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.

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.

Signs to watch for and ways to support them.

By Cat Malkin, MA — The Animal Muse

My client, Nancy, called me the other day, worried about her usually energetic goldendoodle dog, Buddy.

“He just feels flat,” she said. “Like someone turned down his volume.”

She took Buddy to the vet, and thankfully, everything checked out fine.

But Nancy sensed that something was clearly off.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: Wintertime can feel long and dark for both people and pets.

Even if your pet doesn’t have any medical issues, their mood and behavior shifts could be linked to seasonal changes.

Here’s what Nancy learned about Buddy and what might be happening with your pet if they’re feeling off, too.

5 common ways pets respond to seasonal shifts, along with ways to help them feel more balanced this time of year.

1. Holiday Aftershocks Are Real

The shift from holiday hubbub to the quiet of January can be disorienting for pets. When family members return to work and school, pets may feel anxious or unsettled or experience separation anxiety.

What helps:

Create a predictable routine and ensure your pet gets sunlight to help them feel more secure and hopeful during winter.

2. Less Light, Less Energy

Fewer daylight hours can mean lower enthusiasm, slower engagement, and changes in sleep or appetite.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood shift linked to reduced daylight in humans.

Pets can experience similar changes.

They may show subtle shifts in their mood and energy, especially during the darker months.

You may notice:

• Low energy or sleeping more than usual
• Changes in appetite
• Less interest in play or walks
• More withdrawn or quiet behavior
• Clinginess or staying closer to you
• A general sense that something feels “off.”

What helps:

More sunlight is the best remedy. When possible, offer them extra daylight and fresh air. Move their bed to a sunny window, take a short walk, or let them sniff around the yard.

3. Quiet Time Together

Pets can feel lonely or anxious when the house feels quiet or empty after the holidays.

What helps:

Spend a few quiet moments each day with your pet to help them feel safe and loved and to strengthen your bond.

4. Playtime and Enrichment Matter More in Winter

When cold weather limits outdoor time, pets can get bored, which often shows up as chewing, pacing, restlessness, or sleeping more than usual.

What helps:

Engage your pet with short, fun activities, such as food puzzles or indoor games, to lift their spirits and show you care.

5. Chase their Blues Away with Animal Communication and Reiki

Animal Communication uses telepathy to give your pet a voice, allowing them to share how they are feeling and what they need to feel better. Like human counseling, talking with your pet can offer insight into the root causes of mood changes or behavior shifts. It also empowers animals by making them feel heard and understood.

Distant Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that promotes deep relaxation and balance. It helps calm their nervous systems, feel more grounded, and process stress in a safe, noninvasive way. It also complements any medical care they’re already receiving and can cause no harm.

The Bigger Picture

With a bit of extra light, connection, and comfort, your pet can feel more like themselves again.

If they need deeper support, Animal Communication and Reiki can help ease their stress, bring clarity to their feelings, and restore emotional balance.

Book an Animal Communication and Reiki session to help your pet chase the winter blues away.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with another pet parent, drop a comment, or follow for more practical ways to support your animal.

Here are 5 common ways pets respond to seasonal shifts, along with ways to help them feel more balanced this time of year.

1. Holiday Aftershocks Are Real

The shift from holiday hubbub to the quiet of January can be disorienting for pets. When family members return to work and school, pets may feel anxious or unsettled or experience separation anxiety.

What helps:

Create a predictable routine and ensure your pet gets sunlight to help them feel more secure and hopeful during winter.

2. Less Light, Less Energy

Fewer daylight hours can mean lower enthusiasm, slower engagement, and changes in sleep or appetite.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood shift linked to reduced daylight in humans.

Pets can experience similar changes.

They may show subtle shifts in their mood and energy, especially during the darker months.

You may notice:

• Low energy or sleeping more than usual
• Changes in appetite
• Less interest in play or walks
• More withdrawn or quiet behavior
• Clinginess or staying closer to you
• A general sense that something feels “off.”

What helps:

More sunlight is the best remedy. When possible, offer them extra daylight and fresh air. Move their bed to a sunny window, take a short walk, or let them sniff around the yard.

3. Quiet Time Together

Pets can feel lonely or anxious when the house feels quiet or empty after the holidays.

What helps:

Spend a few quiet moments each day with your pet to help them feel safe and loved and to strengthen your bond.

4. Playtime and Enrichment Matter More in Winter

When cold weather limits outdoor time, pets can get bored, which often shows up as chewing, pacing, restlessness, or sleeping more than usual.

What helps:

Engage your pet with short, fun activities, such as food puzzles or indoor games, to lift their spirits and show you care.

5. Chase their Blues Away with Animal Communication and Reiki

Animal Communication uses telepathy to give your pet a voice, helping them tell you how they are feeling and what they need to feel better. Like human counseling, talking with your pet can offer insight into the root causes of mood changes or behavior shifts. It also empowers animals by making them feel heard and understood.

Distant Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that promotes deep relaxation and balance. It helps calm their nervous systems, feel more grounded, and process stress in a safe, noninvasive way. It also complements any medical care they’re already receiving and can cause no harm.

The Bigger Picture

With a bit of extra light, connection, and comfort, your pet can feel more like themselves again.

If they need deeper support, Animal Communication and Reiki can help ease their stress, bring clarity to their feelings, and restore emotional balance.

Book an Animal Communication and Reiki session to help your pet chase the winter blues away.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with another pet parent, drop a comment, or follow for more practical ways to support your animal.

The post Is your pet singing the winter blues 🎶? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to celebrate the joy of the season with family and friends, including your animal family. Unfortunately, the holiday season also disrupts daily routines, which can create stress and anxiety in pets.

Your pet’s daily rituals build confidence and help them feel safe, secure, and loved. For many animals, even the small changes in their daily routine can be stress and anxiety-producing, especially for elderly pets. If left unchecked, stress can impact your pet’s behavior, health, and overall quality of life.

To avoid behavioral problems and stress, here are three easy ways to prepare your animal family so you can all enjoy a fun and joyful Holiday Season:

The post 3 Tips to Prepare Pets for The Holidays. appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

10 out of 10 pets agree they prefer quality time with their humans, based on my totally unscientific research after conversations with thousands of animals over 30 years.

If you asked them, they might say toys and treats are definitely welcome. I know my dog, Yogi Bear, feels this way.

However, what speaks to their hearts can’t be bought, wrapped, or tied with a bow under the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Bush.

Truly, the most excellent present you can give your pet is your peaceful, loving presence.

From your pet’s perspective, the holiday season and even daily life can feel chaotic and overwhelming at times. Especially when routines change, schedules shift, and diets are disrupted.

All of this can lead to stress and anxiety.

When you slow down and disconnect from distractions like your phone, your to-do list, the constant mental chatter, your animal receives something far more meaningful. They experience you choosing heart-connection.

The simple act of being quietly present together, in a mindful way, is a precious gift that offers comfort and peace to both of you.

Sitting with your pet and sharing a quiet moment says:

• I see you.

• I feel you.

• I’m here for you.

It’s heartwarming to witness what happens when pet parents shift from a constant state of doing to simply being. I’ve seen anxious dogs soften and relax. Shy, nervous cats open up and seek affection. Even horses lower their heads and sigh deeply when their humans settle into calm presence.

This deep relaxation is exactly what I see during energy work; in fact, a recent study showed that 100% of dogs receiving distant Reiki saw a measurable improvement in chronic pain.

So why does this matter so much?

Animals naturally live in the present moment.

We, humans, tend to live in our heads, planning, worrying, multitasking. When we meet our animals with an open heart, being quietly present, trust deepens, understanding grows, and the bond between us becomes richer and more secure.

Here are three mindful ways to offer your pet the greatest gift of all this holiday season:

Pause, Breathe, and Unplug. Take a few quiet minutes each day to sit beside your pet and breathe slowly. Turn off your phone. Let go of distractions. Even five minutes of calm presence tells your animal, “You matter.”

Share a Moment of Gratitude. Silently thank your pet for the love and joy they bring into your life. Gratitude creates a peaceful, heart-centered connection that your animal can feel.

Enjoy Time Together. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or playing fetch, give your full attention to that shared moment. Notice the joy of simply being together.

