A recent client was fostering a 3-year-old very overweight cat.  She was not using the litter box to poo, only to pee.  This was part of our conversation:

Frances:  I understand you don’t go poo in the litter box.  Why is that?

It’s hard to clean up after myself and I don’t like licking the litter off my fur. 

Frances: I get it that you are having problems, Is it due to your size?

Yes, I’m fluffier than most cats.

Frances: Yes, but I suspect that it isn’t just fur, correct?

Yeah, I like to eat.  Hey, it’s all I got, you know?

Frances:  Well, maybe you can play around a bit to work it off?  Run after a feather on a stick, yarn ball, mice or a fluffy ball?

I suppose so, but I can’t do it alone. 

Frances:  I’ll talk with your foster mom about your activity level.  You’re so young and have such a wonderful life ahead of you.

Why do you say a wonderful life?  It hasn’t been all that great so far. 

Frances:  Ah, but that is the difference.  Your life ahead will be so much brighter, just waiting for the perfect home for you to present itself.  In the meantime, do you have any requests for your forever home.

Oh, I would love to be in a house with activity, to see people moving about so I can watch them.  I’m not really crazy about dogs or kids, they are too unpredictable, and I don’t trust them.  An older person or couple works too – I like to watch TV with them and hang out in the living area.

Frances:  Do you ever look outside to watch the birds or the critters on the ground?

I do, but since I can’t go outside, what’s the point?

Frances:  Well, there is lots of activity to watch if nobody is home to watch.

Yes, that’s true, I suppose I could do more of that to keep me busy.  I’m a bit bored and I think I eat when I’m bored.

Frances: That’s very common for people too.  We’ll see what we can do to get you more activity and maybe lose that extra fluff.  In the meantime, please use the litter box for your poo too.  It is helpful for you to be consistent and cleaner in order to find your forever home.  That’s important to you, right?

Yes, of course – I want to find a forever home.  I will do my best to poo as you say, in the litter box.

Perhaps this is a reminder for all of us not to overindulge during the holiday season.  Stay safe and enjoy your holidays.  Looking forward to a joyous and prosperous 2023!

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

Our health and habits are sometimes displayed by our pets – to show us what we are experiencing or what we are doing to ourselves. During a session with two cats, one of them said his mom (my human client) needed to put her feet up and be treated like a princess.  She was someone who needed to be catered to instead of her doing it all herself.  The cat felt sad that he couldn’t do this for his mom.  I later found out from my client that she had hurt her ankle and had to elevate it on a regular basis.  

Another session was with a two-month-old puppy who was being fussy with his food and potty habits.  His mom (my human client) was having difficulty sleeping through the night as he was waking her up to go outside at all hours of the night.  She was concerned he had to go potty each time, yet he just wanted to play with the night critters.  During our session we spoke of having consistent feeding times, quantity and quality of the foods, including limiting the treats for good behavior.  I suggested since his trainer was using treats as a praise method, she opts to use his regular kibble instead of the variety of treats.  He is young and his tummy is sensitive to the various types of treats.  His system needs to be trained for eating, exercising and potty times to help his tummy be regular and allow her to hopefully sleep through the night.  A few days later my client realized that not only had she been indulging her puppy with all sorts of treats, but she was also doing the same thing to herself.  This was a big awakening to her as she realized she wasn’t treating herself with healthy options and this could also have been a contributing factor to her lack of a good night’s sleep.  Our pets are our mirrors to help us learn and grow together.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to you and your furry friends.

 

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

Tuning In to Pet Behavior

 

Our pets have fears, concerns, and wants or preferences.  They have an opinion and when we talk, they can share them with me, so their wishes are heard.  I recently had a client whose Persian cat with the most beautiful hair stopped using the litter box.  There were three of them available for two cats.  When I first tuned in, she gave me many reasons why she didn’t use the boxes, mostly because she didn’t want to.  I explained how rude she was, her family took such good care with food, shelter and of course love.  She acknowledged she was being a brat and agreed to use the litter box.   A few days later my client contacted me, and I asked again why she was not using the litter box.  Finally, she said she didn’t like the litter sticking to her fur on her bottom.  I recalled from my grooming days a “sani-cut” was something we did for the long-haired cats and dogs.  The sani-cut is where we clipped the hair around the anus and back of the legs, so the hair didn’t get in the way when they were peeing or pooping.  There are reasons for their behavior, they just must be able to tell us. 

