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:

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I’m not a big fan of the holiday season.

Why?

Because I’ve suffered a lot of loss in December, which colors my holidays with tinges of sadness and grief.

Yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of when my beloved dog, Bodhi Bear, died.

Bodhi was an extraordinary dog. He stood beside me through my late husband’s illness and death. He supported me with love and joy when everything felt overwhelming, and I felt so very lost.

When Spirit called me home to Connecticut, Bodhi Bear sat by my side for 5 1/2 days as we bounced across the USA in a noisy RV during the middle of the Pandemic.

I had no idea when we left California that Bodhi Bear was riddled with stomach cancer.

Somehow, he found the strength to bring me home.

A month later, we said our goodbyes, and my heart shattered into a million pieces.

I’m sharing this because I know the holidays can stir up a particular kind of grief that doesn’t always fit neatly into a season that insists we be happy, grateful, and full of cheer.

The holidays have a way of intensifying loss when everything around us seems louder, brighter, and more emotional; the absence can feel sharper.

You’re not alone.

The season is rich with triggers, including memories, routines, songs, and smells that can resurrect your loss anew.

As a Pet Loss Grief Counselor, I want to remind you that grief doesn’t take a holiday or have a schedule.

5 Ways of Coping with Pet Loss During the Holidays

If you’re missing a loved one this holiday season, here are 5 things you can do to take care of yourself:

• Modify Holiday Traditions:
  It’s okay to scale back and say “no” to events that feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. Prioritizing self-care is a fantastic way to honor your pet.
• Plan an Act of Remembrance:
  Shift your focus from the absence to the love you share. Light a candle, look at photos, hang a special ornament, or donate to a local shelter in their name.
• Feel the Love That Still Connects You:
  Take a moment to feel all the love in your heart for your loved one and feel the love they have for you.
• Find a Glimmer of Joy (Without Guilt):
  It’s okay to experience enjoyment and seek out simple pleasures without feeling guilty. It’s an essential act of self-care.
• Reach Out for Support:
  If your grief feels overwhelming, ask for help.

You may also find comfort in remembering that your beloved animal’s support is still there for you.

If any of this resonates, please know that the Animal Muse crew and I get it.

Our hearts go out to you ,

~Cat, Minnie, Yogi Bear, and Finnegan

If this post resonated with you, I invite you to share your thoughts or your animal’s name in the comments.

I also encourage you to share this post with others who may be grieving the loss of a beloved animal this holiday season.

And please subscribe to the blog for ongoing support and reflections.

If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, please feel free to reach out for support. BOOK PET LOSS Session

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As the holidays draw near, it’s easy to feel more frazzled than thankful. Between errands, gatherings, and to-do lists, our nervous systems can forget what our hearts already know: gratitude heals.

Thanksgiving can also be a beautiful invitation to slow down, breathe, and reflect on what we’re grateful for.

But if you really want to understand what pure gratitude is, you don’t need to look far because pets model it every single day.

The Everyday Grace of Gratitude

Animals don’t need a holiday to express appreciation; they live it, because gratitude flows naturally through their being, expressed in the quiet, wordless ways that touch our hearts.

It’s in the dog’s soft sigh as they rest their head on your foot.
The rhythmic purr of a cat curled on your lap.
The horse that leans into your hand in a moment of mutual trust.

These aren’t just sweet behaviors;  they’re profound acts of love and thankfulness.

Ways Pets Teach Us About Being Thankful

Unconditional Love.
Our pets love us exactly as we are. They don’t care about our bad hair days, messy kitchens, or missed deadlines. Their unwavering affection reminds us that genuine gratitude begins with acceptance of ourselves and each other.

Living in the Present.
Animals don’t replay the past or fret about tomorrow. Watching them chase a leaf, nap in a patch of sun, or greet us joyfully at the door reminds us that being fully present in the moment is an act of gratitude. When we slow down, we join them in that sacred space of now.

Joy in Simplicity of Life
A favorite toy, a walk, a gentle scratch behind the ears are ways pets celebrate the joy of life’s simplest gifts. Pets remind us that gratitude doesn’t come from grand gestures but from shared, heart-centered moments.

Comfort and Healing.
Science shows that our animal companions lower stress, boost mood, and support heart health.  Our pets’ presence grounds us, helping us to breathe easier and live from gratitude rather than anxiety and tension.

Trust, Joy, and Peace.
When we open our hearts in appreciation, we feel more centered, confident, and peaceful, which our pets sense instantly. Gratitude becomes a shared vibration, wrapping both species in a warm hug of safety, love, and serenity.

