Allen M. Schoen

We know that animals help the disabled, war veterans, the aged. Groundbreaking surgeon, cancer specialist, and author Bernie Siegel has seen this in his own life and in those of his patients. The true stories Bernie (as he prefers to be called) has here compiled include delightful tales from the "Siegel Family Zoo" where "squawks, purrs, chirrups, squeaks, barks, and the like filled the house." In sections including "Paw Professors," "Sometimes They Just Know," and "Grief and Forgiveness," other contributors reveal animals as teachers and messengers, doctors and nurses, miracle workers, and guileless clowns. Bernie offers meditations after each section -- ways for the reader to really let the import of each story into their own lives. Anyone with an animal, an appreciation for the inspirational, or simply the need for a smile will treasure this celebration of animals as a source of love, and maybe even miracles.

This marvelous book, borne of a unique collaboration between Dr Allen Schoen - a world-renowned veterinarian and author - and trainer and competitor of many years, Susan Gordon, introduces the 25 principles of compassionate equitation. These principles, conceived by Schoen and Gordon, are a set of developmental guidelines, encouraging a level of personal awareness that may be enacted not only through the reader's engagement with horses, but can be extended to all humans and sentient beings he or she encounters. The 25 Principles share stories and outline studies that identify and support methods of training, handling, and caring for horses that constitute a safe, healthy, non-stressful, and pain-free environment. Through their Compassionate Equestrian programme, the authors encourage all involved in the horse industry, worldwide, to approach training and handling with compassion and a willingness to alleviate suffering. These simple changes, that any horse person can make, can have a vast impact on the horse industry and society as a whole.

Treating animals just as any healer would treat human beings, Allen Schoen has become one of America's most celebrated veterinarians. Kindred Spirits shares the transformative power of his remarkable methods, explores how alternative healing is revolutionizing his profession, and, in the tradition of James Herriot, shares heartwarming stories of animals and their caretakers who have deeply enriched each other's lives. Through moving scenes-such as an ailing German shepherd who fights to stay alive so he can assist and comfort his ailing human companion-Schoen details the ways in which the human-animal bond can provide a wellspring of love and support, and outlines his own special prescription for improving the care we give our animals through adopting simple healing practices at home. A remarkable new synthesis of science and spirit, Kindred Spirits at last reveals the many ways our animal friends can help us lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives.