I haven’t written a book since I was 8 years old and aside from writing a few movie scripts or giving notes on countless TV pilots, I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a writer. I’m an actor and now a producer, which means I spend my life reading the words of others. But today I’m writing my own words down, because of how important this book has been to me.
Two of my passions are holistic health care and love of animals. Some friends of mine knew this, so they got me an advanced copy of Dr. Gary Richter’s book, The Ultimate Pet Health Guide. They told me that this was the guidebook that finally brings together these two incredibly important worlds.
Almost immediately, I couldn’t put it down. It explores a ton of what I already knew about nutrition, and helped me to see how western, eastern and holistic medicine translate to dogs and cats. It is the book I knew could exist, but until now, simply had not.
The content blew me away and I decided to connect with Gary personally. Dr. Gary Richter is a world renowned Veterinarian and he could be famous. In fact, he’s turned down a Veterinarian TV show because he wanted to focus on his work. A TV show isn’t what drives him. What drives him is what drives me, and so many of us: he wants you to enjoy every possible day with your healthy pet’s unconditional love.
Gary knows that alternative medicines and therapies can turn around cancer, epilepsy, arthritis or common itching. Dr. Richter even had 50 unique natural recipe formulations created for our furry family members so they can live healthier, happier and longer lives.
As the Founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, it is my goal to find people around the world who use their skills and passions to make a difference. I immediately recognized that Dr. Richter has the same dedication to animal health, spay and neuter education and action, rescue programs and to programs like ISF’s Emergency Medical Animal Grants program. I invited Dr. Richter to join ISF as Veterinarian Medical Advisor to our Foundation. We absolutely wanted to be involved to help pet parents get these life-changing insights from America’s Favorite Veterinarian, a man who has dedicated his life and career to helping creatures and informing us. The Ultimate Pet Health Guide has the potential to start a global healthy pet movement and I truly hope it does.
I also can only hope that you enjoy this book, that you share it with your friends and use the important advice in it to ensure you have as much time as possible with your furry loved ones. These amazing creatures enrich our lives, our souls and our families. Let’s take care of them and learn along the way.
Ian Somerhalder
Actor, Founder of Ian Somerhalder Foundation