Gratitude as Healing Energy

Gratitude is more than an emotion: it’s energy. When we focus on what we appreciate, our bodies relax and our hearts open. And because our animals are so attuned to us, they feel and appreciate the shift in our energy.

When you pause to thank your animal for their comfort, loyalty, and joy, something changes inside you. Your energy softens, your awareness widens, and the light in your heart glows a little brighter.

In that peaceful state, communication flows naturally. We become quiet enough to sense what our pets are feeling and to hear their messages in return.

Gratitude becomes a language of love between you and your animal. It’s a mutual exchange of thanks that strengthens your heart connection.

A Mutual Exchange of Thanks

Gratitude is a two-way street that our pets travel with us every day. Having a heart-to-heart talk with your animal family is a wonderful way to thank them and vice versa.

If you’d like to communicate with your animal to learn more about their thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints, I encourage you to Book an Animal Communication Session.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with peace, connection, and appreciation for all beings—human and animal alike—who make your world more loving and whole.

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I want to give a shout-out to Francis—the Maine Coon cat.

Francis is more than a beloved cat, she’s a guardian and protector to her person, Hilary and their family.

They live on a small, quiet ranch in Northern California, where domestic animals, humans, and wildlife all share the land, mostly in harmony

Always watchful and aware, Francis loves to keep a close and careful eye on the wildlife.

The Rattle That Shook the Afternoon Stillness

Over the 4th of July holiday, I received a text from Hilary worried about Francis.

Hilary was down at the barn brushing her horse, Gabe, when she heard the distinctive rattlesnake warning cut through the afternoon stillness like a sharp knife..

She described the rattle as the kind of sound that tightens your gut and sends one into protection mode.

Hilary recalls, “I saw Francis loping down the driveway and thought she was chasing a squirrel—since she watches them all the time. But then I heard the rattling from the barn.”

Francis Takes the Lead

Hilary followed Francis who corralled a large rattlesnake in the garden and drove it out the driveway into the pasture where she edged it against the fence area.

Francis then got the very angry rattlesnake to curl up and continue rattling steadily until reinforcements arrived which took about 5 minutes or so.

With the quiet authority of a seasoned snake charmer, Francis held the serpent’s fury at bay.

With incredible intent and nerves of steel, Francis sat motionless within the strike zone.

Focused, still, and unflinching.

No claws. No chaos.

Just calm, powerful feline energy so precise that even the furious rattlesnake stayed frozen in place.

Teamwork Saved the Day

Hilary’s two dogs instinctively kept their distance, recognizing Francis and the humans were doing an excellent job handling the situation.

Gabe, ever the herd protector, was on his way to stomp it out—but Hilary wisely told him to step away.

Hilary and her neighbor, who happened to be visiting and knew how to handle rattlesnakes, quickly set up to remove the snake.

All the while Francis held the line with eyes locked and body steady, radiating exactly the energy needed to keep the rattler still.

And when her neighbor was ready, Hilary calmly and quietly said, “OK, Francis. We got this.”

Francis began to slowly back away—never breaking eye contact—giving the humans space to safely remove the threat.

Debriefing With Francis Afterwards

After the crisis passed, Hilary wanted to talk with Francis—to hear her perspective about the ordeal which was helpful and healing for everyone. Hilary also requested I offer Francis Reiki (healing energy) to help her rebalance her energy after the life-threatening event.

During our conversation Francis made it clear that she wan’t looking for praise.

“I was just keeping my family safe.”

That’s our Francis.

Humble, as always.

And that’s why Francis is an unsung hero—protecting her family with grace and determination.

Your Animal Is an Unsung Hero, Too.

Most animals don’t corner rattlesnakes.
But Francis did—calm, deliberate, and completely focused on keeping her family safe.

No drama. No hesitation.
Just clear action and quiet authority.

If you’ve ever had the sense your animal knows more than they let on—
you’re probably right.

Book your VIP session here

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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.

And recently, my “foster-win” kittens, Minnie and Finnegan, reminded me just how true that is.

After a peaceful walk on the beach with Yogi Bear, I came home to find Finnegan holding up his front paw, crying, and unable to put weight on it.

When we left, Minnie and Finnegan were napping peacefully together, all cuddled up.

My heart sank.

After spending 6 weeks in a crate to heal a broken femur, I couldn’t believe Finnegan now had an injured front paw.

As he sat there crying, Minnie nuzzled him in a sign of concern and regret.

Whatever happened, it wasn’t good.

What They Showed Me

When I connected with them telepathically, I saw in my mind’s eye what had happened:

Finnegan had put his paws around Minnie’s neck and began grooming her. As he groomed her, he got a little too excited.

