Dogs help politicians look more likeable and trustworthy.

It’s a fact.

Dogs became political ambassadors on September 23, 1952, when then VP candidate Richard Nixon mentioned his cocker spaniel, Mr. Checkers, in a televised speech, famously known as the Checkers Speech, where Nixon tried to defend himself against accusations of campaign finance wrongdoing. 

Afterward, people didn’t remember the accusations against Nixon. Instead, Americans remembered his promise to keep Checkers, despite being a campaign gift.

That watershed speech solidified dogs’ role as a permanent fixture in politics, with politicians understanding that being photographed and doing Tik-Toks with dogs makes them more appealing to voters.

Since then, September 23rd is recognized as National Dogs in Politics Day.

The Honorable and Honorary Mayor Yogi Bear of Westport, Connecticut

My hometown of Westport, Connecticut, is fortunate to have such a wise and lovable dog Mayor.

Mayor Yogi Bear is a 4-year-old Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hund), a Westport native, and a 2022 Staples Graduate (ok, he graduated from continuing education for dogs).

In August 2023, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker declared Yogi Bear the honorary Mayor of Westport [Learn more].

Since then, Yogi Bear continues to fulfill his civic duty as Mayor, spreading love and kindness wherever he goes.

Yogi Bear’s Heritage Guides His Political Will 

Yogi Bear’s mayoral spirit runs deeper than his cloud of puff.

In 18th-century Holland, his ancestors were the symbol of the Dutch Patriot Party that stood for democracy, civic rights, and inclusion. Their rivals, the House of Orange, leaned toward monarchy and exclusion, rallying behind the Pug.

Sadly, the Patriot Party and the Keeshond were ousted from office when the House of Orange regained control of the Dutch Republic. [Read more about Pugs and Keeshonde

Dogs Rule Westport, Connecticut

In Westport, we love our dogs like family, so it’s only natural that we have a dog mayor to ensure the human politicians understand what’s important to their constituents.

As the 2025 campaign trail unfolds, Mayor Yogi Bear shares his agenda:

“Greetings from your favorite transactional Mayor Yogi Bear.

I’m not here for your votes. I’m here to spread love, kindness, and fuzziness wherever I go, especially if there’s a treat involved!

My aim is simple: a longing look and a bark for a treat.

I’m a clear communicator who is up front about my quest for a nosh.

So, if you’ve got a treat, you’ve got my attention!

As we go into the campaign season, let’s make Westport the kindest (and most treat-filled) town in the land!

I invite you to join us, dogs, as we come together to unite the country in love, kindness, and the right to bark.”

What do you think about dogs in politics?

Please leave a comment and let us know!

The post Dogs in Politics: Meet Westport’s Dog Mayor appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

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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My Animal Muse, KC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KC told me, 

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday my Sweet Angel!

The post Remembering My Animal Muse appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Paralyzed from the Neck Down, Puppy Mill Dog Predicted His Paralysis Was Temporary.

Zac the Keeshond’s tale is about how Animal Communication and Reiki can bring hope to an unimaginable situation. 

His tale shows that animals can predict their recovery when given a “voice.”

Zac’s story also speaks to the strength and resilience puppy mill dogs have to move past their adversity and traumas when they have a loving and supportive “pack.” 

Shortly after Thanksgiving last year, I was contacted by Gregg and Karen B., who were out of their minds with worry about their puppy mill rescue dog, Zac.

Zac the Keeshond A Year After His Stroke

Zac had a tough life before he joined Gregg and Karen’s pack. Born in a horrific puppy mill in Upstate New York, he was rescued when he was approximately 5 to 7 years old.

Can you imagine a dog with little to no human contact for 7 years? It seems inconceivable that 1000s of dogs like Zac endure the same inhumane existence.

Zac’s past has made him skittish and afraid of random things. Yet he is loving, gentle, sweet, and kind. He is courageous especially when he is spooked by his past demons.

Gregg and Karen asked me to communicate with Zac right after he became paralyzed from the neck down due to a stroke. They explained Zac seemed fine after playing with his best friend, Jethro the Labrador, but 45 minutes later Zac could no longer stand or walk.