This holiday season, take a break and slow down. Breathe. Let your presence be your present.

Give the Gift of Presence:

If you’d like to give the gift of heart connection and relaxation, Animal Communication and Reiki Gift Certificates make fantastic and heartfelt gifts for the holidays. These sessions give animals a voice and offer comfort, clarity, and peace for both the animal and their human.

The post What Pets Really Want for Christmas (Hint: It’s Not a Squeaky Toy) appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Are you feeling anxious about leaving your pet while you travel?
Not sure if they’d rather go on vacation or stay home?
Wondering if your pet is okay with the pet sitter or boarding arrangements you’ve made?

Preparing Pets for Changes in Routine

Going on vacation can be a challenge, especially when you have pets.
Before you finalize your vacation plans, it’s incredibly helpful to check in with your animal family to ensure they understand and approve of the plans you’ve chosen for them.

In my 30+ years of experience, animals tend to be more relaxed and happier when you include them in your pet travel planning process.

Communicating your plans with your pets before you leave helps everyone feel more settled. Regular routines bring comfort and predictability. When those routines change suddenly—without any warning or preparation—it can be unsettling and anxiety-provoking for animals.

Some pets genuinely prefer to stay at home while you travel because change is hard for them—or they simply don’t enjoy traveling.

Others love going wherever you go—but still need reassurance and support while on the road.

After all, the goal is to have a stress-free travel and vacation without worrying about your beloved animals.

Introducing the Pet Travel Support Package

This support package is especially helpful for managing pet travel anxiety or stress related to routine changes.

It’s amazing how much calmer you and your animal companions will feel when you include them in your decision-making process. You’re not second-guessing what they want—you already know.

That’s why I created the Pet Travel Support Package.  It’s a powerful combination of Animal Communication and Animal Reiki designed to help your pets feel calm and secure whether they are vacationing with or at home with a petsitter. The goal is for everyone to have a relaxed and stress-free vacation.

Here’s How It Works:

Animal Communication – Before you travel, I talk with your animal and explain what’s happening. I let them know when you’re leaving, who will be caring for them, and when you’ll return. I also ask what they need to feel safe, supported, and okay with the plan. This helps prepare them and can significantly reduce pet separation anxiety.

Animal Reiki – I offer distance Reiki sessions to help your animal relax and stay emotionally balanced throughout your absence. Reiki is gentle, calming, and gives your pet energetic support while their routine shifts. This is especially helpful for cats staying home alone or dogs adjusting to new environments.

What Does Your Animal Really Want?

When Staying Home Is Best: Easing Pet Travel Anxiety

Sadie’s Beach Dilemma:
Donna reached out as she finalized her summer vacation plans to Virginia Beach. She asked her dog, Sadie, if she wanted to go to the beach or stay with her human grandparents. Sadie confessed that the ocean scared her! She asked to stay with her grandparents, where she felt safe and peaceful.
After the trip, Donna said that talking with Sadie ahead of time reduced their stress and helped her enjoy her vacation more—knowing Sadie was happy, secure, and being spoiled by her grandparents.

Kiki’s Pet Hotel Preparation: 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 in her daily routine.

Bettie’s Routine Comfort: Susie contacts me every time she leaves her dog—even if it’s only for a day or two. She feels it’s essential for her senior collie, Bettie, to be apprised of the upcoming changes in her routine. Susie finds it beneficial that Bettie is okay with her pet sitter. Communicating with one another is reassuring and helpful. When Susie leaves her collie, they both have peace of mind. And Bettie feels safe because her voice was heard.

Daisy’s Calm Vacation: Emily was especially nervous about leaving her senior cat, Daisy, who’s on multiple medications. Emily’s mom gifted her a Reiki Bundle of 3 Distance Reiki sessions while she was away. When Emily returned, Daisy was calm, cool, and collected. Reiki helped her stay balanced and supported the entire time.

Emily texted:

Let’s Make This Summer Easier—for Both of You

If you’d like support before your trip, I’m here to help—so your animal feels heard, supported, and cared for—every step of the way.

