Stories to remember
Stories and Shared Experiences
There are those among us who befriend and develop deep relationships with wild creatures. These connections might have appeared in a dream but are seldom imagined in one's waking hours.
People remember these sacred, heart-felt relationships in stories many years after these relationships have ceased. They propagate these stories, sometimes many years later, by sharing them with family and friends who repeat them to others who also repeat them. It is debatable who loves hearing the stories more, the storyteller or the listener.
Unbelievably True!
Many people who share stories with me often tell me something like "I bet that you are never bored with your work." Yes, that is the case. Not only am I never bored, but I never cease to be amazed at the stories that I hear from animals and their human companions.
It reminds me of the Chinese wooden dolls that I played with as a child. They were made from some type of wood and were beautifully painted. I opened one and pulled out another doll. That doll could be pulled apart and another doll could be pulled out from the next doll. Each doll was a wonderful surprise. It was fun to see what the next doll would look like.
Each animal has something to say!
So it is with the world of communicating with animals. Their stories never cease. They are limitless. The more I can quiet my mind and listen to animals, the more information I can receive from these furry, feathery and reptilian companions. Some talk more than others. Some speak loudly, others are more subdued. Some have a lot to say. Some don't. All speak. Most clients believe that animals talk, but are not convinced that they can understand what they are being told. Most of the communication from animals come to us telepathically. It can be a thought, an idea, or a feeling. If people merely look at the animal's behavior or nonverbal gestures, they will miss most of the communication. It is not transmitted to our eyes. It requires people to slow down and listen. Some of the most interesting stories that I have experienced or have been told can be found by following the links in the left hand column of this page. To get started, read the first story I was told!
Read All About it! Here Is What's New!!
People often want me to tell them an amazing/amusing animal story. They want to hear something convincing them that animals really do understand humans. This story is hot off the press. it was generously given to me on Friday, November 2, 2007 in the house of a friend when I stopped by to help pack some boxes. Melissa was in the middle of cleaning her living room and needed some help packing and moving some boxes to other rooms in her house. We worked for about 90 minutes and then sat down to have a cup of coffee. Melissa began telling me about Jimmy, her deceased yellow lab.
"He was amazingly smart. He understood so much. Steve and I sat in the kitchen and talked about shopping for groceries. As soon as Jimmy heard the word "groceries", he went to the front door to wait for one of his humans to come to the door.Jimy was always ready for an adventure to take place outside his home. Jimmy loved to accompany Steve and Melissa upstairs at night to go to bed. "Get a night night toy" and off Jimmy would go to choose a toy to take upstairs from his toy box.
Jimmy loved his toys and liked to take them with him everywhere, even outside. Melissa and Steve sometimes tried to discourage Jimmy from taking one of his toys outside where he could easily lose them. One day Jimmy and Melissa were going outside for a walk. Jimmy decided that he would take one of his stuffed animals with him. "Jimmy, you can't take Ted (the stuffed toy) outside. He needs to stay inside. Jimmy promptly took the toy and put it back in the box and then proceeded to sulk.
Melissa paused to take a sip of her coffee. I thought that she was finished with her Jimmy story. I was wrong, because she soon continued. "Sometimes we couldn't find Jimmy's leash. When we had no idea where to look, we asked Jimmy "to go find your leash." The yellow lab promptly left the room and always returned with his leash!
There are fewer requests for stories about animals communicating with other animals. Why is surprising, because these are just as fascinating.
Stay tuned for more.
A Touching Story
The following was sent to me after a client named Kathryn called me about her beloved dog Ted. She asked if Ted would tell me if he was ready to be put down. It is a commonly asked question. People don't always when an animal is ready to die. Determing when is the right time to end the life of a beloved furry,feathery or reptilian family member is incredibly emotionally charged. Although in my experience animals aren't afraid of dying, they do not want to suffer or to be in pain. They do worry about the humans and animal friends and family members that are left behind. Sometimes they hang in longer which may allow people to adjust to their leaving.
Dear friends: Ted is slipping away into his next journey. With chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, added this week was Cushing's disease, which excretes testosterone back into his bloodstream, causing a poisoning affect. Today I decided that Nov. 3rd(2007) Ted will pack his bags, and wish us all well as he joyfully enters a life beyond. As usual, Ted entered the vet clinic in search of treats. Dr. Pruitt greeted him with small goodies, so we all disappeared in importance! We set up his bed in the examination room in a small corner and witnessed Dr.Pruitt administering the first shot to calm and sedate him. Ted wanted to lay down and face the tile wall. Annie (friend) seemed jumpy but stayed near. Ted just stared ahead, with his breathing calming down for the first time in a long time. His paws extended forward and into dreamland he entered, but all the time with his eyes slightly open.
The girls ( Sheila, Tammi, Sandi, Joyce and little Annie) joked aloud after learning that the next lethal shot would be phenol barbital, a truth serum. They hoped Ted would spill the beans about his mother, but true to his owner he was till the end! Sheila, Tammi, Sandi, Joyce and little Annie surrounded Ted as his breathing became more shallow.
Tammi kept her hand on his head while the rest of us touched him and sent our loving messages. Ted had been accepting small treats non stop while the first shot kicked in. In less than 10 minutes he stopped chewing and just kept them in his mouth. Good scout, that Ted, always stocking up!
Next Dr. Pruitt shaved his front paw, of which we kept the hair. In less than 2 minutes the doctor checked for a heart beat. Being the tough guy he is, the heart still had a faint beat. For the first time in a long time, we rolled Ted onto his side for a better listen.
I spoke to Ted as Tammi & I tried to close his eyelids. But once again, stubborn to the end! Not wanting to miss any action! He left us at 11:20am, with his Frisbee serving as his pillow and his love letters attached for safe journey.
Vicki and Jim from Pet n Paws (Portland, Oregon) arrived immediately at the back door with their pickup truck to transport him for cremation. Sheila and Dr. Pruitt grabbed each end and moved Ted just a short distance into the bed of the pickup. Sandi and I rearranged his position so he would enjoy his last ride in a truck, something he did for 10 years of his life! The sun shinned brightly as the truck pulled away.
I felt so proud and thankful that Ted had a loving, and dignified farewell. And now he lives all around me, even though I cannot see him.