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One thing I learned in 2020 is to be patient, flexible, and above all, trust my intuition.

Of the many challenges I faced last year, the worst one was suddenly losing my dog, Bodhi Bear, to stomach cancer in early December 2020. Saying goodbye to my best friend and constant companion’s physical presence shattered my heart into a million pieces. 

Being a great friend and dog, Bodhi Bear made sure I got through my move from California to Connecticut before showing signs of his grave illness. For so many reasons, I’ll forever be grateful to Bodhi for all that he gave me in his short seven and a half years with me. 

Bodhi Bear and me

I decided years ago that I never wanted to walk alone and needed a Keeshond by my side to feel whole. So when I let Bodhi go because he was too ill to eat, I knew in my heart that I would have to find another dog. 

Right after Bodhi transitioned, I immediately began searching for my Keeshond puppy and quickly located one. However, in hindsight, I realized that I was not emotionally ready to raise a puppy. 

At the same time, I asked my two twenty-year-old cats, Mona and Elvis, how they felt about a puppy. Elvis said he was on board with raising a puppy as long as the puppy didn’t chase him. Elvis has always liked dogs and was good friends with Kobe Bear and Bodhi Bear. 

On the other hand, Mona has never been a fan of dogs. Mona tolerated Bodhi, but he would literally piss her off at times as he made Mona feel unsafe. Finally, Mona made it clear that she’s perfectly content living without a dog, especially a puppy.

After Bodhi passed, I noticed a considerable change in my cats. Mona, who is deaf, was consistently using her cat box and confidently galloping around the house in a way I hadn’t seen in years. Elvis was also feeling more at ease. Both cats were more playful and relaxed. Plus, the three of us had plenty of bonding time without Bodhi.

As we waited for the puppy to arrive, my fuzzy nephew, Fozzie Bear, came for a visit. Fozzie’s presence stressed and upset Mona more than I realized. She communicated physically in her body language and telepathically that she was not happy with Fozzie’s presence. After Fozzie chased Elvis, Mona reiterated her intense dislike by peeing in my bed.

Mona’s peeing was a wake-up call. I realized I needed to listen to her with an open heart and let go of my desire to get a puppy for the time being. When I truly heard and understood my cats’ concerns, I realized it was not the right time to bring a puppy into our family.

While it was hard letting the puppy go, I was okay with waiting for Mona and Elvis’s sake. It’s the least I can do since she and Elvis have been my loyal family members and cherished companions for 20 years. And the last thing I want to do is piss Mona off again! 

My fuzzy nephew, Fozzie Bear

During the cold, blustery, snowy months of my first New England winter in 30 years, I was grateful I didn’t have to housebreak a puppy. Instead, I’m glad I listened to Mona and Elvis, who were right to make me wait.

Around March 1st, I intuitively got the message that it was time to start looking for my puppy again. Synchronistically, I also felt Mona and Elvis were in a good place to receive a dog into our family. 

At about the same time, I told my sister that I felt my puppy had been born, and I would start looking for him. I did find a boy Keeshond, but I didn’t feel a heart connection with him.

As I continued to look, I kept reminding myself that I needed to trust my intuition to find my perfect bundle of puff.

As I searched, I reached out to my dear friend, Donna, a Keeshonden breeder. She introduced me to the Keeshond breed almost thirty years ago. I rescued my first two, Keeshonden, KC, and Kobe Bear, from Donna. It’s because of Donna, that I fell in love with this special dog breed.

So naturally, I reached out to Donna when I received the inner “call” to start looking for my new fuzzy friend. 

Shortly after I contacted Donna, she sent me an email saying that a 3-year-old male Keeshond show dog, Corey, was looking for a home. She urged me to reach out to his breeder to find out more. I had to sit with the idea of bringing an unsocialized, unneutered, untrained show dog into my family for a while before I called the breeder. 

I decided to take the same advice I give my clients, which is, “you never know.” Sometimes you have to go left to get it right. So I called the breeder, even though I knew in my heart that the dog wouldn’t be a good fit for my family.

About 20 minutes into the conversation, the breeder let me know that she recently had a litter of puppies.

I immediately said, “What I really want is a boy puppy. I have many plans for my new friend as he has big paws to fill.”

The breeder listened but didn’t discuss the puppies any further since the call was about Corey.  After our conversation, I knew Corey was not my dog.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but wonder about the litter of puppies.