On his Facebook page. Gregg wrote about how I was helping Zac with Animal Communication and Reiki:

Cathy has helped my pack immensely. I have three rescued dogs, all from different places. As with most rescued pets, limited, none or sketchy (at best) history is available on them. She is so amazing and so very on point. 

Well, right after Thanksgiving last year, this little guy of mine, Zac had a stroke. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He was bright eyed but afraid. He refused food, water, and his medications. If there was any hope my boy was going to survive this, we needed his cooperation with our efforts.

We contacted The Animal Muse–Animal Communicator Cathy Malkin for help.

During the initial telephone conversation with Cathy, we had our dogs in the same room with us. Cathy said Zac was afraid but wanted to get better. He told Cathy he hadn’t lost hope because my wife and I were willing to help him recover. 

Zac expressed with complete certainty, he would recover from his trauma. He was firm that he would regain full modibily and run again. 

Cathy communicated to Zac that if he was going to get back on his paws, he must eat, drink. and take his meds. She also told Zac that carrying him around, assisting him with bodily functions, including walking in a carry handle assisted harness, etc, we would lovingly and happily take care of. 

As God is my witness, within 5 minutes of hanging up the phone with Cathy, my boy started to drink and ate for the first time since being released from the hospital. Plus he took his meds like a kid eating candy!

The Zac Pack

When I spoke with Zac shortly after he was admitted to the animal hospital ER, he told me was terrified. I felt him shutting down and withdrawing emotionally and mentally. He refused meds, food, and water.

Gregg, Karen, and I were afraid he was going to die.

Zac felt he was being abandoned at the animal hospital to die. Even worse, he thought he might be returned to the puppy mill. I reassured Zac that he wasn’t being left. I told him that he’d never be returned to that horrific place. Not now, not ever! I then reiterated he was well-loved and very much wanted.

After hearing from Zac, I asked Gregg and Karen to visit him in the hospital as much as possible to assure him he wasn’t being abandoned by his family and to bolster his spirits.

A few weeks later, Zac experienced a setback in his recovery.

Gregg updated his Facebook friends on Zac’s progress:

We’ve been in touch with Cathy Malkin, who checks in with us to let us know Zac is still very vocal. 

Interestingly, Zac has been more vocal, literally since about a week into this ordeal. He has found his bark, his voice. 

Cathy is our gateway to Zac’s voice. Zac told her he tweaked himself getting up from laying down and judging on when the setback appeared, we think we know when. He said he’s feeling better, and knows he is loved! 

Cathy sent Reiki again for Zac so we’re confident he’s back on the mend.

We will not give up on you little buddy, never not ever!

In the past year since Zac’s debilitating injury, I’ve communicated with Zac and offered him Reiki often. Zac is happy to report he has recovered from his stroke. He’s resumed his daily walks with his Dad and Barkley, along with play dates with Jethro.

Since that fateful day in November 2017, I’ve helped the other members of Zac’s Pack: Griffin (now In Spirit) and Barkley with Animal Communication and Reiki.

Griffin

Gregg shared the following on his FB page:

True to his word, Zac has recovered to about 95% of his pre-stroke condition, and we know without Cathy’s assistance that may not have been the case. 

Since then, we have used Cathy’s animal communicator abilities to assist us with our other two dogs as well. Griffin, also a rescued Keeshond, suffered from seizures and had a huge tumor removed from his liver, and our other dog, Barkley is generally healthy but has become out of sorts since Griffin  passed on 9/11/17 from liver cancer.    

Cathy has spoken to our depressed fuzzy boy, Zac who told us what he needs to help him along. In the past couple weeks, he seems to be doing better. 

Cathy has even communicated with our boy, Griffin who crossed The Rainbow Bridge. 

I can’t say enough about Cathy and her mastery of her power. 

Check out her website, FB page, email her, and/or give her a call. Tell her Griffin, Barkley, Zac, and their dad recommended you call!

Thank you, Cathy, for making The Zac Pack’s life complete! 

