The infamous Choo Chee

The big question is ‘do pets grieve a missing member of their family?’

Do they have the cognitive ability to understand and experience loss?

Many domestic and wild animals experience this in the same manner as we humans do. Whether there’s been a death, a separation or just moving home. Animals have the awareness to pine for their friends and family members.

You may notice that your pet is behaving differently, perhaps keeping to themselves, not eating or playtime seems to have stopped. They may become more needy and vocal. These are signs that your pet is not coping with the changes within the family and social dynamics (I would also encourage consulting your vet for a physical check up during this time).

In any culture, death for humans is a harrowing time and we all grieve in our own personal way. We acknowledge that it affects us and the people around us but how do we handle it for our pets? What do we do?

The 1^st thing to be aware of is that change in family and social dynamics for our pets has a major impact on their personality and their stability. Assuming that our pet can get on and go upwards within a blink of an eye is a misconception.

Animals do grieve! Sometimes a change will happen and while it affects the humans in the family, we forget to assist our pets in understanding what has happened. A change can be as simple as your next door neighbour moving away when they have had a close relationship with you and your pet. You may be use to them being there all the time, and visiting at a moment’s notice.  Once the move has happened, logically you understand that they’re not as accessible as before however you still may miss their presence. Have you thought that your pet may miss them too? They may long for them just like you do but may not understand what has changed especially if your neighbour always brought treats around!

How do you deal with a death in the family, whether it’s an animal or human?  What if your animal’s best pet friend has passed into the spirit world? The loss is definitely felt in the family by all members. We’re able to talk to each other as humans but what about your pet, how do they know what’s going on and why things have changed (and perhaps in their mind not for the best).

I always encourage animal owners to connect with their pet – it helps the owner to unwind and be present within themselves. In this manner you are able to connect and communicate with your pets so that they can have an understanding of what’s going on (and not just feel the effects of what’s happened emotionally). It’s important when in a connection with your pet to talk to them (out loud) and make them aware of what is happening and what has changed in the home front. Give your pets the heads up so they can grieve with you and know what the changes are. Help them adjust just as we need to.

When my Siamese fighting fish Choo Chee was nearing his time to cross over, my cat Nero (they were best friends. Nero would curl himself around the bowl and have his nanna naps – he even drank from the bowl and Choo Chee would get excited) it was my cat Nero who never left his side. When his time was imminent, both of us sat with Choo Chee and helped him cross over. It was Nero who told him it was ok to go. We stayed right to the very end. Then Nero and I went to the garden and buried him together. I had explained to Nero what was happening to his best friend the whole time. He still felt the loss of Choo Chee, in fact, we all did but Nero understood the situation.

What to do for your pet

1. Be present with yourself. Take a deep breath and check in with how your body is feeling. If there is any tension or tightness. Shake it out (your body) if it helps you to be in the moment more
2. Then connect with your pet
3. Talk out loud to them about the situation at hand
4. Let them know what you’re asking for and what you’re doing for them

Talking to them out loud helps you to be clearer with what you’re expressing – animals know and when we talk and explain things to them, it helps them to understand the situation.

Never underestimate the power of connecting and communicating with your pet…

Are you wanting to connect with your pet?

Join me for an Evening of Animal Talk

5^th March Monday 7-9pm $45.00 Mosman NSW

Please contact Anahata Therapies for more information and bookings

Simonne Lee – Animal Communicator

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www.simonnelee.net

Pet of the month Pattycake and Rufus

Introducing Pattycake and her little man Rufus.

We’ve asked Patty a few questions on how she thinks Rufus would answer and then I’ve asked Rufus for his answers. Let’s see what happens.

[P = Patty R = Rufus]

1.       What’s your favourite thing to do with Pattycake?

P – I’d have to choose between hanging out and cuddling while watching movies and walking to the park. Love doing them equally.
R – I like to follow Pattycake around with whatever she does, she tells me all the time what we’re about to do. Sometimes she just tells me how much she misses me and I really like that.

2.       Who’s the boss at home?

P - Pattycake’s the boss but I can scam her frequently especially with treat

R – Well Pattycake likes to be the boss and I don’t really mind. She is always explaining things to me and I like it. Sometimes she changes her mind about things (I don’t always tell her).

3.       What are you like 1^st thing in the morning?

P -  Sleepy. I don’t like to get up straight away like she does.
R – I like to take my time and wake up but Pattycake is always moving around and talking. I don’t know what she is trying to tell me as it’s not always my favourite part of the day.