So I reached out to Donna and asked her if she knew about the litter of puppies. Donna said yes. Unbeknownst to me, Donna proceeded to tell the breeder, whom she knew well, that I would make a wonderful Keesie mom and she would be lucky to give me a puppy.

Yogi Bear at 3 weeks

Later that day, I received a message from Donna saying, “Well, what did you decide?”

I responded, “Decide what?”

Donna replied, “Check your email.”

In my inbox was an email from the breeder offering me a boy puppy from the litter! I couldn’t have asked for more! Serendipitously, the breeder has three cats who helped raise the puppies.

At the time, the puppies were only 3 weeks old. When the breeder sent me pictures of the three boys, I took one look at the puppy wearing the yellow collar, and I knew he was the puppy I had been searching for.

Over the next few weeks, I watched “Yellow” grow up virtually through Facebook posts, photos, videos, and even a few Zoom sessions. The more time I spent with him, the more I knew he’s my puppy. “Yellow” is good-natured, sweet, and very smart. 

Mona preparing for the puppy’s arrival

I flew to Detroit to pick up Yogi Bear on May 4th. Yogi Bear was a rock star on the flight home.

So far, the cats are peacefully co-existing with Yogi Bear. Yogi is everything I could ever want in a puppy and more. 

My heart is full of joy having Yogi Bear in my life. And so far, Mona and Elvis are peacefully co-existing with Yogi Bear. In time, I know they will embrace him.

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If having a soul means being able to feel love, loyalty, and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. 

—Jame Herriot

Animals are excellent teachers on how to be grateful. Animals recognize and trust humans when they come from a place of gratitude, which is peaceful, calm, and loving.

Gratitude, which means thankfulness and appreciation, connects us to our spiritual essence, which animals recognize and appreciate. Being grateful opens our hearts and minds to be more compassionate to ourselves and others.

Offering gratitude strengthens your bond and connection with all sentient beings in the web of life, especially your animal family because it brings about peace, harmony, love, and compassion. All of which humans and non-human animals need to live a healthy and balanced life.

Practicing gratitude is linked with increased happiness, along with increased physical, mental, and spiritual health. The more I practice the system of Reiki and offer Reiki to animals, the more I feel tremendous appreciation in my life for my animals, health, family, friends, and clients. And I experience more peace and balance in my life.

Animals show us gratitude in a myriad of ways like smiling, cuddling up to us, loving us unconditionally, or just hanging out sharing space together.

When communicating telepathically and offering Reiki to animals, it’s essential to express your gratitude and give thanks for the animal’s willingness to connect with you in whatever way they feel comfortable. Thanking animals for their desire to talk with you or share Reiki shows that you honor and respect them. Plus it opens the doors to more in-depth communication and relationships.

One way to show gratitude to animals is to practice Gassho with them. Gassho means “two hands coming together in prayer” and is a universal sign of reverence and respect that resembles praying.

The goal of the Gassho meditation is to bring all opposites together to express gratitude in unity and harmony.

Gassho Meditation

Practice this meditation often and for as long as you want. I suggest you begin with 5 minutes a day and build from there.

• Begin by sitting or standing, whichever is most comfortable for you.

• Put your hands together, palm-to-palm, in front of your face. Place your straight fingers in the prayer position approximately one fist’s length from the tip of your nose while slightly pressing your two palms together (see above illustration).

• Position your forearms at a slight angle to the ground. Don’t let your elbows touch your body. 

• Gently breathe in through your nose as you imagine breathing in unconditional love or Reiki (Spiritual Energy). 

• As you exhale, feel this spiritual energy as it moves throughout your entire being in your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body.

• While you continue to breathe in the energy of Reiki, see this loving energy nurture your being as you exhale. 

The more you practice the Gassho meditation, the more you will be in a place of reverence, respect, and gratitude, which will open your heart to your true nature as a spiritual being.

As you reconnect with your authentic self, you will become a magnet that is an attractant to animals.

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Bursting spring morning

A joyous sunrise singing

With the hummingbirds

–Cathy Malkin

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Mustang Ambassadors Amore and Sol

Horse-crazy since childhood, I was excited to find out there is a Mustang sanctuary located at the base of Mt. Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek, California not far from my home. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect spending time with the Mustangs. As a child, I dreamt about being a Mustang running free and wild across the Western Plains with my herd.

Initially, the seven Mustangs who live at Bryerly Farms seemed like ordinary horses who live in 3 separate paddock areas. There was nothing to suggest they were wild horses.

It’s interesting to note that there is a difference of opinions about whether Mustangs are descendants of domesticated horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors or are indigenous to North American.

Traditional Dakota/Lakota people believe the aboriginal North American horse did not become extinct after the last Ice Age but actually survived it. According to the Protect Mustangs.org website,

Dakota/Lakota Elders as well as many other Indian nations contest this theory  and content (that wild horses aren’t indigeneous), that according to their oral history, the North American horse survived the Ice Age, and that they had developed a horse culture long before the arrival of Europeans, and, furthermore, that these same distinct ponys (sic) continued to thrive on the prairies until the latter part of the XIXth (19th) century, when the U.S. government ordered them rounded up and destroyed to prevent Indians from leaving the newly-created reservations.

The first Mustangs I met and communicated with were Amore and Sol who share a paddock next to the driveway. Their energy was calm and welcoming. I felt a childlike excitement to be in their company.

Sol and Amore have accepted their role as Mustang Ambassadors. Sol and Amore told me that they hadn’t wanted to be a bridge of understanding for people, yet they’ve embraced their circumstances. They’ve come to enjoy meeting the curious humans who sometimes see them as an anomaly.

Amore Used to Run Wild and Fre

The background stories for Amore and brothers, Sol and Val are heartbreakingly familiar when it comes to Mustangs and the way they are treated (or should I say mistreated) by certain humans.

Sol, along with his brother Val, were rescued from a wild horse holding facility when they were mere babies. Tragically, the young colts were taken away from their mother.  The brothers were inconsolable as they screamed for their mama. Thankfully, AWHI heard their cries and rescued them vowing to keep the brothers together forever.  Sol and Val now live in adjacent paddocks.

Sol, who is wise and majestic immediately introduced himself as the herd leader. He explained he was comfortable with his leadership role as he knows how important it educate people about the challenges the Mustangs face for survival.

Sol shared his feelings about being at the sanctuary,

Because I came to the sanctuary as a colt, I know no other life or existence. In many ways, I feel less like a Mustang and more like a domesticated horse. I’ve learned to connect to my domesticated side as a matter of survival. I appreciate hearing Amore’s stories of being with her herd as they explored the Western Plains.

Before being rescued, Amore was free and wild living with her herd in Nevada. She was captured and bought by a kill buyer who planned on selling her to a Mexican slaughterhouse for human consumption.

Amore shared that it was hard to trust people, especially after being captured. The humans around her were cruel and uncaring. She was scared and forced to do things that were unnatural to her. Amore showed me that she fought hard after being torn away from her life as she longed to be free again.

Despite being severely traumatized by her ordeal, Amore tells me she now feels safe and happy to be at the sanctuary. She admits she dreams of the day that she’ll be able to roam free and run like the wind with her herd.

After communicating with the Mustangs, I thanked them for sharing their hearts and wisdom with me.

Val is Sol’s Brother

After listening to the Mustangs, I found their commuication to be similar to the many messages I’ve received from wildlife like wolves, coyotes, elephants, dolphins, and whales.

The genocide humans continue to wage on wild animals, including wolves, elephants, rhinos, and wild horses has to stop. It’s heartbreaking to think of how many animals have gone extinct or have become endangered in the past 60 years.

As long as there is an appetite for horse meat in Western Europe and Asia, wild horses will be killed just like elephants are killed for their ivory tusks. The continued destruction of habitat to feed human needs for housing, food, and cattle raising is destroying our environment and way too many animal and insect species.

It’s naive and shortsighted to believe that humans won’t soon become extinct given their lack of connection to Mother Earth.

Amore and Sol

I came away from my Mustang encounter feeling concerned, but cautiously optimistic that Mustangs and other species will survive the wrath of human destruction.

Animals are crying out to be heard before it’s too late. Humans need to remember we are interconnected and interrelated so what harm we cause animals will ultimately harm ourselves.

One way we can change is to open our hearts to hear the musings of the animals. You can improve the lives of the animals by increasing your telepathic animal communication abilities.

