Author: Marjorie Lewis

Animal Communicator Animal Communicator Partnerships

How Animal Communicators Work With Animal Behaviorists

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date August 29, 2023

When your pet encounters health or behavioral challenges, determining where to seek assistance can be a difficult decision. Your primary choice should generally be your veterinarian. Veterinarians possess extensive training and experience that allows them to identify the underlying causes of health issues. They are skilled at pinpointing illnesses or injuries that might be responsible for sudden shifts in behavior.

The Role of Veterinarians and Specialists

While many of our pets’ issues aren’t strictly health-related, such as alterations in behavior or difficulties in communication during training, your vet can guide you. Once health-related causes have been ruled out, your veterinarian might refer you to other specialists like animal behaviorists, trainers, or animal communicators to address problems like:

Aggressive tendencies
Anxiety-related behaviors
Excessive barking or digging
Inappropriate urination indoors
Compulsive licking or pacing
Lack of focus during training
Heightened sensitivity

Working with Animal Behaviorists

Working alongside an animal behaviorist can assist pet owners in comprehending and reshaping unwanted behaviors. These professionals possess substantial education and a deep comprehension of a dog’s psyche. They leverage psychological principles to achieve desired behaviors and might devise treatment strategies and training methods to correct behaviors as needed. Common responsibilities of behaviorists focused on training include:

Identifying specific problematic behaviors
Investigating the causes of these behaviors
Analyzing case studies to better understand specific behaviors
Collaborating with pet owners and animals on behavior modification, training, or conditioning
Recommending treatment plans or medications when necessary
Educating owners about behaviors and modification techniques

In each unique scenario, behaviorists collaborate closely with both the pet and the owner. They gather information from the person who has witnessed the behavior, delving into details about the environment, triggers, and observed postures. The behaviorist might also spend time directly observing the animal’s behavior and testing strategies for modification. Throughout this process, information is exchanged verbally based on visual observations, and conclusions are drawn from past experiences. This method, however, doesn’t offer the animal a chance to express its own perspective, thoughts, emotions, and experience of the situation.

Now, envision a scenario where the pet can provide its insights into the behavior. Allowing the pet to contribute its experiences can enrich the overall picture with greater depth and clarity. This is where an animal communicator comes into play, enhancing communication among the pet owner, behaviorist, and pet.

Gaining Insights from Animals

By communicating telepathically with animals, an animal communicator facilitates a conversation using thoughts, emotions, images, and sensory information. This allows them to interview the pet about its firsthand experience effectively. Just as a doctor interviews a patient about symptoms or a therapist discusses emotions, animals can be engaged to share their experiences.

Questions such as:

Where do you feel discomfort, and how would you describe the sensation?
When you growl at other dogs, are you motivated by fear or anger?
How do you perceive being asked to enter the car? What expectations arise?
What kind of relationship do you share with the family cat? As a friend, teacher or as a foe?

These queries help us comprehend intentions, emotions, and perceptions directly from the animal rather than relying on our assumptions. This level of detail clarifies misunderstandings, promotes dialogue and collaboration, and defines expectations in a way that the pet can grasp and partake in.

For instance, consider a family pet that regularly growls at approaching dogs. The owner and trainer might assume it’s due to aggression and develop a modification plan based on that assumption. However, in conversation with a communicator, the pet might reveal that fear and uncertainty are its primary emotions. Armed with this new insight, a completely different plan can be devised, one that nurtures the pet’s confidence and facilitates more socialization and growth.

In another scenario, a dog exhibits considerable anxiety during car rides, even for short distances. Based on observed behavior, the owner might conclude that the dog fears the car or experiences motion sickness. Through communication, the dog might share its past experiences of abandonment. It recalls being driven away, left in an unfamiliar place, and never reuniting with its family. The dog incorrectly associates each car trip with abandonment. The animal communicator can correct this assumption and instill an anticipation of enjoyable rides ahead. This illustrates how animal behaviorists, communicators, and caregivers can collaborate to construct a comprehensive, detailed understanding of an animal’s behavior. When training or modification plans include insights directly from the animal’s viewpoint, they are more likely to yield quicker and more successful results compared to plans based solely on observation.

