Nikita's Tale

Nikita and the Chipmunks

Nikita, my friend and business partner, is often the subject of these newsletters. He is an orange tabby cat and his favorite pastime is hunting. One time my friend asked him why he felt it was acceptable to kill and he replied, "This is a ridiculous question. The prey has a soul, and is an equal spiritual being, therefore it is fine to kill it. No being can live without eating life. You cannot find food with no soul, and survive. It is necessary, part of live, and enjoyable. Most beings understand this rule, including predators and prey. We all live by this truth." Sometimes, despite Nikita's wise words on the topic, I am disturbed by his killing habit. However, I try to honor his ways as special and part of who he is.
      One night I wanted him to come inside, but he did not come. He told me (telepathically) that he was on the hunt and had a chipmunk cornered. He requested that I let him stay and finish the hunt. I agreed and went to bed. The next morning there was a dead chipmunk waiting for me on the back steps. Nikita said, "This is for you because you let me stay out for the hunt." I immediately recognized the generosity of the offer because one of my cat clients told me that chipmunks are very tasty (prize catch).
      Several months later my client Machelle called for a consultation. She enjoys Nikita's insight and asked if he would offer her some advice. He was thrilled and talked quite a bit. At the end of the consultation he decided that he would like to give her a gift. He said, "I will catch a chipmunk for you, leave it on the step and Dawn will mail it to you." We laughed at the idea of mailing a dead animal and told him that although it was generous, it was not necessary.
      I had a suspicion that Nikita was planning to follow through with the hunt regardless of my refusal to mail the gift. I knew that if a chipmunk did appear that it was not coincidence, because none of the cats had ever left a chipmunk with the exception of the one time noted above. They had left many other offerings, but not chipmunks.
      The next morning I opened the door and found a freshly killed chipmunk on the step. Nikita was not in sight, but I told him that he should come back and enjoy it himself, because I really couldn't mail it to Machelle. I walked away and five minutes later it was gone.

What will Nikita do Next?

Those of you who have been receiving my newsletter over the past few years know my cats, Nikita and May, well. If you have missed the past stories about them you can catch them on my website on the "photos" page.
      After my last newsletter I received many requests to talk about May, as Nikita had been the subject of many stories already. May is a quiet gay female with beautiful fawn strips. She is only three years old, but acts much older and wiser. My most recent newsletter featured Nikita as a hunter ­particularly good at catching chipmunks. May decided to showcase her hunting abilities during my Animal Communication Part 11 workshop. In a matter of two days she killed four or five chipmunks and told two different people at the workshop that they were her favorite prey. She had never killed a chipmunk before that time, and has since ended her killing spree. I assured her that her talents would be commended in my newsletter.
      Shortly after May secured her place in my newsletter however, Nikita my orange and white tabby, got himself into trouble. He did not come home one Saturday night, and there was no sign of him the following night. Several days went by and I was worried. I tried to communicate with him and felt that he was not going to survive. On the seventh night I slept with a scrapbook of Nikita and missed him desperately. The next day he hobbled home. He had (once again‑ as told in a previous newsletter) been stuck in a tree. While fleeing from an enemy, he burned up his paws and ran up a tree. For seven nights he sat with no food or water on injured paws. No wonder he thought he would not survive!
      Tim (my boyfriend) and I were happy to have our boy back and did what we could to help him heal. May on the other hand was furious with him. He had caused great upset and distress to the family and she made sure that he knew it.
       With May still angry and the humans simply thankful that he was safe, he disappeared again one month later. This time we searched the woods for hours, knowing that it was likely he was stuck in a tree again. After three nights we managed to find him in a pine tree, half a mile from the house. Tim climbed the tree and (with great difficulty) carried Nikita to safety.
       Needless to say I have talked extensively with Nikita about safety and his fear of heights. We all hope he has learned to stay out of trees (or at least not to climb too high).

Casey's Consultation

In late August I received a call from Gerard about his black lab Casey. She was a very sweet nine-year-old until earlier in the summer when she suddenly became dog aggressive. Gerard tried to understand her new behavior, and even worked with a local trainer, but she continued to be more unreliable. The placid lab that used to walk freely through the dog park was now feared by others and confined to a leash.
      Gerard called me and told me honestly that he was skeptical, but willing to try anything. We agreed that a house-call was in order.
      During our consultation Casey explained to me that she had an injury in her right shoulder/back area. It caused her to feel vulnerable with other dogs, so she was attacking them to give the impression that she was fierce and strong.
      I told Casey that Gerard would protect her, and did some body work on her. Immediately after the session Gerard took her to the dog park and she has been fine ever since. In fact many people comment on how differently she behaves and notice a new bounce in her step.