4.       Who talks the most Pattycake or Rufus

 P -  Ahem. That would be Me.
 R  – Pattycake talks A L O T and sometimes when it’s my turn, she tells me to be quiet.

5.       Do you like having a bath?

P -  I do as I jump straight into the tub without any cajoling. We have a deal that we wrestle with my towel afterwards. I always win – she’s too slow.
R-  I don’t mind but my Pattycake seems to enjoy it a lot so we play and have fun.

Animal Communication made easy

It’s that time again. Silly Season with lots of festivities and of course the FIREWORKS…

So what do we do with our animals? Some animals are totally fine during fireworks while others will freak out like the planet has just been split into two. Seriously, I’ve seen it happen and it’s not very pleasant for the owner or pet.

We are already moving at a fast pace which only increases during the Summer (or if you’re not in Australia Winter) and Christmas period. Our animals will tend to match our frenetic energy. This means that we connect with them less as we’re too busy trying to fit everything in. This will make our pets hypersensitive and can bring out negative behaviour. In this state, fireworks will only heighten their state.

It’s important to make time daily (can be as little as 5min) to connect with our animals and make ourselves be present. After all, this is what animals are here to teach us – to be more present throughout our day. What I mean by connecting with our pets daily is to slow yourself down, perhaps even go to their eye level and have some down time with them. Tell them how your day was, and ask them what they’ve been up while you’ve been out. You’ll be surprise at the interaction you can have with them at this level.

Making them aware of New Year’s Eve a few days before it happens can be done simply by talking to them about it. And what I mean by talking, is expressing yourself OUT LOUD. Tell them that there is going to be a lot of noise in a few days. It will be at night and the sky will light up. Let them know that they are safe and to go to their favourite spot and relax. Some animals like to hide so it’s important that you have their hiding spots ready for them. Make sure all your pets are micro-chipped and collared with contact details – this can save you a lot of time and distress.

I also encourage people to play music in the house, whether it’s classical, radio, tv or even a meditation. We want some type of noise to distract them from what’s going on outside. If you have a dog or cat, prepare your home with pheromone diffusers (there are cat and dog ones). These disperse calming chemicals into the room so your pet can R E L A X easier.

Everyone is aware of how frantic Christmas time is, add fireworks on top and our favourite little peeps will not be having a good time.

Here are some tips

• Bach Flower Essences – EMERGENCY
  • Place 4- 7 drops into their fur and gently stroke
  • I would be inclined to do this 7 days before NYE’s twice a day and for 3 days afterwards
  • It’s not a bad idea for the owner either as it’s a busy time for us all
  • Connecting with your pet daily a week before the fireworks happen as they will feel more grounded and connected to you (even if you’re not home for the fireworks)

For Dogs

• Take them for a long walk during the day, make sure they’re tired from this
  • More tired the less reactive they are
  • Keep them indoors if you can or garaged, this way they’ll feel a lot safer
  • Make sure that if outside that they have somewhere to hide
    • All fencing is secure with no escape routes
    • I do not encourage chaining at this time as they may accidently choke themselves while panicking
    • Leave the TV or radio on for them
    • Have some pheromone diffusers in your place already set up
    • If you’re home and your dog gets scared, don’t cuddle or try to soothe them
      • Act normal and tell them to come by your side otherwise you are giving them negative re inforcement
      • If you really want them to be prepared, you can get them use to firework sounds prior to the big night. Playing SCARY SOUNDS in your home to desensitize them

For Cats

• Keep them inside
• If you know their favourite hiding or lounging place, keep it free and clean
• Don’t try and bring them out to calm down, this can cause more stress,  perhaps even get injured (claw action)
• All windows closed and perhaps TV or music playing to drown out fireworks
• If they are really stressed during this time you can also get Cat pheromone diffusers that will help keep them calm

For other small Animals

• Keep them indoors if you can
  • If they’re outdoor pets e.g. birds/guinea pigs/rabbits try garaging them for the evening
  • If not, partially cover their enclosure with a blanket to help buffer some of the noise
  • Make sure all bedding is clean with extra bedding to snuggle and hide into

Keeping the home as calm as possible will really aide in keeping your special little ones feeling more secure while fireworks are occurring.

