The silence after they pass can be deafening.

Their physical body may be gone, but your relationship with them continues. The way you experience each other has changed, but the bond you share can still feel just as deep, loving, and important.

Even if it’s hard to believe or picture right now, the connection you share with your pet lives on. The way you relate to each other may have shifted, but that deep, loving bond remains very much alive.

I’ve communicated with thousands of animals who have passed, and their people have validated the information their animals shared.

How Does Animal Communication Work?

I communicate with animals using the universal language of telepathy, an intuitive form of communication that does not depend on spoken language or physical proximity.

When I communicate with an animal, I connect with their spirit, not their physical being. This holds true whether they are living in a physical body or no longer have one.

Because I communicate with the animal’s spirit, the way I communicate doesn’t change when their physical body dies.

Signs of Connection

Pet parents tell me they still feel their animal sitting on their lap, catch a glimpse of them out of the corner of their eye, hear a familiar sound, or dream about them.

I’ve experienced this with animals I’ve loved and lost, too, including my Mona Marie.

There is no right or wrong way to experience your animal after they have passed. Some people notice these moments clearly. Others simply talk to their animal, think about them, or feel close to them without experiencing anything they would call a “sign.”

You have not missed your chance to connect if you haven’t felt or noticed anything. Your relationship still exists; it’s just in a different form.

What Do Animals in Spirit Have to Share?

Pets who have crossed over can provide their pet parents with answers to the many questions they may have after their animal dies, like:

• Are you okay?

• Did I make the right decision?

• Are you upset or mad at me? Can you forgive me?

• Do you know how much I love and miss you?

• Have you sent me a sign that you’re okay?

Recently, a local client who had lost her Labradoodle wanted to know whether her dog had sent a sign that he was okay. I told her I was shown a red cardinal.

She immediately became emotional and told me a red cardinal had appeared in her yard the day after her dog passed.

Animals may also have things they want their people to know.

One of the things animals in spirit have shown me over the years is that staying connected matters to them, too.

When their person talks to them, thinks about them, or acknowledges their presence or energy, that relationship continues. Hearing from their animal can bring comfort and solace to the person who misses them, but the connection is meaningful to the animal as well.

They have shown me how happy it makes them when their person understands that they are still connected.

Staying Heart-Connected

Continuing the Conversation

As an Animal Communicator and Pet Loss Grief Counselor, I help give animals who have passed a voice. They can answer questions, share what they want their person to know, and bring comfort and solace that can help ease the pain of grief.

If you would like to communicate with your beloved pet in spirit, you can learn more at AnimalMuse.com.

The post Can Pets Communicate After Death? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Whether you’re waiting for your shy rescue pup to come out of her shell, helping your cat through a health scare, or trying to stay calm while your horse resists training for the third day in a row, patience shows up in real moments. It’s part of being a loving, dedicated pet parent.

1. Patience Soothes Our Minds and Hearts

Here’s what we know: patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s healing

When we slow down and breathe through those challenging moments, something powerful happens. We shift from stress to presence. That shift helps calm anxious pets and grounds our energy, which animals immediately sense.

Practicing patience can help us experience fewer negative emotions and make more room for gratitude. No surprise that mindfulness with animals is meditating with pets naturally supports patience.

Animal Reiki is also a form of meditation with animals that creates a calm, supportive space for relaxation and healing.

These practices help you stay calm in challenging moments and respond thoughtfully and grounded rather than react impulsively.

2. Patience Deepens the Bond Between You and Your Pet

Every time you wait without frustration, whether your senior dog needs extra time to get up the stairs or your cat isn’t quite ready for cuddles—you’re saying, “I see you. I’m with you.” That kind of patience builds trust.

When we’re patient, we become better listeners. And it’s essential for animal communication. Listening isn’t always about hearing words—it’s about being still enough to notice what your animal is telling you through their eyes, energy, and behavior.

3. Patience Helps You and Your Animal Grow Together

Whether your goal is to reduce separation anxiety, help your rescue feel safe, or train a new behavior, patience is key. Progress with animals takes time—and trust.

Practicing the Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way teaches us that animals thrive when we meet them with presence, patience, and partnership. That’s when healing happens.

