DEAR READERS: Those of you who have read my book "The Soul of the Wolf" know how much I respect these long-persecuted fellow creatures. The gray wolf is currently listed as endangered in all or portions of 43 states, and is listed as threatened in Minnesota.
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In a bit of good news, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has rejected two petitions to narrow Endangered Species Act protections for certain gray wolf populations.
“The petitioners failed to present substantial information for us to conclude that the petitions, considered together, provide a valid approach for revising the current gray wolf listed entities,” the agency stated.
The continued assault on the wolf is a sad reflection of the state of mind of many American citizens -- a state of mind that is anathema to humane and responsible planetary stewardship. Such stewardship would recognize and respect the rights and ecological services of wolves and other predators, as well as their high degree of sentience.
This planet cannot sustain a human population of 8 billion if a high percentage of those humans are meat-eaters. The production of meat involves ranchers killing wolves and other predators, to the detriment of biodiversity and ecosystem health.
As for those who want to shoot wolves for sport or trap them for their fur, their lack of empathy and education must be rectified.
DEAR DR. FOX: Sometimes my dog Ralphie likes to nibble on the moss on trees during our walks. Is that OK? -- D.M., Washington, D.C.
DEAR D.M.: So long as the moss is green (not yellow or reddish), and is like a furry mat on the tree, it is probably safe -- and potentially quite nutritious.
According to the resource HowToEatThis.com, “Moss provides dietary fiber, which aids digestion. It contains small amounts of protein and carbohydrates. Some moss species offer trace minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Certain mosses contain vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants support immune function. Moss also has chlorophyll, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.”
You might consider what kind of dog food you are providing your dog, and his overall health. Your dog may be exhibiting nutritional wisdom in such supplemental self-medication. Many dogs who are fed just cheap kibble eat dirt and engage in coprophagia -- eating whatever poop they can find -- because their diets are nutrient-deficient.
BOOK REVIEW: 'THERE'S A MUSHROOM FOR THAT'
"There’s A Mushroom For That! Learn How Mushrooms, Cannabis, and Integrative Medicine Help Your Pets Live Long and Healthy Lives" by Dr. Robert Silver.
This is an outstanding contribution to companion animal health, providing information and treatments for a variety of conditions -- from anxiety and epilepsy to cancer and skin disorders -- with detailed case histories. Every veterinarian in companion animal practice, as well as veterinary students entering the field and owners of cats and dogs who want to learn more about integrative veterinary medicine, should read this book. The author is one of the pioneers of my profession and avocation.
(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.)