Beginning today, we are launching a new division devoted to companion animals. My daughter (Amanda) will be spearheading this initiative. We have agreed to provide you with up-to-date information on how to take care of health issues that our furry companions have, just like we have been doing for humans. Amanda wrote a letter to help you get to know her.
Hello everyone, I am Amanda, a third-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health student at the University of Florida. My passion for animals began early and has grown deeper over the years, shaped by every patient I have met and every pet I have cared for. I have seen firsthand how much our pets enrich our lives and how strongly we feel their joys and their struggles, and those experiences have fueled my commitment to helping them live healthier, happier lives.
My greatest teacher right now is Honey, my sweet and sassy pocket pittie mix. She has brought so much joy and energy into my life, but like many pets, she also has her challenges. One of the biggest has been her year-round allergies. Managing them has been a journey of science, patience, and love. We have gone through itchy days, paw-licking marathons, and plenty of trial and error in order to figure out what brings her comfort. Even with my veterinary training, it has been a humbling reminder that caring for a pet is never simple. It takes observation, time, and empathy. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer, and that lesson has shaped the way I think about medicine and the human-animal bond.
In the clinic, I see this same lesson play out repeatedly. Too often, pet parents are given short-term fixes that provide temporary relief but do not always address the underlying cause or explore all the options available. My goal, both in the clinic and here, is to make pet health easier to understand and to show how a well-rounded approach can make a difference. Sometimes natural support is enough, sometimes prescription medicine is necessary, and often the best path is a thoughtful combination of both. What matters most is finding what works for the individual animal and the family that cares for them.
In the months ahead, I will share posts reflecting this philosophy. I will highlight natural ways to support health, explain the science behind these approaches, and show how prevention, lifestyle, and medicine can work together. My aim is not to offer quick fixes but to provide a perspective that helps you better understand your pet’s health challenges and the range of tools available to address them.
This will be a space for open and practical conversations. I believe that when pet parents are given the knowledge and confidence to ask questions and explore options, they can make the best choices for the animals they love. I am excited to share this journey with you, and I would love to hear what topics you are most interested in exploring when it comes to natural and integrative approaches to pet health. If you have questions or topics you want to learn more about, I invite you to share them in the comments. Your feedback will help shape future posts and ensure this space is as helpful as possible.
Amanda Foreman
DVM/MPH Candidate | Class of 2027
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
UF One Health Case Competition | Co-Director 2025
Veterinarians in One Health | President 2024-2025
Pets Are Wonderful Support | Client Service Liaison 2024-2025
Veterinarians Active in Research | Treasurer 2024-2025
Boehringer Ingelheim USDA Veterinary Scholar 2024