Princess May

May is a three-year-old gray cat with white markings, and is one of my companions. She became "mine" when she was six-months-old as a stray, starving and full of parasites. After several months of recovery she began showing her wildly playful kitten side. Joyfully in love with any cat toy, she would leap and play all day. Then her strength gradually lessened and she began a two-year battle with ear infections and bellyaches. Perhaps her struggle as a kitten had weakened her immune system. I took her to a couple of veterinarians on several occasions but they could only offer topical antibiotics for the ears. She was constantly complaining to me about her discomfort and finally one day she looked at me and said, "If I don't go outdoors everyday I will die." At the time our apartment was on a busy road, so I began looking for a safe place to rent so that she could be outdoors. Finally we moved and she loved being outside. Her health seemed to rebound for a while and she would hunt and play everyday. After about six months she gradually slowed down, once again complaining of sore ears and bellyaches. We went to the vet, but nothing appeared to be wrong with her except ear infections that returned as fast as they were treated.
       In the fall of 2000 May was the worst she had ever been. Sleeping under the bed, non-social, and completely inactive. We did more blood tests and still nothing was "wrong". I treated her ears again for the infection and changed her diet, in case the loss of energy was due to food allergies. Then I got an air purifier as a gift for Christmas. May's energy picked up, she became a lap cat, she started playing with toys, playfully teasing Nikita (my other cat) and talking telepathically all the time.
       We can't tell you how wonderful it is to have "Princess" May back in health! She now has great interest in my consultations, and loves talking at workshops. I hope some of you have the privilege of hearing from her soon.

P.S. Nikita (my orange tabby cat), is very unhappy about his lack of involvement in this newsletter. He says "hi" to all of his fans.

Framing Floyd  

If you are considering bringing a new animal into your home, it is important to prepare your current animal companions. Most humans don't spend 24 hours a day in the home, but many of our animals do. This means that your pets have a relationship with each other that involves them spending more time together than most humans spend with their spouse or children!
        Many times I have consulted with animals who do not like their new animal companions. Often the situation can be handled through compromise and understanding, but sometimes the animals refuse to live together and one must move away or be kept in a separate room. To prevent such situations I recommend that people ask their current animals about bringing home a new pet before the animal arrives. Find out what they like in a companion and have them meet several times before the final decision.
       Last spring I decided to bring home a new animal companion because I was lonely and wanted more company during the day. My cats had been busy outdoors and were rarely around to talk with me. When I told them about my idea to have a Guinea Pig, they were both solidly against it Instead they decided to take turns spending time with me, so that when one was outside the other would come in. They sat on my lap and paid more attention to me than ever before. That was enough to show me that we did not need another animal. Solutions are not always so easy to come by, but please consider discussing your plans with your animals before bringing home the new companion.

Nik's Notes

Hello, my name is Nikita, and I am an orange cat. I enjoy being a domestic pet and have helped other animals understand the joys of living amongst humans. I want to let all good pets know that although people are wonderful naturally, it is a good idea to train them. Despite a considerable language barrier, I have managed to train my humans to perform some basic behaviors, and found that after a bit of resistance they relaxed and began learning quickly. One of the most practical behaviors to teach your human is to open a door on command. Most "pets" are unable to master the doorknob and are at the mercy of random luck ‑ being near a door when it opens. One day I was pacing around the house, frustrated that the door would not open. My person was at her desk staring at that boring light box and I jumped up looking for some entertainment. I knocked over a picture frame, dented the desk, and scattered some papers. It was fun, but I still wanted to go outside. Much to my delight she picked me up, complaining about the damage to the desk, opened the door and threw me out! I used this lucky event to my advantage. My person quickly learned that when I knocked things over I wanted the door opened. Most of the time she would even carry me out...
      My human tries to talk to me telepathically, something humans do on occasion. I have found that humans only listen to their telepathic messages occasionally, so often my needs are not met in a timely fashion when communicating that way (although it is my preferred method). It turns out that my human didn't like my command for opening the door and asked me to "meow" instead. I was reluctant because my method of training had been so effective. However, she seemed very determined and kept reminding me. She even asked other people to remind me to meow instead of knocking things over. I gave it a try and so far the results have been outstanding- the response time is down to seconds! When training humans remember one thing: they like to think everything is their idea. Be subtle but persistent and your human will get trained quickly.

Moving Story

Only an animal lover can understand why I have moved three times based on the happiness of my cats! Our most recent apartment on Matthew Drive was perfect for them. They had expansive forest, a very safe dead-end road, other cat friends, and good window seats when indoors. Then we (the humans) decided to buy a house. The cats, May and Nikita, were not interested in moving, but I promised them we would find something good for all of us. So, imagine the delight when I told them I was buying a house on the same block; their beloved territory would not have to be abandoned!
      About six weeks before the move I told them all about the new place and explained that once we moved we would not be able to go inside our old apartment (about 200 yards away). After the talk, Nikita stopped coming inside. He was out about 23 hours a day and I missed him. Finally Tim said, "I think Nik has moved out already because you told him we were moving". I have given up the idea of being a perfect animal communicator when it comes to my own pets, so I took the advice gratefully and asked Nikita to move back in until we all moved together. He happily slept indoors for an entire day!
      There are many ways to prepare pets for a move. I find that telling them in advance to pull together their energy webs and territory is useful. My cats however, had their own concerns. May talked to several people, each time asking about her window perches with quilts on them, I promised over and over that she would have good views in the new house. As the day approached both of my cats became ill with a sinus cold. They were wheezing, coughing, and sneezing. I panicked, as I can't bear to see my kitties sick, but after talking it through with friends and family we decided against a last minute vet visit on moving day- too stressful for everyone! (Don't worry, they are ok now).
Our first night in the new house was miserable, Nikita kept us awake with his continuous sneezing while May whined and cried (out loud) about wanting to go home. The next morning May escaped and met us over at the old apartment within an hour. She ran in the door glad to see that we had moved back too. We explained that we were only there to move the rest of the furniture, and carried her back to the new house. Again she ran out the door and showed up at the old apartment, so we let her stay until she was the only object in the building. That was the beginning of a week with May crying and pacing in the new house, escaping and returning to the apartment. I tried everything, asking her what she needed, but to no avail. Finally she began accepting the move and is now sleeping happily on her new window perch as I write.
      Nikita on the other hand loved the new house. He proudly walked in and out, enjoying his deck, yard and new hunting grounds. The day the new tenants moved into our old apartment I went to meet them. They told me that Nik had boldly marched through, inspecting all of the rooms, and then he sat under a bush and watched them empty the moving truck. I saw him there and he looked very sad, so Tim walked home with him and gave him a treat (it doesn't take much to cheer him up).
      Cats often have specific preferences when it comes to sharpening their claws. Nikita is a horizontal scratcher, and enjoys carpeting. In our old apartment we made a deal with him, he was allowed to use the carpet for scratching, but randomly (never in the same place twice). The carpet was very durable and he never left marks or damaged it. The first time he did this in the new house I was concerned. I could see that the damage would be considerable to the carpet, so I asked him to use the cardboard horizontal scratcher upstairs and to use the carpet randomly in the finished basement. He complied immediately. One day Tim and I witnessed Nikita stretch, extend his claws, look down at the carpet and stop. He got up and went to his scratcher instead!
      I love both of my cats immensely and am constantly reminded that when we are all communicating and trying to understand each other, life is more harmonious.

Common Success

When people attend my workshops to learn telepathic communication, they often arrive with doubts. I watch them with the animals and feel confident that the ability to communicate telepathically is already within all of us. I enjoy the last exercise of the day the most, when people start to get messages from the animals. Although, there is often a doubt or hesitancy, I can see the animals relaxing as the humans "get it".
      The two day workshop is usually just a start. To feel comfortable and skilled at telepathic communication, people often need time and practice (I sure did!). However, I am often impressed with the communication that happens on the first day of a workshop. At one workshop a participant told me that Nikita (my cat) wanted his old brand of cat food again. I said, "I know, but I want him to eat this new brand." When I got home I realized that Nikita had brought his message to the workshop because I was not listening. Apologizing, I went to the store and bought the old brand. He has been happy ever since.
      During one of my workshops this fall, I happened to mention that my cat May did not tend to stay on my lap if I put her there. In the next exercise May was supposed to tell everyone about her life. Many of the participants at that workshop shared accurate information that they had received from May.
      One woman said, "May doesn't stay on your lap because she is physically uncomfortable when she purrs, and being on your lap makes her want to purr." I thought that message was odd, but did not doubt the validity of it. Ever since then, May has been crawling into laps several times a day! Also, I recently had her treated with a homeopathic remedy and for the first time in her life she has an audible purr. Obviously something really was amiss with her purr, and the remedy somehow fixed it. What is amazing to me is how that seemingly random comment changed our lives. I love having a lap cat, and it is thanks to the woman at that workshop. When we take the time to make a connection with other beings, listening and understanding, we are literally enhancing their lives (and our own of course).
      Frequently in my newsletters I write about a success that I had communicating with animals. Of course it is always nice for me to hear that I have helped someone, but I really want to make it clear that all of you can do this work. In your own way you understand animals and they understand you. Many of the people who attend my workshops don't even know the depth of their impact on the participating animals. Every conversation someone has with Nikita and May has brought about some change in his or her lives. Please take the time to connect with your animals, send them mental images, thoughts, feelings, and try to listen back. They really love to communicate!
      I find that the participants in my workshop are truly gifted at communicating with animals, they just need confidence and trust. If you have been to a workshop already, I encourage you to practice or attend other workshops for more experience. Your animals want to talk to you‑ just listening will make them very happy. It took me weeks, then months, then years before I felt confident about the messages I was receiving, so don't give up on yourself (the animals never will!).