4. Patience Supports Overall Health for You and Your Animal

Chronic stress wears us down. It impacts sleep, immunity, and mood—not just in humans, but also in animals. When we learn to pause and stay centered, we reduce stress in our shared environment. That calmer energy supports your animal’s well-being, too.

How to Become More Patient: Use the Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way

P — Be Present
Slow down. Breathe. Notice what’s happening right now. Presence helps your animal feel safe and seen—and enables you to stay grounded, even in the challenging moments.

A — Accept What Is
Instead of wishing things were different, meet your animal where they are. Whether they’re fearful, reactive, or just having a tough day, your acceptance creates space for trust and healing.

W — Work With Intention
Set a kind intention, such as “We are in this together” or “I choose calm.” When you lead with your heart, your energy shifts—and your animal feels it.

S — Share Kindness
Kindness is at the heart of patience. A gentle touch, a soft voice, or even a smile can shift the energy and remind both of you: love leads the way.

Patience is a skill. It takes practice. But when you walk the path of the Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way, you’re not walking it alone.

Your animal is right beside you: teaching, guiding, and loving you.
And every moment of patience you offer becomes a moment of healing for both of you.

Want an easy way to create more calm and connection with your animal?

Download my free Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way Guide and learn a simple practice for becoming more present, patient, and grounded with your animal.

The post How Patience Helps Anxious Pets appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Hint: it involved me running around my backyard stark naked.

Not a pretty picture, eh?

On a recent hot, sultry August night, Yogi woke me from a deep sleep and asked to go out.

I knew I had to hurry because he had that “Mom, I gotta poop” tone.

I normally grab my robe, but given how warm it was and since my backyard is completely private, I decided to forgo it as we hustled towards the back door.

I told Yogi to wait while I turned on my flashlight and carefully scanned the backyard for critters.

The coast looked clear, so I let him out.

Almost immediately, Yogi started rubbing his face in the grass.

Then I smelled it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed it tucked underneath a chair next to the back steps.

Skunk !!!

Totally panicked, I flew out of the house completely naked and ran towards Yogi, screaming at him to come.

But instead of coming toward me, he looked at me like I had gone totally mad (which I had) and kept moving away back towards the skunk.

All I could think was, how am I going to keep him away from that skunk?

And then it hit me. I had to run towards the gate so Yogi would follow me.

At that point, I told myself I didn’t care if anyone saw me totally naked. If I had to run through that gate to protect Yogi, that’s exactly what I was going to do.

So I made the break and headed for the gate.

Sure enough, Yogi came running after me. When he got close enough, I grabbed him and held him in a tight bear hug.

As I lay naked on the ground holding Yogi, I pondered my next move.

To my shock and surprise, I heard my neighbor John call to me from the other side of the gate to see if I was okay.

Mortified, I replied, “There is a skunk in the yard. I’m trying to get Yogi away from it. And I’m naked. Don’t come in!!!”

He said he had a sheet he could throw over the fence.

As the sheet landed next to me, I made the split-second assumption the baby skunk had left the yard during all the commotion.

So I decided to make a run for the back door.

Not taking any chances, I carried all 45 pounds of Yogi back into the house.

I have to admit, as I tried to calm my racing heart, I was pretty sure I’d been skunked, too.

Thankfully, we dodged a bullet.

Neither Yogi nor I got sprayed, although he did have skunk smell around his head and ears.

Several hours later, once my adrenaline settled, I thought back on the whole crazy night and knew there would be changes going forward like. .

New rule: Yogi goes out on a leash after dark.

Oh, and I put on my bathrobe.

How far would you go to protect your dog?

Have you ever done something completely crazy for your animal? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear your story.

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5 Benefits of Animal Communication

Have you ever thought, “I wish I could get answers directly from my pet?”

Or maybe you’ve felt, “I know my animal is trying to tell me something… but what?”

Most pet parents know that look. The pause. The behavior change. The feeling that something is going on beneath the surface.

That’s where animal communication can help.

Animal communication is a heart-to-heart, telepathic conversation where your pet shares their thoughts, feelings, needs, and point of view. As an animal communicator, I connect quietly by tuning in to your animal’s energy, using their name and a recent photo. You can be present in person or join virtually.