Puppy mill dogs like Zac and his pack are my heroes. Their strength, resilience, and willingness to move past their traumatic past is nothing less astounding.

Loving and kind humans like Gregg and Karen are also my heroes. Their dedication to helping their dogs move forward is heartwarming and life-affirming.

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So grab some popcorn and enjoy the picture show. . .

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Bodhi Bear Is A Paw-ty Animal!

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I love celebrating my dog’s birthday. This year is no exception. Now 4 years old, Bodhi is quite popular, so I need to have few parties to accommodate his many dog friends. 

Today’s party is all about his fuzzy friends, Eli and Harvey. Together, the 3 Keeshonden are affectionately known as The Keesateers.

Bodhi and I are thrilled that his DFFs (Dog Friends FurEver) and their mom, Julie, are coming to celebrate with us.

The Keesateers: Bodhi, Eli, and Harvey

Bodhi shares his excitement about 5 minutes before his fuzzy friends arrive. 

Bodhi absolutely knew Eli and Harvey were close by because he ran to the window about 30 seconds before they drove up.

Once here, The Keesateers couldn’t contain their excitement: 

It’s Dog Paw-ty time:

The Fuzzy Fun and Games Begin:

A Fuzzy Ball of Puffiness

All in all, it was a fuzz-filled day for everyone, the humans included! 

Now Bodhi and I need to rest up for his next Birthday Celebration with his girlfriends: Sabrina Renee, Greta, and Tonks tomorrow. 

Stayed tuned for more dog birthday fun. . . 

Bodhi Is One Happy Birthday Boy

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My Keeshond and Birthday Boy, Bodhi Bear

I do. I love showing my animal family how much I love them by celebrating their Birthdays and GotchYa Day each year. 

Okay, maybe I take it a bit far giving Bodhi a few parties but he’s worth it. Plus I love making him a happy dog.

It’s hard to believe he’s 4 years old already. Time has flown by as it feels like only yesterday that he was just a baby puff.

Baby Puff Doggy Bodhi Bear

Now he’s grown up and quite the Puff Doggy.

“Is It Burger Time?”

Bodhi Bear loves celebrating his birthday with good friends like his puppyhood buddy and DFF, MacGuyver the Puggle aka “Mush-A-Moo.”

MacGuyver The Puggle aka “Moo”

This year, Bodhi asked his Godfather, Craig, to grill up some Birthday Burgers for his special day.

Birthday Burgers on the Grill

So being a great Dog Father, Craig tossed a few dog patties on the grill for his dog and mine. 

Both dogs waited patiently for their burger “bites.” 

Bodhi patiently waiting for his birthday burger bites.

And then the big moment finally arrived:

A fun time was had by all, especially the boys who loved eating the burger bites. 

Happy Birthday, Bodhi Bear!!!!!

I Love You!!!

But wait, there are more birthday surprises for Bodhi Bear:

Stayed tuned for the Keesateers and more birthday fun for the fuzzy birthday boy. . .

The post Celebrating Bodhi the Keeshond’s Birthday appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

When Animal Communication and Reiki are combined, they create an amazing healing fusion of hope, love, and understanding.

Lori and her Keeshond Lilly’s story is a wonderful example of how this powerful healing combo brought them the precious gift of time when Lilly’s chronic illness became life-threatening.

Lilly the Keeshond

Lilly was a beautiful six-year-old silver and black Keeshond when Lori rescued her sight unseen. Lori drove several hours out-of-state to adopt this adorable puff ball after reading a brief description about her on a Keeshonden rescue website. From the moment they met, Lori and Lilly fell instantly in love and became fast best friends.

A few years later, Lilly was diagnosed with degenerate disc disease in her low back and neck making it hard to walk normally. Lilly also suffered from ataxia, which made it seem like she was drunk because she would lose coordination in her extremities and fall easily. If that wasn’t bad enough, she had severe arthritis in both her hips and knees.

Lilly’s mobility issues made moving without assistance difficult and sometimes painful, especially when it came to walking and going to the bathroom. These challenges never bothered Lori as she was happy to support Lilly in whatever possible.

