DEAR READERS: I wish you all the very best for this coming year. I also wish that the voting public, politicians who serve the public and corporate leaders have “2020 vision,” because this new year is a decisive one if we are going to make any progress for the greater good of all life on planet Earth.

2020 vision sees through the disinformation, rationalizations and denial of human activities, products and industries that are part-and-parcel of the climate crisis and associated extinction crisis. 2020 vision will enable us to restore our relationships, long regarded as sacred by many indigenous peoples, with nature -- all species, plant and animal, aquatic and terrestrial, all of which are increasingly endangered by anthropocentrism. Such vision is the only foundation for a sustainable economy, social justice, eco-justice, and public and environmental health.

There are many who fear their “freedoms” and vested interests are threatened by such radical 2020 vision. But they must accept that their own vision is impaired if they see no legitimate reasons for the validity of these threats, and do not accept what must be changed for the good of all. This is a challenge for us all as consumers, workers and investors in the commercial web of this dystopian age.

One antidote to helplessness, despair and depression is to join the Extinction Rebellion with 2020 vision for a viable future for all life on Earth! The climate and extinction crises will not be addressed so long as politicians, governments and corporations continue to wrestle internationally for power and control over fossil fuels and other finite resources and market monopolies.

Over 50 years ago, Jesuit priest and scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote: “The day is not far distant when humanity will realize that biologically it is faced with a choice between suicide and adoration.” That day has surely come!

DEAR DR. FOX: My dog Remi is a 1-year-old German shepherd, and she was recently diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

She is on enzymes and Tylan, and I just switched her to a food called Sport Dog Food Elite, which I found through a recommendation from epi4dogs.com. It is a grain-free food, which many of these dogs do well on. But I have read in your column that grain-free foods can cause other health problems, and my vet told me the same.

Now that I have found a food that works for her, which means her stools are formed and no longer mush, I want to stick with it. Do you have any dietary recommendations for dogs with EPI, or do you think once you find a diet that works, it’s best to stay with it? They say the dietary piece is often the hardest part to figure out. -- F.H., Tulsa, Oklahoma

DEAR F.H.: I appreciate your sharing information about the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping provide nutraceuticals to help dogs recover after suffering from pancreatic enzyme depletion.

This condition, common in some breeds like the German shepherd, can be brought on by diets too high in carbohydrates, as your veterinarian has pointed out. Some raw-food advocates, and others, say “no” to any carbohydrates, but I say “all things in moderation.” Some whole grains (complex carbohydrates) are good for most dogs.

But herbicide contamination, especially with Roundup, is problematic, and could contribute to inflammatory bowel disease and leaky gut syndrome by causing imbalances in the gut microbiome. In humans, these herbicides in food may be a contributing factor in the epidemics of many ailments.

Some vegetable ingredients, such as soy, in dog foods, especially in dry kibble, are pro-inflammatory. Inflammation leads to a variety of health issues in humans and dogs alike. The grain-free pet food craze has caused another set of health problems in dogs -- dilated cardiomyopathy -- which, in my opinion, is attributable to high levels of legumes/pulses like pea flour and potatoes. These foods are high in lectins, which can block uptake of essential nutrients like cardio-protective taurine.

For good measure, I would be sure your dog has a daily intake of 500 to 1,000 mg of taurine, plus a good-quality probiotic, along with the special diet you have found so beneficial.

DEAR DR. FOX: I am greatly moved by your concerns and perceptions presented in your book “Dog Body, Dog Mind.” I was blessed to have 13 years with my Corgi-dox mix; our relationship grew until the time she went to Heaven, changing my life.

Her name is Ruthie Ann Marie Grace. I’m writing a book about our experiences. She got my socks, leash, hat, keys and shoes every day before leaving the house. We hiked, did agility, nose work and so much more. I tried to fulfill her breed potential, making her a happy and fulfilled dog.

I wasn’t prepared for her death. Vets can help more by instructing us better on how to say goodbye. -- G.N., San Dimas, California

DEAR G.N.: I am glad that you enjoyed my book about dogs.