When we work in harmony with Mother Nature instead of against her, the better our chances are to stem the tides of destruction.

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My Animal Muse, KC

Valentine’s Day is a bittersweet day for me because it’s my beloved KC the Keeshond’s birthday. I don’t really know when he was born; I rescued KC close to Valentine’s Day in 1993. It seemed fitting that this exceptional dog, who was so full of compassion, wisdom, and love would be born on Valentine’s Birthday.

I find it hard to believe it’s been 18 short years since we said “goodbye.” My KC was an incredible partner and old soul in a beautiful fuzzy Keeshond body. A bright spirit, he had a fantastic way of opening peoples’ hearts, especially mine!

When KC died, it was hard for me to move forward given the vital role he played in my life. He was a catalyst that catapulted to me where I am today. I will always be grateful for setting me on my current path.

It was a cold sunny January day by the San Francisco Bay when I initially heard KC calling to me telepathically. I heard a voice say to me, “It’s time for you to have a dog. Come find me.”

At the time I didn’t know what I was receiving was called Animal Communication. Yet, I knew it was time to find a dog to assist me in my life. After a brief two week search, I found KC in Placerville, Ca at the Keeshond rescue shelter.

From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew KC was the one calling out to me. It was love at first sight. Finding him felt magical.

KC worked tirelessly to open up my intuition and telepathic abilities. His divine guidance and inspiration led me to become an Animal Muse.  His steady and wise presence nurtured me as he guided on my journey of self-discovery of my true self. I credit KC for many good things in my life.

KC accompanied me to graduate school while I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and Education. My school awarded KC his own honorary Master’s degree: Conscious Canine because of his loving and compassionate participation in my classes. KC is the first and only dog to receive an honorary Master’s degree from John F. Kennedy University.

As we worked on our Master’s, KC  telepathically communicated to me his desire to teach children about being kind and responsible to animals. While I liked the idea of doing Humane Education programs, but I never lost sight of my desire to become an Animal Communicator.

After graduation, KC and I became volunteer Humane Educators. Together, we planted seeds of kindness and respect about all living beings in the web of life in classrooms around my county. 

We loved doing school programs. I particularly enjoyed watching KC as he was a masterful teacher and skilled partner who always put smiles on the faces of our students.

KC was right by my side while I did my Animal Communication training. His loving support and encouragement helped me develop my telepathic abilities. KC made sure I didn’t give up on my dream of being an Animal Communicator.

One of the hardest lessons my best friend and constant companion taught me was how devastating grief could be when he transitioned home to Spirit way too soon in 2001. 

Losing KC was earthshattering and life-altering to put it mildly. It was hard coping and dealing with the pain of his loss. It took me months to recover. Always wise, KC’s death inspired me to become a Pet Loss Grief Counselor. 

KC told me, 

“Now that you understand how hard it is to lose an animal companion, I urge you to help others. No one should grieve the death of a pet alone. I want you to offer them solace.” 

Besides bringing solace to people around pet loss, KC encouraged me to give hope to humans when their animals are going through the dying process with Hospice and Euthanasia Counseling. 

While I miss his physical existence, KC’s ongoing Spiritual Presence in my life continues to teach me about unconditional love, self-acceptance, mutual respect, and compassion towards all living beings in the web of life.

Thank you, my dear KC, for all that you continue to do for Mother Earth and me.

Every day I’m grateful for your loving Presence, Guidance, and Love.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Angel!

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This holiday season give your animals the gift of love, peace, and joy by opening your heart chakra, which is where Animal Communication and Reiki originate.

The heart chakra* is the pathway that connects you with your true spiritual nature and all living beings in the web of life. It’s through the heart, located in the middle of your chest that the physical and spiritual merge and connect us with our intuitive self, nature, and animals instead of in your logic and rational mind.

The fourth chakra, called Anahata is the center of love, empathy, and compassion. When you are in your heart-center, you transmit calm, loving and peaceful energy. Plus you are more grounded and centered because you are in the Universal life energy flow of love that supports and nurtures all living beings.

Animals respond positively when humans come from their heart center, not in our thinking mind. Unfortunately, logic and thoughts are valued over heart energy. When we are up in our heads, it disconnects us from our true spiritual nature, others, specifically our animal families. 

Your pets feel the energy you’re experiencing at any given moment. It’s like casting a stone in a pond that ripples outward because all our thoughts and feelings go off on energetic waves to those around us.

