A veterinarian who makes house calls? Rare – but not unheard of. But a veterinarian who comes to your home to perform pet reiki and offer a homeopathic remedy in lieu of a prescription drug? That trail is being blazed by Robin Nowak, whose newly launched Veterinary Wellness of Northern Michigan specializes in classical homeopathy, nutritional consultations and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation for pets.

The Ticker sat down with Nowak, a licensed veterinarian who has practiced traditional small animal medicine and surgery in northern Michigan for several years, to find out why she decided to transform the way she worked with her animal clients.

“Sasha, my goldendoodle puppy, had recurring bowel issues, and I was one step away from putting her on steroids at four months of age,” says Nowak. “I tried a raw diet, and the problem resolved within 12 hours.” She started studying various nutritional programs for animals and found she wasn't the only one curious about alternative methods.

“People in Traverse City are ready for it and open to it,” says Nowak. “There are many chiropractors, naturopaths and acupuncturists in TC that provide this type of care for humans. But most people aren’t aware that there are alternatives to traditional vet care.”

Nowak is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She is also certified in Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. “VOM induces healing by putting the nervous system back into proper communication. It’s especially successful in treating hip dysplasia and arthritis,” says Nowak. In 2011, she completed training in classical homeopathy with Dr. Richard Pitcairn of Sedona, Arizona.

“Homeopathy is different from traditional medicine in that it’s the cure we are seeking, not just the removal of bothersome symptoms. The entire patient and the pattern of illness experienced in their lifetime are considered when establishing the treatment plan.”

That treatment, says Nowak, is based on the principal of “like cures like.” The “like” concept in a nutshell: “A homeopathic remedy with the same energy as the pet's disease will displace the disease in the pet,” Nowak explains.

Terese Urban, a TC client, worked with Nowak to treat her Australian cattle dog, Gracie. “Dr. Nowak came to my home and asked many detailed questions involving Gracie’s history. Gracie was suffering from ruptured anal glands and what sounded like kennel cough. After other treatment plans failed, the homeopathic remedies were astonishingly effective.”

“All of my work can be done in the home,” adds Nowak. “I refer things like surgery, hospitalization and radiographs to a local fully-equipped veterinary hospital. Most pets are much more relaxed in their own home, and I am able to see their everyday environment.”