Introducing Ted

            Sometimes the best lessons in life arrive in small furry packages.  This is certainly true of Ted, the small rex rabbit I adopted on January 6, 2002 .  Throughout my childhood and teen-age years I shared my life with pet rabbits, but nothing prepared me for this guy!  He is older, having spent the past 6 years in a home where he was obviously loved by his woman (later I understood from him that he was not treated well by the man).  When I picked him up from the MSPCA shelter, he came with his own personalized Christmas stocking!
            Ted was afraid in the shelter, but seemed very affectionate.  He wanted a guarantee that he would be a “house rabbit”, he would not have a cage, and would run free in the house.  I said, “no problem”.  When we arrived at our house with Ted, I explained to him that I needed him to live in the spare bathroom for a day or two while we “rabbit proofed” the house, the cats adjusted, and most importantly he proved his litter training.  Needless to say he was very offended.  Whenever I opened the door to visit him he would say, “you told me I was going to be a house rabbit!” 
            Ted seemed surprised that I knew what he was saying to me.  At first he tried to pretend that he could not understand me.  When he realized that I was willing to help him if he talked with me, he opened up.  At the end of the first day I asked him if there was anything I could bring him and he replied, “parsley”.  I did not have any on hand and promised to buy some the next day.  It turns out that parsley is Ted’s favorite so we make sure that the refrigerator is stocked.  (Like many bunnies he loves bananas most of all, but they are not considered healthy treats, so we offer them sparingly.)
            Understanding how important it was for Ted to be a house rabbit, we put all of our energy into “rabbit proofing” the lower floor of our house.  This involves making certain that all wires are out of bunny reach, and being sure that no shoes, quilts, or favorite things are within chewing range of the rabbit.  Once rabbits find something they want to chew, it is often destroyed before you know about it, so it is best to be safe from the start.  When we finished rabbit proofing that floor, we let Ted out, and he danced and played and was very happy for two days.  On the third day he started biting our ankles and letting me know that his care was “unacceptable”.  I asked him what was wrong and he replied, “You promised that I would be a house rabbit and I want the rest of the house.”  So, another weekend was spent rabbit proofing most of the upstairs.  We let Ted up during the day, but put him in the bathroom at night (both of the cats were afraid of him and we did not want to leave them together unattended).  He was joyful and happy for two days.  On the third day he started biting again and told me his care was “unacceptable”.  He explained that he wanted to be free all day and all night.
            I had a long talk with Ted and the cats, and explained that if Ted was free all of the time, then I needed to know that they were all safe with each other.  They all assured me that although they were not friends yet, Ted could be free at night and no one would get hurt.  A few days later Nikita accidentally fell asleep on the floor.  Ted discovered him and began to groom him, licking the fur on his hips.  Trying to cover the entire cat, Ted put his front foot up on Nikita, and he still slept.  Then Ted put his other foot up and Nikita stirred.  He slowly looked over his shoulder and to his horror realized there was a rabbit standing on him, licking him!  I was worried that he would react violently, but he quietly scooted out from under Ted, and has not slept on the floor since.  This interaction gave me the assurance that although Nik feared Ted, he would not hurt him.
            Ted was happy for several days with his new freedom, and then I made a huge mistake.  I wanted to clip his claws, so we sat on the couch holding him and clipped a few.  He became very upset.  That night he attacked Tim and I while we sat on the same couch, and for the next eight days he got on the couch and raged (biting and digging at it).  He accepted my apology, but would not forgive the couch.  I tried communicating with him about it everyday, but nothing seemed to help (my couch was worse for the wear).  He told me again that my care was “unacceptable”.  Part of me felt like giving up on him.  I began resorting to training techniques like blowing a whistle while he was on the couch, putting perfume on the couch to “stink” him out, and bribing him to stay off with banana chips.  Everything made him worse, and I felt guilty for trying such techniques on him.
            Finally I had a long talk with him and told him that I would follow any care instructions he had, and I would take new instructions each day.  He told me that he was hurt that his other people left him at the shelter and wanted to speak with them.  I made an effort to contact his woman, but could not.  I told him that I would do everything I could to make him happy here.  He said he wanted full freedom all of the time, parsley every day, and a furry friend.  I could not adopt any new friends for him, but I asked May to give the rabbit a chance.  She immediately walked over and rubbed on him, flirting as best she could.  He licked her a few times then nipped her on the leg.  She looked at me and said, “This is just too much to ask!”  I explained to Ted that it was very hard for our family to give him what he wanted when he was constantly pinching everyone on the ankles.  We continued our daily talks and he slowly became content and decreased the ankle biting- even May gave him a chance every couple of days.
            I built him the most fantastic rabbit fort, made of sticks, 100% edible, and it creates a safe hiding spot for him.  After the arrival of the fort he was really happy for many days.  All of his grumbling ended, except an occasional fit on the couch.  So, I talked to a Behaviorist who suggested putting a plastic carpet runner prickly side up on the couch.  That cured the problem immediately (although I prefer to solve issues with communication in general).
            Now Ted has lived with us for six-weeks and for the most part all is well.  He still becomes very angry or upset (pinches our ankles) when we have visitors or if we watch too much T.V. (particularly sports).  As I become more aware of his thoughts, habits, and emotions, I feel us growing closer.  This experience has shown me that I still have a lot to learn about patience, animal communication and myself, and I am sure Ted is ready to teach me!
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Issue 17:  June 1, 2002