Lori faced a lot of misunderstanding and scrutiny from those who didn’t understand the nature of Lilly’s special needs, especially in the last few months of her life. When those closest to Lori felt her she was holding on too tightly to her fuzzy dog, they urged Lori to put Lilly down.

Despite their good intentions, it was difficult for Lori and Lilly to hear.

To the outsider, Lilly’s ataxia made it seem like it was inhumane to let Lilly live a normal life. Despite Lilly’s obvious physical challenges, her heart and mind were strong, clear and lucid. Lilly felt grateful that her Lori was such a compassionate and loving person who didn’t care about her being different from other dogs and needed extra support.

A few years after I first worked with Lori and Lilly, I received an urgent call from Lori. Lilly’s daycare providers called her extremely worried that it might be Lilly’s time to transition because she was acting listless and not eating. Plus she didn’t have the energy to get up to go to the bathroom. Even lifting her head up was difficult to the point where she couldn’t even drink water from her bowl.

Lori needed to know what Lilly was thinking and feeling. And most importantly, was it time to assist Lilly?

When I tuned into Lilly telepathically, she clearly expressed she was not ready to die nor was she ready to be assisted through euthanasia.

After I translated for Lori what Lilly was feeling, I suggested they try Animal Reiki. Lori wasn’t familiar with Reiki so I explained the benefits of this Japanese healing energy modality. After my explanation, Lori and Lilly were immediately on board. Lori was running out of options to help her best friend and was grateful to give Reiki a chance.

I offered Lilly her first long-distance Reiki as soon as we hung up the phone in hopes it would help this beautiful Keesie girl feel better.

After Lilly’s initial Reiki treatment, Lori noticed an immediate difference in Lilly. Before being offered Reiki, Lilly couldn’t walk easily and had difficulty defecating. After her treatment, she was able to move around more freely. Plus she no longer struggled to keep her balance when pooping, which seemed miraculous. The cherry on top was Lilly’s increased appetite.

Lori and Lilly

With each Reiki treatment, Lori reported Lilly appeared more animated with a seemingly new lease on life which brought hope to both dog and human. Needless to say, Lori was thrilled with the results of Lilly’s weekly Animal Communication phone sessions and long-distance Reiki treatments.

A couple weeks after her health scare, Lilly was strong enough to return to daycare. This was huge because Lori could go back to work knowing Lilly was safe and well cared for. Lilly loved her daycare providers and communicated to me she was happy to back to her normal return.

During one of our weekly phone sessions in early December, Lori asked Lilly what she wanted most. Lilly gleefully conveyed “I want to spend Christmas with my beloved Lori. I know it’s going to be our best Christmas EVER!”

After hearing Lilly’s wishes, Lori postponed her holiday trip to France until the beginning of the new year so she could share the next few weeks and Christmas with her fuzzy best friend.

At this point, Lori finally gave herself permission to buy Christmas gifts for her dog because she trusted Lilly would be around to celebrate their favorite holiday together. Knowing Christmas was just around the corner made them both happy,

And sure enough, Lilly and Lori shared their best Christmas ever and created memories that Lori keeps in her heart.

Before leaving for Europe, Lori called me to check in with Lilly who encouraged Lori to enjoy her trip. Most importantly, Lilly promised to do her best not to transition before Lori returned home.

Lilly did remarkedly well while Lori was away as I continued Lilly’s Reiki treatments.

Lori checked her voice mail on a stopover on her way home where she received an urgent message from Lilly’s caregivers. Apparently, Lilly suffered a seizure or stroke and was in ICU at the animal hospital.  Lilly’s caregiver then begged for permission to euthanize her.

After talking with the pet sitter, Lori called me to find out how her girl was feeling. Lori’s voice cracked as she fought back her tears. “Please tell Lilly I’m only a couple of hours away. I need her to be strong and hang on. I don’t want her dying without me.”

I shared Lor’s message with Lilly, who said, “I’m okay for now. Reassure Lori that I will do my best to wait for her. I am happy she went to France. Tell her that I love her with all my heart and soul.”

Lori was determined to be with Lilly, especially if it was truly time to say “goodbye.” She asked me to tell Lilly not to give up as she would be by her side as soon as physically possible.

