I adopted an elderly cat that was rescued from the burn zone of the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire. Hope has medical issues including chronic kidney failure and arthritis. Hope is doing well due to complementary holistic methods. I use homeopathy, herbs, tPEMF, laser and pet chiropractic for Hope. All of these, with some allopathic vet care, contribute to her good quality of life.A specific story is how I recently tried a new allopathic drug to help with her arthritis pain. The drug had great reviews with few reported side effects, so I decided to try it for her quality of life. But our dear sensitive Hope had side effects after the injection that included vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Her homeopathic veterinarian prescribed a remedy that resolved those side effects right away - all without adding additional drugs into her system and tired kidneys. AHVMF supports programs to enable vet students to learn about holistic modalities as well as they fund studies to validate holistic care. I believe so much in their mission that they are included in my trust.
Gilad&Gilad research project on the potential of agmatine treatment for osteoarthritis was supported by AHVMF. The AHVMF research grant funded a collaboration study with Luisiana State University scientists that provided evidence for the effectiveness of agmatine treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis-related pain,* and led to a study that showed effectiveness for lameness in horses and in preventing NSAID-induced gastric ulceration.
We greatly appreciate the scholarly and professional conduct of AHVMF administration.
* Taguchi et al. Agmatine for pain management in dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis: A pilot study. Frontiers Vet Med, Vol. 5, Article 311, 2018 (DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00311).
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A unique mission of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF) is to fund research on the effectiveness of novel non-drug treatments. One of only few such funding sources. In undertaking this important mission, AHVMF experts carefully review grant applications and only those who pass muster are funded. My company, following a suggestion of AHVMF leadership, has formed a collaboration with researchers at an excellent veterinary school and together submitted a grant application which met AHVMF high standards and won a research grant award. This grant allowed us to conduct a study that ascertained the efficacy of a new nutraceutical treatment in alleviating disease symptoms and improving quality of life. Thank you AHVMF!
-Gad M. Gilad
I can't stress enough how amazing the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF) truly is. Their commitment to advancing animal health through integrative holistic veterinary medicine is nothing short of remarkable.
This nonprofit organization is at the forefront of funding scientific research and education in complementary veterinary treatments for a wide range of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and livestock. Their dedication to this field is evident in the significant contributions they make towards the betterment of our furry friends.
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation funds investigations to advance animal health through integrative holistic veterinary medicine. The Foundation is at the forefront in funding scientific research and education in complementary veterinary treatments for cats, dogs, horses and livestock.
This is a group that is really working to advance planetary health through intelligent stewardship of animal health. They are world leaders in promoting intelligent natural medicines and wholistic treatment plans for animals!
A nonprofit organization unparalleled in their efforts to advance holistic veterinary care! I love that they fund studies in this field as well as support veterinary students with opportunites to attend holistic veterinary conferences and learn about complementary modalities for healing. Having served on the AHVMF board myself, I can attest that a very passionate bunch of people (veterinarians and pet lovers) are working towards educating the profession as well as the public to create better health for our animal companions.
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation (AHVMF) is opening doors, building community and creating new opportunities for animal healing by funding research, clinical practice, and education in Integrative Veterinary Medicine. Your support of the AHVMF will give veterinarians many more options/ modalities for promoting the health and well-being of our animal companions.
I started to do holistic therapies as a veterinarian almost 50 years ago and the miraculous responses I have witnessed along with the associates I have employed, are well up in the many of thousands. Many of these companion animals had already failed the highest level of conventional, medical diagnosis and treatment. But as a practicing clinician working many hours a day, it has been near impossible to get this great and needed work accepted and approved. This is the role and function of the AHVMF and I am honored to have come on as a board member recently. Our companion animals deserve the benefits of these holistic therapies and all veterinarians need to know and accept their existence. Marty Goldstein DVM
The AHVMF is a pioneer in advancing the science of holistic and integrative medicine. As the owner of a pet who has received holistic/ integrative care, I have personally experienced the how evidence based, non-conventional medical approaches can extend the quality and quantity of life of animals. By providing the veterinary community with a foundation of grants, education, and research into alternative options, the AHVMF provides a one of a kind contribution to animal health and welfare.