Both people and animals naturally absorb these energies. That’s why animals instinctually move away from disturbing energies like stress, anger, anxiety, and fear whenever possible because this type of energy tells them to go into fight or flight mode to avoid danger.

When you radiate love and compassion, you become a magnet to animals.

Animal Reiki pioneer, Kathleen Prasad from the Animal Reiki Source created this excellent animated video that clearly illustrates how animals perceive and respond when we connect with our heart chakra and the spiritual life force energy known as Reiki.

Kathleen does a masterful job showing how animals, whether they are domestic, wild, farm, or caged respond to the calm and loving energy of love and Reiki.

An excellent way to access your heart chakra is by practicing Animal Communication and Reiki which are heart-centered and connects us to animals on a deep Spiritual level. When you communicate telepathically and become Reiki with animals, you naturally transmit peaceful and loving energy that all animals need and desire.

Living a heartfelt life is a gift that keeps on giving. Just breathe through your heart center, feel all the love you have for your animal family, and you will naturally radiate love, peace, and compassion.

*Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk. Each chakra is a swirling vortex of power which represent specific frequencies and colors. There are seven wheels of spiritual power throughout human and animals’ bodies which connect us to the web of life and the Universal life energy force also known as Reiki. The fourth chakra is located in the center of the chest.

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Your pets appreciate and benefit when you’re able to sit quietly with them. They understand everyone wins we stay present and centered in mind and body.

One way to become Present is by practicing Mindfulness, which is a lot easier said than done given our busy lives, endless distractions, and thoughts.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindful.org defines Mindfulness, “as the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

Animals are naturally mindful because they instinctually live in the here and now, not in the past or future like humans tend to do. They are keenly aware of what’s going on around them since their lives depend on it.

Pets absolutely know when humans are overwhelmed and reactive and prefer it when the energy around them is peaceful, calm and balanced.

Why Practice Mindfulness?

Living mindfully is about consciously being in the present moment where the animals live. The more mindful you become, the more aware you’ll be of your animal family’s thoughts and feelings making it easier to communicate and understand your animals’ viewpoints.

Practicing mindful living teaches us how to redirect conditioned responses to prevent overreactions or feelings of being overwhelmed with what’s going on in our thoughts and environment.

Unlike animals, humans have to consciously work at being mindful because we experience 50,000 plus thoughts a day. This endless mind chatter takes us into the past or future, which doesn’t exist for animals.

When our thoughts take over, it’s hard to stay present because our awareness is wherever our thoughts take us which can then be projected onto our animal families.

As humans get lost in thought, pets wonder where we go, especially when our thoughts lead to overaction and projections.

It doesn’t help when we place judgments on our continuous thoughts which takes us even further away from giving our pets our undivided attention.

Animals are incredibly sensitive and aware of what’s happening around them. They feel whatever energy our thoughts project. These projections can be upsetting for animals, especially if our minds take us to intense emotions like anger, fear, or anxiety. Sometimes this leads our pets to react to what’s going on inside of us.

Mindfulness Benefits Your Relationship with Your Pets

Living mindfully is about consciously being in the present moment where the animals live. The more in touch you become with your thoughts, the more aware you’ll become of your animal family’s thoughts and feelings making it easier to communicate and understand animals’ viewpoints.

The goal of practicing Mindfulness is to pay attention to the present moment without passing judgment on whatever thoughts may arise. It’s about learning how to bring your focus and awareness back to the present over and over again.

Some of the many benefits of practicing mindfulness with your pets include providing a safe, calm,  and balanced environment for them to live in.

It’s healthier for you and your animal family’s mind, body, and soul when we are calm and peaceful.

How to Create A Mindful Practice:

Being mindful takes conscious effort to practice. The more you work on being present with your pets, the better. Thankfully, no unique furniture or equipment is necessary to be mindful as you can do it anywhere.

It only takes 5 minutes a few times a day to increase your self-awareness in the moment.

Your animal family will thank and support you when you practice Mindfulness with them.

