I was inspired this morning after reading a post on a Facebook group created by one of my teachers, to write about the compromise (or lack thereof) that exists between humans and their animal companions. When people reach out to an animal communicator, it is often because there is a lack of understanding that is getting in the way of peaceful cohabitation. Whether this manifests as chewing on shoes, barking at house guests, or getting into fights with other animals in the home, it can cause quite a disturbance in a home.
​Clients often come to a session with the hope of these behaviors getting resolved, and often they are. However, it usually requires some level of compromise, not only on the animal's part, but by the human as well.  I frequently remind clients that we are asking a lot of our fur babies, expecting them to assimilate to our lifestyle, respect our homes and possessions, and treat our friends and family with kindness. These expectations are certainly reasonable and attainable, as long as we honor the effort we see our animals putting forth, and try our best to be understanding when they fall short. It is important to keep in mind that our animals have opinions, dislikes, and preferences just like we do! I know that no matter how hard someone tried, or how much they bribed or begged me, I would NOT be willing to befriend a person that gave me the creeps, or stop eating straight from the bag on the car ride home from the grocery store... :) Other things, I would be more willing to compromise on. For example, if one of my family members said to me "I really don't appreciate when you wear your shoes into the house. It tracks mud everywhere and makes a lot of work for me. If I put a rug at the entrance of the house, and leave your favorite slippers next to it, would you be willing to start taking your shoes off when you come into the home?", I would certainly oblige that request. If we remember to honor the personality and opinions of our animal companions, and validate their needs, they will be so much more willing to work with us when we ask. 


Here are a few examples of this type of compromise in real life situations: 

Last year, I adopted a second dog, who had a bit of a rough history. Jack came into my home with some baggage, and some fear and anxiety. One issue that was creating some tension in the household was his food aggression. From his point of view, he had been starved as a puppy, so food was something he had to fight for, because he wasn't sure he would have enough to survive. From my point of view, I had already reassured him that he would never have to worry about that again for the rest of his life, and yet his anxiety and reactivity continued. After a few days of frustration, I remembered to take my own advice (what a concept) and ask him what would help him to be less anxious at mealtimes. He responded, "I just can't relax when I can see Nellie (my other dog) eating right next to me. I can't trust that she isn't going to come for my food." I asked him if he would prefer to eat alone in a space where she could not access his food, and he immediately said "YES!" I began feeding him in his crate, and Nellie on the other side of the room. I saw and felt a change in his anxiety instantly, and from then on, that is the way they were fed. Jack is now able to share treats with Nellie without issue, and eats meals with his crate door open. In order for him to be comfortable and able to let go of his past, I needed to be willing to adjust to fit his needs. It was a humbling and healing experience for all three of us in my home.


Awhile ago, I did a reading for a friend and her dog. This friend was frustrated because the dog would not let her touch her ears, which needed to be cleaned (I think she had an ear infection or something of the sort). I asked the dog why she was resisting having her ears cleaned, and her response was "I know my owner would never hurt me on purpose, but the last time she touched my ears, it hurt a lot. I don't want to feel that pain again." I relayed this message to the owner, who verified the dog's story. I then asked the dog what would help her to be comfortable allowing her ears to be touched in the future. She replied, "I will do my best to trust my owner again and let her clean out my ears, but I need to know that she will be careful and move slowly." Her owner agreed, and we moved on to other subjects. About 15 minutes after the reading, I got a text saying, "Belle just let me clean her ears out!! Thank you so much!" 

These are lovely examples of how animal communication can help to bridge the gap in understanding, and then allow a compromise to be reached, and peace to be restored!!! 

Over the past several days, I have seen lots of negativity being spread through social media, the news, and by the words of the people in my environment. Watching it happen around me, I have noticed that it is quite difficult at times not to let it into my energetic space and into my mind. Thankfully, the Universe keeps putting reminders in my path to keep me from focusing on this negativity. If you are in the same boat as I am, working to maintain positivity and function on a higher vibrational level, here is an exercise to help lift your energy.

• Find a quiet space to spend a few minutes in self-reflection. Keep in mind that self reflection should exist without judgement, for the purpose of greater understanding of oneself. 
• As you sit, ask to become aware of a thought pattern that no longer serves you (or focus on a thought that you noticed and don't want to hold). Follow that thought back to its root in your awareness. You can use the visual of a long vine, a rope or cord, or a tree branch. 
• When you reach the root of that thought cord, ask yourself these questions: What emotion or belief do you find there? How does that thought feel to you? Where is it held in your body? How long has it been there? Is there a color associated with this thought? How can that thought be re-framed to resonate with love and compassion and kindness? 
• Now that you have explored this thought, set your intention to release it. Become conscious of your breathing, and with each exhale, allow the thought to exit your energetic body. Fill the space where it was rooted with love and divine white light. Ask your angels and guides to support you in continuing to operate from a place of love as you move forward in your day.
• Do this as needed, and watch your thoughts as they shift. If it feels right to you, journal about your experience. Honor the feedback your receive from the Universe. 

"When you wake up in the morning and grumble about not wanting to get out of bed, look out the window and notice the leaves dancing with the wind and kissing the earth as they fall. That is the authentic love we can all embody."


Feel free to comment and share your experience, ask questions, etc.

Many Blessings

​Caitria

It has been a fabulous and busy week of readings. Some new connections were made this week, which I am ever appreciative for! Thank you to everyone who trusts me and is open to the possibilities of what animal communication has to offer! I feel so blessed to be able to do something that I am passionate about, and that is so positive for those who partake! Here's to many more amazing readings to come!!!

I have been having so much fun getting to know this little guy! He has already melted my heart!!! Elmer is a 3 year old terrier mix. He is fully housebroken, and is learning basic commands. He is a very quick learner! He walks well on a leash and is used to being crated when home alone. He plays well with dogs of all sizes and is friendly with adults and children. He is super playful and interactive. He loves being pet all over, and is comfortable being picked up. He is not much of a barker, and spends a lot of time relaxing. He shares toys and food well, and is an overall happy camper with a laid back, go with the flow attitude. Please help spread the word so Elmer can find his forever home!!

One of my personal mantras is "Be open to the possibilities". I find this one to be particularly difficult from time to time. Being an intuitive often means that I often have some sort of inkling as to what will happen in my life, but there are times where things come out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks, just like they would anyone else. In these moments, I do my best to remind myself to stay open to the possibilities that this shift will bring. I have found that while it may be uncomfortable for me to feel blindsided, and the repercussions of these events may take more than I think I have within me, these moments where I really work at staying open in spite of the circumstances are the ones that prompt the most personal growth. Coming into this new year, I find myself once again needing the reminder to open my heart and soul to the changes that are upon me. I am lucky to have a beautiful manifestation of this mantra living with me in my home. My rescued bull terrier/boxer mix, Nellie, possesses one of the most open and welcoming souls I have experienced thus far. She greets every day and every experience with a warmth and joy that spreads to all that surround her. It never ceases to amaze me how we are presented with exactly the guidance we need, and just how many forms that guidance can take. Every time I need a little reminder to stay open, my wonderful fur baby is there to lead by example and show me just how wonderful life can really be, if we allow it.