As an integrative veterinarian, I support the AHVMF as they fund research in holistic veterinary medicine and provide grants to veterinary student to further their studies in holistic modalities. This enables more veterinarians to learn about and accept other modalities that were not taught in conventional veterinary medicine classes. I encourage others to support their efforts in expanding the veterinary medical toolbox to give our companion animals the best care available. My own animals and my clients have all benefitted by the use of integrative veterinary medicine, living happier, healthier and longer lives.
My dog Barkley spent years with digestive issue that kept him eating grass and throwing up. When we were introduced to Dr. Palmquist and the AHVMF our world changed. Through a series of trying different combination of therapies, we finally landed on a regimen that practically eliminated his issues. It was a combination of commitment on the part of the Foundation, Dr. Palmquist and patience in trying different therapies that finally worked. We owe deep gratitude to everyone in the Foundation that does such amazing work.
Thank you all so much
I have been donating to the AHVMF for over 7 years. I admire them for pioneering the path for research in holistic and integrative veterinary medicine. In addition, I encourage others to support their efforts in expanding the veterinary medical toolbox to give our companion animals the best care available.
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I have been supporting the AHVMF for over five years. They are pioneers in integrating holistic veterinary medicine with conventional veterinary medicine via funding research and student grants. I encourage others to support their efforts in expanding the veterinary medical toolbox to give our companion animals the best care available.
I started financially supporting the AHVMF in 2015 . I support the AHVMF as they understand the importance of nutrition along with other holistic and traditional modalities to treat the whole animal for optimal health.
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I continue supporting the AHVMF because of its mission to fund much-needed research and education in holistic veterinary medicine. This will help with their goal of integrating holistic and conventional veterinary medicine for better companion animal care.
The AHVMF mission is pivotal in helping transform vaccination protocol, nutritional support, preventative care, geriatric care, and cancer treatment for animals. All of which conveys to human health care as well. I unequivocally endorse and financially support their goals!
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The AHVMF is instrumental in helping transform vaccination protocol, nutritional support, preventative care, geriatric care, and cancer treatment for animals. All of which transfers over to human health care as well. I wholeheartedly endorse and financially support their goals!
I applaud the AHVMF's efforts to support veterinary students and research into alternative therapies. Antibiotics and other medications continue to be overused by the veterinary profession. While useful, these medications can cause unintended side effects that contribute to gut dysbiosis and may lead to other chronic conditions. There is a pressing need for both more research and education within the profession, and this is the gap that the AHVMF is filling.
I adopted an elderly cat that was rescued from the burn zone of the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire. Hope has medical issues including chronic kidney failure and arthritis. Hope is doing well due to complementary holistic methods. I use homeopathy, herbs, tPEMF, laser and pet chiropractic for Hope. All of these, with some allopathic vet care, contribute to her good quality of life.
A specific story is how I recently tried a new allopathic drug to help with her arthritis pain. The drug had great reviews with few reported side effects, so I decided to try it for her quality of life. But our dear sensitive Hope had side effects after the injection that included vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Her homeopathic veterinarian prescribed a remedy that resolved those side effects right away - all without adding additional drugs into her system and tired kidneys.
AHVMF supports programs to enable vet students to learn about holistic modalities as well as they fund studies to validate holistic care. I believe so much in their mission that they are included in my trust.
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I have used holistic modalities with all five of my cats, throughout their lifetimes. Some young, some old, and especially one that had 'special needs'. I started on the holistic pet care path approximately 12 years ago and never turned back. I believe in integrative care - both traditional and holistic, to provide the best possible care for my cats. Traditional veterinary care is prevalent in our society. The AHVMF supports research and education in the holistic modalities to round out veterinary training and practice. i support the AHVMF through ongoing donations, as well as they are a beneficiary in my trust.
As a current Board member and holistic veterinarian accessing companion animal and livestock care options including homeopathy, herbs (Western, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic) and nutrition, I have only the BEST words for the AHVM Foundation. The processes for fundraising, research project selection and for veterinary student financial grants to attend the AHVMA Conference are thoughtful, transparent and structured to meet the goals of the organization. I will continue to support the AHVM Foundation as long as I am able!
The AHVMA provides support for holistic veterinary research and students. I applaud their efforts and am delighted to support them.
Lee Keller
Mushroom Matrix
The AHVMF is an amazing organization that stands at the forefront of research and support for holistic veterinary medicine. This organization is laying the foundation for the future of veterinary medicine.
Gregory Todd DVM
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The AHVMF is unsurpassed in support of veterinarians and research in integrative veterinary medicine. Their ongoing efforts are instrumental in improving the quality of life for veterinary patients and their families.