Minnie tried to tell him to stop, but he wasn’t listening. She told me he was becoming overbearing.

When he didn’t listen, she bit him—hoping that would be enough to make him stop.

Minnie shared later that she didn’t mean to hurt him and felt terrible that he was in pain.

The “Free” Vet Visit That Wasn’t So Free

The next morning, with Finnegan still hurting and now feeling lethargic, I took him to a new vet that offered free exams to newly adopted pets.

Sounds good, right?

Wrong.

The vet did a quick once-over and immediately recommended an X-ray.

As she reviewed the charges, the vet tech knelt beside me, holding an iPad just a foot from my face, to make sure I saw all the costs, which were high. Then, they offered me a discount.

The vet kept repeating that they wanted costs to be “transparent.”

It felt like code for “we’re about to take you down the rabbit hole of unnecessary vet services,” like a vaccination that he didn’t need.

And it made me uncomfortable and distrustful.

When I refused the $500+ x-rays, the vet stopped giving care to Finnegan and suggested a pain medication, but didn’t clearly explain it was a super powerful opiate used after surgical intervention and would knock my sweet kitten out for days!

Meanwhile, she never looked closely at Finnegan’s paw, took his temperature (which would have shown a fever), or shaved the area to check for a bite.

The vet didn’t even suspect a bite. Her focus was on selling, not healing.

By the next morning, Finnegan was doing worse—drugged, groggy, and still in pain.

Back to Our Trusted Vet

I called my regular vet first thing in the morning and he saw us immediately.

His initial diagnosis: a bite.

In about 10 minutes, he then took an X-ray at no charge, took his temperature (which was 104+), and shaved his leg, which confirmed his original diagnosis of a bite.

Finnegan then received an antibiotic shot and was sent home.

My vet actually cared for Finnegan instead of trying to sell me on unnecessary services.

Lessons Learned

Kittens are learning. So are we. And they can cause drama.

Minnie, for her part, was genuinely remorseful. She curled up next to Finnegan afterward as if to say, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry”

They’re learning boundaries, bite pressure, and how to be gentle.

And I’m learning that not all veterinary care is created equal.

I’m grateful that the free exam didn’t turn into a full-blown catastrophe—but it could have if I hadn’t advocated for Finnegan.

If you’ve ever felt guilt, confusion, or frustration when your pet gets hurt, you’re not alone.

We’re all learning—side by side with our animals.

Got drama with your animal family? You’re not alone…

Whether it’s a sudden behavior change, tension between companions, or something just feels off—your animal is looking for your support.
Animal Communication can help you uncover the reasons why—and the gentle healing energy of Reiki can help restore balance and overall wellness.

Together, they offer a wonderful way to help your animal feel their best—in all aspects of their life.

Click here to book a session
I’m here to support you and your animal on your journey together—because energy flows both ways.

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As we adjust to the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, our animal families are calling upon us to take good care of ourselves. If we don’t, then we won’t be able to take good care of them. 

One of the challenges we are experiencing to stem the tide of the pandemic is practicing physical and distancing to protect ourselves and our loved ones. It’s hard being isolated. Thank goodness we don’t have social distancing with our animal families.

Animals feel an excellent way to cope with social distancing is to be in your heart center. One way to access your heart chakra is to give yourself and animal a TTouch Heart Hug. Created by Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch is a system of gentle circular touches that activate the body’s potential at a cellular level.

Heart hugs are an excellent way to say to yourself, “I love you.” 

TTouch Heart Hugs will help you feel:

• Calm and centered;
• Balanced;
• Less anxious and fearful;
• Loved;
• Connected to your animal family, loved ones, Mother Earth and the Universe.

How to do a TTouch Heart Hug:

Step 1: First, notice how you feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in this present moment before you give yourself or animal a heart hug.

Step 2: Place your hand over the other with palms face down on your heart center, located in the middle of your chest.

Step 3: Imagine that there is a clock face on your chest underneath your palms.  Twelve o’clock is at the top. Nine o’clock is your right shoulder, and three o’clock is your left shoulder. Six o’clock is located towards the ground at the bottom of the circle.

Step 4: Begin your circle with your hands at twelve o’clock, then gently move your hands over your heart chakra, creating a full circle plus add an additional quarter turn. It doesn’t matter which direction you do your Heart Hugs; just go in the direction which feels best to you, whether it’s clockwise or counterclockwise.

Step 5: Pause your hands over your heart center and take a couple of deep breaths before starting another circle. Offer yourself and your animal as many heart hugs as you need.

The more love and care you give yourself, the more love and care you can give to your animal and others. I encourage you to give yourself and your animal Heart Hugs often.

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