Randy's Story

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Acupuncture Information

The practice of acupuncture is nearly 3000 years old, originating in China. Acupuncture restores the vitality of the energy flow in the body that is called Qi (pronounced “Chee”). When the energy flow is obstructed or blocked it creates illness and pain. Acupuncture is done by placing needles that are as thin as our hair in specific pressure points in the body generally leaving them in for about 20 minutes. This promotes a shift in the body/energy flow that brings back or opens the opportunity to restore proper energy flow and alignment with the body and mind. For most people and pets it brings on a state of peace and tranquility. In cases of more serious illness, acupuncture works best in conjunction with Western medicine. In cases of less serious illnesses acupuncture can be an alternative treatment to Western medicine. Some of the more common uses of acupuncture are for: skin disorders, diabetes, digestive problems and the side effects of cancer treatments.

The name of the veterinary clinic I used was: VCA Animal Hospital, 1818 South Sepulveda Boulevard, West Los Angeles, CA 90025, and the phone number is (310) 473-2951. The acupuncturist’s name is Dr. Farber. My email address is:

by Shelley Kraft

This is my personal story of love and healing...

…of care and feeling, and of taking a road less traveled to the time when I had to say a final goodbye to my cat Randy. Randy was 13 years old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. Traditional Western medicine and drugs only took him so far. Yet, through the use of Eastern medicine, B-12 shots, herbs, lots of love and a great doctor I was able to both extend and improve Randy’s last year.

The reason I am writing this story is in the hope of benefiting other ailing pets, to give them a better quality of life and to grant some measure of happiness to the owners of sick pets by making others aware of Eastern medicine and the benefits it has to offer to animals.

My cat, Randy was diagnosed with cancer on August fourth, 2004 – I’ll never forget that date. When the vet came out and gave me the news he gave Randy only two months to live. I was beside myself and started crying uncontrollably. I couldn’t believe what he said and how casual he was with the words he had spoken. Where was the equivalent to “Bed Side Manner” to ease the shock of his words? For three weeks I was distraught over the news. I had lived with Randy since he was 3 months old. I didn’t know what to do or what to believe of my beloved cat having only two months left to live. My pain eventually gave way to careful thought. I decided to go back to the same vet’s office, see a different veterinarian and find a plan of action that was positive. I believed that I could help Randy If I could just find the right way and that he would live longer than two months.

Randy’s new day began as I inquired about medicine/drugs that I believed were not too invasive. At this point I knew nothing about applying Eastern healing to animals. Randy was initially put on a drug named “Chlorambucil” also known as “Leukeran”. This turned out to be a potent drug. A quarter of a tablet was to be administered twice a day by me while wearing heavy-duty gloves that the vet supplied to me. I had to put the pill in a syringe type instrument and then “try” to get him to swallow the pill. As this is a cancer drug, it also had to be refrigerated and kept in a plastic bag away from other foods. Only the vet or a pharmacist was allowed to cut the drug in quarters while wearing gloves and goggles. After I found this out I asked myself “Am I crazy doing this?”. Then I realized this is my Randy and I pledged to myself to do whatever I could within my means to help him.

I continued with this plan feeling confident that he was doing and feeling better. But to me he just didn’t seem like my fun loving, playful Randy. He ate normally, but he wasn’t active and he slept too much. I was consoled that I still had my Randy. Then there was a change of events. Randy started getting worse around Christmas 2004 I looked deep in Randy’s eyes and he seemed to be saying “I can’t do this anymore”. I felt so sad again. I didn’t know what to do at this point. All I knew was that I wasn’t ready to let go of Randy. So again I collected my thoughts, called the vet and told them how poorly Randy was doing. I asked what else there was for me to do and the woman I spoke to suggested that I try the acupuncturist who was on staff at the same veterinarian facility. From that conversation I knew I had to take this chance. I started bringing Randy in on January 5, 2005 for his first acupuncture treatment.

This is how the visits went and how Randy felt from them. For the first couple of months of treatment I had to bring Randy in once a week, meet with the acupuncturist and watch as little needles were placed in specific pressure points on Randy for about 20 minutes. Anyone who has had a cat knows how difficult it is to keep their cat still, let alone for 20 minutes while needles are placed in their body. Surprisingly, Randy lay still on the table for each 20-minute session while I pet him. After the needles were removed he got a B-12 shot and I was given Chinese herbs that were to be administered twice daily to Randy. After just the first few visits Randy seemed like his old self again. Miraculous, he was starting to play again and be less lethargic. Once I saw this change in Randy I was overjoyed and filled with hope. Soon I was able to taper down his visits to once every 2 – 3 weeks. This treatment regimen went on for over 8 months through September 5, 2005. Almost at once Randy’s body just couldn’t go on anymore. He passed away peacefully on September 27, 2005. I was still not ready to let Randy go, but at this point I knew that it was his time and I had done everything I could do within my means.

I sincerely hope that in some small way this article will bring comfort to both you and your pet. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or would like more information should you feel that this is a path that you might like to take for yourself and your pet’s well being: