Category: Animal Adoption

Acclimating Your Pet With Animal Communication

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date September 6, 2024

Sally was so young and innocent when she was taken away from her home and family. Though the family that welcomed her was kind and gentle, her new world was full of uncertainty. Everything and everyone she had known vanished, and in their place stood unfamiliar people, places, sounds, and smells. The comfort of home was gone. Sally’s journey was one of adaptation, but she longed for the familiarity she had lost.

Despite being given food, comfort, and toys, Sally couldn’t shake her sense of displacement. None of it felt like hers. Her bed was unfamiliar, her favorite food was missing, and the sounds of her old world—the language and smells she once knew—were replaced by an entirely new environment. She silently wondered, How do I fit in here? What is expected of me? What can I expect in the days to come?

Sally’s wishes were simple:

“May I have the food that is my favorite?”
“Can I find a playmate who understands my language?”
“How can I communicate in a way you will understand?”

Her heart ached for her old life, but she also wanted to understand her new one.

Can you feel her sadness and confusion? It’s easy to imagine that Sally might be a foreign exchange student, arriving in a place where the language, culture, and customs are entirely different from what she knew. But what if Sally wasn’t a human at all?

In this case, Sally is not an exchange student. Sally is a four-month-old puppy and one of the 4.1 million animals adopted yearly.

Understanding Through Communication

Animal communication plays a crucial role in helping pets like Sally acclimate to a new environment. By tapping into their energy and emotions, we can understand their needs and concerns. Through intuitive listening and connection, we can give animals a voice that allows their new families to meet them where they are—emotionally and mentally.

When Sally arrived in her new home, she was offered toys, food, and a warm place to sleep. Yet, despite these comforts, something was missing: Sally didn’t feel understood. Through animal communication, we can listen to what Sally is feeling and thinking, providing her with a sense of validation. Whether it’s a puppy, a rescue animal, or a pet moving to a new home, communication opens the door to a smoother transition.

Using intuitive skills, I could help Sally’s new family hear her silent questions:

“May I please have the food that reminds me of home?”
“Is there a place here where I can feel safe?”
“How can I play and communicate in a way that you will understand?”

By acknowledging Sally’s unspoken needs, we give her a sense of belonging. She feels heard and respected, which can reduce anxiety and make her transition easier.

Building a Bridge Between Humans and Animals

Animal communication is a two-way street. It’s not only about understanding the animal’s feelings but also about helping the family communicate with their new pet. Just as a foreign exchange student would benefit from learning the language of their host family, a pet like Sally needs guidance and understanding, too.

Families can help their new pets acclimate by:

Offering choices that align with the animal’s personality and preferences.
Introducing them to new environments and routines in a gradual, respectful way.
Communicating boundaries while remaining sensitive to the animal’s past experiences.
Encouraging new friendships with other pets, making sure to honor their communication style.

When we give animals the space to express themselves, we empower them to feel confident and secure in their new homes. Sally’s journey from uncertainty to comfort is one that many pets experience, but through the power of animal communication, we can make this transition smoother and more compassionate.

Steps to Help a New Pet Acclimate

Animal communication offers insight into how we can ease a pet’s transition into their new environment. Here are some steps I often share with families welcoming a new animal:

Understand Their Preferences
Through communication, we can discover what foods, toys, or routines a new pet might prefer based on their past experiences. If Sally misses a certain type of food or a familiar scent from her old home, we can provide these comforts to help her feel at ease.
Create a Safe Space
Animals, especially those in unfamiliar surroundings, need a place where they can retreat and feel safe. Communicating with them allows us to identify what that space should be. Does Sally want her bed in a quieter room? Does she feel safer with a particular toy or blanket that brings her comfort?
Introduce New Routines Gently
Transitioning into a new home means adapting to new routines. Through animal communication, I can relay how Sally feels about these changes, allowing her family to ease her into new habits in a way that feels less overwhelming. For instance, we might discover she needs more time to adjust to a new feeding schedule or that she feels most comfortable taking walks in quieter areas.
Teach Boundaries with Compassion
Animals thrive when they know what is expected of them. Communicating with Sally could help her understand the family’s boundaries and rules while also allowing the family to set these expectations with compassion. For example, if Sally doesn’t understand why she’s not allowed on certain furniture, we can help explain it in a way that resonates with her.

The Importance of Choice

Ultimately, all beings—whether human or animal—need the power of choice to thrive. Sally, like any new pet, benefits when she’s given the freedom to make small decisions within her new environment. Animal communication allows us to identify what choices are most meaningful to her, helping her find her unique place in her new family.