Harmonious Living

Subsequent communication sessions can further clarify any misunderstandings the pet might have, fine-tune expectations for future training, acknowledge the pet’s progress, and further strengthen the evolving partnership. When animals and humans work together as partners to problem-solve, negotiate, plan, and execute, harmony prevails in the entire household. Adding an animal communicator to your team of supportive pet professionals can offer remarkable benefits.

Beyond the Barks and Meows: Decoding Pet Body Language

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date August 29, 2023

Can you imagine being in an age where verbal communication wasn’t prevalent? All animals on Earth today, including the Human animal, evolved for most of its history relying solely on non-verbal communication. Some studies show that it was not until perhaps 50,000 years ago that humans developed a spoken language, while others say it could have been around for well over 200,000 years.

Today, Humans Focus On Verbal Communication, Not Body Language

Despite when scientists believe verbal language started being used, we have, by this time in our evolution, become quite focused and reliant on our verbal skills to communicate with others. Becoming ever more distant from our earlier knowledge and familiarity of the non-verbal, or body language of our ancestors. This deep ancestral knowledge of reading body language has not, however, gone away completely. It has just faded into the background of our awareness while we focus on the busy and loud human world we live in.

This loud, verbal world has left little attention remaining to focus on and “listen to” the subtle, silent, non-verbal “language” of our animal companions. The animals, however, have had little attention or use for our loud babble and have been developing and refining their non-verbal communication skills over thousands of years.

Each species has developed its own unique set of body language skills that include

Eye contact and pupil dilation
Head posture
Ear position
Body stance
Facial expression
Tail carriage and movement

These can be combined in an infinite number of combinations to express the feelings, intentions, and ideas that they need to convey to friends or foes.

Animals Rely on Body Language and Sounds

Many species have also developed sounds to use along with their body language, such as barks, meows, nickers, and chirps, but these are used as a nuance to the primary non-verbal language in most species. In fact, many scientists still do not qualify them as language because they lack some of the defining characteristics of language, such as grammar and syntax.

Some animal species are considered “vocal learners” that can mimic human speech, such as parrots, dolphins, and beluga whales, yet this is usually not considered “language” but an excellent imitation of human speech. These animals do not use human speech to communicate with their own kind, just with humans as they are taught.

Miscommunications Between Pets and Their Owners

“Whether we speak the same language or not, the most important thing is that we strive to understand one another.”

Many of us train verbal commands to our pets in an effort to make ourselves understood, and I believe that we should be making an equal effort to understand the unique signals of communication that are native to our animal companions.

In consultation with my clients, I find that many of the “problems” pet owners experience with their family pets are due to miscommunication between the two species. We speak and expect our pets to understand our meaning, yet we are often completely unaware of the language they are attempting to share with us – the non-verbal language of their own species.

The Importance of Understanding Your Pet’s Body Language

One might see a dog wagging its tail and assume it is relaxed and happy, but that signal does not carry over to the language of a cat or horse. A cat wagging his tail conveys excitement or annoyance, and when a horse “wags” his tail, you better step back because he is quite irritated and may follow through with a kick.

Whether you have adopted an adult dog, are training a young horse, or trying to negotiate with the family cat, having the skills to notice and respond non-verbally will help to develop the relationship between you.

Developing a deeper relationship with our companion animals relies on developing accurate communication between us. After all, when traveling in a foreign country, speaking louder and slower in English is not the best way to break through the communication barrier. Take the time to learn about the subtle nuance of language and communication that is used by the one you wish to communicate with.

Any individual, whether human or animal, feels better when they can express themselves, be heard and understood, and understand in response. Developing this common communication system helps to develop trust in relationships and fosters a feeling of belonging and safety.

Resources for Pet Owners

Dog Owners

Imagine being able to tell when your dog is stressed and preventing a bite based solely on the dog’s body language. Well, you can! Here is a general guide to interpreting stress signals from your dog.

Cat Owners

Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy breaks down what you need to know about cat body language in this video.

Horse Owners

To handle a horse safely, it is important to understand the changes in expression and posture that can tell you what they are thinking. You can read more here.

An animal communicator can also help you cultivate a deeper understanding between you and your pets by translating your thoughts and ideas into images and feelings that your pet can understand. Consider scheduling your personal consultation now.