During our session, I listen to the feelings and images your animal shares, then translate these messages into words you can understand. This gives your pet a voice and helps you stop second-guessing what they’re trying to tell you.

Throughout the process, you are welcome to ask questions and share concerns. Many clients tell me they and their pets feel calmer after being heard and understood.

For example, animal communication can help uncover why a pet suddenly seems withdrawn, anxious, or unlike themselves. Once their family understands what may be going on, everyone can feel more connected and at ease.

Animal communication is not about controlling your pet. It is about listening, understanding, and working together in partnership.

Telepathic animal communication supports animals of all species and at all stages of life, whether they are young, old, healthy, struggling, transitioning, or in spirit. Understanding your animal’s perspective during these times can make a real difference.

Here are five benefits of communicating with your animal family:

1. Ask What Your Pet Would Choose

How would you feel if you were excluded from making decisions that affect your life? Animal communication can help you make decisions and work in partnership with your pet, rather than guessing for them. This can be helpful with changes in the home, new animal companions, moving, travel, behavior concerns, illness, or end-of-life decisions. When you include your animal family in choices that affect them, they feel more respected, valued, and loved.

2. Understand What’s Behind Their Behavior

Sometimes, behavior issues are really communication issues.

Separation anxiety, bathroom problems, fear, sudden changes in behavior, or tension between animals may have a deeper message underneath. Animal communication can help you uncover what your pet is feeling and what they may need from you, so you can stop second-guessing their behavior.

3. Strengthen the Bond You Share

Animals know when we are truly listening from our hearts.

When your pet feels heard, your relationship can grow in trust, love, and harmony. You may feel closer to your animal because you are no longer just caring for them. You are communicating with them and understanding their perspectives. This kind of connection can be deeply healing for both of you.

4. Hear Your Animal’s Wisdom and Insight

Animals are not “just pets.” They’re our teachers, healers, and guides on our path in life. Sometimes their messages can be emotional. Sometimes they’re simply adorable or funny. And many times, their messages are exactly what your heart needs to hear.

5. Help Your Pet Feel Heard and Understood

One of the greatest gifts we can give our animals is to listen to them with an open heart and mind. Animal communication lets your pet know their voice matters. It also gives you the chance to share your heart with them, including how much you love and appreciate them, and how much you want to support them.

When animals feel heard and understood, they often feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

If you’d like to explore more or receive support, I invite you to book an animal communication session to hear your animal family’s perspective.

I’d love to hear from you. What is one question you wish your animal could answer for you? Share it in the comments below.

The post What Would Your Pet Choose? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

The expensive anxiety medication that made your dog drowsy but didn’t stop the destructive chewing.

The trainer who promised results, but your dog still panics when you leave.

The calming supplements, the thunder shirts, the special toys—and yet, your pet still shakes and melts down when you leave her alone.

And every single day, you see the fear in your pet’s eyes.

You come home sensing that your pet suffered while you were away.

It breaks your heart.

You feel guilty leaving for work. Frustrated that nothing helps. You’re concerned about how this stress is affecting your pet’s health.

Maybe your cat hides under the bed all day. Your dog can’t handle visitors. Your senior pet is in pain, and nothing brings relief. Your rescue still flinches from sudden movements years later.

You’d do anything for your pet. But watching them suffer day after day is heartbreaking.

You’re worried that you’re running out of options to help relieve their anxiety, but you don’t know what else to try.

What if there was something simple you haven’t tried yet?

What if the answer wasn’t another expensive treatment, supplement, or medication with side effects?

Something that helps you both heal naturally and strengthens your bond at the same time?

The solution is simpler than you think: meditating with your pet.

Meditating with our pets is often overlooked or not even considered. Yet in my years as an Animal Reiki Master Teacher and pet anxiety specialist, I’ve found it to be one of the most foundational practices you can create together. It’s an activity that enriches both of you—not just your pet, but you too.

Here’s what makes my approach different: I view your pets as family members, because that’s what they are. And I work with you and your pet in partnership. You’re not separate. Just as your pet supports your calm energy. Your calm energy supports their peacefulness.

When I help animals, I’m always working with both of you together—because that’s where real, lasting healing happens.