When we listen to our pets, understand their needs, and provide them with choices, we create an environment where they can truly thrive. Sally’s journey is one of transformation—made easier and more meaningful through the gift of communication.

By opening up this line of understanding, we help our animals feel heard, valued, and loved, no matter how unfamiliar their world might seem at first.

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.

Animal Adoption Rabbits

5 Things to Know About Rabbit Adoption

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date February 23, 2023

Easter will be here before we know it and chocolate bunnies won’t be the only thing being purchased around that time. By the way, did you know that over 91 million chocolate bunnies are bought each year around Easter? That’s a lot of chocolate bunnies!! While there won’t be 91 million, the adoption of rabbits will increase during February, since it’s Adopt A Rabbit Month, and during Easter time, too. Many parents plan on gifting their child/children with what seems to be a cute, furry friend for Easter and some even go out on a whim and get one with no prior planning. Whether you’re adopting a rabbit spontaneously or planning it, here are some things you should know:

Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets. These intelligent and social animals require daily enrichment activities, exercise, and socialization. They are energetic so it’s important to provide them with things that will help them spend their energy. Otherwise, they may find something to occupy them, like chewing on your favorite shoe or a lamp cord, to keep them entertained.
You have to “bunny-proof” your home. Rabbits can easily destroy your furniture, carpet, molding, and wires. They’ll even eat any loose paper laying around.
Their diet is NOT carrots and bunny pellets. Rabbits actually require a constant supply of hay. It is vital for their digestive and dental health. This is a big thing for families that may have allergies. Something else to consider is that their diet has to be supplemented with fresh vegetables on a daily basis. Dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, and herbs are all good for rabbits and the cost of these additional groceries can add up quickly.
Rabbits are not inexpensive pets. My House Rabbit has a great article that breaks down the cost of a pet rabbit. The initial cost for one is estimated to be up to $390 with ongoing costs of around $85 per month.
Rabbits are not good for children. Rabbits are prey animals so they like to be kept on the ground. Children tend to want to cuddle and pick them up which startles them. When a rabbit feels something holding it, it may get aggressive and then scratch the child as it tries to flee. If you’re going to adopt a rabbit for a child, it’s better to have an older child so that they can participate in their care and understand how to safely handle the rabbit.

While there are many pros to having pets in general, a rabbit is a pet that you’ll want to put deep thought into. You may want to consider talking with a veterinarian about the life expectancy and care they will need. The more information you have, the better off you are.

If you do decide to adopt a rabbit, the House Rabbit Society shares a great article For People New to Rabbits that provides some useful resources. They also have a brochure that contains a lot of practical information including how to feed and house-train your new rabbit and bunny-proof your home before the rabbit arrives. Something else you may want to consider after getting a rabbit is hiring an animal communicator. Talking with an animal communicator can help you understand if the rabbit is happy with their environment, this will lessen the risk of them destroying property and engaging in undesired behaviors. This is just one of the ways an animal communicator can help. To learn about other ways, you can schedule a consultation.

Animal Adoption

Improving Quality of Life for Your Animal Rescue: Part 2

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date January 19, 2023

The day has finally come when you bring your newly adopted animal rescue into your household. The process of creating a quality of life for your new rescue will be a day-to-day activity at first. For most pets, the basic elements that makeup “quality of life” are – sufficient food and water, protection from danger and extreme weather, companionship, occupation, sensory stimulation, and clearly defined boundaries and expectations. In order to create a good quality of life once you get your animal rescue, we’ve included some useful information to consider.

Your First Days with Your Animal Rescue

In the first days together, try to keep things simple. Moving out of a shelter and into a whole new world can be overwhelming for most pets. Think of your pet as an alien that has just landed from an unknown world. Introduce them gently to their new world.

Create Small Boundaries

Keep their boundaries small and their schedule relaxed. Pets don’t actually realize at first that they have landed in a new, permanent home. They may need days just to rest after the stress of the shelter.

Allow Exploration

Allow them all the time they need to explore and learn about your home and all the members of your family.

Keep socialization to a minimum in the first few days until your pet settles in.
Many newly adopted pets go missing in the first few days due to fear and confusion. Allow them to settle in, relax, and bond.

Keep the Same Diet

Start out feeding them the same diet they received at the rescue. Make dietary changes gradually and watch for any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching.

Try out commands

If you have adopted a dog, try out different commands. Find out how much they have already learned.

As Time Progresses with Your Animal Rescue

Show them Boundaries

Practice leash walking and show them the boundaries of their property. A happy pet is one that knows where the boundaries lie and what the rules are that they are expected to follow.