I encouraged Lori to stay positive. If anyone could hang on, it was Lilly. Lori asked me to offer her Reiki until she was able to get to the animal hospital, which I did. I could tell it helped Lori knowing Reiki was being sent. I also felt it helped Lilly relax into her transition home to Spirit.

While I sensed Lilly’s Spirit slipping from her beautiful body, I felt her strong determination to wait until Lori arrived. When Lori got to Lilly’s side, her Spirit slipped out of her body even though she was still breathing.

At that moment, it was crystal clear that the only humane choice was to give Lilly a kind and loving death with euthanasia.

But before Lori made the final decision, she called me to check with Lilly one more time to make sure Lilly was okay with being euthanized. I knew this was one of the hardest decisions Lori would ever make. When I asked Lilly if she was ready to transition. She responded, “I couldn’t imagine transitioning without Lori holding me and surrounding me with her love. I always feel safe in Lori’s arms. So yes, I’m ready as my body can no longer support my Spirit.”

Despite her intense sadness, Lori knew it was Lilly’s time and assisted her beloved companion into the light as she held her puffy girl for the last time surrounding her with love.

Lori later wrote me, “I wanted to do Reiki as an alternative instead of surgery for Lilly’s many problems because surgery could have left her paralyzed and in even worse shape than she was. I’m so happy we did Reiki and that we were able to communicate telepathically so I could understand Lilly’s wishes and her thoughts. It meant so much!”

Lilly shared the following:

I want to encourage all humans to empower their animal companions by giving them a “voice” so they can be heard and better understood by their humans. It made a huge difference that Lori and I worked in partnership. I’m grateful for the combination of Animal Communication and Reiki. This powerful duo gave us the precious gift of time.

Hearing your animal’s “voice” using telepathic Animal Communication in combination with Reiki creates an amazing healing union which brings empowerment, healing, love, hope and even the gift of time.

The post Animal Communication and Reiki Are A Powerful Combination appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

A good example of how Animal Communication and Animal Reiki work together was when my sister, Stefani, received the devastating news that her eleven-and-a-half-year-old rescued Keeshond, Mugsy, was terminally ill from a failing gallbladder.

From the moment Mugsy bounced into our lives with a rubber basketball in his mouth, I frequently communicated with him from California where I lived given he lived in New York with my sister and her family.

Mugsy the Keeshond came from a horrific puppy mill to change my family’s life.

After receiving the devastating diagnosis that he was suffering from irreversible gallbladder disease, Stefani depended on regular telepathic communication with my assistance to validate what she was sensing and feeling from Mugsy.

Besides Animal Communication, frequent Reiki treatments also became a valuable part of Mugsy overall hospice plan.

Kathleen Prasad, President of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association and my Animal Reiki Teacher, explains that “Reiki helps us to connect more deeply with the animals we love. Within this energetic connection, we often understand more fully what they are going through or how they are feeling. This can be a great support in communication.”

When Mugsy’s veterinarian suggested Stefani consult with a surgeon about the possibility of surgically removing Mugsy’s gallbladder, Stefani didn’t know what to think, feel or do. She loved Mugsy with her entire heart and wanted to give him the best shot at life. Her gut told her that surgery wasn’t the right option for Mugsy due to his age. Plus she couldn’t shake the vision of Mugsy dying on the operating table. Neither could Mugsy.

Stefani felt it was important to know how Mugsy felt about the surgery. If he had said yes, she would have been surprised given his fear at the veterinarian.

When I asked Mugsy telepathically what he’d like do, he sweetly replied, “While I’m not afraid of dying, I am scared I will die while in surgery. I want my beloved Stefani by my side when I transition. Therefore, I’m willing to forgo surgery and wait it out until my gallbladder fails, if Stefani is on board with me.”

When I conveyed Mugsy’s message to Stefani, she felt a huge sense of relief. She said it felt like a huge burden had been lifted because Mugsy’s words validated her strong intuition about surgery. Once Stefani felt she was on the same page as her dog about his treatment options and subsequent hospice care, a wave of calm washed over Stefani and Mugsy.

