Boise, Idaho ? Eight years ago, the fluffy white mutt was living outside a bar, surviving on popcorn she begged from patrons.

She was delivered to a shelter, and the day she was scheduled to be euthanized, Barbara Myhre adopted the little dog. She named her Suzie, and soon discovered that the homeless life had damaged Suzie’s health, forcing her to take drugs to correct a thyroid problem.

Today, Myhre accompanies Suzie once a month to acupuncture treatments administered by a holistic veterinarian.

Myhre is one of a growing number of pet lovers turning to alternative pet care and holding up their animals as proof that it works, if only in small measured ways.

Holistic veterinarians may use several kinds of alternative medical treatments, including Chinese herbs, healing touch or chiropracty. They often focus on healing the whole animal instead of treating its symptoms.

Suzie is a patient of certified veterinary acupuncturist Jacquie Swartz, owner of a small practice in Boise. Her recovery was slow until Swartz began acupuncture treatments a year and a half ago.

“You know what’s nice about dogs? They have no preconceived ideas about needles,” Myhre said.

As Swartz pricks Suzie’s skin with ultra-thin, flexible needles, the dog barely blinks. Occasionally she sends a questioning glance at Swartz, when the vet finds a point that is particularly sensitive.

Myhre said the thyroid problem has improved so much Suzie no longer requires medication. Her hair is glossy again. And though she continues treatment for a variety of new, age-related problems — including thirst, a distended belly, a sore back and trouble climbing stairs — Myhre is confident acupuncture will continue to help.

Like most dogs, Suzie is yawning and relaxed by the end of the session.

BARBARA MYHRE, LEFT, holds her dog Suzie while Jacquie Swartz, a certified veterinary acupuncturist, treats the pet with acupuncture needles at a clinic in Boise, Idaho. Holistic veterinarians focus on healing the whole animal instead of treating its symptoms.

“Animals respond really well to acupuncture and Chinese medicine,” said Swartz. “They are very sensitive to energy, and that’s what is being manipulated with acupuncture and herbs. You know how people say dogs can smell fear? It’s kind of the same thing, because they’re picking up on the energy around someone.”

For that reason, Swartz, who formerly used only traditional western medicine, will not perform invasive procedures in her office.

“I don’t do any X-rays, surgery or euthanasia here, so the office is pretty clean as far as energy goes,” she said.

A schnauzer named Nickel seemed to think so, eagerly sniffing at Swartz’s lavender-scented hand lotion.

Owner Lynette Goode believes acupuncture saved Nickel’s life.

“She had severe arthritis, couldn’t get up the stairs and collapsed all the time. We tried putting her on traditional medication but it threw her liver all out of whack and caused even more problems,” said Goode. “Our vet told us just to bring her home and love her until the pain got to be too bad, and then we’d have to put her down.”

Goode was unwilling to accept the news without a second opinion, and brought Nickel to Swartz. She admits being skeptical about acupuncture — her husband thought she was crazy.

By the third treatment, she said, Nickel was noticeably improved. A few visits later, Nickel was able to stop taking hormone medication for an incontinence problem. Her arthritis calmed.

The results have Goode almost convinced.

“I’ve decided acupuncture is great for my dog, but I’m still not sure for me,” she said.