I am trained as a doctor. I am trained as a neuroscientist. I am a published researcher who did hardcore science. I cannot explain the effects of homeopathic medicines using standard chemistry, biology, or physics. This is my disclaimer to what follows.

My pup was instrumental in turning me towards homeopathy again after 15 years. He was two months old when he entered my life. And God knows how many vaccines, core and non-core, the puppy received in his first year alone. The ‘icing’ on the cake was the sex-hormone elimination (called neutering) for this puppy. He went through series of health issues in that year and half alone. All my training as a doctor, as a homeopath, as a researcher, and data analyst, I felt, was naught, if I continued to be blind to the cause-and-effect relationship in this picture.

I woke up. I resumed my studies of homeopathy. I had solid support of conventional and non-conventional doctors who kept my exuberance in check- they ensured that I did not turn fanatic. I also had more than a fair share of skepticism from my husband who often threatened to take away my PhD for my belief in homeopathy. But my dog responded to classical homeopathy prescribed by me on signs and keen observations. One drug at a time. Sometimes given as frequently as TDS for a day, sometimes given only OD/BD for a day, sometimes given fortnightly. And I thought to myself: Animals cannot lie. Animals may demonstrate a placebo effect but they cannot hide signs and I cannot feign observations because I know it will increase my work. Yes, my pup has been instrumental turning me back to homeopathy.

I am treating him for mild to moderate, acute or chronic issues presently. He has been doing well but slips now and then when modern medicine clashes with homeopathic approaches. Every time he comes down with something, I worry and fret. However, a dose or two of the correct homeopathic remedy when needed sets him straight in no time or at least minimizes the need to have huge doses of conventional medicine. How can I ignore this?

I cannot just say it is only medicine that helps him. Home-cooked, near complete, dog-safe diet, care about his mental and physical health, following a routine, supplements like good probiotics, and making sure he is happy and rested majority of the time, has a big role to play in his well-being (it is true for humans too you know).

Food is medicine as his first vet had sagely told me once. Then she went on to prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics for him when he was just 5 months old☹. I believed the first part of her assertion, changed vets, and keep a detailed food and health log for him even now. I manage his calories, food quality and quantity, exercise, and monitor his health outcomes and happiness.

I have a long way to go. We have a long way to go. I am sure the road will get bumpy in future. But I feel a bit more confident in 2025 than I was in 2022, thanks to homeopathy.