Words Must Be Spoken
Animals are extremely intelligent. They are a different species but are no less intelligent than us. And they communicate intelligently too.
Just because they do not speak words literally, does not mean they do not communicate and they do not understand. They understand completely. The issues are usually:
- Humans think they do not understand and therefore, don’t bother communicating at all
- Humans think they are less intelligent, and therefore, treat them as such
- Humans do not bother to take the time and communicate in an intelligent manner. The whole baby talk thing is extremely unintelligent and for some animals, I imagine, insulting.
Every animal has a purpose, has a desire to be seen, respected fully as their species, and communicated with in accordance with this respect. They are not lower than us humans, as some conveniently wish to think.
I am most certainly not as talented in the communication arena as some, but I do feel and have this innate knowing about how the animal’s see the world and how I can perhaps help them. They are always very clear.
The challenge with humans, is we think we know best. We don’t usually work with the animal, we constantly over ride their contribution, their wishes, by not truly listening and engaging I find.
They too have a body, mind and spirit that needs to be looked after, honored, and cherished. Like humans, if this has not been looked after, then we have instability in all the three areas.
How does one communicate? By being still. By using your heart, your senses. Words also need to be spoken. The animals may see what the humans are doing but may not understand our decision processes what so ever. So, the words need to be spoken, in and intelligent, kind manner. The animals need the information. And need to know they are being seen, and respected.
When I am working with an animal, I always ask, how can I help you? am I helping you? what am I missing? Etc. I follow their lead always.
When an Animal has Emotionally Shut Down
Some animals I come across, have shut down. They have given up because they are not treated as innate, intelligent beings. They are “a dog” and with a “dog” one does this. The human is never present and does not really see them. They just go through the motions of “having a dog”, checking the boxes and not again, truly seeing them.
The odd time, I will see an animal in this state, and if the opportunity presents itself, I will say to them with soft eyes, “How are you? I see you, and celebrate you.” emanating intense love. And they are so shocked by this communication, that it just melts your heart. Words matter, Intention matters. They want to be truly seen, heard and engaged with. I invite all pet parents to truly engage intelligently from their heart.
Kinds of Information Shared
- Where you are going
- How long you will be gone
- Why you are upset and that you are okay, they are not to take on any of your imbalance. It is extremely important to communicate this.
- Why you are doing the things you are doing – as more often than not our actions/emotions make no sense to them
- Can they help you?
- Would they like a job?
- Is their purpose being fulfilled?
- How are they feeling inside?
- Is there anything they would like to share?
- Do they have any pain in their body?
- Can they signal to you, yes or no with a wag of the tail?
- Are they sad? Or are they depressed?
- Do they know their companion has passed?
- Would they like to say good bye in a ceremony with you all?
- Do you the pet parent need to say “I am sorry” for anything?
- Do they know they are moving and staying with you?
- Do they know the specifics of the move? I mean real details
- Do they know they have a choice in their life, and their health?
- Are they happy in their life with you?
- Is this their forever home? (very important if they have been rehomed)
- Is there anything that you are missing that they would like to share?
These are just a few ideas about what to communicate. They love being “in the know”. Often, our looks will replace common words as they begin to know us well, but it is best to never assume. They love it when you take the time to sit with them, and talk. They know, they understand, and they feel fully apart of your life. It means everything I believe. The words must be spoken so their body, mind, and spirit are honored every step of the way.
Communication at a Rescue Ranch
A lot of horses are starting to come my way, which placed me at a rescue ranch one fine afternoon. I was chatting to one lovely soul who was in most need of assistance, when a lady and her horse came walking by. Ginger was newly adopted, and the new pet parent was thrilled to be of service to her. She was wondering though why Ginger sometimes was happy to see her and sometimes was not. I asked her – “have you communicated your intentions to her at all?” and she said she did not know what I meant. I asked has she communicated the following:
- Does Ginger know she has been adopted by this person?
- Has anyone asked Ginger is this is okay with her this arrangement?
- What does “adopting” Ginger look like in terms of Ginger’s life?
- What exactly is the new person’s commitment to Ginger?
- Does this mean the pet parent will look after Ginger the rest of her life? Is this pet parent Ginger’s person”?
- Will Ginger continue to live on the ranch?
- What does life with this pet parent look like? What does she have to offer Ginger?
Has any of the above been conveyed to Ginger? The answer no. I explained Ginger needs to know – who the pet parent is, where she came from, how did she find Ginger, why is she adopting Ginger and how will this new partnership affect Ginger’ life, hopefully for the better. This gave the new pet parent a lot to think about.
Then the question came if I knew if Ginger would still like to trail ride? My response was “ask her”. I suggested the pet parent use her hands, if at all unsure. Show Ginger that the right means trail ride and to select this if she would like to do so, and the left means prefer not. I explained the questions need to be clear and easy to answer, as too much information the animal may not know how to respond. Like us. The pet parent understood and said she would do that.
I also suggested to the pet parent she stop wearing scents the day of visiting, as the perfume would be throwing Ginger’s system off heavily. The smell would be very toxic to Ginger’s liver. This may be also a contributing factor to the engagement too.
It was after this was communicated actually that Ginger then came toward me, and wrapped her head around my head to say “thank you”. She was very clear. We had a long thoughtful hug. She is a magical beauty. How lucky I as to be of service.
So, the message is, never assume, ask, and communicate with your animal intelligently please. The next day, the pet parent emailed with clear direction from Ginger about what she would like to do, honoring her being every step of the way. How cool is that? Very cool I would say!