Simonne Lee – Animal Communicator

www.simonnelee.net

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Mr Oscar - working it for the camera

I recently had coffee with a friend and his 2yr old chocolate lab Oscar. I just love Mr Oscar, he is absolutely adorable, goofy and knows no rules. He still has the mentality of a puppy with ADD. All that aside he is a good boy and when he REALLY gets told, he listens (for a short time anyway). We sat in the coffee shop for an hour or so with Oscar coming in and out. If he saw another dog outside he would run out and be social – the size of a full grown lab with the social skills of an adolescent puppy. He means no harm but isn’t (or has been taught) to display ‘doggie’ social etiquette. Another friend came down with her spoodle (Oscar’s girlfriend Twiggy) and they started to get rambunctious. You could slowly see the other coffee dwellers raising their eyebrows, getting annoyed as they played and bumped into everything and everyone. Twiggy’s mum notes this and decides to take her home, leaving Oscar to calm down for a while.

As we’re inside the coffee shop at the first table, Oscar comes in and is starting to get bored when his dad asks ‘what does he want, is he going to calm down? I’ve just taken him for a 3hr walk in the park’.  I respond by telling his dad to get Oscar to calm down and sit by him. In frustration, his dad does this but Oscar doesn’t stay for very long. Then his dad throws the ultimate question at me ‘when is he going to grow up?’

Now this is a big question that people often ask, and it got me thinking. Why are you making it the responsibility of your pet to decide when it’s time to grow up? Understandably in the baby and maturing stage it’s acceptable for them to be silly, have bouts of energy and go crazy, then calm down and repeat this cycle all over again. Cats, dogs, birds etc express this just like us humans. As babies and toddlers, that type of behaviour is fine but when we start to expect our pet’s demeanour to change and our behaviour towards them doesn’t, well I say you’re sending mixed signals to your pet – would you want to grow up if someone did the same to you?

Going back to Oscar, he is very much loved like the only child. I don’t blame his owner at all as I’ve looked after him and indulged him also, however there comes a time where rules and boundaries are needed for doggy social etiquette. Indulging your pet is fine if they fully understand that you as the pet owner are in charge. Having to repeatedly do the same command over and over is not managing your dog well when out socially. So where does it begin?

It begins at home. Commands, rules and boundaries are best taught from a young age in the home. For your pet to respect you as the leader of the pack or especially for a dog, the master of the pack, this must start from the packs domain. Some people call this training, I call it teaching.

If you want your pet to mature as it grows, then teaching them to follow your set of rules WILL teach them respect for you thus making social etiquette much easier when you’re out and about.

As for Oscar, everyone loves him however I have told his dad he needs to learn some rules and this will help him be calmer when socialising. Effort and consistency are the only requirements for changing your pet from being the baby of the family to growing up.

Whose responsibility do you think it is for a pet to grow up?

Is it the pet or the owners?

What experiences have you had where social etiquette isn’t happening by your pet or someone else’s?

The Big Boys, Ryan and Phoenix always let you know what's going on around the house

Many people come to me and ask what they can do to help heal their pets. It is really distressing to see an animal in pain or discomfort and not be able to help them.  Animals are a reflection of how the household (especially their owner) is managing day to day stress. Personally, the 1^st step for me is to see how I’m handling my stress, checking to see what energy I’m bringing into the home and how any of my animals are behaving differently.

We’ve all had bad days at work, grumbling all the way home and without thinking, we take this energy into our house. This affects everyone in the household including our pets – even down to our little wet friends, our fish! I can go into a household and feel the energy before I’ve even started communicating with the animals to know if there is stress loitering around. It’s amazing how stress energy can completely change a home.

The 1^st step is to check yourself and see how you’re managing your own life stresses and whether you bring this into the home. If you are, it’s just a simple daily practise of being aware of what energy you would like to bring in before you come home. The results will speak for themselves as they are your pets and you will notice a difference. You can also burn incense/oil burners to cleanse the energy of your home as well (frankincense/ lavender).

If stress is not the cause (I always encourage visiting your local vet – you still need an animal Dr to diagnose and to do any tests), then the way you hold your energy while connecting to your pet is the next step in giving a healing. There are many ways to do this…

Reiki is one of them, being attuned to Reiki energy opens up the top 4 chakras so they can expand and increase to receive and give Reiki.

Acupuncture, I’m a strong believer in acupuncture for animals (and us humans). This works with energy, based on the meridians, creating balance and harmony in the body. Great for physical injuries and rehabilitation.