Cats Pet Resources

Thinking Outside the Box – What To Do When Your Cat Goes Outside the Box

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date July 31, 2023

There are so many wonderful reasons to choose a cat as your household companion but cleaning up the litter box does not top the list. We are lucky that cats have become domesticated enough that they willingly choose to eliminate in a litter box rather than on our floors. This behavior can often go awry and for any cat lover, having a cat that deposits their waste outside of their litter box can be a deeply frustrating experience. This behavior can have complex layers of motivation from health issues to territory disputes but is generally a cat’s call for help. Here are some tips that may help you to discover the motivation for the behavior and correct it.

Tip 1 – Clean the Litter Box

First things first, clean the litter box. Recent studies show that domestic cats have less concern about the TYPE of litter that you use and more concern about stepping in their own waste.

No matter how many cats you have, how many litter boxes and what type of litter, clean that box out every single day. Cats do not enjoy stepping in and around their own waste in order to do their business.

Tip 2 – Pick the Correct Sized Box

Providing an attractive litter set-up that fits both your needs and the needs of your cat(s) can go a long way to improve the litter box habits of your cat. Pick a box that is large enough for your cat. Cats tend to prefer an uncovered box that is large enough to turn around in. An open-top box with high sides to reduce litter scatter works well for most households. Your household should have one litter box for each cat plus one extra. Ideally, one box on each level of the home to reduce territory disputes and ease of access.

Tip 3 – Pick the Right Litter

Trial and error will help you to select a type of litter that your cat is happy to use. Some cats prefer a clay type, while others do better with a soft silica texture. Select clumping or non-clumping to fit your routine but always select an unscented brand. Remember that your cat’s sense of smell is much more advanced than ours so most fragrances can be overwhelming for them. The best litter is clean litter.

What if my cat still goes outside of the box?

If you have provided a clean and easily accessible litter box and your pet continues to eliminate outside the box, it is time to consult your veterinarian. Many health conditions can alter your cat’s litter box habits. Urinary tract infections, idiopathic cystitis, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer are other possibilities. You can read more about these conditions and others in this article. If going outside of the litter box is a recurring issue, it’s time to ask your vet for a full exam as pain from other conditions, such as arthritis, can also be a motivating behavior and the change in litter box habits. No matter the reason, typically, going outside of the box can be your cat’s call for help.

Other causes for avoiding the litter box can be territory disputes between multiple cats, foot pain from rough litter, and residual scent left on rugs by other pets. Some cats act out their frustration and stress by urinating outside the box. Do a deep assessment of the household routine to determine if any recent changes or additions have caused increased stress to your cat. The addition of a new family member and even rearranged furniture can be enough to stress out some cats.

Hire An Animal Communicator

Often, the consultation of an animal communicator can be key to uncovering the cause. In one client consult, the family cat was able to indicate mold growth on the basement floor as his motivator. The family was unaware of a slow water leak in the basement that had resulted in chronic dampness and, thus, mold growth. The cat was able to point it out and resumed his previous litter box habits once the mold was gone.

In the majority of cases, cats prefer to use their own clean litter box rather than go on the floor and they usually feel that they have a valid cause for going outside the box. A cat will rarely go outside the box simply to “be naughty,” so punishment will not correct the behavior. Our challenge is to see the situation through their eyes and uncover their motivator, remedy the issue, and then reset the habit. The solution often involves Thinking Outside the Box!

Cats Dogs Horses Pet Resources

Summer Reading for Pet Owners

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date July 31, 2023

Do you love to spend some of your summer downtime reading? If so, I’ve got a great list of books for you! Whether you spend your summer lounging on the beach or browsing through an old bookstore, this list of books will help you discover a new (or old) book and begin looking at your human-pet relationship in a new way.