Simple Steps to Mindful Living:

• Take a couple of deep breaths and slowly let them out.  Feel your feet grounded to Mother Earth. Continue to breathe deeply as you bring your focus and awareness to the present moment.
• As you continue to breathe, observe all that is going on around you in the present moment. Don’t rush. Take your time. Just observe.
• As thoughts arise, let go of any judgments and preconceived notions. Just notice what comes up, then let them go as you allow your thoughts to flow by.
• Continually refocus your awareness onto your breath as you return your consciousness to the present moment.
• Recognize what’s happening around you in the present moment including your thoughts and animal companions. 
• Keep returning to the here and now as thoughts arise.

Repeat the above steps as often as necessary, since being mindful is an on-going process.

For more information about Mindful living, visit Mindful.org.

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Independence Day is my least favorite holiday of the year because so many animals are traumatized by its loud pyrotechnics and fireworks displays. While it may be fun for some humans, it scares and disorients pets in a matter of seconds, causing them to meltdown in complete terror, with many trying to flee from the safety of their homes only to go missing. 

Why? Animals become anxious and scared when they hear loud noises and see bright flashing lights. Their instincts tell them to run as fast and far away as possible to escape the source of their fear and anxiety.

Throughout the Independence Day weekend, your pets will hear noises you might not be aware of because of their sensitive ears and nervous systems.

Once an animal becomes frantic, it’s difficult for them to calm down. Therefore, it’s better to prevent your pets from becoming distressed in the first place. Once in the “red zone,” your pet can no longer hear you or respond.

Instead, an animal’s panic drives them to find a safe place away from the perceived danger. This is why animals tend to hide under furniture, go into a closet, or try to escape their backyards and homes by whatever means possible. Some dogs will resort to chewing through crates and jumping out second-story windows to find safety.

When you see fireworks from a dog’s perspective, it’s clear how quickly a dog can become spooked and run from fireworks and firecrackers with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Recognizing the physical signs of stress is the first step to alleviating your pet’s distress. 

• Excessive Panting and drooling
• Ears Pinned Back
• Tail Between Legs
• Excessive Vocalizations like whining, barking, and crying
• Licking lips
• Yawning
• Restless Pacing and Can’t Settle Down
• Refuses Food and Treats
• Excessive Scratching, Paw Licking, and Over-Grooming
• Hides under furniture or in a closet

It’s helpful to communicate with your animal family before and during the holiday to help them cope and deal with the loud noises and fireworks.

Kobe Bear

Kobe Bear hated fireworks and loud noises. 

My second Keeshond, Kobe Bear, now In Spirit, became extremely anxious during the 4th July celebrations. Of course, it didn’t help that fireworks be seen and heard from every room in my house for approximately 45 long minutes, two nights in a row.

The first year I had Kobe Bear, I had no idea how upset he would get from fireworks since my previous dog had no problems with loud noises or pyrotechnics. Kobe Bear, on the other hand, melted down with intense fear and became inconsolable.

Despite being able to communicate telepathically to Kobe that he was safe, his fear overwhelmed him to the point where he couldn’t hear me. As a result, I came to dread the 4th of July fireworks displays over the years because it was awful watching my dog suffer.

One year, Kobe was so freaked out, he tried to jump out of a 2nd story window when the fireworks display began as he attempted to escape the scary noises and lights that he didn’t understand. Despite closing the windows and blinds, keeping him in a back bedroom, feeding him delicious treats, and playing music, Kobe could still feel the disturbing vibrations the fireworks created.

Unfortunately, Kobe Bear’s terror didn’t stop when the firework displays ended because people in my neighborhood continued to set off firecrackers throughout the holiday. It was hard watching Kobe tremble and bark incessantly every time he heard a loud bang. Despite my best attempts to calm and communicate with him, Kobe suffered terribly.

In hindsight, I should have talked with my veterinarian about giving Kobe medication to alleviate his suffering.

9 Tips to keep your pets calm and safe:

Tip #1: Your pet’s ID is their ticket home. If you do nothing else, put a collar with current ID tags securely on your pet at the start of the holiday weekend. ID Tags are the quickest and easiest way for your pet to be returned to you if they go missing. Make sure your information on the ID Tags is current, and remember to include your mobile number.

If you have a horse, you may want to place a safety or breakaway halter on them with your current contact information. This way, your horse is wearing her ticket home just in case she spooks and runs away.

Use ID tags in addition to microchipping your pet. It’s important to microchip your pet, especially if they end up in an Animal Shelter. If your pet isn’t microchipped already, talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet microchipped before the holiday begins. It’s also an excellent time to double-check that your microchip information is up-to-date.