Why Meditation Works for Pets

Meditation is an ancient practice—simple, powerful, and accessible to everyone. It’s not about emptying your mind or sitting perfectly still. It’s about being mindful—paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Meditation is a form of mindfulness in which you spend quality time being peacefully present with your pet, just being here, now.

For thousands of years, humans have used this practice to find peace, heal stress, and connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them. And now, you can share this gift with your pet.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to sit cross-legged on the floor. You can meditate while walking your dog, grooming your cat, standing in your yard, or riding your horse. Meditation is a shared experience that fits into your daily routine.

I’ve seen many pets improve through shared meditation practice. In fact, Animal Reiki—which I teach and practice—is simply meditating together with animals. This shared experience is where real healing happens.

Meditation is a powerful tool that benefits both of you. While your pet learns to calm their nervous system, you learn to be more present and connected with them.

The Power of Healing Together

Here’s what I’ve learned working with anxious pets for over 25 years: your pet feels everything you feel.

When you’re stressed about leaving for work, your dog picks up on that anxiety. When you’re worried about their behavior, they sense your tension.

Animals are incredibly sensitive to the energy around them. And your pet reads our energy like no one else, even when you don’t say a word.

But this connection works both ways—and that’s the beautiful part.

When you sit quietly with your pet and breathe deeply, they feel your calm. When you release your worry and BE with them, they begin to relax as well. You’re not trying to fix them. You’re healing together.

This is why I believe meditation is so powerful for pets. It’s not a technique you do TO them—it’s an experience you share WITH them. As you both settle into a peaceful state, something shifts—the anxiety loop breaks. Trust deepens. A new pattern begins.

Your calm becomes their calm. Their peace becomes your peace. This shared healing is what creates lasting change for both of you.

How Meditating Together Heals You Both

Calming Anxiety & Separation Stress

Pet anxiety is one of the biggest challenges that pet parents face today. Through gentle breathing exercises and guided relaxation, meditation helps your pet’s nervous system shift from fight-or-flight to rest-and-restore. When you slow down and practice staying calm in a mindful way, your pet picks up on your peaceful energy rather than your rushed stress. Over time, they learn that your departure doesn’t mean danger—because you’re not treating it like danger anymore.

Releasing Fear & Building Confidence

Whether your pet is afraid of loud noises, new places, or carries fear from past experiences, intentionally creating a peaceful, calm space offers them a safe, relaxed environment. When you remain calm and grounded during scary moments like thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits, you’re showing them through your own calm energy that they’re safe.

Managing Pain & Discomfort

Meditation has long been used to activate the body’s natural healing responses and reset the nervous system. For pets experiencing chronic pain, injuries, or age-related discomfort, these peaceful sessions can provide significant relief. The shared experience: When you sit with your pet in their pain without trying to fix it, simply being present and calm helps them relax their body. Your peaceful energy helps ease their tension, which often makes pain worse.

Healing Trauma & PTSD

Animals, especially rescued pets, who’ve been through abuse, neglect, or accidents, often struggle with fear and anxiety. When you meditate together, it creates a safe, calming space where they can start to feel secure again.

Improving Focus & Training

Have a hyper dog who can’t seem to settle? Meditation enhances concentration, mental clarity, and impulse control. The more you practice being calm and focused together in a conscious way, the more your pet learns to match your peaceful energy. This can make training feel less like work and more like a connection.

Deepening Your Bond

Perhaps the most meaningful and powerful benefit is that meditation strengthens your heart connection. It builds trust and understanding, bringing you closer together. Spending as little as 5 minutes of quiet time together, free from distractions or trying to fix anything, can create a deep sense of love and safety.

Getting Started is Easy

Meditation with your pet doesn’t require special equipment, training, or even sitting still. You can meditate:

• While walking your dog around the neighborhood

• Sitting together on the couch watching TV

• During your horse’s grooming routine

• Standing in your backyard with your pet

• While your cat sits on your lap

• Taking a nap together

Sharing a calm, peaceful state for even 5-10 minutes per day can make a real difference in their well-being and in your relationship. And pets love this. They love the calm, peaceful energy created with meditation, even if you only have 5 minutes. In fact, pets are natural masters at meditating. They don’t overthink it or judge themselves. They sink into the peace you’re creating together. The key is consistency. Animals thrive on routine, so making this quiet connection a regular part of your day, even while doing things you already do, is what brings lasting results.

