Samantha, a yellow Labrador retriever at the ripe old age of 15 years, was diagnosed 18 months ago with a brain tumor and a disease that caused her to lose her equilibrium and the ability to walk.

The doctors said she would be lame and wouldn't live more than six months.

That was before she started visiting the Vet at the Barn veterinary clinic in Chesnut Ridge, N.Y., which offers a host of complementary treatments such as acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and Chinese herbal remedies.

Nowadays, Samantha lays relaxed and calm as Danielle Riviera massages and stretched her joints and muscles. Soon after, she greets Dr. Galit Levin for her acupuncture treatment.

After a change in diet, massage and acupuncture treatments and regular doses of various herbal remedies, Samantha is enjoying life.

"Her health is a lot better now since coming here," says her owner, Debbie Pingitore, of Manhattan. "She's up all day and enjoying herself, and I'm enjoying her. I'm not trying to elongate her life. I'm trying to give her a happy, comfortable and natural aging transition."

Samantha is among a growing number of pets being treated at veterinary clinics that offer holistic treatments in addition to conventional medicine.

"Acupuncture on animals, just like on humans, was once seen as quackery," said the clinic's owner and head veterinarian, Beverly Cappel.

But now, more vets are studying acupuncture and adding it to their treatments. Cappel says most of their clients are referrals from conventional vets who have gotten stuck -- especially with chronic illnesses.

"There's no placebo effect in animals," Cappel said. "It either works or it doesn't."

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