“Communication with Mugsy was paramount in helping me feel less anxious and stressed about his deteriorating health. This, in turn, helped Mugsy to feel safe and supported so he could enjoy whatever time he had with us,” Stefani explained.

Mugsy is my “Fuzzy Nephew” and Angel Dog

For the next few months, I offered Mugsy Reiki on an as-needed basis. As his disease progressed, he received more frequent treatments. After each treatment, Stefani reported that Mugsy seemed more relaxed. She seemed surprised when he’d perk up and become more animated. He even walked with a spring in his step that was noticeably absent before receiving Reiki. He approached his daily walks with more enthusiasm and seemingly less pain. Mugsy, a true “chow hound,” consistently exhibited an increased appetite after each Reiki treatment which contributed to him feeling better overall.

Stefani said, “Reiki gave me hope and something positive I could offer Mugsy when I felt anxious and hopeless about his future. This was especially true when my Mugs was having a bad day.”

One of the hardest aspects of Mugsy’s illness was the fact that no one knew when his gallbladder would fail, which produced tremendous anxiety for my sister and me. The vet’s diagnosis made it clear his gallbladder was a ticking time bomb since it was only a matter of time before it would rupture and end his life.

Mugsy’s regular Reiki treatments, while not a cure, did bring more balance and peace to Stefani and Mugsy during his long eight-month journey receiving hospice care.

Stefani credits both the Animal Communication and Animal Reiki for bringing more peace and understanding throughout Mugsy’s life, his illness, hospice care and dying process.

I feel honored to know Mugsy. He was an amazing dog who came from auspicious beginnings, at one of the worst puppy mills in New York state, to becoming a dear friend and valued family member. Despite being In Spirit, I continue to communicate with Mugsy.

This is a collage I made through my tears when I heard that Mugsy had transitioned. Thankfully my sister and her family were not dogless for long. Within a few days of Mugsy’s departure, our family was blessed with another bouncing Keeshond, Fozzie Bear. Fozzie Bear arrived after Mugsy soared with the Angels.

The post Animal Communication and Reiki Brings Hope to Dying Dog appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Every year, I let my animal family know how much I love them by celebrating these important milestones with them. Bodhi likes to celebrate with his friends. Mona and Elvis prefer low-key affairs with cat nip, special treats and ear scratches.

This year, I threw Bodhi Bear two parties to celebrate his 3rd Birthday because he has a lot friends. Bodhi invited some of his girlfriends to the first of two Birthday Parties: Sabrina Renee the Golden Retriever; Gigi and Ruby, the King Charles Cavaliers; and Greta and Tonksky, the German Shepherds. Bodhi is quite a popular pup with the ladies.

Pupcakes for Bodhi Bear and his Girlfriends

Sabrina Renee’s mom baked these Pupcakes especially for Bodhi’s 3rd Birthday party. As you can imagine, the pupcakes disappeared quickly. Now that I think about it, so did the cupcakes!

Bodhi’s birthday party, part duex, happened the weekend after his actually birthday. He wanted to celebrate with his dear friends, Eli and Harvey. The 3 dogs together are affectionately known as “The Keesateers.”

My friend, Sharon Hill, is an event planner (www.sharonhillevents.com) who loves to throw birthday parties for her Golden Retrievers. First she threw parties for Abby, who is now In Spirit. Her current Golden, Sabrina Renee, recently celebrated her 10th Birthday in my backyard with a few close friends. Bodhi enjoyed having his friends around and eating cake. He especially enjoyed the “Hot Dog Drop!”

In this video, Sabrina Renee enjoys unwrapping her many gifts with a little help from her friends. Keep watching to see Sabrina’s gifts. 

Sabrina shows off her gifts while Greta the Shepard eats a bone.

Elvis watches the birthday festivities from a safe distance

Join the party! In this video, Bodhi, Greta the Shepherd and Birthday Girl, Sabrina Renee enjoy eating birthday cake.

Do you celebrate your pet’s birthdays or Gotcha days? If so, I’d love to hear what you like to do for your family. 

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