My Travel Support Package includes an Animal Communication session to hear what your pet wants and needs, plus Animal Reiki to help them feel calm and secure while you’re away.
You can also purchase Reiki Bundles (like Emily’s mom did!) to give your animal energetic support during your vacation—or any time they need extra care.

Special Offer: Get 10% off any Travel Support Package or Reiki Bundles, must be booked by midnight on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th! Coupon Code: VACAY2025

Now’s the perfect time to plan ahead and give your animal the support they deserve for a peaceful summer.

Click here to book your Animal Communication or Reiki session
to make traveling fun, peaceful and joyful for you and your animal family.

The post Should My Pet Stay Home or Go On Summer Vacation? Ask Them! appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

If your dog growls, barks, or charges at guests—even those they’ve met before—it’s more than stressful—it’s exhausting.

And it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.

You’re not alone if you feel frustration, stress, and self-doubt. Even guilt.

Many devoted dog parents try everything—trainers, tools, techniques—yet still struggle to uncover what’s really going on beneath their dog’s unwanted behavior.

As an Animal Communicator and pet anxiety expert, I’ve supported hundreds of families through this exact challenge.

An Animal Communication session gives your dog a chance to share their perspective of why they are acting out, and what they feel they need to feel safe, supported, and at ease.

Once you understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior, you can work together to find solutions that are sustainable.

Meet Eleanor: A Gentle Giant on High Alert

Recently, I spoke with Eleanor, a 6-year-old English Mastiff, and her devoted person, Laura, about precisely this.

Eleanor is deeply loved. She’s been an integral part of Laura’s family since she was a pup and adores the four children she lives with.

But when people come to the door—including visitors she’s met before—Eleanor’s behavior becomes unpredictable, intense, potentially dangerous, and, at times, very scary.

She growls, blocks the path with her enormous body, and even charges at anyone who tries to enter the house.

The potential of someone getting hurt is real, and thankfully, Laura recognizes she must find a way to help Eleanor stop her aggressive behavior for everyone’s safety. 

To Laura’s credit, she has worked with multiple trainers and tried many techniques.

Out of desperation and on the recommendation of a police dog trainer, Laura tried using a shock collar as a last resort. She resisted at first—’It just doesn’t feel right,’ she told me—and her instinct was correct.

While it seemed to stop the immediate behavior, it didn’t address what Eleanor was actually feeling underneath.

She tried it because she thought it was the only thing that helped Eleanor understand that it was ok to let visitors in.

What Eleanor Shared

During our session, Eleanor showed me she was overwhelmed and anxious.

She expressed that being a guard dog in a busy, active family of six was a lot, even though she was trying her best.

But that constant state of vigilance had become exhausting and stressful for her—and for Laura.

She didn’t always feel this way.

The past 5 years brought tremendous change to Eleanor’s life.

First, the pandemic hit, and Laura was pregnant. Then Eleanor went through a life-threatening illness that changed her.

To top it off, the family moved from California to the East Coast.

These experiences left Eleanor feeling unsure and unsettled in her new home.

A Guard Dog Under Pressure

Eleanor expressed that Laura told her that it was her job to protect the entire household 24/7 and that she takes her job very seriously.

It seems Eleanor missed the memo about letting visitors in.

In her mind, anyone outside the immediate family was suspicious until proven otherwise, even if she had met that person before.

Laura hadn’t realized that asking Eleanor to be “on guard” all the time created a level of pressure Eleanor simply couldn’t handle.

Eleanor — You’re Fired (With Love)!

This was a turning point in Eleanor’s session.

I suggested that Eleanor be fired from her guard dog duties in the house

Not in anger. But with kindness, relief, and yes, even a little humor.

Laura thanked Eleanor for protecting her family and told her, out loud: “Thank you for protecting us. You’ve done an amazing job. But you’re fired. You don’t need to protect the house 24/7. I’ve got it now.”

As Laura shared these heartfelt words, Eleanor’s body softened, her breathing relaxed, and you could almost feel the tension leave her.

Dogs often need permission from their person to stop doing a job they were asked to do, especially if they’re not good at it and can potentially cause harm.

Creating Safety Without Pressure

We also discussed the importance of creating a sense of safety for Eleanor and the children.

