Ode to Leila - Life Lessons From My Feathered Friend
I was a bird virgin. Never in a million years did I think I would have a bird as a roommate. For most of my life, I’ve identified as a dog, cat, and horse person. Mammal-to-mammal relations were my thing.
I met Leila on the last day of a therapeutic pet training at an animal sanctuary in southern Utah. We were touring the exotic bird department, and my ears rang from the cacophony of noises. Even though we were in the desert, it felt like the jungle. Parrots can be loud and intense creatures. We were greeted with screeching hellos and deafening enthusiasm.
Wanderlust Pets? What You Need to Know
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush, little baby, don't you cry.......
That's how the song starts, and that's what we hope for.
But what if your pet gets lost?
What are good ways to search for a cat or a dog?
The Bestest Boy
Pablo was about to become a statistic. Why, you ask?
He survived a few weeks in California's shelter system. Pit bulls and chihuahuas are the two breeds most commonly euthanized. There are too many of them who are unwanted and get discarded.
Pablo’s life was saved because he was young, handsome, and had interesting markings — and he is still good-looking.
The Healing Power of Meditation With Animals
Have I been meditating for a while? Ha, you could say that! Yes, I’ve been a meditator for many years. My animals join me, too — though I should say we meditate together. They guide the process as much as I do, and their meditation techniques are creative and varied.
The Art of Animal Communication
Animal communication is the new buzzword in the spiritual animal lovers and healer community. Embarking on the journey of animal communication is a profound experience that deepens the understanding and connection with our furry and feathered friends.
Here is what happens sometimes when I receive a request to communicate with someone’s pet. People ask me to tell their pets to do certain things or, more importantly, not to do certain things. Animal communication is not about that. So what is it about? It is about energetic consent, which allows animals to open up because it doesn’t work for them when we try to force things. Makes sense?
The Final Farewell
Saying goodbye to a beloved animal is one of the hardest things to go through in life.
When we receive a terminal diagnosis for our pet, many of us, at least initially, experience shock, trepidation, depression, and an anticipation of pain.
All of these emotions need to be acknowledged. The process of dying can be a roller coaster for both you and your pet. So what can you do before things get tough?