The melodic song of the mountain bluebird and larks have returned to the highland mountains I call home.
There are lots of baby animals on our ranch this spring: Alpine goat kids, Shetland lambs, and Delaware and Australorp chicks; with Satin rabbit kits and a litter of naturally reared Havanese puppies due as well. It’s such a humbling privilege to watch the miracle of birth and listen to mother and offspring communicate in their own gentle language.
Animal Naturopathy is practiced with all of the animals – biologically appropriate diet for each species, sunshine and fresh air, clean water, and no chemicals or medications whatsoever.
We also choose not to interfere with life processes unless absolutely necessary. In this regard, one of the naturopathic Eight Laws of Health comes to mind: TEMPERANCE.
Humans in their well-meaning way tend to involve themselves a bit too much, especially when it comes to birthing. We prefer to temper our actions, standing by attentively as an animal’s natural instincts kick into gear.
One area is allowing a mother dog to care for the umbilical cord of her new whelp. It is important that a puppy find its own way to its first meal.
Temperance is something we could all use more of, even in our human relationships!