Voice For Animals – 2015
I remember so clearly the first time I heard a horse communicate with me. It was as if a person was talking in my ear except that the only beings present at the time were horses!! I was working in a barn in 1996 and had finished feeding the horses prior to their turnout – “I’m ready” – I heard loud and clear, when I walked over to the stall where I felt I heard this communication from, sure enough, the horse had finished breakfast and was ready to be turned out for the day!
Years later, Echoe (my equine companion of now 17 years) had been introduced to his new dentist. It has always been important to him who comes in to his energy space and their intentions. Whether they acknowledge him first or simply barge in to get the job done! He seemed to soften around this new person, he was gentle with her and they had an immediate connection. She finished working on his teeth and I went in to the house to get her money. I came out to find her in tears…….”That is not a horse!” she said, “I work with horses all the time and that is not a horse! He knew exactly what I needed and connected straight to my heart”. Echoe had done a healing – something he continues to do when he meets people, or remotely – I often get messages from people that Echoe had shown up in their vision or their heart to support them that day.
The connection can be felt, heard, experienced, seen and more. It is whatever it is supposed to be between you and the animal you are with.
They share their unconditional love and honesty. Their teachings can be life changing, bringing awareness to the true you, showing you where there is opportunity to heal, clear, and step in to your powerful self. Power can be misunderstood. This is not the power that overwhelms or controls someone or something. This is the power within your soul that you feel when you are in a moment of sheer joy, happiness and bliss. When a time in your life feels so incredible that you shine brightly, and so easily, for all to see and share.
Every animal remains in its truth, it does not try to change or adapt to fit in to someone else’s expectation. A cat is a cat, choosing to live in your home, be fed by you, bring you love through touch, funny antics and is not affected by judgment or perception. A dog is a dog, loyal, unconditional love, aims to please, and acts within the characteristics of the breed most of the time. 
Animals can be affected by environment, living conditions, being mistreated and will either withdraw into themselves for safety, or lash out to protect, within the confines of their situation. The animals I encounter at the shelters are such animals – often confused, stressed and have had all choice taken away and the people they loved are gone. As I continue to work with these animals alongside a group of amazing Reiki practitioners, we continue to experience the most amazing healings and as we talk with them, get to know how they are feeling and what they may need to further support them during their time at the shelter. To top it all, the practitioners who volunteer their time to be with these dogs also receive healings and learn more about themselves as they learn about the dogs. The synergy continues to be a beautiful blend of bringing together species to co-exist.
We are blessed to learn how these animals communicate. These conversations alone have created incredible changes that are always the animal’s choice. During our PHUR workshops the practitioners come together and each one of us has an energy that the animals will gravitate to for healing. Each person begins to realize the light they shine and share and what these animals are attracted to. The communication continues to open.
Melanie is a volunteer at the NHSPCA and with the PHUR program. Melanie has continuously attracted dogs looking for a gentle heart connection and a safe place to be. Melanie’s gentle touch provides support for the dog and they will often lie next to her and sleep.
Penelope and I work together each week and as a tag team have been able to bring about group healing sessions for the dogs and cats we work with. With our combined experience we observe and feel how best to help these animals.Susan is a volunteer at the AWS and NHSPCA and has been with the PHUR program since its inception in 2010. Susan has a soft and gentle way and the dogs will gravitate to her also for a heart/emotional connection.
For each of us who have animals in our lives, it’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down, to breathe, to touch and to listen, to observe each small move, expression and response to us. Remembering we know our animals the best, trust in your gut feeling, it will always steer you in the right direction. The connection is there, no right or wrong, it’s all a connection……..just breathe…….. remain quiet and in the present for long enough to experience the incredible gift and joy of communicating with our animal companions. And they love it!!
PHUR is an enrichment program for shelter animals bringing together Reiki and communication to facilitate understanding and healing. This program focuses on those animals requiring additional care to be more adoptable.