Lizbud, that is one reason my initial phone call was 2 hours! Callie was explaining which companies to use and which to avoid. It is NOT easy to learn, it is NOT a matter of reading a label - most of the stuff she was telling isn't on the label!

Things like (just an example) this company will harvest milk thistle from a big field. The harvest will include grasses, hay, various plants. You may get 3 milk thistle seeds in an ounce. That company uses greenhouses, so they know the only thing in their harvest is milk thistle. So you get an ounce of milk thistle seeds.

It was quite confusing, but I took copious notes. We both went online to the same website and she dictated exactly which things I should buy. I wrote it all down, and went to the store with my "shopping list." I went straight up to a clerk and asked for help so I wasn't roaming all around the store (I got there at 5:30 PM on a Sunday - they close at 6 on Sundays!) I had name brand, item name, number of capsules or bottle size, and website price.

Since Lacey in particular was in a crises, I couldn't wait to order online, had to go to a store; we had to search and find a store near me. What I bought is enough for about 10 days. THEN Callie gave me the list of websites where the products are available for the best price INCLUDING SHIPPING. Later on Sunday, after I had been to the store, returned, and dosed both dogs, I sat down and put in my orders. That will be for more long term especially for Sugar; Lacey is all set and just about ready to be off everything now.

I just don't know how I will know what to do on my own. You have to figure out what item, how much (usually based on pet's weight), how often (twice a day? once a day? with food? On its own?) and for how long (a week? 2 weeks? till pet is better?). Geesh! It was quite overwhelming.

Callie gave me the names of 3 books to use as starters (she said she has close to 50 books, some she bought but didn't like, and some she used a lot at the beginning and doesn't use much at all now.) All 3 are available on Amazon with free shipping for prime members (I am a prime member) so I have ordered those.

I raised all this at Willy's Agility class on Tuesday night. 3 folks there also are very involved in this. They immediately wanted specifics as to what I had been told, and they all agreed with what I was doing, which was another helpful support. Two of them use a homeopathic vet (we only have ONE in our state!) and the third has learned it on her own over time, talking with folks on line and such. One of them has also suggested a book for me, and I will get that via Amazon w/ free shipping as well. Wish I had known about it; free shipping for Prime members requires a $20 order, and the book is $15, so I need to find something else to buy now, ha haaa. (Finding something to buy is NOT a problem my poor wallet!)

And this area uses different terminology: "Standardized" means time released, which means other stuff has been added. If you are a purist, you want the plain herb in its simplest form, and you will use it 2 or 3 times a day, rather than use one time released dose.

I figure I will get in to it. For one thing, I have 15 pets! For another, I have been on the edges of this, with my herb garden in the back yard, knowing which were edible leave, leave and root, leave root and flower, and so forth. Took Dad some getting used to when I'd put geranium blossoms in our food! (Only certain ones). It's a whole new world.