Consider Their History

Keep in mind that your adopted pet has come to you with a history. They may already have developed likes and dislikes for toys, activities, food, and friends. Depending on your pet’s age, these are things that you may or may not be able to modify. Allow them the opportunity to express their preferences and then work with them to compromise when needed to suit your lifestyle.

If your dog is a “chewer”, provide plenty of things that they ARE allowed to chew on so they don’t get into trouble chewing on your furniture. Most pets do not adapt well when told, “It’s my way or the highway.”

Learn Triggers

Discover the “triggers” that your animal rescue has brought with them from their previous experiences. These may be ‘fear’ triggers such as fear of thunderstorms or “aggression” triggers such as aggression towards other male dogs. Some pets even have “over-excitement” triggers that cause them to lose their minds when the doorbell rings. Create an environment that limits these triggers and/or consult an experienced trainer to help you and your pet overcome their past behavior triggers.

Sleeping Spots

Allow your pet the option of a few sleeping spots in your home. Pets are happier if they can choose “their” spot. Some may choose the center of activity under the kitchen table while others want the protection of a snug, dark corner. Let them tell you where they fit best.

Set Expectations

Gently help your new pet to understand what expectations you have for them. Help them to define a role for themselves where they can fit nicely into your household. Some pets fit best as “gentle, quiet companions”, “household guardians”, “playmates”, “exercise partners”, or even “goofy clowns”. I find that pets generally want to fit in. Helping them to define a role that suits their personality offers more chances for positive feedback and a fulfilling place in your family. Asking a guard dog to be a couch potato just leaves everyone stressed and uncomfortable.

Match Energy

Match your pet’s activity level to their energy level. This will change throughout their lives. Discover the activities that your pet enjoys and share these together. A high-energy pet forced to live a sedentary lifestyle will not experience a high quality of life.

Enrich Their Environment

Provide environmental enrichment. No matter what type of pet you have chosen, environmental enrichment is a top priority in providing quality of life. Discover what types of toys and activities provide sensory stimulation and create curiosity for your unique pet. When animals are asked to live inside your home it is critical to create an environment for them that stimulates their brains and their sensory responses. In my home, I have created a climbing wall for my cat. He has a variety of cat trees to climb and scratch on. He has bird feeders to watch out the window and food puzzles to engage his sense of smell and his appetite along with plenty of small toys to hunt. Challenge yourself to provide experiences for your pet that feed all of his senses. Adding new toys and retiring old, stale ones is also key to keeping your pets engaged.

Pay Attention

Become familiar with your pet’s usual routine and behavior so that you can easily notice when things are not going well. Noticing subtle changes is the key to catching health and behavior issues before they become unmanageable.

Give Your Pet the Activity It Needs

Boredom and loneliness can quickly send a pet into depression or undesired behavior. Is your new pet naturally a loner or a party animal? Create playdates or other opportunities for your pet to socialize within their natural comfort zone. Forcing a shy dog to spend the day at the dog park is only asking for trouble.

In closing, the true key to creating a quality of life for your pet is to consider what they would ask for based on their individual species and personality. Do not treat them like a human, provide what they want, not what you want. If you have doubts about their needs or questions you would like to ask, an animal communication consultation may be just what you need to create a quality, lasting relationship with your rescued pet.

Animal Adoption

Improving Quality of Life for Your Animal Rescue: Part 1

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date January 11, 2023

Deciding to adopt a pet into your family is a big commitment that can bring years of great joy. One of the critical and often overlooked parts of a successful animal rescue is planning ahead to ensure you’re providing the best quality of life. Spending time and effort to plan and prepare for your new family member can ensure that the transition into your home is a smooth and pleasant one for you and your new pet. Here are some things you want to consider that will help enhance your animal rescue’s quality of life.

Build Your Village

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. The same goes for a pet. Here are a few things to do before adoption to get your village ready.

Be sure that all members of the family are on board with the decision to adopt and willing to participate in care and training.
Research the animal rescue that you plan to work with. Make sure the organization is a reputable one and not a puppy mill in disguise. Get your adoption application pre-screened so you are ready when the right pet comes along.
Form a relationship with the veterinary practice that you will work with. Find out a realistic estimate of the cost of annual care. Keep in mind that:

Many of the initial costs might be covered by the rescue organization.
Rescued pets come with an unknown health history. Consider purchasing pet insurance for your newly adopted pet to cover any unexpected health conditions. You can get a free copy of my Pet Insurance Comparison Chart below.

I have created a comparison chart containing the information that I was able to collect online from the ten companies that seemed most popular. This was the basic information available at the time I was shopping so I can’t vouch for the current accuracy. This chart is for educational purposes only. Ask Your Animals is not offering insurance advice and is not an insurance expert. Each person utilizing this information is responsible for their insurance choices and due diligence.

