Throughout my career, people have often asked why I chose to become a veterinarian. My answer has always been the same: I’ve always felt a deep, unwavering love for animals. But it wasn’t until I adopted my first dog during veterinary school that this passion transformed into something far more profound.
It was no longer simply a “why”—it became about a “who.” That “who” was Finn: my companion, my teacher, my heart. Finn wasn’t just a dog. He was the soul who changed the course of my life forever.
Finn: The Beginning of a Journey
When I found Finn, he was a scared, emaciated little pup—terrified of the world and unsure of his place in it. What I didn’t know at the time was how much he would become my greatest teacher. Finn exuded unconditional love and forgiveness, even after all he’d been through.
He became my best friend, my most patient student, and the purest reminder of what it means to live with love and resilience.
But life, as it so often does, threw us a curveball.
The Day Everything Changed
When Finn was diagnosed with cancer at just six years old, my heart shattered. I felt an overwhelming wave of guilt, questioning if I had somehow failed him as his caregiver, his friend, his mama. But instead of spiraling into despair, I made a choice: I would fight for him. I would search for answers, for options, for hope.
As a veterinarian, I was trained to follow a specific protocol: remove the tumor, monitor every 3–6 months, and if it returned, rely on surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. But as Finn’s mom, that simply wasn’t enough for me.
There had to be another way. Something deeper. Something more holistic.
A Journey to Something Different
I thought back to my own health journey—the changes I made when I started prioritizing exercise, eating cleaner, and taking care of myself both physically and emotionally. These shifts had transformed my life. My intuition told me that Finn could benefit from these same principles.
That’s when I came across the incredible Dr. Karen Becker, a pioneer in proactive and integrative veterinary medicine. On a whim, I reached out to her for guidance.
To my surprise, I received a thoughtful, detailed email the very next day. It was filled with encouragement and practical advice—as well as a few practices that may have been able to help me cultivate my new found interest in a more natural approach to veterinary medicine.
I wasted no time. That very day, I began making changes—shifting Finn’s diet, incorporating movement and enrichment into his routine, exploring supplements, and seeking out care that aligned with these principles.
Immersing Myself in Integrative Medicine
Finn became both my inspiration and my partner in this journey. I dove headfirst into the world of integrative veterinary medicine, earning a certification in acupuncture from the Chi Institute and working alongside other brilliant integrative veterinarians. For five years, I provided integrative relief services to proactive hospitals across Chicagoland.
And through it all, Finn was right there with me. He spent countless hours curled up at my feet in clinics, patiently allowing me to practice acupuncture, and embracing every new diet or supplement I introduced. He was my loyal companion, my greatest supporter, and the heart of every decision I made.
As Finn grew older, I began to notice something extraordinary.
A Vibrant, Balanced Life
At nearly 12 years old, Finn wasn’t slowing down like other dogs his age. He was still chasing deer, splashing in the water after minnows, running miles alongside me, and he never missed stand-up paddleboard ride on the lake.
His body was vibrant, his mind sharp, and his spirit calm. He radiated health in every sense of the word.
One evening, as we floated on a pontoon boat at our family cottage, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude. My son sat on my lap, the summer air was giving way to fall, and Finn stood beside us, leaning in for a good butt scratch.
He turned to me, nudged my hand with his head, and locked eyes with me in a way that felt deeply intentional. His gaze seemed to say, “Thank you.”
The Gift of Gratitude
Even now, I can’t fully grasp what Finn was thanking me for. He was the one who had walked steadfastly by my side through every twist and turn of his health journey and my professional evolution.
Finn had been my teacher and my guide, showing me the transformative power of a natural, balanced approach to health and wellness.
He patiently let me experiment with diets and supplements, calmly rested while I practiced acupuncture, and gave me endless snuggles when I needed them most.
Finn didn’t just help me become a better vet—he helped me discover the NaturalPath, a way of helping pets thrive through health that is rooted in balance, nature, and love.
A Legacy of Love
Finn’s legacy lives on in every step I take as a veterinarian. He taught me that health isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about nurturing the whole being: body, mind, and soul.
To my sweet, red-headed, goofy boy: Thank you for everything. You saved my career, guided me to the NaturalPath forward. I hope you know just how grateful I am for the countless lessons you taught me.
Finn was more than my first dog. He was my greatest teacher, and his memory fuels my passion to help every pet find the vibrant, balanced life they deserve.
Embracing the NaturalPath
If you’ve ever felt like there must be a better way to support your pet’s health, trust that instinct. Just like Finn inspired me to dive deeper into integrative medicine, your pet could be leading you down a similar path.
Whether it’s through diet, movement, enrichment, or holistic care, there is so much you can do to help your furry friend thrive.
Because, like Finn taught me, our pets deserve nothing less than vibrant, balanced, joyful lives—and we, as their caregivers, have the power to make that possible.