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin – If you’ve ever owned, cared for, or had a care in the world for an animal, this book is for you. Grandin explains the core emotional needs of animals and encourages you to explore our bond with them.
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin – Looking for a life-changing book you won’t want to put down? This book is it! It will forever change the way you think about animals and give you great insight into the way they think.
As the Stars Fall by Steve N Lee – If a heartwarming novel is more your speed, read this book. You’ll see how friendships heal us and how compassion can make us whole again.
Horse Brain, Human Brain by Janet Jones – If you are into brain science, this one might be for you. In this book, seeing, learning, fearing, trusting, and focusing are discussed from both human and horse perspectives. You’ll see just how much can be communicated between these two beings and how they can negotiate the world together.
Mental Exercises for Dogs by Timi Foster – If you and your dog want to get out and get busy this summer, try this family-friendly guide to unleash your dog’s potential.
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Carol Kline – This Chicken Soup collection shares stories about the unique bonds that animals and humans have and how pets have been teachers, healers, heroes, and friends. It’s a book that’s sure to bring you joy and inspiration.
Feline Nutrition – Nutrition for the Optimum Health and Longevity of Your Cat by Lynn Curtis – The rate of diseases such as cancer and diabetes is skyrocketing amongst our companion animals in part due to the increase in commercial “junk food” available on the market today. Often filled with chemical additives and low-nutrient fillers, these high-carbohydrate foods do not come close to the “natural” diet our carnivorous cats crave. Reading this book will help you nourish your feline friend and strengthen your understanding of their needs.
Mindfulness Coloring Book – If you don’t feel much like reading but prefer to relax into a state of mindfulness, these animal images might do the trick.

No matter if you like jumping into science or just want a heart-warming book, these books can help you deepen the bond and understanding between you and your animal by embracing new ideas. You can also deepen your bond by hiring an animal communicator which can give you even more insight into the way your animal feels and behaves.

Dogs Pet Resources

What Summer Activities Should I Do With My Dog?

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date June 29, 2023

Summer is in full swing, and that means that most of us are spending more time outside. On the East Coast, it’s been an especially mild winter, spring, and summer so far, which has allowed us to enjoy mild temperatures that don’t come with many risks for our animal’s well-being. We’re sure to have more intense temperatures as the summer progresses, so here are some fun summer activities you can do with your dog and some things to consider while doing them.

Summer Dog-Friendly Activity Ideas

Go for a Swim: If your dog enjoys the water and is a competent swimmer, take them to a dog-friendly beach, lake, or pool for a refreshing swim. If you just rescued your dog and aren’t sure whether he can swim or not, allow them to watch other dogs in the water and provide them with a shallow area to test out the water in. Make sure to prioritize their safety and supervise them at all times.
Play Fetch: Find a spacious area, such as a park or backyard, and play a game of fetch with your dog. Use a frisbee, tennis ball, or any other suitable toy your dog enjoys retrieving.
Take Hikes or Nature Walks: Explore nature together by going on hikes or leisurely walks on nature trails. Choose trails that are dog-friendly and offer shade or bodies of water for your dog to cool down.
Have a Picnic: Pack a dog-friendly picnic and head to a park. Enjoy some outdoor time together while you and your pup indulge in some tasty treats. Remember to bring dog-safe food and plenty of water.
Arrange Playdates: If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, organize playdates with their doggy friends. This can be a great opportunity for them to socialize, exercise, and have a blast.
Try Agility Training: Set up an agility course in your backyard using items like tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. This activity promotes physical exercise and mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Go on Car Rides: Take your dog on short car rides to explore new areas or visit dog-friendly establishments. Ensure their safety by using appropriate restraints or carriers while traveling.
Play in a Sprinkler or Dog Pool: Set up a sprinkler in your backyard or provide a small dog pool for your pup to splash around in. Many dogs enjoy the sensation of water, and it’s a great way for them to cool down on hot days.
Teach New Tricks: Summer can be a good time to work on training and teaching your dog new tricks. Use positive reinforcement techniques and make it a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
Attend Dog-Friendly Events: Check for dog-friendly events happening in your community, such as outdoor markets, fairs, or dog-friendly festivals. These events often include activities and opportunities for socialization.

What to Consider During Summer Activities

While there are a plethora of activities to do with your dog this summer, you should keep these things in mind:

Consider your dog’s breed, age, and health when choosing activities. Always prioritize their safety, provide plenty of water and shade, and be mindful of the temperature to prevent overheating.
Ask them what their preference is. Before you indulge in all the summer activities, consider using an animal communicator to help you identify what activities your dog prefers. For example, you may ask: do you prefer to chew on a bone inside with cool air? Or do you prefer to splash in the dog pool?
If your dog hasn’t had the experience before, they can’t tell you if they prefer it. Therefore, you may have to test things out. If you’re unsure if they have or not, assume they haven’t.
If you’re planning a vacation, make sure that it is one that fits the entire family…including your furry loved ones.
Plan ahead for different activities. For example, if your dog loves to go outside and run, take them in the morning and not during the hottest part of the day.
Use common sense for things that could jeopardize your dog’s safety. For instance, you wouldn’t want to give your dog the choice of going to the beach if you’re going to be out there all day. The sun and hot sand could be detrimental to your dog.