As veterinary practitioner, teacher and researcher, the support of AHVMF has been instrumental in the efforts to improve our tools of practice and education by funding research, providing avenues to information and providing ongoing opportunities for continuing education.
As a homeopathic veterinarian since 1980 and a speaker at conventional and holistic veterinary conferences and a variety of lay and TV sites, I am thrilled that the AHVMF has continued to be financed. Making learning about holistic approaches and paradigm available to veterinary students and showing them how to integrate these approaches into every practice is critical, especially in these challenging days of low staffing and complaining clients.
The AHVMF funding of studies to validate holistic medicine is important to encourage many more to use these approaches with lower impact on the environment.
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As a homeopathic veterinarian and speaker/author/instructor for over 35 years, I know that the foundation is doing critical work to fund both research of holistic approaches and fund education of young veterinarians to supply the increasing demand for veterinarians trained in many different modalities. Please post your animal's story if it was helped with holistic approaches to give hope to others who may not realize the incredible health benefits possible.
Great organization! One of few that never finds a study where disease is induced. Great research and a wonderful way to support veterinary students via grants and scholarships!
I have been treating my pets with integrative medicine and the results are far better than when treating conventionally alone! Thanks AHVMF and all of the holistic veterinarians for everything you do!
AHVMAF does a marvelous job supporting veterinary students and practicing veterinarians - and therefore the animals they serve.
As a practicing integrative veterinarian and editor in chief of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, I can tell you that the work of this foundation is critical. Our holistic modalities, many having been practiced for centuries, have achieved remarkable results in the clinic setting. This foundation is now making it possible to "prove" that these results are real, repeatable, and evidence-based.
I have known Dr Palmquist for years .... and he has made all my dogs lives better and mine too!! His love of animals and how to enrich their lives through holistic medicine is truly amazing. Dr Palmquist and the incredible American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation have the talent and love to make the world a healthier place for all 4 footed and 2 footed creatures. It is an honor to Know De Palmquist and serve on the board.
Thank you so much
Cornelia Guest
The AHVMF is doing wonderful things!!! We need more research in the field of holistic veterinary medicine and this is the organization that makes that happen. Keep up the good work folks!!!
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I have been affiliated with this nonprofit for over ten years. When my 16-year-old cat was diagnosed with renal failure, a friend suggested that I go to Centinela Valley Animal Hospital where Dr. Richard Palmquist, an esteemed Veternarian, practiced holistic medicine. Using his knowledge of holistic medicine, Dr. Palmquist was able to diagnose and treat Winston's kidney disease, and Winston lived for five more years. I am forever grateful for Dr. Palmquist's kind and loving care of Winston, and truly believe that he is God's healer on earth for our precious furry friends! I now have a young cat, Wellsy, who sees Dr. Palmquist for his annual exam. I am blessed! Below are two photos. The first shows Winston one day before he went to cat heaven. The second shows, Wellsy, who is like a little panther!
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More than seven years ago I was led to Dr. Palmquist. At that time I was distraught over the renal failure diagnosis of my cat, Winston. Winston was 16 when he was diagnosed and lived until he was 21. It was the compassionate and healing experience of Dr. Palmquist that kept him alive. Dr. Palmquist used integrative medicine and guided me each step of the way as I cared for my beloved Siamese. I am so grateful for his dedication to this organization. I now have another cat and he is thriving. I thought perhaps Dr. Palmquist would not see him as he had no ailments. I was wrong. Dr. Palmquist sees my new little guy on an annual basis. I am blessed beyond measure. Below are two photos, one of my Siamese a day before he went to cat heaven and the second of my young little cat, Wellington Kohl. We love ❤️ you, Dr. Palmquist. Jessie Sullivan
AHVMF funds research into veterinary holistic medicine. This is a type of research that is often underfunded and overlooked. As an integrative veterinarian with 26 years of experience practicing conventional and holistic medicine, I can say that holistic modalities are most beneficial for treating chronic disease. We need more research in this area of medicine. I also learn a lot at the annual convention!!
AHVMF does research on how to treat our beloved pets holistically. I believe that it is essential to have alternative, science based information about holistic medicine. So that pet owners can have an informed choice about how to treat their animals.
