By Mark Saldana
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Now available via VOD and Digital platforms is an engrossing and compelling documentary about alternative veterinary medicine. Most people (myself included) have viewed healthcare for pets in rather short-sighted and limited ways. Such is not at all the case for veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein and his colleagues at his Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, NY. Unlike most of Western veterinary medicine experts, Dr. Goldstein and his associates seek the means and utilize their knowledge of alternative medicine to prolong the lives of our beloved pets in the most qualitative ways. Taking holistic approaches, including dietary, herbal, and eastern approaches, these amazing healers use medical science intelligently to offer beloved animal companions fighting chances of survival, as comfortably as possible.
Filmmaker Cindy Meehl has taken this truly fascinating subject and presents it in a way that appeals to the hearts of her audience members. The animals and their loving owners are presented in such intimate ways that one cannot help, but sympathize with their struggles. Meehl’s direction, in addition to the caring personalities in the documentary really drive these messages home. The film honors and celebrates the valuable contibutions pets give to us by simply being and makes a strong case for the much needed evolution of veterinary medicine.