THE DOG DOC

​On May 31, 2019, the documentary Dog Doc was screened at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, as part of the Berkshire International Film Festival. It was a wonderful event for animal owners, and an opportunity for their caretakers to know about ways to help their beloved pets.

The documentary presented many examples of how integrative medicine is a valuable option in helping our pets regain their health. The film principally focused on veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein of Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York, and how his career evolved, and he became an integrative doctor so that he could do the best for his patients. It was heartwarming to watch his cases and some involving his associates at Smith Ridge; the pets were treated with various alternative modalities that helped them regain quality in their lives. The film also included examples of difficult cases that were only able to get a short period of time with their families.
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The film was produced and directed by Cindy Meehl, who won the award for best documentary at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival for Buck. Among the issues raised in the Dog Doc is the serious question about the dangers of over-medication. The documentary also offers an immersive view into a rarely seen world that paints a complete picture of the dedication, heartbreak, and joy of being a veterinarian. 
Both Marty and Cindy did a Q/A session after the showing.

Veterinarians want the best for their patients and having more options and ideas can be so helpful. I recommend that all animal caretakers see this film and as an integrative veterinarian it made me proud to think we are trying as many things as possible to help our patients.
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I have known Marty for over 40 years. We met when we attended the International Veterinary Acupuncture Course (IVAS) in 1975-76. I was the first women veterinarian to take an acupuncture course in the United States when I was still a student in veterinary school in 1976. The experience opened my eyes from the beginning of my career and has given me a drive to always find another solution to help my patients. Through the years, Dr. Goldstein and I have shared many ideas, and he is the one who introduced medical ozone to my practice. I am so grateful for that information. I took what he gave me and then studied with human and veterinary doctors for the last 18 years all over the world to learn more and share and teach this amazing, effective modality. The World Health Organization encourages it. 

Left to right: Dr. Margo Roman, the director Cindy Meehl and Dr. Marty Goldstein.