No matter what you decide to do, it’s important to take the time to enjoy your time with family, friends, and your pet. Summer is a great time for connecting and doing activities that aren’t always available to us, so be safe and have fun!

Cats Dogs Holiday Pet Tips Horses

9 Important Independence Day Tips for Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date June 29, 2023

Protecting animals from fireworks is crucial during celebrations like New Year’s Eve, Independence Day, or any other events involving fireworks. With Independence Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we’re in for several nights of celebration by those around you. This means that not only do we need to be mindful of our pet’s safety on July 4th, but we also need to be mindful days before and after. The loud noises, bright lights, and sudden bursts can cause extreme stress and anxiety for animals, leading to panic, injuries, or even escape attempts.

Here are some steps you can take to help protect animals from fireworks:

Keep animals indoors: The best way to ensure the safety of your pets is to keep them inside your home during firework displays. Close all windows, curtains, and doors to minimize noise and block out the flashes of light. Provide a safe and comfortable area for them, such as a cozy room or their crate, where they feel secure.
Create a calming environment: Reduce the impact of fireworks by creating a calm and familiar environment for your pets. Play soothing music or turn on the TV to drown out the noise. Use white noise machines or calming pheromone diffusers specifically designed for pets to help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Stay with your pets: If possible, stay home with your animals during fireworks displays. Your presence and reassurance can provide comfort and alleviate anxiety. Avoid leaving them alone, as their panic may lead to destructive behavior or escape attempts.
Provide a safe space: Make sure your pets have a safe place to go if they feel scared. This could be a familiar room or their crate, equipped with their favorite bedding, toys, and treats. Creating a den-like environment can help them feel protected and minimize their stress.
Use positive distractions: Engage your pets in activities or playtime before the fireworks begin to tire them out. Offer interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles to keep them occupied and redirect their focus away from the noise and lights. Mental stimulation can help alleviate anxiety.
ID tags and microchips: Ensure that your pets are wearing identification tags with updated contact information. If they manage to escape or become lost, this will increase the chances of a safe return. Additionally, consider microchipping your pets and keeping the registration details up to date.
Consult a veterinarian: If your pet has an extreme fear of fireworks, consult a veterinarian. They may recommend various options, including anxiety-reducing medications, natural remedies, or behavioral training techniques to help your pet cope with the stress.
Inform neighbors: If you know in advance about upcoming fireworks displays, inform your neighbors about the potential impact on pets. This can encourage them to be mindful and take precautions as well.
Inform authorities: Contact local authorities or event organizers to advocate for quieter or alternative fireworks displays that are less distressing to animals. You may even want to educate yourself about the effects that fireworks have on wildlife and domestic animals so that you can be more persuasive. For instance, the combination of deep percussion and vibration hinders a bird’s navigation abilities. Additionally, SFGate reported on studies that showed that birds leave their nests when fireworks explode, which leaves their eggs vulnerable to predators. As a result of these findings, some towns have banned traditional fireworks displays.

By following these measures, you can help protect animals from the anxiety and stress caused by fireworks. Remember to be patient and understanding, as each animal may respond differently. Your care and attention will go a long way in ensuring their well-being during these festive occasions.

Animal Communicator Horses

How Does My Energy Affect My Animal?

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date June 1, 2023

In our everyday lives, we humans tend to think of ourselves as quite different from the animals we call our pets. In fact, we are all made up of the same materials and are very closely related when you look at the details of our DNA. Despite our differences, all Beings are made of energy. This life force, or electromagnetic field is the thing that causes all of us to be Alive and to recognize this energy in one another.

Energy as a Guide

Animals of all types instinctively rely on their senses to assess their surroundings and survive in their environments. They use their sight, smell, and hearing of course, but also a sense of “feel” that allows them to sense changes in energy around them. Bats sense energy fields in order to navigate and hunt. Birds sense the earth’s magnetic field to guide their migration. Dogs are being used in medical science to locate and diagnose diseases using their senses.