Please provide your information below to get the comparison emailed to you.

Consider Your Lifestyle and Prepare Appropriately

Give a close examination of your current lifestyle and schedule. Make sure that you have the time and resources to devote to a new family member.

Choose the pet that fits the size of your home and yard. A very busy person with only a small apartment might be better off choosing a cat as a companion. While an avid runner might choose a large dog breed known for their stamina. When we choose a companion that does not fit, it can cause stress for the animal and for us. Many adopted pets are returned to the shelter because they were expected to fit into a household that was not well suited to their needs. Narrowing your search ahead of time helps to ensure a match made in heaven.
Prepare your home for a new pet before it arrives. Consider fostering a pet before adopting one to be sure that you are ready for the commitment.

Lastly, Be Certain!

When you do get that call from the animal rescue saying, “we have a great pet for you”, take the time to revisit your list of pet requirements so that you can make a solid decision and not get carried away by a warm pair of sorrowful eyes. Considering all of this will create a great foundation for a good quality of life for you both.

Animal Adoption Dogs

6 Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date August 13, 2022

Congratulations! You’ve decided to adopt a dog! Dogs can be amazing companions, excellent cuddle partners, and complete a family. The excitement of adding a furry friend oftentimes overshadows the long-term responsibilities that come with owning one. Making an impulsive decision can lead to frustration, and stress for both you and the dog. Before adopting a dog there are several things that you should consider to ensure you are prepared for the long-term responsibilities that come with owning one.

What Are The Reasons You Want To Adopt A Dog?

Before taking the final steps of adopting a dog, ask yourself:

What is the motivation for wanting one?
Have you recently gone through a major life event? Are you looking for a short-term feeling of companionship?
What does your lifestyle look like?
What do you envision your life being like in 5 – 10 years, does having a dog still make sense?

Additionally, there are ways that you can get a sense of what it would be like to be a dog owner full time, such as fostering. By temporarily fostering a dog, you can get a realistic picture of what daily life would be like as a dog owner, and it does not require a long-term commitment.

What to Consider When Adopting a Dog

Do You Have The Time It Takes To Care For A Dog?

Having the time to care for and spend time with your dog is one of the most important parts of being an owner of one. You always have to keep in mind that they rely on you every day for food, water, potty breaks, exercise, and attention. Some questions to ask yourself regarding your time are:

What does your daily schedule look like?
Do you work from home?
Is your schedule flexible?
Do you have time to train your dog?
Do you often go on overnight or weekend trips?

When considering adding a dog to your family, the time that is required is often not realized. This leads to the owner feeling overwhelmed which sometimes results in the pet being put back up for adoption. Be realistic about how your daily schedule can be impacted before making a final decision.

Can You Financially Afford A Dog?

Having a dog is EXPENSIVE! It’s similar to having a child. In addition to the basics like food and veterinary care, you have to include crates, harnesses, insurance, toys, training, and boarding. While you may see an adoption fee as being affordable, that is just the beginning. Annually, owners spend an average of $1,480 on pet dogs’ basic expenses. While this can give you an estimate, pet owners generally spend more than that on their furry friends.

What Does Your Household Look Like?

Think about what your current household situation looks like right now and how you think it will change over the next several years. Think about things like:

Do you have children?
Are you expecting to have them?
Do you have aging parents that may need to live with you?
Do you have a yard?

Having a dog and a busy family is very different from living single, or with two retirees. Keep in mind that as your family grows, so does your dog.

What Type Of Breed Is Best?

Many dogs that are offered for adoption are often those of mixed breeds. Therefore, you may not know exactly what you are getting. By doing a little research on different kinds of breeds you can get a better understanding of what their adult size and general temperament will be. There is an overabundance of benefits to adopting a mutt and some of them are listed here.

What Has The Dog Previously Experienced?

When adopting a dog, you never really know what their experience has been. Some of those who put their animals up for adoption often try to give as many details as possible, but who is to know what is true or not? Most often very little information is known about the life experiences that the dog has had. A puppy born and raised in a safe foster home will probably have fewer training and behavior challenges than a two-year-old that has been passed on from living life on the streets, through a shelter, or multiple adoptive homes before being chosen by you. Just like humans, dogs can carry mental and emotional baggage and you have to ask yourself if you are able to provide the patience, love, understanding, and training if necessary.

Animal Communication

Adding animal communication to your resources for making the adoption as smooth as possible is always a good idea. During a telepathic communication session, a dog is able to share thoughts and images from his previous experience. They can let you know their favorite things and also the things that trigger fear or aggression. Getting to know the history and personality of your pet through animal communication helps get your relationship off to a solid start.