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My dog is 12 years old now and has had ongoing issues, made a bit worse by her age. Dr Palmquist and his colleagues have supported Bella to stay healthy and strong. Without him and AHVMF research I doubt Bella would be doing as well as she is. For my dog and for all other animals, AHVMF's science based research is essential and invaluable for the health and well being of our animals.
I support holistic prevention and treatment of cancers and other diseases...I have had 2 dogs thrive while under preventative treatment, and 1 dog who was treated until her death at 15 yrs.
These amazing people need 20 million dollars. The results I’ve seen are worth ten times that! I hope more people can join in this healing community and make it easier to get their mission completed.
As a holistic/ integrative veterinarian, the two biggest needs I constantly see for this field are more research and more holistic veterinarians. The AHVMF is spearheading both efforts. Their support of research through grants allows the work we do to be seen as "legitimate" in the eyes of the more skeptical facet of the veterinary profession. The more they understand how natural and holistic medicine works, the more these life-saving practices will be integrated into the entire profession, saving lives in the process. In addition, AHVMF promotes holistic medicine to veterinary students and veterinary professionals looking to expand their practice. Veterinary schools teach precious little natural medicine and most of us "see the light" after we are already out in practice. Providing scholarships to veterinary students and education to both students and veterinary professionals is critical to the health of the the veterinary profession as a whole. I am eternally grateful to the AHVMF for all of the work they have done and continue to do in order to improve veterinary medicine and the quality of life of animals.
AHVMF has a wonderful mission. Expanding holistic medicine is critical to providing better care for our animal family members
My clients feel so good to have a way to donate to the cause of holistic medicine. Many have come to me with no hope and a poor prognosis and we improve the quality of life of their pets and give them something to do about it. Keep up the good work.
I posted my thoughts on this organization in 2018, and have not changed my mind. I flagged it as a way of saying it still remains the same and I still support and give a monthly donation to this organization.
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I now make a monthly donation to this organization because I believe in what they are doing for our furry kids. I'm grateful that Furry Face in Redlands, CA told me about a worthwhile organization that uses the donations it receives to actually help our kids get the help they need and promote integrative medicine. I will continue to support AHVMF as long as I am financially able.
This is such a wonderful foundation, doing fantastic work that is so important to better the lives of both humans and animals.
The AHVMF is leading the way to give people and their beloved animals solutions where there have been only, literally, DEAD ENDS~ Working with Dr. Richard Palmquist and an integrative approach to medicine utilizing conventional as well as alternative wisdom gave my little poodle many more years of quality life. He responded beautifully to the investigations and treatments that should be taught to every veterinary student. This is the future of medicine. Please support this worthy cause, they're making great leaps!
Our dog, Miss Athena, developed arthritis at age 10. After one year of using conventional therapy she could to a point that she could not walk. Our traditional vet referred us to a holistic vet for further treatment. Six years later with the help of Chinese herbs, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture she continues to live a healthy and happy life.
It was during this time that we came across the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. We have learned a lot about holistic veterinary medical treatments and research supported by the National Institutes for Health thanks to them. The AHVMF not only has our gratitude but they have our financial support as well.
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Our dog developed arthritis at age 10. After one year of conventional therapy her condition got worse to the point of her not being able to walk. Therefore, our traditional vet referred us to a holistic vet for further treatment. She passed away at age 16. However, for her last 5 years, she continued to thrive with the help of Chinese herbs, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture.
We also stumbled upon the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation's Facebook page. We continue to learn a lot about holistic veterinary medical treatments and research supported by the National Institutes for Health thanks to them.
My 17 year old cat, Pink, was diagnosed with a tumor in her right nostril back in March of 2015. Dr. Garrett was out of town at one point, so Pinki ended up at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. Pink hates everyone except my husband and I as she was raised on a bottle and has never learned that she is a cat. The U of I did a cat scan and took a biopsy and determined that her tumor was indeed malignant. They wanted her to take radiation, but putting a cat who hates everyone on that was out of the question. They sent her home to die in the Fall of 2015. I took her back to ARK veterinary and Pinki has been on stasis breaker and hueys formula everyday since. If we have to be out of town for longer than two days she goes with us. Sometimes,she has to take a covenia shot or yannan for bleeding out of her nostril. At the last x-rays it appeared that the body had sealed off the tumor. In June we had a house fire that Pink was in. The firemen saved her so, she indeed has several lives. If she makes it to March of 2020 it will be five years with nothing but chinese meds. Linda Headley and Pinki
I've been an active member of the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) since I graduated in 1989....nearly 30 years ago. I love the organization, and am super-enthusiastic that they started the Foundation to support Holistic Veterinary Research. I'm always shopping on Amazon.com and I only purchase through www.smile.amazon.com so that my purchases help support this wonderful organization in it's work. So grateful to have an outreach option where my donations can go to support finding the best new alternative ways to support holistic medicine in the pet animal world!
