccines are far stronger and resistant to all dis-ease than those who have received them. Natural modalities such as herbs, homeopathy, essential oils, and others are used when needed. Some feel there is no need to follow all of the Natural Rearing principles; that it is beneficial enough to just include some raw meat in the diet or to “minimally” vaccinate. There is a hint of truth to this reasoning in the sense that if one weren't doing even those things their dog or cat would be much worse off. However, removing even one NR principle significantly reduces the overall and long-term beneficial effects. Each and every facet must be present for Natural Rearing to brilliantly shine like the beautiful gem it is! As stewards of their chosen breeds and commitment to the increased health and longevity of future generations, Natural Rearing breeders are committed to keeping every principle of Natural Rearing. Please look for a Natural Rearing breeder when researching breeders. Ask if they agree with this way of rearing animals. Natural Rearing is not a passing fad... it is a lifestyle. Commitment to it will change your dog or cat’s life and your view of the world! Copyright © 2024 Krystal L. Beers. All rights reserved. About the Author: Krystal L. Beers, C.S.A.N. consults on animal nutrition and wellness. Visit her Website: https://twohunnyz.wixsite.com/rawnaturopathy |
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Paula Vandervoort founded Gentry Boxers, The Dog Breeder Store, and Kindred Oilers. She is a trained aromatherapist specializing in animal applications, a professional animal communicator, and the only credentialed natural rearing boxer dog breeder in the world. Her modalities include vast experience and training in carnivore nutrition, essential oils, homeopathy, energy healing, telepathics, flower essences, and an understanding of epigenetic influences to improve vitality and longevity in pets and people. Paula has bred show, service, and performance Boxers since 1978. She incorporated Natural Rearing supports into her breeding program starting in 2010. These changes brought about increases in vitality and immunity to disease in a dog breed afflicted with chronic disease and a decreasing lifespan. Natural Rearing protocols have resulted in more vitality, a huge reduction in vet bills, and a longer lifespan. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, a mentor to young breeders, and a member in good standing of the Houston Boxer Club, the American Boxer Club, the Natural Rearing Breeders Association, the Vital Animals Breeder Directory, and the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association. She is a published author, blogger, and social media teacher on a variety of natural supports for animals. She provides coaching services to breeders and pet owners, bringing all aspects of body, mind, and spirit into balance for optimum vitality and longevity. She has taught at numerous large events and is available for public speaking engagements. Ms. Vandervoort holds numerous certifications related to natural healing modalities and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Krystal L. Beers is a Board Certified Small Animal Naturopath (C.S.A.N.) with years of experience and training in species-specific nutrition, herbs, essential oils with animals, flower essences, frequency therapy, and an understanding of epigenetic influences on all living beings. She founded Radiant Animal Wellness where she provides consultation services to pet owners and breeders on nutrition and wellness. Residing with her husband Tom on their regenerative very off-grid ranch in the remote mountains of northeastern Washington State, Krystal applies her naturopathic training to their conservation breeding of heritage livestock. Over the years, cattle, sheep, dairy goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, and chickens have been the recipients of her knowledge. Currently, the ranch focuses on Mangalitsa pigs, Shetland sheep, Alpine (and soon Nigerian Dwarf) dairy goats, and chickens, as well as marketing their heritage pork. In 2012, she and her husband became established Natural Rearing breeders of English Shepherds, their invaluable ranch partner, for work and service. In 2020, they began also breeding Havanese for companions, therapy, and service. Krystal loves to mentor breeders new to Natural Rearing. A mother and grandmother, among Mrs. Beers’ many and varied interests, are growing heirloom vegetables, herbs (culinary and medicinal), and flowers, cooking, enjoying the ranch animals and wildlife, natural health care for her family, reading (especially the Bible), learning traditional skills, taking country drives, watching old westerns, and spending time with family and friends. Krystal is a blogger, writer, and presenter on natural animal care as well as the published author of three animal care books, including Rabbit Care… Naturally, Give Your Dog a Species Appropriate Raw Food Diet, and The Eight Laws of Health in Animal Naturopathy. Her articles have been featured in many publications both in print and online. |
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By Krystal L. Beers, C.S.A.N. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils and has been highly regarded as soothing to the skin. It is affectionately referred to as a “first aid kit in a bottle”! The French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first to discover these properties when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. It can be used to cleanse cuts, bruises, scrapes, and skin irritations, including hot spots. Lavender is for tissue regeneration and desensitizing wounds. Lavender has also been studied for its relaxing effects, both physically and emotionally. The Essential Oils Desk Reference Sixth Edition (EODR) says: “Calming, relaxing, and balancing both physically and emotionally, Lavender has been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity. University of Miami researchers found that inhalation of lavender essential oil increased beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation. It also reduced depression and improved cognitive performance.” Lavender is helpful for puppies to sleep through the night and help ease anxiety during travel. A great way to “administer” Lavender, or any other essential oil for that matter, is by cold air diffusion. That way the entire family benefits from it! It can also be applied to paw pads and tips of the ears. I always add skin-supporting Lavender to homemade foaming hand soap. It’s one of the essential oils included in the all-natural udder wash I make for my dairy goats. Lavender is wonderfully soothing if your dog suffers from hot spots, bringing calm as well as rapid healing of those painful sores. Lavender is incredible for cuts in general and it has a great affinity for skin burns. |
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By Paula Vandervoort Arnica – Arnica is the NUMBER ONE homeopathic trauma remedy in the world! It encourages healing, controls bleeding, reduces swelling and likelihood of pus formation. Reduces exhaustion, gives a “second wind”, particularly during long, slow, painful labours, where tiredness makes contractions weak or ineffectual. (Also consider Caluphyllum which can establish strong, productive contractions, but use sparingly.) Give routinely after whelping or birth to speed recovery, alleviate battered and bruised feeling, Arnica reduces excessive bleeding where birth was traumatic, unusually long or unusually short. Dosing: For acute situation, use 200C potency. Follow the pharmacist’s recommendations for how much to use for a single dose. If liquid, usually only a drop or two; if pellets, usually a few drops – either is given on a mucous membrane such as the inside of the mouth. Need not be swallowed. Only needs to touch the mucous membrane to be considered to be dosed. If the 200C remedy works, repeat it only if the same symptoms return. For everyday first aid treatments, a lower, 30C potency is advisable; given every 15-30 minutes until very much better. |
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Mission Statement For Natural Rearing breeders of dogs and cats, the Natural Rearing Breeder Connection's mission is to provide an organization offering support, education, information, and increased positive community exposure and to provide an internal referral network. For the dog/cat owner community, to bring an awareness of the health and well-being benefits of Natural Rearing for your companions. For both owners and breeders, provide a Referral Network of professional licensed, certified, and/or registered natural animal health practitioners dedicated to caring for dogs and cats naturally. |
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If you have questions, suggestions, or comments, send us an email at nrbreeder@outlook.com. | | |
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If you would like to suggest a topic or contribute content, please email your ideas to us at: nrbreeder@outlook.com. The deadline for submitting content is one month before the publication month. The Natural Rearing Digest is published in January, April, July, and October. |
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Disclaimer: The views expressed and information obtained in this newsletter, or in the files/links provided, are not to be construed as veterinary advice from the Natural Rearing Breeder Connection or its founders. It is for your information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Our choices are based on personal experience, extensive research, and the advice of our animal health care team. The decisions concerning diet, vaccinations, and how you implement them are yours alone to make. The copyright for any article is held by the original authors, as indicated. Please respect their copyright. |
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