Changes In Our Bodies

Modern science is able to measure the various changes that take place in our bodies as we experience emotions, thoughts, and physical activities. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of physiological changes, occur moment by moment, such as when our body temperature changes and brain waves fluctuate in frequency. Our bodies release chemicals and hormones into our bloodstream as our emotions change. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and pupil dilation are constantly changing as well.

One very important fact worth noting is that all of these physiological changes take place in our bodies when we have an experience AND ALSO when we IMAGINE an experience. The animals in our vicinity have no way of distinguishing our physical danger signals as real and current or as fear we are remembering from past experiences or anticipate happening. Their response will be the same in both cases – they will believe we are in danger.

Our pets are able to sense these changes in much more detail and more accurately than we can ourselves. Anyone that spends time around companion animals has seen how they respond when we are sad or stressed. Horses are able to sense the human heartbeat from 4 feet away, this gives them information about us before we even approach. It is said that they can “feel our fear” and in truth, they can. Additionally, horses in a herd tend to synchronize their heartbeats so when one senses danger, they all know instantly.

This type of highly attuned sensitivity has served animals well throughout their evolution and increased their ability to survive. In today’s modern society, however, sensitivity can have both its pros and cons for a companion animal.

Pros

They feel safe and reassured when their people are “broadcasting” relaxed energy signals
Animals are able to sense wellness and illness in the people they meet
Anger and fear energy from a person signals an animal to be wary and cautious
Dogs learn to respond instantly in training exercises based on the energy we broadcast, even before we can speak a command
In some cases, a person’s energy helps a dog to distinguish between friend and foe
A horse is able to adjust his speed and energy output using the rider’s signals as guidance

Cons

Misunderstandings can frequently occur when an animal reads our energy but chooses an inappropriate response
Animals can suffer from hyper-sensitivity in a world filled with sensory stimuli
Humans unconsciously broadcast inaccurate information to their pets and the pet is left wondering how to respond, creating anxiety and a lack of self-confidence
Humans tend to dwell on remembered events and imagined events that carry their own energy pattern, and a pet cannot distinguish which thoughts are real and which he should be responding to

Our companion animals come to know us quite well by our voice, personal scent, stance, and facial expressions. They also become familiar with and “evaluate” us by the energy that we “broadcast”.

When we become aware of all the ways that our energy can affect animals, we can begin to intentionally think, imagine, visualize, focus, and act in ways that accurately lead and guide our pets to desired behaviors rather than misleading them into undesired behavior. Anxiously worrying about an upcoming event only makes them anxious. A relaxed posture and slow deep breaths can quickly signal to our pet that we are safe. We can consciously become their confident leader and broadcast information in the form of energy that our pets can accurately use to choose the right response in any given situation.

Animal Communicator

Is Your Animal Mourning?

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date June 1, 2023

Recall a time when you lost a pet or loved one. Do all the emotions come flooding back to you? We’ve known that people go through a range of emotional and physical feelings of grief after a loss whether this loss was of a human family member or a beloved pet. Did you know that it was long believed that humans were the only ones that mourned the loss of a loved one? Many animal lovers have reported seeing the symptoms of mourning in their family pets, but it was often questioned if humans were projecting our feelings onto them or if animals truly experience a mourning period after a loss.

Believe it or not, there is human mourning and there is also animal mourning. Mourning the loss of a loved one can be a complex and very individually unique process. Each person, or animal, will go through this process in their own way. Some may display their feelings openly and others will keep the feelings held quietly inside. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to tell when an individual or animal is in a state of mourning.

What Mourning Looks Like

Current research is now confirming that many animal species do recognize the death of a family member or companion and exhibit signs of mourning their loss. These species include dogs, horses, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, and dolphins.

Elephants, in particular, have been recognized to have similar mourning behavior to humans. They cry real tears and cry out in distress at the loss of a family member. They pay homage to their deceased friend, standing vigil over the body, touching it tenderly, protecting it from harm and even burying the remains. The empathy that elephants have for loved ones even brings them to visit the skeletal remains of herd members years after their death.

Horses also have been known to gather around the body of a family member to hold vigil and show signs of sadness for a deceased herd member.

Behavioral Changes in Animals After Loss

For both humans and animals, grief is the result of feeling love and happiness from connection with another creature and then losing that beloved one. Companion animals feel this loss for both their human family and also for the other animals they love.