After our dog was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer -- and we were told she might survive only 1-2 months, and that chemotherapy wasn't likely to help much -- we decided to seek holistic treatment. Working with our veterinarian, we were able to find a way to slow the cancer down, and she was with us for another three years! Although the cancer finally caught up to her, there's no doubt in my mind that the treatment -- a combination of "Eastern" and "Western" medicines -- made an enormous difference, in both her life span and her quality of life.
Through this process I learned about AHVMF, and we're now unwavering supporters. We need more research. As our vet said to is, "Whatever works!" Let's find more things that work.
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Our dog received a cancer diagnosis with "1 to 2 months to live." We decided not to pursue chemotherapy, as we were told it was unlikely to be successful (at best, it might prolong her life about 6 months). After consulting two of the top oncologists in Los Angeles, we realized that "Western medicine" simply had no good options for treating her specific type of cancer.
We then found a holistic veterinarian who immediately focused on addressing the underlying cause of the cancer. It's now 18 months later, and although we won't say she's "cured," she's still going strong!
As it turns out, our Veterinarian is on the board of directors of AHVMF, and we're thrilled to support this great organization and their work towards smart, integrative, holistic treatments for our loved ones.
Not one pharmaceutical company is willing to fund even information about interactions and the sparing that the other ingredients in an herb or herbal formulation with their funded medications. The AHVMF has the mission to support its practitioners to use modalities and herbal formulations by funding studies to benefit animals. It really is an important contribution to the health of our furred and feathered and scaled patients! The dog featured in this calendar lived -after specialists told the owner 6 months - for 3 more years on Mushroom powder, Chinese Herbal Formulations, and acupuncture with chiropractic for comfort and function.
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In a world of medicine based on profit and dividends for stockholders, the use of ethnobiological and integrative medicine is a high touch, high return field. However, colleagues need to see the numbers to even consider the efficacious modalities that are available without the layer of a product sponsor. Worth every investment penny for improving care and compassion for the animals in our world.
Holistic veterinary saved my cat's tail after a conventional vet/emergency hospital wanted to charge more than $700 to cut off over 3/4 of his tail! He would have been off balance and emasculated at best and so thankful I refused and decided to wait through the night for a second opinion! Simba was able to keep his entire tail with a quick and easy procedure and natural blood stop powder that was easy to apply until it healed. I am forever thankful!
This non profit does wonderful work and will continue to them
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Clients often said to me, "I wish I had known about the variety of holistic approaches that are now helping my pet." Many others are disappointed when there are no holistically trained veterinarians in their area.
AHVMF is doing an EXCELLENT job to change both of these concerns.
1. the cases shared on the site and facebook page give hope to people who only were exposed to conventional medicine.
2. Multiple paths are helping get more veterinarians trained and excited about using holistic approaches - Scholarships so veterinary students can attend the AHVMA conference and take courses; providing speakers to the holistic student associations; doing research so more veterinarians will trust the benefit of studying different approaches; and more.
I financially support AHVMF because they are doing a great job!!
This is an AMAZING nonprofit that exists purely for the benefit of helping animals live better lives. When you take a close look at this organization you will be awed by their commitment and selflessness. I’m truly grateful for what they do. If everyone donated just $10/month this organization could change the world for animals and their pet parents.
AHVMF is my favorite charity. Their love and devotion gives the animals another healing choice. Thankyou on behalf of my pets.
My boxer, Roxanne, was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of mast cell cancer. My conventional oncologist gave her 2-6 months to live. I contacted my holistic vet who is a member of the AHVMA. With her expertise of Chinese herbal medicine and vitamin supplementation as well as a change in her diet, Roxanne far outlived her prognosis as she went on for another, very healthy, 4 years!! Since then, I have fully followed alternative veterinary practices and have had far greater results than conventional veterinary medicine.
I continue to support the AHVMF in their mission to transform veterinary health care options in order to enhance our companion animal’s health. One of their board members has been on the Committee on the National Needs for Research in Veterinary Science which substantiates their legitimacy. They also disseminate research on their social media sites published by reputable research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health that demonstrates the need for expanding research which further validates the mission of the AHVMF.