Get Your Personalized Pet Meditation

Ready to start healing with your pet? I’d love to create a Custom Meditation with Your Animal Family—a personalized meditation recording tailored to you and your pet’s unique situation. Each session is designed around what you and your pet are experiencing right now—whether that’s anxiety, fear, trauma, behavioral challenges, or simply wanting to feel closer. You’ll receive guidance you can use over and over as you build this healing practice together. As an Animal Communicator, Reiki Master Teacher, and pet anxiety specialist who works with you and your pet as partners, I create these meditations to help you both heal together. [Get Your Custom Meditation Here]

Get Your Custom Meditation Here

Remember: Each animal is unique. While meditation is a powerful tool, patience and consistency are essential. For any health concerns, you should always consult with your veterinarian

The post Healing Pet Anxiety Naturally: The Power of Meditating Together appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy to get caught up in reacting, worrying, rushing, and multitasking. And in the rush of doing, we tend to forget how to pause and just be.

They naturally live in the moment, which is one reason being quietly present with them can feel so calming and healing for both of you.

Why Stillness Matters

Stillness happens when the mental and emotional noise that can leave both people and animals feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected quiets.

Your animals can feel your inner state before you say a word.

When you’re rushing or anxious, they feel it.

When you settle, they settle.

Stillness isn’t passive — it’s one of the most powerful things you can offer your animal family.

When we slow down, our animals often respond to our slower breathing and heart rate.

Their breathing softens.

Their nervous systems relax.

And both of you settle.

How to Achieve Inner Stillness

Your mind will try to fill every quiet moment. That’s normal. The goal isn’t to stop your thoughts — it’s to slow them down enough that your heart can be heard.

Start with your breath. Let it naturally slow the activity in your mind and body. When you feel yourself beginning to calm, bring your attention to your heart. Breathe love and a sense of peace into that space. If thoughts come up, don’t fight them. Just gently return to your breath and your heart.

From that quieter place, you can reset. You begin to sense what your animals are feeling. You become available to each other in a deeper way.

The more you practice, the faster you get there. Even a few minutes makes a difference.

Practical Ways to Bring Stillness Into Your Day With Your Animals

Start your morning with a few quiet breaths before you greet your animals. Let that set the tone.

Before entering a space where your animal is — especially if they are anxious or unwell — pause, check in with yourself. Am I coming from my head or my heart?

If your animal is unsettled, resist the urge to fix it immediately. Sit near them. Breathe. Let your calm presence do the work.

Practice stillness as a daily ritual, not just when things feel hard. The more it becomes your baseline, the more your animals will feel it.

The Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way

That’s why I created The Animal Muse P.A.W.S. Way — a simple 5-minute practice to help you and your animals create calm, connection, and a compassionate shared space.

Take a slow breath and notice your feet on the ground. Invite your animal family to join you in whatever way feels comfortable to them.

P — Presence: Brings Groundedness

A — Acceptance: Allows Your Heart to Open

W — With Intention: Connect from Your Heart

S — Share Your Love: As You Rest in the Stillness Together

In that stillness, you create a compassionate space where real connection becomes possible — and you may be surprised by how much can be felt and understood without a single word.

I created a free P.A.W.S. Way practice guide you can return to anytime.

Download your free P.A.W.S. Way practice guide and start creating more calm and connection with your animal family.

Today, take a few quiet moments with your animal family — whether they’re physically next to you, down at the barn, or in spirit.

You may be surprised by how much peace can be shared in the silence.

If this resonated with you, feel free to share it with a fellow animal lover. And if you’re not already subscribed, I’d love to have you join our community.

The post How to Help Your Anxious Pet Relax and Feel Safe appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Most people are surprised to learn that the majority of dog bites happen from dogs people know — not stray dogs. In fact, studies show about 77% of dog bite victims are bitten by a familiar dog, often their own family dog, a friend’s dog, or a neighbor’s dog.

The good news is that many dog bites are preventable when children and adults learn how to better understand canine body language, boundaries, and safe interactions.

Want a simple dog safety guide you can keep and share?