I encouraged Laura to consider using a crate—not as punishment but as a cozy den where Eleanor could retreat and relax, especially when the house gets busy with visitors and kids.

The goal wasn’t to isolate her, but to give her a break from the overwhelming energy she thought she had to protect against.

With Eleanor safely in her crate, Laura can also relax and stop worrying and stressing out about keeping everyone safe.

Going forward, I suggested that Laura:

• Use gates at doorways to protect visitors.

• Support Eleanor with Reiki to ease emotional tension and find balance.

• Educate her children and friends on how to be safe around dogs, like avoiding eye contact and turning away.

• Encouraging Laura to lead Eleanor with grounded energy because Eleanor feels safer when Laura is a confident dog handler.

Why This Matters

When your dog is reactive or overprotective, it doesn’t just affect visitors and their safety—it can affect your whole family and life.

Your dog’s reaction to guests can lead to isolation, stress, guilt, and a breakdown in trust.

And underneath it all, your dog isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re trying to cope the best they can.

Animal Communication can help you determine the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, reactive behavior, or overprotective behavior.

You don’t have to figure it out alone, nor does your dog.

The Lesson

This session was a beautiful reminder that animals don’t need to be “fixed”—they need to be heard, supported, and understood so they can feel safe.

And healing begins.

Before You Go

If your animal is showing signs of stress, reactivity, or overwhelm, consider this:
They’re trying to tell you something.

Schedule Your Animal Communication Session today and begin the journey back to peace~together.

*Originally published May 15, 2025*

The post How An Anxious Dog Was ‘Fired’ With Love (And Why It Worked) appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Every 4 months, Jamie travels 4 hours to the veterinary hospital to receive follow-up tests like CT scans, ultrasounds, and blood work. These visits are stressful for Jamie, especially since he needs to be sedated for his tests.

Since his diagnosis, his person Annie sets up Animal Communication sessions before each vet visit to find out how Jamie is feeling, figure out what he needs and prepare him for the arduous trip. Talking with Jamie also helps Annie cope and deal with her anxiety, stress, and fear.

Besides communicating with Jamie before his visits, I also offer him Reiki right before he receives his tests to help him.

Before his last visit, we decided to give Jamie 2 Reiki sessions: one the night before his vet visit and another an hour before his Ultrasound.

After Jamie’s visit, Annie shared the following:

“The 2nd Reiki session made a massive difference because it helped Jamie to reduce his stress enough to receive his Ultrasound and obtain a tissue sample without sedation! His vets were pleased because this was the first time Jamie hadn’t needed sedation! I believe Reiki was the reason why.

Bless you, Cathy, for your care, compassion, and understanding of what Jamie needed.”

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I’m grateful to this progressive animal welfare organization for recognizing how sharing animal Reiki and animal communication helps ease shelter animals’ stress, fear, and anxiety. It also helps animals to feel safe and develop trust which can make them more adoptable. 
This is what CHS shared about my role as an Animal Reiki practitioner:
Volunteer role: Animal Reiki practitioner

Length of service: 3 months

I started volunteering because…I love animals and want to help shelter animals with animal Reiki and animal communication.

My favorite part of volunteering is…seeing the animals relax when I offer them Reiki, which is meditating with them for healing.

My most memorable volunteer experience is…helping Machin the ferret with Reiki because he had dental issues and then seeing him find his forever home.

I love animals because…they are wise and loving. They are our spiritual teachers, healers, and guides who love us unconditionally and without judgment.

I know I am making a difference when…I see anxious animals become relaxed and more trusting.

The little things I do to help make a pets’ stay at CHS better include…sharing Reiki and giving them “pep talks” to assure them they are safe and the CHS team is doing its best to find them their purr-fect forever home.
My advice for new volunteers is…take time to observe the animal and let them show you how they want to interact with you.

My favorite things to do outside of CHS include…spending time with my two cats, Mona Marie and Elvis, and raising my puppy Yogi Bear and taking him on walks.

My hidden talent is…I’m an animal muse who is able to translate animals’ thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints so they can be better understood.

I think volunteerism is important because…being of service to the animals is good for them and me!

To learn more about CHS, CLICK HERE.

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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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