Rabbit Celebrations

            In my previous newsletter I wrote about Ted, our newly adopted house rabbit.  (To catch up on the story visit the “photo” page on my website).  At first he was quite a handful, and very demanding, his favorite thing to say was, “my care is unacceptable”.  I am very pleased to share that Ted has been nothing but happy for the past two months, and is not bossy anymore. 
Upon his request we moved his food dish so that he could eat alongside the cats.  He wanted to be “a real member of the family”, he said.  He also has two stick forts, one for upstairs and one for the lower level, so that he can spend time with us wherever we go.  Finally I ordered a flower remedy for him, which seemed to help with his anger and sadness.
Ted has rewarded our patience with his love and humor.  When we call his name he flicks his ears around and comes running (ear flicking is his version of celebrating an event- he also does this for good food).  Walking in the front door after an evening out, we are greeted by a gray cat and gray rabbit at the top of the stairs. (The orange cat is usually outside).
Ted claims the cats as his greatest victory.  They finally accepted him as a family member.  When the cats come back inside, they walk up to Ted and press their forehead against his.  I have never seen a bunny smile as big as he does when they greet him.  He has yet to convince them to play or snuggle with him, although I believe he might have a chance with May (gray cat).
Ted is my daily reminder that when I offer love, patience, and understanding it is eventually returned – in this case the return is far greater than what I gave.  Thank you Ted, we love you.

Living with Humans

My mission is to help people and animals understand each other.  More specifically I enjoy assisting my clients reach household harmony and happiness through mutual understanding.  Many of the animals that I work with are what we call “pets”.  Their primary reason for being invited into the homes of my clients is to become a member of the family, a companion.  This is not to say that they don’t have other roles, but they are not used for work, meat, products, transportation, etc.  The animals are invited to live with their people, and once there they should be treated like family.
         I treasure the friendship my companion animals offer me (two cats and a rabbit).  In return I make an effort to give them the best comforts of domestic life, including food, grooming, medical attention, and training.  I believe that “training” is one of the most important things you can offer your animal friends.  Imagine how stressful it would be if you had never learned any social skills as a child.  What if you had never learned to use a toilet, to shake hands, or to eat with silverware?  Your life could be really difficult.  For the same reasons your parents and teachers taught you how to “be” in your own culture, you need to teach your animal friends how to behave with humans. 
          A concerned client once said, “We don’t want to do any obedience training with our dog because it might ruin his personality.”  As long as kind methods of teaching and mutual understanding continue, the personality will remain intact.  If you do not teach your animals how to live in a people world, then they will not fully enjoy their time with you.
          Whether you have a bird, cat, dog, horse, rabbit, or pig, the concept is the same. First your animal friend should have a physical space to live in comfortably, or it should be taught how to live in a human home safely and without destroying it.  Second, they should be comfortable greeting and spending time with other humans or they need to have a situation where they will not under any circumstance be injured or injure a person.  Third, their existence should not cause tension in the home or danger to themselves.
            My favorite method of working with my animals is telepathic communication of course!  I just let them know what we expect of them and they tell me what they need to be happy and comfortable- together we work it out.  I have also found this useful in my consultations with my clients.  Frequently I find myself explaining potty training to a puppy or the purpose of scratching posts to cats.  I also encourage my clients to send mental pictures to their animal friends that show them exactly what behaviors are desired.  As much as I encourage this method of “training”, I also highly recommend working with trainers, especially if you have a dog or horse.  The kindest thing that you can do is teaching your dog how to be safe and polite with people- it could some day save her life.
          I want people to know that they can and should live happily with their animals- too many homes are damaged unnecessarily. I also want to see animals living comfortably with their humans- too often they are misunderstood or punished without ever being properly informed about their behavior.  Please remember why you have invited animals into your life.  Treat them with love, respect and help them learn the human way.  In return they will give you companionship and teach you the ways of their species.  Remember, it is not likely that anyone will know all of the answers, so use the resources you have available- your animal, trainers, vets, behaviorists and animal communicators!
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Issue 18:  September 1, 2002