The ASPCA says that over 60% of pets experience four or more behavioral changes after losing a companion. These symptoms might include:

Unusual vocalization
Loss of appetite
Withdrawal from household activities
Lower energy levels
Heightened anxiety or restlessness
Searching for the lost loved one
Sleeping more
Unusual aggressive or destructive behavior
Inappropriate elimination in the home
Separation anxiety

Animals may experience many of these symptoms or none of them. Each individual displays their grief in their own way based on their feelings and relationship with the deceased. A dog may even go through the mourning process for a companion that has not died but simply moved away.

There seems to be some controversy about the level to which animals can understand the process and permanence of death. Some scientists believe that dogs experience grief and loss in a way similar to a 5-year-old child mourning the loss of a companion but not understanding that it is permanent.

When humans are separated from their loved ones they experience the sadness and depression associated with loss whether the loved one has died or simply moved far away. It may be a similar process for animals. They may believe themselves to be alone, their friend is gone and therefore they grieve. The process of mourning and the associated feelings seem to be the same in any case.

My Experience With Loss

In my personal experience, my feelings of sadness and the loss of a beloved pet are very much about being left without them. My physical senses long to touch them and feel their soft coat, to interact and play with them, to feel them sleeping at my feet, and therefore experience the happiness and joy that this companionship brings into my daily life. My personal belief system tells me that the Spirit of my pet survives the loss of the physical body and goes on to “live” in another form. Knowing this brings me joy about their continued existence and yet my grief is very real as I remain here without them.

In my professional experience as an animal communicator, I have had numerous experiences that reinforce my belief that consciousness survives the death of the physical body. On many occasions, a family pet will acknowledge the death and loss of another family pet but reassure us that “he comes back to visit often”. These family pets seem to regret and mourn the separation from their friend yet feel comforted that they are still here in a different form. These animals seem to have a sense of death that is different from our human sense. We tend to feel that death is a final end, a permanent loss of all we knew of our loved ones. The animals have shared that it is more like saying “Bon voyage, I will see you again one day.”

I joyfully look forward to the days that I will be visited again by the Spirit forms of all my beloved and departed pets. This thought helps to ease the pain of my loss and grief.

Helping Your Pet Through the Mourning Process

You can help your family pet to move through their feelings of mourning by gently encouraging them into interaction and play or offering their favorite treats. Guiding them back into connection with others may relieve or distract them from their sadness. Be gentle, never forcing them, but offering opportunities to reconnect when they feel ready to return to their ordinary routines. Time and connection with others are the only true cures for mourning.

Animal Health Dogs

Dog Anxiety Awareness

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date May 1, 2023

Do you have anxiety or have you ever felt anxious? Chances are that you have. Since anxiety is “an overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs”, it’s a pretty common thing. In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 30% of Americans suffer from anxiety in their lifetime. That’s nearly 1 in every 3 people!

Have you ever thought that your dog might have anxiety? Even humans have a hard time identifying their own anxiety, let alone their pets. Imagine being a dog that cannot verbally communicate it or even do anything on its own to reduce it. Since the first week of May is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, I’d like to share some information with you about how to identify that your dog has anxiety and how to help them with it as well.

Dog Anxiety Signs

Just as with any disorder, there are several signs that can also overlap with other disorders and illnesses. No matter what you expect that your dog may have, it’s a good idea to take note of the symptoms they have and how often they are displaying them. Here are some signs that could indicate that your dog has anxiety that you’ll want to take note of:

Changes in eating habits
Digestive issues such as acid reflux and diarrhea
Hiding or disappearing from view
Displays of fear, such as shaking/trembling
Lashing out unexpectedly
Unusual growling, or showing teeth

Our dogs take cues from our own behavior so relax your muscles, slow and deepen your breath and manage your own anxiety to demonstrate the desired behavior to your dog.

Why do dogs get anxious?

Anxiety can be triggered in dogs by many factors. In some cases, a dog may have a negative association with a common object used by a human such as a hat or walking cane. In many situations, the negative associations can be removed through training with a qualified professional. Big life changes like a new home or introducing a baby, new roommate, or an additional pet to the house can result in anxiety. Sometimes these changes merely require an adjustment period, but in some cases may require training to assist the dog with acclimating to the newness.