You may also enjoy “Animals and Nature First,” which opens many doors for those seeking more information about animals’ well-being and what we can do to improve their welfare and protection. We owe them no less.

We usually outlive our dogs, and the final gift of their departure is the realization of how deeply that bond with another species was: a gift indeed, measured by the intensity of our grieving. Those who have never had such a heart-centered relationship with another species have difficulty understanding and empathizing. Most veterinarians are extremely understanding, and some will shed tears with the owners when they have to euthanize their animals or when they die naturally. This is one of the stresses of being a veterinarian, and can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout.

We all need support in dealing with the death of loved ones, human and nonhuman.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: I was stunned that a severely deformed dog -- who had great difficulty breathing and walking, and had several facial and other deformities that jeopardize his quality of life, and likely that of all his offspring -- won the 2019 Westminster dog show, promoted by Purina.

The dog is a bulldog named Thor. I also noted many breeds with cropped ears and docked tails, but Thor’s deformities -- shared by other breeds, like the Pekingese, French bulldog and pug -- are a sad reflection of how many people have become so accepting of such things. These deformities can be life-threatening and may require veterinary intervention, while these dogs’ owners parade them around in public as though nothing is wrong.

DEAR DR. FOX: Looking at the extinction crisis worldwide reveals that the extinction of not just the animals is occurring, but also the human race.

It isn’t just climate change but also the pollution of the air, water and soil that continues to increase daily. Plastics in the oceans, pesticides and other poisons will doom life as humans have experienced it on this tiny planet in a tiny solar system. Species come and go, with most already gone. Humans are on that path, and humans will, by their nature, continue to destroy their environment. It’s already too late. -- R.Q. Tulsa, Oklahoma

DEAR R.Q.: Many people feel as you do. Such environmental pessimism, along with the interconnected global problems of political, economic and social turmoil, is making people feel despair, depression and existential angst. I believe this also contributes to the nihilism of terroristic movements and mass shootings.

Tragic indeed. The evident nihilism behind the Trump regime’s actions -- gutting the Environmental Protection Agency, rolling back clean air and water standards and regulations, and giving the fuel, timber and mining industries free access to protected wildlands -- is another form of terrorism, which civil society must continue to fight against.

I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist, but a realist who may join apocalyptarians and “rage, rage against the dying of the light” (as poet Dylan Thomas wrote). Yet I do what I can within my personal and professional spheres to reduce my “carbon footprint”: I eat as a vegetarian; adopt and shelter animals; tend a wild garden free of pesticides; and help others to move from paralytic despair to some beneficial actions that contribute to planetary CPR (conservation, protection and restoration).

We can all support humane and organic farming practices and vote for those whose economic, social and political goals are consonant with such essential, and still possible, principles of planetary and cultural CPR.

CLEANING UP OUR WATER

The disturbing report that 56% of state waters are “impaired” in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is the tip of the iceberg nationally. Contaminants from conventional agriculture not considered by this agency include insecticidal toxins produced by genetically modified corn and soy, which are also genetically resistant to glyphosate and other widely applied herbicides. Also, neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used on seeds, and glyphosate is sprayed on crops to accelerate pre-harvest drying.

All these pesticides harm aquatic life, depleting and contaminating the food source (microorganisms and aquatic insects and their larvae) of fish and other animals higher up the food-chain -- including us. Neonicotinoids in agricultural runoff have been recently documented as causing fishing industry collapse in some coastal areas in Japan.

It is time to address the use of such chemicals in commodity crop production in particular, mainly to feed livestock and poultry and for export abroad since their long-term adverse environmental consequences, negative impact on biodiversity and potential risks to consumer health can no longer be denied.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: Operation Thunderball, a joint action by Interpol and the World Customs Organization, is cracking down on the global illegal wildlife and plant trade.

In the first strike this year, covering 109 countries, there were 2,000 seizures and nearly 600 suspects identifed. Seizures included a rare lion cub from India, over 400 protected species from Uruguay, and 1,850 birds from Italy. Nigerian officials intercepted a half-ton of pangolin parts going to China for medical concoctions; 4,000 tortoises in one container were found in Russia.