Lost Animals

            As many of you have noticed, I do not communicate with missing animals professionally.  However, cats, dogs and other animals do sometimes get lost and although I do not offer consultations, I would love to aid in finding them.  Having your animal missing is a really traumatic event.  People often call me, saying they just want to know if their animal is “alive or not”.   I understand the desire to know, because it is torture to imagine your loved one wandering, trapped or uncared for.  In my past newsletters I shared stories about when my orange cat, Nikita, was missing.  He was once gone for seven nights, and hobbled home after being stuck in a tree the entire time!  On that occasion I was sure that he died, and I was really grieving.  (I later understood that he told me and others he was dying because that is what he believed, but then he passed out and fell from the tree.)  That week I went through the experience of continuing the physical search of posters and phone calls, yet trying to let go and grieve.  Of course I felt great joy to see him again, but the stress of the experience stayed with me for a long time. 
            Years ago I wrote about my childhood cat, Pussywillow, who was living with my parents, and how he disappeared.  He never returned and my father and I both understood from him that he had been killed by Coyotes.  The understanding came to us within twenty-four hours of his disappearance.  On that occasion I felt the grief of losing him, but none of the anxiety around trying to finding him.  The message felt clear to me as Pussywillow told me that being in spirit was wonderful and that he had greeted one of our other cats that had passed on.  He expressed how sorry he was that he didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, and understood that everyone would have liked to give him one more hug.
            On another occasion my gray cat, May, was missing from a place I had just moved into.  I was completely hysterical.  After searching, phone calls, posters, and lots of crying I realized that I needed to get quiet and contact her.  I asked my other cat, Nikita to help me get May home.  We sat down together and I held his paw in my hand. We connected with May and she described where she was (in the woods) and which direction she had originally walked.  Nikita offered to enter her perspective and point her towards home.  His eyes rolled back in his head, he began twitching, convulsing, and meowing (a condition I have never witnessed before or since).  He gradually fell asleep and May told me she would try to find her way.  Three hours later she was waiting by the door!
            I have suggested this meditation to clients and it has brought several animals home.  I find the involvement of another family animal in the meditation to be particularly helpful.  Their telepathic skills are greater than many humans so they can really be useful to the lost animal.  Obviously the meditation has its limitations because the animal may be physically unable to return.
            Meditation is also a powerful way of receiving information about your missing pet.  If you can get quiet and calm your fears, their message will come to you.  This is not an easy process, but I believe that in most cases it is more effective and accurate for the animal’s person to do the meditation rather than a hired animal communicator.  When you are in the home you can send light or energetic treads from your heart to lead the animal safely home.  If they have died you can feel them close to you, and they will tell you gently.  The communication may come to you in words, or it might be a gentle “intuitive” feeling.
            If you feel like you need help finding a lost animal and you have done the conventional posters and the meditation I suggested, then it can also be useful to call an animal communicator.  To find an animal communicator for missing animals go to the resources page on my website.

Nikita, May and Ted

            I just can’t stop talking about these three cuties!  Ted (the rabbit) has lived with us now for eight months, and we all enjoy his company.  Every morning he waits in the hallway for breakfast, and then bounces over to his dish.  As we feed him, Nikita (orange cat) waits by the glass door only a few feet away.  When we open the door he trots in and rubs Ted with the top of his head.  May (gray cat) quietly wakes up in the living room and strolls in with sleepy eyes.  She likes to wait for the canned food while Nikita gets started on the dry food.  (The photo above depicts a typical breakfast for the kids.)
            I enjoy watching as the cats and rabbit build their own relationships.  Often humans expect to be involved in every aspect of “their” animal’s lives.  Sometimes it is appropriate for us to intervene if animals are disagreeing, but most of the time I find that if we provide a harmonious environment then they develop and grow in their relationships on their own (please be sure all animals are physically safe).
          Nikita was terrified of Ted when he first arrived, but slowly he got to know the rabbit and began to feel differently.  Now they are learning how to play together (see photo on front page).  The cat enjoys predator games while the rabbit likes prey games.  Sometimes Ted finds the game to be too “real” and quits playing, but he usually returns for more.  Nikita likes batting at Ted, but always keeps his claws retracted!