In my experience, the most common cause of anxiety with dogs is noise. Loud noises such as fireworks, gunfire, thunder, alarms, and even yelling can cause anxiety. Reactions can range from merely a bark to long periods of distress. Sometimes creating a distraction or replacing the noise with another one can help. Aids that can help reduce anxiety include:

Compression – such as a tight-fitted shirt or wrap similar to swaddling a newborn
Calming music
Running a fan
Diffusing essential oils. Be careful though, not all essential oils are safe for dogs. Some that are safe and commonly used include lemongrass, lavender, and rosemary
Massage
Use a gentle tone with your dog, and do not use a voice they may mistake as praise for their behavior this may only add confusion

Using An Animal Communicator to Reduce Anxiety

Sometimes anxiety happens sporadically, but sometimes it can become a routine issue. An animal communicator can help you to pinpoint the cause of distress. Without knowing the trigger, you may be unknowingly making the situation worse, or better yet the solution may be something simple that never occurred to you. Be proactive and plan for utilizing the above-listed aids when you know there may be an anxiety-inducing event such as July 4^th, an incoming storm, or houseguests. Consult a qualified trainer to help you work through specific reactions. You can be your dog’s greatest advocate by creating a safe environment. Not only will you both be happier, but your bond will also strengthen.

Animal Adoption Dogs

Do-odle or Don’t

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date May 1, 2023

Surely you have heard of the poodle crossbreed craze, Cockadoodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Aussiedoodle, Bernedoodle, Doberdoodle, Dalmadoodle, etc. None of these name combinations are made up by us. Try Googling any dog breed with the word poodle and there’s a good chance that a crossbreed will show up. Have you seen them? They are the cutest little muppet-like cuddlepoos. But what is the huge appeal of these crossbreeds called doodle dogs and what are the risks?

The Poodle

Let’s start with the poodle, a great dog. According to the American Kennel Club, “Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, and either black, white, or apricot, the Poodle stands proudly among dogdom’s true aristocrats. Beneath the curly, low-allergen coat is an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons.” No wonder people want to use those traits to customize a pet that is perfect for them, but that is exactly the issue.

Why Crossbreed?

You cannot crossbreed and expect customization or the perfect outcome. For example, there is no way to guarantee that another breed crossed with a poodle will result in a hypoallergenic dog. Considering ten to twenty percent of the human population is allergic to pets, that is a trait that is particularly desirable. It likely is the root of the appeal of doodle crossbreeds to begin with, but even purebred poodle promoters will admit that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

The low allergy tendencies of a doodle mix depend on the percentage of poodle mixed with the percentage of the other breed. The outcome is a bit like DNA roulette unless the breeder is a reputable one that places the integrity of the crossbreed and their own reputation in high regard. A multigenerational doodle cross will have more percentage of poodle, and therefore more tendencies toward being less likely to cause allergy issues. A first generation doodle crossbreed will result in a completely different outcome than a second generation doodle crossbreed. Complicated, yes? This is why finding an experienced breeder you can trust is so important.

Use an Experienced Breeder

Obviously not all breeders are the same. This means that a doodle shopper must do their research! If not, your chance of getting a low allergy crossbreed is the same as adopting a mix from the shelter. That research becomes very important when you realize that the price of a doodle mix ranges from $1,500 – $5,000 and the price of a shelter dog is $50 – $500. It is even more important when you consider the number of shelter dogs needing homes. If a dog found at the shelter is a good fit, then why go with a “designer” crossbreed that may not even have the characteristics you desire in a companion pet.

Common characteristics that people assume can be controlled in crossbreeding

Physical:
- coat quality (low allergy, low maintenance grooming, curly/straight)
- agility
- overall health
Temperament:
- calmness
- intelligence
- trainability

Use a Reputable Breeder

Find a reputable breeder that you can verify through references and contact your veterinarian for suggestions. Investigate your options! If you don’t do your research, you may be unknowingly buying that knockoff Louis Vuitton bag rather than the real deal. Unfortunately, that very issue has resulted in poodle crossbreeds ending up in shelters across the country in high numbers. Not only are the dogs that result from haphazard breeding returned because they are not low allergy, but also because many shed a lot more than a purebred poodle.

If you choose to go with a crossbred or purebred dog, it is up to you to do what is necessary to find the dog that is right for you and a breeder that is responsible, because disregarding a knockoff handbag is completely different than relinquishing a living creature.

This blog was written by Rebecca Gatewood.