Tip #2: Never use fireworks around your dog or other pets. The noise will spook them with an excellent chance they may run away and go missing. In addition, fireworks can quickly burn the fur on an animal, so it’s best to keep them away from this type of hazard.

Tip #3: Exercise reduces your pet’s stress. On high-stress days, like the 4th of July, it’s an excellent idea to give your animals their exercise early in the day, so that they can be tired when their world starts to explode. A tired animal tends to cope and deal with loud noises better than a pet with too much energy. 

Also, take your dog out for a long walk and potty right before the start of the fireworks displays, which may help them sleep. Taking your pets out during the fireworks display or later, when random firecrackers are set off, will significantly increase the chances of your pet going missing. 

Tip #4: Leave your pets safely secured inside your home. Put your pets in a quiet “safe room” or crate where they can’t accidentally escape. Having a “safe room” will also reduce their stress.

Cats are amazing escape artists. Put cats, including outdoor cats, in their “safe room” with their litter box and freshwater. Make sure they are wearing a collar and ID. You may want to consider using a GPS collar if you’re concerned about your pet escaping.

Tip #5: Stay home with your animal friends. It’s key you remain home to be a calming influence for your pets, especially if they feel like their world is crashing down around them. Many animals tell me they cope better when their person is with them. Otherwise, they say, it’s overwhelming to deal with loud, thunderous noises that might swallow them up or, even worse, hurt them, without their person to protect them.

Your pets will be happier and safer if they stay home. You may think it’s fun to bring your dog to fairs, holiday celebrations, and fireworks shows, but I promise you, it’s no fun for your dog. In fact, it can be a scary experience. If it’s hot, your risk burning your dog’s paws or experiencing heatstroke.

Tip #6: Decrease visual stimulation. Bright, flashing lights can upset animals, sometimes to the point where they will jump out of a 2nd story window like in Kobe Bear’s case.  Keep blinds and curtains shut and close the windows. If need be, put your dog in a crate with a towel placed over it. 

Last year, someone let off a large firecracker near my home. The big flash of light before the loud boom freaked my dog Bodhi out. Up until he saw the light, he was doing okay dealing with the noise. Then he melted down. It took a while before he was able to relax.

Tip #7: Use anxiety vests, also known as Thunder Shirts, and calming music to help decrease your dog or cat’s anxiety without using drugs. Anxiety vests work by applying gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s or cat’s torso, which provides comfort. 

Playing calming music can help desensitize and relax your pet. I recommend the music from Lisa Spector from Dog Gone Calm.  Below is a concert she offered in 2020 to help pets stay calm during the 4th of July.

Tip #8: Distract and redirect your pet’s focus by using chew toys, playing games, and offering them delicious treats as a reward for ignoring the booming explosions, if you can. However, don’t be surprised if your food motived hound refuses treats when fireworks are happening. Many times, when pets are stressed or scared, they refuse food or treats.

Chewing reduces a dog’s stress.  Give your dog something fun and safe to chew on, like a frozen Kong filled with deliciousness like chicken or peanut butter to keep them occupied.

Playing with cats reduces their stress, so grab your cat’s favorite toy and have fun playing with them.

Tip #9: Talk to your Veterinarian before the start of the holiday week. If you’ve tried the above suggestions and your pet still suffers anxiety during fireworks, it may be time to discuss medication options to ease their fears and tension. The 4th of July and New Year’s Holidays are the two times of year that I strongly suggest medicating your pet if they tend to meltdown. It could save their lives.

Your Vet should be one of your best resources to help your pet through this potentially nightmarish holiday. Never give your pet any form of medication without consulting your veterinarian first, given the potentially severe side effects. While the use of drugs should be your last resort, it’s a good option if your pet is like Kobe Bear.

If you choose to medicate your pet, make sure you do give it to your pet sooner than later.  Every 4th of July holiday,  I receive numerous calls from clients whose pets are frantic from the noise and lights. Some clients call whose pets have gone missing.

Many pets end up in the Veterinarian ER during the Independence Day holiday.

During the 4th of July holiday, large influxes of pets go to the Vet ER for ingesting inappropriate picnic and BBQ foods such as hot dogs and fatty meats. Fatty BBQ meat can cause pancreatitis. Even ingesting a corn cob can make your dog very sick. So it’s better to avoid these types of foods to prevent gastric upset and a possible trip to the ER.