I created this free Guide to Staying Safe Around Dogs with practical tips to help children, adults, and families so they can better understand dogs, respect boundaries, and feel safer around them.

As a Humane Educator for over 30 years, I teach kindness, compassion, and respect for all living beings, including animals, people, and the environment. My work includes helping children and adults better understand animal behavior, responsible pet guardianship, and safety around animals.

Part of my work included teaching dog bite prevention programs in classrooms throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I saw firsthand how important it is for both children and adults to understand dogs’ behavior and body language so everyone can stay safe around them.

Julie, my Animal Communication client and life-long dog lover, recently emailed me to thank me for my advice for staying safe around her relatives’ dogs. 

“I took your advice and have been very careful around my husband’s relatives’ dogs, who tend to be unruly and out of control when people arrive. I won’t enter my in-laws’ house unless their Labradoodle, Jagger, is on a leash or behind a fence because my poor little nephew went inside, and the dog jumped on him, slamming his head against the wall.

I’m the same way with my niece’s rescue terrier mix, Buddy, who has bitten two more people since we last spoke, one bite quite severe. One time, my niece came outside to find me sitting on her front steps. She asked why. I told her I didn’t know where her dog was, and I wasn’t willing to take the chance.”

Julie is not alone. I hear stories like hers all the time from family members and dog professionals, too.

The Pressure to be “Polite”

My groomer told me today that she was bit twice by an elderly dog when she took her off the grooming table. The dog’s owner had alluded she was reactive but not in a clear way. My groomer felt distraught and bad that she didn’t want to groom the dog anymore.

I encouraged her to put her safety first. She felt relieved when I said this.

Whether you’re like Julie visiting relatives or simply out for a walk, the pressure to be “polite” often overrides staying safe.

Fear of Dogs Is More Common Than You Think

Fear of dogs is more common in children. While not everyone has a true dog phobia, many people feel unsure or unsafe around dogs. That’s why learning how to stay safe and read a dog’s behavior is so important.

From reasonable caution around a dog you don’t trust, like Julie, to fear so overwhelming it affects daily life, fear looks different for everyone. 

When we treat children’s fear of dogs as no big deal or something to push through, we create an unsafe situation for the child and the dog.

What the Dog Is Actually Telling You

When a dog jumps on a guest or bites someone, they are communicating, telling you exactly how they feel.

A large dog like Jagger, who jumps and lunges when guests arrive, is often overwhelmed with excitement, but most likely hasn’t been shown a calm way to greet guests. He just doesn’t know a different way. At a certain size and force, the consequences can be serious.

A dog like Buddy, who has bitten more than once, has learned something: the bite works. It creates distance.

His people know he is fearful, yet continue to put him in situations where biting feels like his only way out. He is not asking to be feared. He is asking for space, and without intervention, his life is at risk.

Keeping everyone safe, including the dog, means setting them up for success in situations that may feel overwhelming or scary.

What We Teach Children Without Realizing It

My dog Yogi Bear and I were at a dog park recently when we came across a little girl with her family and a couple of Labradoodles. One of the dogs had cornered her against a fence, and she began to cry. The adults around her were quick to minimize her reaction: “he didn’t mean any harm,” “You shouldn’t be afraid.”

But the dog’s intentions were beside the point. What this little girl needed was to feel safe and have her feelings validated, not dismissed. The message she received instead was: “Your fear is wrong. The dog matters more than your feelings.”

We teach children to override their instincts when we do this. And those instincts exist for a reason: to protect us. When a child or an adult feels hesitant or fearful around a dog, their body is picking up on important signals, whether it’s the dog’s size, intense energy, or a lack of predictable boundaries.

These “gut feelings” are essential survival tools designed to keep us out of harm’s way.

You don’t need to apologize for keeping yourself or your child safe around dogs.

 It’s okay to call ahead and ask that the dog be leashed or put in another room before you arrive. It’s okay to wait outside.

It’s okay to leave.

Your safety and your child’s come first. 

Help your family feel safer and more confident around dogs.

Download my free Feeling Safe Around Dogs guide to learn practical ways to better understand dogs, respect their boundaries, and create safer interactions for both people and dogs.

if you found this helpful, please leave a comment below. We’d love to hear about your experiences.

