The year my pit bull Sam was diagnosed with cancer was a rough one. First he got the diagnosis; then came surgery to remove five tumors from his neck, back, and hind leg. After that, he under went chemotherapy to blast any remaining cancer cells from his system. Those toxic treatments made my normally high-energy dog lethargic and sad.
So when he got done with chemo, I celebrated by buying Sam a yellow "Live Strong" wristband, in support of fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. Now that Sam was "Living Strong," I wanted to make sure he also lived long. So I began researching alternative medicine, leaving no stone unturned – literally. I learned all about gem therapy from Gemisphere, an Oregon-based company that makes therapeutic gem stones "for healing and awakening."
Gemisphere’s Dr. Ada Gonzalez explained to me that each stone possesses a specific healing energy; wearing it can transfer those good vibes to the body. Mother of pearl, for instance, is believed to help animals and humans feel protected and nurtured, while lavender quartz is supposed to relieve pain and promote healing.
"Carnelian is supportive to the immune system and detoxifying," she added. "It is nourishing, and will help Sam’s body release any remaining disharmony."
With that, she hung three strands of beads around Sam’s neck, whereupon he planted a kiss on her mouth. And I swear he’s had a blissed-out smile on his face ever since.