Collectors and the exotic pet trade fuel this ecologically devastating illegal market, with countless animals dying soon after capture and in transit. This is a sad reminder of our inhumanity toward fellow creatures, and to ourselves. In addition, the serious potential public health risks from zoonotic diseases, transmissible from wild animals to humans, call for concerted action by all governments and international agencies. It is imperative for all nations to protect wildlife and wild plants, all of which are essential components of biodiversity and environmental health.

DEAR DR. FOX: Our son and daughter-in-law have a beautiful female golden retriever who is 4 years old. They also have a 3-year-old son and three cats.

My daughter-in-law has read about canine depression and is convinced the dog is depressed because she is sometimes indifferent about eating, and just seems to hang around a lot “looking sad.”

At our home, which the dog visits fairly often, she seems to prefer staying out in our breezeway rather than in the house. We initially kept her out there whenever she came over because we weren’t sure how our cat would respond. We have since discovered they are absolutely fine together, no problems whatsoever, but she keeps attempting to go out there.

Our son is a runner and used to bring the dog on runs with him, but he has stopped because he says her energy just seems to flag after a while. He says it might be because she gets too animated and excited at the beginning of the run. He has brought her to work several times, and she’s well-behaved. She has even sat calmly through a recent public outdoor fireworks display.

They walk her (or have her walked) at least twice a day, and I have walked her as well. After a few seconds of initial animation, such as jumping up, we have her sit quietly for a moment, then put her leash on and she is well-behaved after that. There do not appear to be any health problems.

On the subject of depression: Our son has critical depression and went through a difficult time a year ago, but his condition is well-managed at present.

Can you advise us on further assessment and/or response to the dog’s mood and well-being? -- M.C., Trumbull, Connecticut

DEAR M.C.: Does this dog get out to play with other dogs and have regular opportunities to explore around the neighborhood?

Many in-home dogs seem to be taken for granted and live dispirited, unstimulating lives, spending much of the day sleeping. They are virtually ignored because they are non-demanding of attention, having long given up seeking regular playtime, grooming and outdoor activities.

This may not be true in the case of your son and daughter-in-law’s dog; indeed, some dogs, especially golden retrievers, are super-mellow and actually need to be encouraged to be more active. Obesity is one issue on the horizon for their dog, and associated arthritis and other health issues.

I would advise a through veterinary checkup, testing for thyroid function and any other underlying issues such as hip dysplasia, which may give the impression that the dog is depressed.

DEAR DR. FOX: A couple of months ago, my brother and my sister-in-law traveled to Pismo Beach with their three dogs.

That evening, the smaller dog got something caught in its throat, and they could not get it out. They took the dog to a pet hospital, where they gave him a shot and took an X-ray, then put a scope down his throat. They tried to get the object out of his throat for two hours.

This didn’t sound right to me, but they said they couldn’t get it out, so they would have to call another vet to massage the object down to his stomach and then do surgery. But they needed some money down before they would call the vet; the bill was already at $1,100, and if the other vet came in, it would be $10,000.

Well, my brother and his wife didn’t have $10,000, so their only option was to put the dog down. So sad. And by the time it was all done, it cost them $2,500.

Is this what it’s coming to, that we can’t even afford to have our animals? Isn’t this way out of line? -- D.N., West Palm Beach, Florida

DEAR D.N.: I do not know the details of this dog’s obstruction issue, which sounds serious and complicated, so I cannot give you my opinion.

All I can say is that for some dogs and their owners, veterinary accident insurance may be wise. It is a significant stress factor for veterinarians to have to euthanize animals whom their owners cannot afford to have healed.

‘TRUTH ABOUT PET FOODS’ 2020 LIST NOW AVAILABLE

Pet food safety advocate Susan Thixton has put together a list of the most acceptable cat and dog foods on the market, according to her rigorous criteria. Visit her website -- truthaboutpetfood.com/the-list -- and join to support her work for companion animals, attending pet food industry meetings and representing the best interests of our four-legged companions.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)