Bush Flower Essences for animals, there are quite a few specifically to help animals with fear aggression, fear of thunder and barking. It’s a very gentle approach for your pet.

I just taught a Reiki I Workshop over the weekend and had quite a few pet lovers in the class. I love tailoring it towards animals. They are so aware of energy whether it’s right next to them or from a far. I regularly use Reiki on my animals (including my partner Jules), they come to me now when they’re not feeling well and will ask for it. They even position themselves so they show me the area that needs healing.

For those that just want a simple technique that you can do yourselves at home right now, here’s one that you can use anytime, anyplace and can include humans as well as your pets.

Using Colour with Energy.

• 1^stconnect with your pet
  • You can look into their eyes or at a photo of them
• Really feel them, really connect/ looking at them and how they make you feel happy
• Think of a colour that is healing
  • e.g. blue/pink/gold/white
• Imagine rolling this colour into the palms of your hands like a small ball until it gets bigger and bigger

When you have the size that you’re after (you can go as big as a basket ball or bigger however a basket ball should be a good size) then imagine the colour and size in the palm of your hand and BLOW it gently towards your pet or pet’s photo.

Do this as often as you like, it’s great for when you’re moving house, changing jobs or your pet is a touch grumpy. It’s even brilliant to do on yourself and brighten up your own day.

Take note of when you started doing this and if/when you noticed a difference in your pet’s behaviour, positive or negative it’s a good exercise to try with your pet today.

Would love to hear your experiences using Colour Energy….

Ever walk down the street and see a really tall lanky person and their dog is a great dane? I always get a giggle from this. The big musclier guy seems to have a staffy type dog. Big broad chest, muscular shoulders with lean legs – I am referring to the dog!!!

It’s only natural that if you’re an active person, your pet will be active with you. If you tend to watch what you eat, then you will be more conscious of what your pet eats, hence body shape similarity. We observe our pets and how they interact with us, their body language and we might even start mimicking them. However, have you ever considered that our animals observe us? Perhaps that they mimic our actions?

An easy example is a bird, we can teach it words by repeating them over and over till they mimic us but what happens when there isn’t that vocal copycat option available? I tend to talk to myself out loud at home (I’m so use it as I talk to my animals out loud too), I’ll be walking up and down the hallway reminding myself to do this and that (my partner Jules will give me the side long glance if I do it when he’s home).Well about 1 year after I rescued my kitty kat from a shelter, I was at home in the bedroom when I heard my cat meowing up and down the hallway. I asked him what’s wrong and he said ‘nothing mummy’ I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. Then it dawned on me – that’s what I do!!! I laughed out loud and I can tell you he wasn’t impressed.

So back to why pets tend to end up looking like their owner? It has to do with energy. The more you connect and be around the same people/animals, the more we exchange energy freely. If you think about it this way, you become in sync with each other. For example, when you meet a new person and you have the same likes and same sense of humour, it’s easy to get along with them and adopt each other’s mannerisms. You might even start thinking about the same things at the same time – energy connection. It’s no different with our animals. We love them, we talk to them and include them as part of the family, of course there is going to be an energy exchange.

When I do sessions with animals especially about injuries or discussing pain level in the body, what I’ve found interesting is when the animal is able to tell me where the pain is and level, the owner will have a similar condition. I’ve had a cat tell me they’re getting headaches (yes that’s right, animals get head – aches too), when their owner responded by saying ‘that’s funny, my eyes have been hurting, I think I might need glasses’. You see our pets are natural healers, they link into us through energy and by doing so, they feel what we’re feeling. If there is stress in the household, they will try to absorb it to assist us in our day or just to understand what we’re feeling. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the energy that we bring into our homes.

Exchanging energy also takes on a physical aspect, that’s how people start to look like their pets and vice versa. You can always tell who the animal is linking in with the most at home as that’s who they will resemble the most, act like the most and sometimes sound like the most. Energy exchange!!!

I can see a definite mixture with my guys, a bit of me and then some of the answers and body language I get back are my partner’s – don’t worry I don’t hold it against them ha ha!

Father and Son

Observe it with your pets at home.

Who do they act like the most?

Who do they look like the most?

Connecting with my animals really takes the stress out of my day.

Do your pet/s remind you to take a moment and remember the simple things in life?

What signals do you notice when they’re trying to tell you something?

Have you ever wondered what your pets think?

By making time for them, you make time for you!