Letters to Dawn

Dear Dawn,

It has occurred to me that while I have told everyone and his brother about the great job you did with Kelley, I have yet to tell you!  If you remember, Kelley, my Morgan mare, wouldn't stand for me to get into the cart after being harnessed.  When you spoke to her she told you that the cart "grabbed" her and that she got scared as it seemed to be pulling her backwards and down so she had to move forward.  That was so in-line with what an observer had noticed one day when this happened.  She told me that Kelley seemed terrified and I had gotten that impression too when I tried to make her stand.  After puzzling over it for a time, I realized that the tugs of the harness were too high, making the shafts of the cart slant sharply up.  Then, when I added my weight to the cart, the harness would pull back and down.  I tried to find a new harness I could afford, but hated all that we tried (she did too!).

  So, I took her old one, which had been her brother's and was cob size actually, and rigged extensions for the tugs.  After a little talk with her to assure her that the problem was solved and that the cart wouldn't "grab" her anymore, I tried it.  It worked.  We have had no problems since (once she remembered that we don't canter in harness!).  I can't thank you enough.  As I said, I have told everyone "how come" we can drive again. 

 Best always, Shirley

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Dawn:

It's working!

Pee Wee doesn't pee where she shouldn't.  [I had done a consultation with Pee Wee about inappropriate peeing in the house.]  We can keep our bedroom doors open and invite the cats in and if all goes well, I'm going to buy a sofa.  (I had to throw the old one out as it had become Pee Wee's personal potty.)  You are brilliant and our whole family is grateful.

Many thanks, Gwen

Update:  Pee Wee did have a slip-up in her behavior after several months, this can happen with animals (just like people).  Continued communication with their people usually clears up the issue quickly.
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Issue 19:  December 1, 2002  

Ted's Departure

On Wednesday September 25, 2002 our beloved rabbit Ted died of natural causes in his hospital bed.  On Monday morning, just three days earlier, he was running and eating vigorously, apparently in good health.  That evening when Tim and I got home Ted was lethargic and not eating.  He told me his symptoms and I immediately called our homeopathic vet.  She instructed me to give him a remedy and call her in an hour with his progress.  As soon as he got the remedy his symptoms improved and he felt slightly better.  A few hours went by and although improved, Ted was not moving or eating, so I drove him to the animal hospital.  When I arrived the vet on call was not very concerned.  The remedy had perked Ted up and he was almost cheerful in the exam room (by that time it was midnight ).  We were advised to leave him for observation, but no course of treatment was decided on until morning.
          From the time I left him at the hospital until the time he died I began a practice of checking in with him for new symptoms every two to three hours, even in the middle of the night.  The next day, Tuesday, I went into the hospital and met with his homeopathic vet.  I was concerned because although he had less pain than he had at 4 AM he seemed out of sorts and hard to communicate with.  I asked if he was on medications as his specialist vet entered the room.  She had started him on medications, including a pain med, which explained his state of mind.  He looked very sick and I cried as I reported his symptoms.  I didn’t want to lose him and could see that he was really suffering.  He couldn’t even sleep.
            My vet quickly came up with another homeopathic remedy to complement the traditional treatment he was receiving.  Seconds after the dropper touched his lips he perked up.  He looked better immediately, responded to food for the first time, but did not eat it, then went to sleep.  I was relieved to see how much better he felt and left the office to go home for the first time in almost 24 hours.
          Tuesday evening I called in to ask how he was doing and the vet tech told me he was spitting out the food they were giving him in a dropper.  She said it was important that he eat, so I asked him to swallow everything the next time they fed him.  That night was difficult.  I woke to check on him and knew he was in a great deal of pain.  I called early that morning and much to my delight they said he had swallowed all of his food and he was being co-operative.  Ted also told me that the pain was relieved (they had given him more medicine).
          I arrived at 11 AM to visit Ted and his situation had worsened.  His head was limp and he was very uncomfortable.  Ted’s eyes brightened slightly when he saw me and he melted as I stroked his head.  I asked him to try.  Try to eat, try to get better, and try to live.  As I said the words I knew it was unlikely that he could stay, his body was protesting life and Ted no longer looked like he could fight.  At the end of our visit I kissed him on the head and said, “I love you.”
          When I arrived at home after the long car ride from the hospital there was a message on the machine.  It was the vet in person and I knew what that meant.  I started crying before I heard the official words.  Ted had died one hour after visiting with me, quickly and peacefully.
           May and Nikita, our cats, missed Ted immensely while he was in the hospital.  May knew I had taken him and demanded that I return him immediately.  When I told her that he died she was very upset and ran from me, she went outside, angry with me for what happened.  Later that day she returned and gave me a hug, realizing it was not my fault.  Nikita meowed a lot and looked at the empty floor where Ted had been.
          Three days later we brought Ted’s body home for burial.  Nikita sniffed and looked; clearly sad but also relieved to experience the loss physically.  May chose not to attend the open casket.  She paced on the other side of the glass door, understanding the situation but not wanting to look for herself.  Both cats continue to miss him of course, but they are significantly more at peace since the burial.  Tim and I miss Ted terribly; knowing his spirit is still with us is comforting, but we miss his joyful little body.
         When Ted was really happy, running in the house we would say, “hop-bop-it Ted” and he would flip his ears and kick up his heels.  After he died I communicated with him and he told me, “hop-bop-it”, and I knew he meant have fun, dance, enjoy life.

