chris spears' heartsong
by julie parker

It’s all about balance, really: maintaining balance in the physical system, and restoring balance when it is off kilter.

It is also about a balance between a Traditional Western medical approach and the use of natural remedies based on, well, maintaining balance. In addition to the usual veterinary practices, the new vet in town-Christina Spears-uses Chinese herbal formulas, Western herbal formulas, Bach flower remedies, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, glandular formulas—even chiropractic and acupuncture.

I decided to take my four-legged assistant, Freya Parker, along with me when I went to interview Dr. Spears. Freya took to Chris immediately. (A dog lover’s best sign, yes?) Being a typical Western North Carolina Dog, Freya favors a holistic approach in maintaining her health. Not only did she not complain when Chris inserted a half-dozen acupuncture needles, Freya, looking like a furry pincushion, curled up and went to sleep while we continued our interview.

I would say that Christina Spears is a typical Western North Carolina woman (or at least typical of our readers) in that she doesn’t just swallow the prevailing paradigm, but she follows what her heart is telling her really works. In veterinary school (she is a 1997 graduate of University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine) she established a holistic club for those students interested in alternative health care (which was not part of the curriculum). Despite being shunned by the “cow guys” at the school, she went on to help establish a student chapter of AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association).

“Initially I was trained in traditional medicine and surgery, I practiced Western medicine for 3 years. Through personal experience, I realized the healing power of chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal therapies. I pursued training in animal acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, taking a total of 130 hours of training and began working at Loving Touch Animal Center in the fall of 2000.” The center (lovingtouchac.com) was founded by Dr. Michelle Tilghman, a leader and course instructor with IVAS, an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech College of Veterinary Medicine and a holistic vet for 20 years. [Note from author: When I was living in DC, the only holistic vet I could find in all of the DC area was Monique Maniet. The three other holistic vets I know are women. It seems women are the trailblazers in this arena.]

“Under Dr. Michelle’s guidance,” she continues, “I learned how to apply acupuncture and incorporate Chinese herbal medicines. I became a certified veterinary acupuncturist in the summer of 2002. I have practiced integrative animal medicine for 4 years and have seen great benefit for animals.”

“Integrative veterinary medicine blends traditional veterinary medicine with alternative therapies. I use modern diagnostic such as x-rays and blood testing to understand the disease. Then I may combine an antibiotic with an herb, or recommend acupuncture. I assess the animals and use different therapies to heal rather than treat a symptom.”

Hanging up her own shingle:
“I wanted to create a practice based on honor for the animals, to respect them as individual beings who needed the best care I could provide.  I wanted to take time with clients and patients, to be thorough in their needs.  I wanted to let my concern for their well being be the focus of my work.  Most vets practice with these same ideals, but sometimes money or time or frustration change these ideals and therefore the caring behind the healing.  I see each patient as unique and am truly committed to providing high quality care.  Compassion, integrity and love are the foundation of Heartsong Animal Hospital.”

“I had not always planned to go out on my own.  I would have loved to have found an ideal job with another practice.  I couldn’t seem to find the right fit in Asheville, so I started my own.”

Has it been easy, setting up shop on her own? Well there have been glitches: permits taking too long, construction going over the projected time, equipment expenses adding up, (covering both traditional and holistic adds more to inventory). “There is an echo in the rooms—we’re still working that. There is the challenge of marketing myself properly, and finding time to do it all with a family. My mentors said ‘It is a lot of hard work, don’t do it.’  But everyone I know who has their own practice is glad they do.” Again, Christine chooses to create a healthy balance in her life. She alternates days in the office with substantial time caring for Michael, 2, and Caroline, 4. And she is looking for other holistically-oriented vets who also value balance in their own lives to be a part of Heartsong, to offer their skills and passions together under a single roof.

A Bit of Advice:
“I would recommend to any new practitioner (vet, chiropractor, etc) to work for at least 5 years for someone else so that the medicine isn’t new as well as a new business.  Read the book the E-Myth about starting a new business.  It helps you realize the whole picture.  This has been a daunting endeavor.  But one leap of faith I’m glad I made.  I can assure my clients of high quality integrative medicine-- no doubt in my mind.”I asked her what she would most like prospective patients/clients to know about her approach. “I want them to know my foundation is from love for the animals.  I see them as more than just a dog.  I realize the trust a client conveys to me when they allow me to treat their animals.  A client must trust his/her health practitioner to care for their family member.  I take that trust and do the best I can for their beloved little dog or cat, exploring many possibilities for wellness.  I want to help animals be well, maintain wellness instead of waiting for illness.”

Unconditional Love:
Chris learned early that animals excel at offering unconditional love.  “Growing up I had a club foot that caused me to walk funny.  Although I had friends and was happy, I still had people look at me funny or stare at me.  My dog Muffin, a black Lab, never looked at me funny.  He never stared at my foot like anything was wrong.  He was a true friend, no matter what I looked like.”  

As a teenager, she learned to ride. Horses offered her the opportunity to develop her athletic skills…on the same level as other riders, even though she had a physical problem.  She won the blue ribbon—without being given any special treatment.  “Horses gave me that strength, that ability to compete, which helped my self confidence.  When I had surgery at 25, my dog Ullabelle, a terrier mix, sat by my side through 4 months of recovery and further surgery.  My animals have been my true friends.  They didn’t ever think anything was wrong with me, and that made a big difference.”

Now Chris is ‘giving back’, offering her skill and unconditional love to her furry clientele.

Christina Callaway Spears, DVM, CVA,
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Heartsong Animal Hospital
932 Hendersonville Road, Suite 106
Asheville, NC 28732
(828) 277-6635
(828) 277-6637