If you are having a party, your animal family should keep away from the noise and potential danger of eating the wrong foods. Pets also visit the ER because they burn their paws on hot pavement or become dehydrate and overheated from the mid-Summer heat.

Finally, you may want to set up a long-distance Reiki session to support your pets with calm, grounding, and nurturing energy. I’m available throughout the week if you need to communicate with your pets about what’s going on around them or offer them Reiki.

The Animal Muse Family wishes you and your animal family have a safe and fun 4th of July Holiday!

The post 9 Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Calm during 4th of July Week appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Bodhi Packing for A Recent Vacay

If you’re a pet parent making arrangements for your summer vacay, then you will need to decide whether it’s best to bring your animal family with you or leave them at home.

It’s amazing how much calmer you and your animal companions will feel when you include them in your decision-making process because you’re not second-guessing what your animals may need or want.

Communicating telepathically with your pets will help you make important decisions about their care while keeping their perspective in mind. 

There are many things to keep in mind when you bring your pet on a trip, including what your pets might want to do on their vacation. My dog, Bodhi loves to go to the beach, while some dogs enjoy taking a hike in the woods; going to cafes and restaurants, or wine tasting with their humans.

It can make a world of difference when you elicit your animal family’s viewpoints on what they’d like to do on their “summer vacation.” Knowing how your pet feels about your plans can help you avoid, for instance, hiring a pet sitter your animal dislikes or taking them to the beach when they’d prefer to stay with their grandparents.

If you decide to take your pets with you on your vacay, websites like Bring Fido are useful resources for dog-friendly hotels, locations and adventure options in the United States and abroad. These websites offer a variety of accommodations that include fun perks like “yappy hour,” canine goody bags, dog poop bags or on-site doggie daycare.

Some pets, like my cats, Mona Marie and Elvis prefer to stay at home because change is hard for them. Plus they don’t enjoy traveling. Bodhi, on the other hand, loves to go whenever he can,

Bodhi is clear he’s not okay being left alone at night when he can’t travel with me, and my cats need human companionship, so I hire a pet sitter to spend the night in the house. Also, I give them permission to have fun with their caregivers while I’m away.

If you don’t have a neighbor, friend or relative to watch your pets, websites like Rover.com can help you find a reliable pet sitter in your area. Your veterinarian may be an excellent resource to help you find a reliable pet care provider.

Before you finalize your trip, it’s helpful to check in with your animal family to make sure they understand and approve of the plans you have chosen for them. 

Donna recently called me as she was finalizing her summer vacation plans to Virginia Beach. Donna inquired if her dog, Sadie wanted to go the beach or preferred staying at her human grandparents’ home.

Sadie confessed that despite being a black Lab, the ocean scares her. Sadie then asked her Mom if she could stay with her grandparents where she was far from the sea and felt safe.

After her vacation, Donna shared that talking with Sadie reduced their stress and anxiety around their holiday. Donna explained she felt more relaxed knowing Sadie was happy and secure with her grandparents. Sadie said she had a good time with her grandparents

Rachael likes to check in with her adorable 14-year-old Pomeranian, Kiki before traveling for business or pleasure. With my assistance, Rachael tells Kiki about the pet hotel where she will be staying, so her little friend is well=prepared for the upcoming shifts her daily routine.

Companion animals want their humans to prepare them for changes in their daily routines especially upcoming travel plans. 

Susie contacts me every time she goes leaves her dog, even if it’s for a day or two. She feels it’s essential for her senior collie, Bettie is apprised of the upcoming changes in Bettie’s routine. Susie finds it’s beneficial that Bettie is okay with her pet sitter. Susie and Bettie find communicating with one another reassuring and helpful. When Susie leaves her collie, both dog and human have peace of mind. And Bettie feels validated because her voice was heard.

Going on vacation can be a challenge, especially when you have pets. In my experience, your animal family tends to be more relaxed and happier when you include them in your planning process. After all, the goal is to have a stress-free summer vacation free from worry about your animals.

I’d love to hear about your summer adventures with your animal family. Please leave your comments and stories here on my blog or by posting on my Facebook page.

The post Should Your Pets Stay or Go On Vacation? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.