Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Did you know that your pet has the potential to help you heal? Do you suffer from hypertension? Try the soothing purr therapy of a cat. Have a social anxiety disorder? A dog companion may help you stay calm and in control when in public. Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse (An Animal Lover's Guide To A Healthy, Happy and Extraordinary Life) by Carlyn Montes De Oca is an awarding winning, non-fiction book addressing the holistic effects that animal love has on their guardians. Our animal companions have the potential to give us humans, as their animal guardians, an abundance of love, support, and emotional freedom. The mysterious health benefits of pets have been recorded and proven time and again. In this book, explore the scientific studies, as well as the non-traditional methods of research, that show us how interacting with animals can give us a huge boost in our emotional and mental well-being. Aside from teaching children responsibility, a family pet can help the child and parent(s) become more compassionate and respectful of their animal and human counterparts.

By applying the concepts taught in this book, animal guardians can now take their relationships with their pets and themselves to a more elevated level. Do you wonder why your dog insists on playing when you are so stressed out of your mind you can't imagine throwing a ball for him? Perhaps he's saying spending more time outside in the fresh air and playing will help you get your mind off your problems so that you can gain clarity and perspective. What is your cat saying when she lies on your computer keyboard with a determined look on her cute furry face? Maybe it is time to take a break and become more in the moment - and pet her! By becoming more attuned to the lessons that our animal friends teach us, we can live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives. Take a chance and listen closely to what your animal friend is telling you. You may be surprised! Embark on a new and exciting adventurous journey; become an intuitive animal guardian!

Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse (An Animal Lover's Guide To A Healthy, Happy and Extraordinary Life) by Carlyn Montes De Oca is a fantastic book filled with heartwarming accounts of how animals can positively affect a person's health. By showing the reader a more holistic approach to addressing common illnesses, the author unravels many of the mysteries behind the pet/guardian relationship. If you desire a more complete and enriching relationship with your animal companion, then this book is a must-read! I love how the author walks the reader through the process of gaining an animal companion through to the grieving process, and all the happiness in between. This book is a delightful blend of scientific research mixed with The Tao of Pooh meets The Dog Whisperer. A must-read for those that want more than just "ownership of a pet."