“As a veterinary surgeon with three decades in clinical practice, I can say without hesitation that truly credible, research-driven online communities are exceptionally rare. Many platforms appear confident or authoritative, yet their administrators remain anonymous, their backgrounds unverifiable, and their recommendations drawn more from trend-driven conjecture than from evidence. This makes it understandably difficult for veterinary professionals to place trust in social media groups, particularly when unreferenced advice is presented as fact. Over time, this kind of diluted, anecdotal information — even when well-intentioned — can erode the authenticity and scientific grounding that responsible owners rely on.

What stands out so profoundly about The Balanced Canine is that it has quietly done what so many larger, louder spaces have not: it has built, refined, and proven its approach. This is not a group built on theory alone. Its ethos has been tested, honed, and upheld consistently, and that reliability is something I do not often encounter in the online sphere.

Libby Halpin’s leadership is one of the primary reasons for this. Despite being exceptionally modest about her work, she remains one of the most ethically driven, evidence-focused educators I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. Her commitment to transparency — openly sharing qualifications, areas of study, and the scientific foundation behind every piece of content — is exemplary. In a world full of online voices rarely willing to disclose what, if anything, they have formally studied, this level of honesty is both refreshing and vital.

What Libby and her team have created is a genuinely safe and supportive environment for dog owners: a space free from judgement, free from ego, and free from the noise that so often crowds out sound advice. The group’s unwavering commitment to research-backed guidance, proper credentialing, ethical moderation, and the responsible sharing of information sets it apart as a true safe haven. It is the kind of community where owners can feel protected, informed, and deeply respected.

Over the years, Libby has personally assisted both myself and my practice — offering well-researched content support, thoughtful insights, reliable product recommendations, and a perspective grounded firmly in both science and compassion. Her dedication to canine wellbeing is not performative; it is lived, consistent, and profoundly authentic.

For colleagues seeking a reliable, ethically moderated resource to recommend, and for discerning owners looking for trustworthy guidance, I endorse The Balanced Canine wholeheartedly. It represents the very best of what online education can be when built on integrity, humility, and unwavering respect for the animals we serve.”