Paws for Peace – Holistic Health for Pets

Paws for Peace is dedicated to educating animal lovers about the benefits of holistic health care. This site is full of information and articles written by experts in the many fields of holistic pet health. Our intention is to gather information and make it accessible to you in one place…our groovy site.

Peace, Love & Paws,

Our Groovy Team (Carrie, Dave, Murk & Stacey)

Our Holistic Vet Advisor, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Dr. Shawn graduated in 1987 from Texas A&M University with his doctorate of veterinary medicine.  In 1991, he opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, becoming the first referral hospital for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Plano, Texas.

After using conventional therapies for several years, Dr. Shawn, as he is known to pet lovers around the world, became convinced that many pets that were not improving with lifelong use of conventional medications and might improve if some type of alternative treatment were available. This desire to improve the quality of his patients’ lives led him to become adept at treating pets with a variety of alternative treatments. Due to the success of these therapies, Dr. Shawn created the Acupuncture and Holistic Animal Health Care Center, the only hospital in the area to offer both conventional and alternative therapies for dogs and cats.

Dr. Shawn is a former columnist for the Plano Star Courier, the Wylie News, and the Dallas Morning News. For two years, he was host of Fox television’s “4 Your Pets” pet care show.

In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Shawn serves on the board of the prestigious international journal Veterinary Forum. He is also the creator and editor-in-chief of Exotic Pet Practice, the only monthly international publication devoted to the care of exotic pets. Dr. Shawn reached over half a million pet owners each month as the former holistic columnist for both Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazines! Dr. Shawn continues to write regular columns on holistic pet care for Animal Wellness and Body + Soul.

In addition to authoring numerous articles, Dr. Shawn has also authored a number of books for both pet owners and veterinarians. Most recently, Dr. Shawn has teamed up with Prima Publishing, a leading publisher in the alternative therapy field, to create a brand new series of health guides called The Natural VetTM. This best selling series teaches owners how to care for their pets using safe, natural, alternative treatments for a variety of medical conditions. His book, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog (Rodale) gives pet owners an easy 8 week program to get their pets in tip-top shape! His latest book, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library,) is the #1 selling book on using integrative medicine to treat animal cancer. He is the host of the weekly award-winning radio show, “Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet”, on Martha Stewart Radio SIRIUS channel 112 on Tuesdays from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EST) with a repeat on Sunday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)…and NOW on XM channel 103, live every Tuesday night from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EST)!

Our Holistic Pet Health Consultant, Jeff Coltenback

President, CDT, CCN, CNA, CAS, CCS, ACO
Guest Appearances, Events & Special Services
Martha Stewart Radio(Sirius 112); “It’s a Dog’s Life” – July 2007
Martha Stewart Radio(Sirius 112); “It’s a Dog’s Life” – April 2009
Animal Radio with Susan Sims (XM 158); July 28, 2009
Expert Witness in dog bite case; City of Groton, CT – November 2006
NJ Talkin Pets; “Pet Food Controversy” – September 2007
Pet Friendly Guide; Exclusive Cover Story – March 2008
Canine Nutrition & behavior Seminars; CD & DVD’s available
Animal Wrangler for Motion Picture Industry;”Among the Joneses”(2005);A Dangerous Place(2007)
Executive Producer; Holistic Pet Care DVD – Canine Series 2008 ? www.petcaredvd.com
Holistic Pet Care Seminars at Whole Foods Markets

Experience & Credentials
Certified Reiki II Practitioner (Usui system of natural healing)
Certified Dog Trainer; training dogs & people since 1995, specializing in aggression & pack behavior
Certified Mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College ? Training trainers since 2003
Certified in Canine Nutrition (Companion Animal Sciences Institute)
Certified in Canine Energy Yielding Nutrients (CASI)
Certified Canine Specialist; PIJAC Certified Canine Care
Certified Avian Specialist; PIJAC Certified Avian Care
Certified Pet Therapy handler; 2000-2006
Certified in Canine/Feline CPR 2002
Certified in Bach Flower Essences (Bach Foundation) ? Level I; 2003
Carnivore Nutrition Advisor; based primarily on the requirements of carnivorous animals
Over 25 years experience with small animals, reptiles, dogs, cats, birds, etc
American Pit Bull Terrier Advocate since 1992 – Pit Bull Rescue since 2001
Animal Shelter Evaluator; 2000-2007
New Jersey State Certified A.C.O. (Animal Control Officer)
Former A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Recommended by Holistic and Conventional Veterinarians