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I wholehearted support the AHVMF in their efforts to finance evidence-based research and promote integrative veterinary education and practice. To ensure the integrity of any charity I donate to, before donating I research the soundness of the charity. The following is two of the many reasons why I unequivocally support them: One of their board members has been on the Committee on the National Needs for Research in Veterinary Science which substantiates their legitimacy. They also disseminate research on their social media sites published by reputable research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health that demonstrates the need for expanding research which further validates the mission of the AHVMF. However, without further funding the much needed research can’t be conducted. I am proud to financially support an organization that is revolutionizing our health care options in order to optimize our pets’ health and well being!
Archie, the dog jumping for joy in your news letter this week, came to me as a severely fear aggressive puppy. I am a positive reinforcement trainer and we made great strides together in changing his associations to the world. I knew something wasn't right with his health, for three years we went through many vets and they all said nothing was wrong. I was frustrated not knowing how to help him and I knew there was something underlying that was blocking further progress. Finally, I found Dr. Richard Palmquist, an integrated vet, who immediately understood Archie, made friends with him, and started us on the right path. I can never be thankful enough for the work that amazing vets and the AHVMF do for the health of our pets. Archie came down with pneumonia shortly after our first visit with Dr. Palmquist. He was hospitalized for a week and through supportive care and holistic treatment he was healed. The picture of him jumping was a few months after leaving the hospital. He was a picture of health. Early November, I awoke to a horrible sound from Archie, one that was all too familiar. He had a temp of 104 and we rushed to Dr. Palmquist and then to the hospital. We had caught it at the earliest stages, but the diagnosis was pneumonia again. We expected 24 hours in the hospital, I went to get Archie's favorite foods and before I could leave the grocery store, he was gone. He had become septic, seized, then cardiac arrest. My heart was broken that very minute. He had progressed so much, loved going to the vet, had made so many new friends and I could tell Chinese Medicine was changing him for the better. His immune system was just still weak. I am so thankful for the extra months with him, I don't believe I would have had them without Dr. Palmquist. From behavior to health, he was a different dog. I work to promote the AHVMF because I believe in what they do. I offer training classes at Dr. Palmquists office to benefit the AHVMF and am currently planning an awesome raffle to benefit the AHVMF. We have had great donations from Dr. Jean Dodds, Dr. Barbara Royal, and many others! I want to continue research that will help other animals have a longer survival rate through true healing. Thank you for all you do.
This organization is on the forefront of cutting edge integrative therapies. The goal is to improve both the quality and quantity of life for our beloved pets, and support the owner's in that quest to give the ultimate in care for their fur babies.
Without this organization, much of the research that is being done in the field of alternative therapies would never get funded. They do hold those asking for research grants to a high standard and expectations, but that insures that the quality of the research is respectable to the entire veterinary community. I'm so glad that this source of funding is available. Keep up the good work!
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation is an amazing organization with a great head and a great heart. The money is used to advance holistic veterinary care supporting research that is clinically useful and humane. This organization is responsible for not only saving the lives of many companion animals but also giving them better quality of life. Their approach to holistic/integrative medicine I believe is the reason my senior rescue animals have always lived longer and better than "expectations." This organization is moving the needle towards significantly better care for our beloved furry friends.
The AHVMF is doing invaluable work in its integrative education of veterinary students and also in its studies that validate holistic medicine. It is this integrative and holistic medicine that has saved millions of lives. THANK YOU, AHVMF, for tirelessly continuing to open up people's minds and hearts.
Thank you so much for all you do! I can't imagine veterinary medicine without the amazing difference your foundation is making.
I appreciate the AHVMF because this organization has heart. We accept the human animal bond as an integral part of medicine. We only support research that is clinical and humane.
We support organic agriculture and provide resources for veterinarians to participate. We support education in Veterinary medicine and give unique opportunities for students to experience holistic approaches. These are plenty of reasons why I donate my time and energy to help AHVMF succeed.
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Without the help of a holistic approach to veterinary medicine, I would be lost and looking for answers without solutions.
Please support the AVHMA and the wonderful vets that provide alternates to traditional veterinary medicine.