The post Staying Safe Around Dogs appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

You’ve Tried Everything to Ease Your Pet’s Anxiety.

You’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe even exhausted and heart-broken trying to help your pet feel less anxious.

The anxiety medication. The trainer who promised results. The calming supplements, the thunder shirts, the special toys.

And still, your dog panics when you leave. Your cat hides all day. You come home knowing your pet suffered while you were gone.

What if you could both move from anxious and stressed to calm, relaxed, and peaceful together?

What if the solution isn’t another product, protocol, or expensive treatment with side effects.

The post How to Calm an Anxious Pet Naturally appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Ever wonder how your pet knows you’re leaving before you even reach for your suitcase?

Does it stress you out wondering if your pet will be happy with the care arrangements you've made while you're away?

You’re not alone.

Studies show that nearly half of all pet parents worry that their pet will experience separation anxiety.

The good news is that, as an Animal Communicator, I can help bridge the communication gap between you and your pet.

I mean, how would you feel if someone made arrangements for your care without your input?

When your pet has a say in their care, everyone benefits, you and your pet.

If you’re making travel plans or will be away from your pet, now is the time to talk with your animals about what’s coming.

Companion animals depend on the predictability of their day-to-day rituals to feel safe and loved. Feeding times, walks, and cuddle sessions are the anchors that reassure them that all is right in their world. Even minor disruptions in their routines can trigger anxiety.

When you let your pet know ahead of time that you’re going away and who will care for them, it helps them feel included, prepared, and at ease.

What Would Your Pet Choose?

An animal communication session gives you a window into your pet’s perspective. You can ask whether they’re comfortable with the care arrangements and find out if they have specific needs while you’re gone. Including them in the process creates a calmer, more trusting animal.

I also offer practical suggestions and easy-to-implement tips to make your departure smoother for everyone. Whether it’s a simple bedtime ritual or a piece of your worn clothing left for your pet’s comfort, these small touches can make a genuine difference.

Here’s What Some Pets Chose

Katie from Westport had planned to leave her goldendoodles, Rosie and Finn, at a pet hotel. She reached out because she sensed it wasn’t the best choice, but felt she had no other options. Both dogs had returned from their last visit stressed and anxious.

When she asked them what they wanted to do while she was in Europe, their answer was clear and immediate: they didn’t want to return to the hotel. It felt scary and uncomfortable. They said they wanted to stay home, where they felt safe, until she returned.

Katie found a pet sitter to stay at the house, and when she returned, Rosie and Finn were noticeably more relaxed.

Bella the cat told her person, Debbie, from Easton, that she didn’t like the pet sitter who treated her like a dog. She wanted the quiet, calm, respectful one instead. Debbie listened, made the switch, and Bella felt genuine relief.

Benji, a French Bulldog, was equally clear with his person. When Lauren asked whether he’d prefer to stay home with a sitter or visit his grandparents while she traveled, his answer was immediate and joyful: “I feel safe and love that they spoil me!” 

When you ask, your pet will tell you exactly what they need.

Both Katie and Lauren reported that their animals did really well while they were away, and they believe that communicating with them ahead of time made a big difference in how their pets reacted. 

 

When your pet feels included in travel plans– everything changes.

Simple Ways to Prepare Your Pet (and You!)

• Tell them what’s happening. Speak directly to your pet about your plans, the timeline, and who will care for them.
• Introduce their caregiver early. A visit before departure helps your animal feel comfortable with the new person or kennel.
• Give them permission to enjoy themselves. Many pets hold back out of loyalty. Letting them know it’s okay to have fun genuinely eases their anxiety.
• Trust that you’ve done your part in finding the best care for them. When you’ve included your pet in the process and addressed their needs, you can leave with confidence and actually enjoy your time away.

The Goal: Less Anxiety and Stress When Apart

Including your pet in the decision-making process about their care arrangements can make a world of difference. When your pet has a say, they feel calmer and more at ease. And so do you.

If you’d like to find out what your pet would choose when you’re traveling and have to be apart, CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SESSION.

If this blog post eased your mind, please share it with a pet parent who may need a little reassurance from their pet, before they travel. 

The post What Would Your Pet Choose When You Travel? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.