Clyde's Arrival

            I desperately missed “rabbit joy” after Ted died.  Those who have lived with a house-rabbit know what I am talking about.  They bring peace, happiness and fun loving excitement to the house, and once you are hooked it is hard to live without it!  After a few weeks I called my connection at the House Rabbit Society and told her I was ready to adopt.  At one point we thought we had the right rabbit, but it just didn’t work out, so I tried to resolve to no bunny for the time being.  Well that lasted a week and then I got a lead on a rabbit in the shelter.  I went to visit him but he was too rambunctious for me.  However, in the back room, not yet moved into the official adoption area was a beautiful big white lop-eared rabbit.  I petted and kissed him and was instantly in love.
            We had to leave him there for five days until he could be neutered.  I talked to him every day in preparation for his arrival.  The first day he told me his name was “ Clyde ”, not Fufi as his previous owner had called him.  The next two nights I dreamt about a huge horse called Clyde and realized that the rabbit’s full name was meant to be Clydesdale. 
            Finally the day arrived and I went to pick Clyde up from the vet office after his neuter.  They had bad news for me; he had mites and abscesses so I was sent home with medications.  This also meant that he had to be quarantined and could not meet the cats for two weeks.  It was very frustrating to only visit him in the spare bathroom and to have to wash thoroughly after each visit.  His health continued to be a major issue with multiple vet visits, medications and a second surgery.  Throughout the process he was such a trooper, always positive and helpful.  He has now been given a clean bill of health.
            Clyde is very excited about animal communication and already wants to host a workshop.  He loves talking to me and picks up on anything that is said or thought about him.  The first night he stayed with us he did not use the litter box once!  I was very disappointed with the mess and explained my expectations.  He told me that the hay in the box was too pokey after his recent surgery.  I put in a new soft litter, put him in the box, and visualized him peeing.  He peed right away.  We continued to have discussions about litter box use and within three weeks he was 100%.  I found that his favorite reward for good behavior was cheering, “Go Clyde go, woo hoo!!!”
            During our first three weeks together he had to take antibiotics twice a day.  At first he would dance and celebrate, taking the medicine as if it was a bottle.  Then, as he was having health complications, we were treating him homeopathically and his vet told me to ask him if he thought the antibiotics were disrupting the remedy.  He didn’t answer, but immediately refused to take the antibiotics from that day on.  I learned that it is important to be careful about what I say to Clyde !
            Now Clyde happily lives in the kitchen and living room, fully litter trained and greets everyone with enthusiasm.  The cats have become fast friends with him, they both enjoy “head butting” him.  Nikita always looks for him when he comes inside, but Clyde isn’t sure yet if he really enjoys Nik’s attention.  Sometimes it turns into a bit of play batting and Clyde leaves the scene.
            We all feel very fortunate to have Clyde in our home and look forward to many exciting adventures with him.

The Wedding

            I am pleased to announce that on November 1, 2002 I joyously married Tim Allen.  We had a beautiful wedding with many of our friends and family. 
            After our reception we took a two week honeymoon and went to Aruba for a few days, then worked on our house.  Our animals had a great pet sitter and therefore did not miss us as much as I missed them!
            What did May and Nikita have to say about the marriage?  Well, it would be interesting if they took notice, but to them it feels the same… they already felt like we were a family forever.
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Issue 20:  March 15, 2003

Myths, Ideas, and One Fuzzy Bunny

Myth #1: Animals can be “made” to change a behavior.