I have so many success stories and thankful moments, there is not enough room to express them. Because of the work, the dedication, the passion these special veterinarians share, it has saved more than one of my beloved pets. They gave me options that were not available in traditional medicine to keep my dog/s alive for many years past expectation, they gave my dog/s quality of life. The treatments available cured rabies vaccinosis, mass cell tumors, seizures and allowed my one dog to live far past his time with heart disease. So many many more symptoms that showed themselves were treated successfully because of the work that the AHVMA does, every day we as pet guardians get to have a new option, non invasive, non toxic, simple to induce with beyond great success. Thank you for this gift to all the members of the AHVMA . They have changed my animals lifes more than once, which in effect changes mine. One of them below Andrew lived to made the cover of Animal Wellness Magazine and he never stops smiling at them
Thank you from Becky Starr
The AHVMF supports humane research to provide evidence and useful data that supports the daily practice of holistic veterinarians like myself. Valid research also helps to get natural holistic medicine to be more readily accepted by the mainstream 'evidence-based' medical community. I fully endorse the mission of this important foundation.
Dr Marlice Vonck DVM
Our dog was diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease by a veterinary school in 2010. They only wanted to put him on prilosec and pepsid for the rest of his life. We said no way. With the care of a holistic/integrative veterinarian we got him on a homemade diet and started a variety of supplements and herbs. He has since had two strokes and acupuncture helped bring him through both. Our Labrador is now 15 years old, gets acupuncture once a month, loves to take walks and happy go lucky!
They are there when you need them good advice, and work towards a holistic solution, which is our preference in life.
They are always there when you need them with support and good advice, and always work towards an holistic solution.
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This important organization provides a central clearinghouse for, and promotes research in, the holistic therapies that clients are demanding. I am grateful to the Foundation for its role in helping the profession make progress in new directions, and supporting that progress with sound research.
AHVMF supports new veterinarians in their pursuit of knowledge with grants to national conferences! As a newcomer to integrated medicine, I was so appreciative of the support and mentoring I received at these meetings.
When we first adopted our dog Teddy he suffered severely from chronic skin allergies. It took patience and perseverance but today he is completely transformed and is now a happy and healthy dog thanks to the healing power of integrative medicine and nutrition.
When all hope was virtually lost both of my beloved dogs Topo and Tia lived longer healthier lives with the healing power of nutrition and integrative medicine. Eternally Grateful, Amy Martin
As an Integrative Veterinary Practitioner for the last 20 years, it has been an ongoing challenge to educate both the veterinary professionals and the public on the amazing advantages of having so many options to help attain health and wellness for our pets. The AHVMA has been the leader in helping us get the word out that there are options and many ways to attain health.
It had never dawned on me to give my pets the same type of integrative care I use by employing a holistic veterinarian. However, since my involvement with the AHVMF I have provided my pets with holistic care as well. They are thriving thanks to adding holistic modalities to their care.
I was so pleased when they established this organization. We had a cat, Sheba, who was hit by a car at not quite a year old and we decided to live with her incontinence (resulting from nerve damage) instead of euthanizing her. It wasn't an easy decision, nor easy to adapt to the incontinence. As time went on, Sheba's nerve damage and incontinence created other health issues that traditional veterinarian medicine didn't successfully resolve. I turned to holistic/alternative/complimentary modalities that helped give Sheba a wonderful 13 years of after-accident life, in spite of her 'special needs'. Going the holistic route isn't easy, since there are far more traditional than holistic veterinarians available - the efforts of the AHVMF will change this over time. There is so little research done on holistic modalities that so many traditional veterinarians don't take them seriously. I've had my own wonderful results with holistic modalities and truly appreciate that the AHVMF is doing research & education to bring these tools to light for other pet owners and veterinarians. BTW, I continued to use holistic modalities for my recently deceased 18 yr-old cat, and also now for my two younger ones. I believe in the AHVMF's work so much that I have the AHVMF as a beneficiary in my trust.
I love this organization as they are on the cutting edge of alternative therapies for pets. Many times animals don't respond to Western medicine treatment and/or drugs so being able to turn to AHVMF to find a more holistic way to treat their animals is a Godsend. Both humans and animals alike benefit because the
AHVMF is on the front lines advocating for a more natural way to heal.
I was thrilled to find out about the AHVMF and try to support them financially whenever possible. This is a great organization and helps to promote knowledge about alternative modalities as well as helping to fund important research in these and other areas conventional organizations will not. As the pet owning community becomes more aware that we are over vaccinating our animals and should be using titers and rejecting poor food choices in favor of real whole food, it becomes even more obvious why this organization is so needed. We have seen wonderful things happen with alternative treatments and feeding raw -- things conventional medicine and conventional cooked diets could not touch. We will never go back. Thank you for the work you do, AHVMF! There are those who are jealous and would stop the work you do. Do not allow them to ever succeed! You are the future!!
The fact that this group promotes homeopathy, which has been repeatedly proven to provide no benefit whatever for any medical condition, says it all. To foist treatments that have no medical justification on patients who have no say in the matter is unconscionable. To promote magnetic therapy, therapeutic touch, and all manner of magical methods of treatment under the guise of "integrative medicine" is the ultimate in quackery. If a therapy has actual medical evidence that it works, it's called medicine. It's not relegated to that mystical world of "alternative" medicine, where evidence is a fleeting, subjective shadow. If you want to donate to a real cause to help animals, try The Morris Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, or nearly any other animal-related organization.
AHVMF 02/29/2016
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not condemn the use of homeopathy. Therefore, for someone asserting professional knowledge of this field condemning not only the modality but the integrity of the Foundation is unconscionable. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association submitted resolution #3-2013:Homeopathy, which asserted that homeopathy is ineffective and its use discouraged, to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). When a resolution is introduced to the AVMA it must be considered regardless of it's merits. Accordingly, the resolution undergoes a review process in which the resolution is discussed at many levels. All the state and allied organization delegates to the House of Delegates (HOD) discuss the resolution - on their list serve, in their district meetings, in a Reference Committee meeting (with only selected delegates in attendance), and ultimately deliver the final definitive vote in the HOD. The House Advisory Committee weighs in, as does the Executive Board. The HOD ultimately voted to send this resolution back to the Executive Board (EB) with a recommendation to have the Council on Veterinary Services review it. The EB later decided to send this resolution to the AVMA’s Research Committee as well. At the November 2013 Executive Board meeting, the reports from both the committees were considered and the EB concluded that the AVMA already had guidelines for complementary and alternative medicine (CAVM) in place and it was not in the purview of the AVMA to adjudicate individual modalities. The AVMA recognizes the importance of accumulating evidence to support individual therapies, while recognizing that many therapies - both conventional and alternative, lack adequate supporting evidence. This recommendation was sent back to all the delegates. The resolution was again considered at the 2014 Winter Meeting, January 9-10. Once again, the individual meetings were held. One Reference Committee meeting was devoted to this specific resolution, and the vote of this committee typically sends a weighty recommendation to the HOD. They voted unanimously against this resolution. A few hours later, the HOD voted, at 90.1%, against this resolution.
While I have no doubt this organization consists of people who mean well, ultimately they are advocates for unproven or ineffective medical treatments, and this is not truly in the best interests of veterinary patients. The leadership claims to be interested in science and research, but they make numerous public comments that clearly shown an anti-science agenda. While these individuals have as much right to advocate for their beliefs as anyone else, anyone interested in a supporting a non-profit that truly benefits the health of pets and supports science-based should consider giving o a different organization such as the Morris Animal Foundation. To learn more about the AHVMF and their parent organization the AHVMA, additional information can be found here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2014/05/american-holistic-veterinary-medical-association-ahvma-its-foundation-ahvmf/
Review from Guidestar
AHVMF is a wonderful resource not only for the life-saving research so desperately needed for our animal friends but also as a source of scholarship funding for integrative veterinary students.
Integrative medicine is a way of improving the quality of education of our future vets and the quality of the lives of those who depend on us most. My pet is currently being treated with multiple integrative modalities including, homeopathy, nutraceuticals, and Bach flowers. This has significantly reduced the need for more harmful, conventional treatments such as steroid and immune-suppressive therapies.
Give if you can. Help spread the word about the big heart of this wonderful organization.
Our pets deserve to tell "happy tails".
A valuable resource for veterinarians and the general public. Providing much-needed alternative or complementary treatment information, especially through research studies! One of the few organizations I am comfortable and enthusiastic in supporting.
My 15 year old dog should have been dead three years now. He isn't - because he is being treated by the people who run this organization. Through their research and the research they support, we have kept his immune system up while he not only goes through the normal aging process but intensive chemotherapy for an aggressive cancer. This research will someday help not only animals but people too, because this organization funds research on natural treatments that can't be patented and therefore aren't supported by for profit enterprises.