Another client’s cat was having her morning time out on the fresh dewy lawn when the tree trimmers were there early and came through the gates, unannounced.  She ran off and her mom could not find her for hours, so she called me.  I tuned in and told my client when the noises subsided, and they are gone she will return.  I saw her jump the back fence and hiding in the neighbor’s backyard watching the guys do their thing.  A few hours later she felt safe to jump back over and come home.  My client called to let me know when she returned.  Happy kitty and safe at home.

Our pets sometimes have their protests, being finicky – or it could be a way to train us too.  If they refuse to eat certain foods, maybe something better will be given to them.  Sometimes pet food formulas change, more fillers to save money.  Check the labels.  Allergies can also develop later in their life. 

Call me when you are having issues with your pet and let’s work together to resolve them.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

Letting Go

 

Annie is an older cat who had surgery for GI cancer and follow-up chemotherapy treatments.  My client was concerned as the treatments would leave her sick for two weeks followed by a second treatment just a week later.  She was not seeing the benefits of continuing this treatment and wanted to know what Annie wanted her to do.

Frances:  Hi Annie – how are you?

Annie:  Oh, I’m okay, I guess.  I know mom is concerned about me and how I am feeling.  This isn’t easy on either of us.  I know she is doing everything she can to keep me going. Please let her know that I love her very much and appreciate all her efforts to keep me here with her.  I want her to know that it is time for me to stop the treatments and let me go on my own time.  Nothing they do is going to help keep me here forever – we all have to go some time, right?  So let me go when it comes my time, without the treatments so I will be more aware of my surroundings and not be sick from the treatments.  I’m not ready to go yet, but just know when it is my time, there will not be a question unanswered.  You did everything right, you are the best mom I could ever have had and I will always be in your heart.  Please enjoy the time we have left together without being sad or disappointed as we have had a good life together to remember. 

Frances:  Thank you, Annie.  I will be speaking with you and mom later today.

Annie:  Ok, thank you for talking with me.

Frances:  My pleasure, Annie.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

Family Dynamics Can Affect Pets

 

My client texted me that she was worried about her boxer, Dick, as he had not eaten for two days. I tuned in and felt he was depressed. This year has been tough on my client. Her husband and Dick’s companion, another boxer named Jane had unexpectedly passed. Here is what he had to say:

Frances:  Dick – what is going on? Why won’t you eat?
I guess I’m just down, I don’t really have an appetite. I’m sad when mom is sad, I’m sad dad’s not here, I’m sad that Jane is no longer here.

Frances: (I’m sorry you’re sad. Mom can really use your energy too. She wants you to get back to your old self. This will help her too. You know it’s not like you can go back in time. Life goes on, life changes – some things we don’t have control over and some things we do. You need to eat for your health, your life energy. I know it's hot, but you need to eat and drink your water.
I know life changed, but why can’t it go back the way it was?

Frances:  Honey, some things move only forward and don’t go back. They may go forward in good ways, in better ways – some that are still to come. There is always good to come, you just haven’t seen it yet.
I guess I see what you are saying, I just want it to be easier on mom and me.

Frances:  I know honey, she is doing the best she can, and you are there to support her efforts in ways that you can. Be by her side, walk by her side, eat your food so you stay healthy and know your life will be better in time. Can you do that for mom?
Yes, I can try that. Thank you for your kind words, it does help me when we talk.

Frances:  I’m glad that I can help you along your path. Be good to yourself and to mom.
Ok thanks again.
Frances:  My pleasure, Dick.

The next morning, my client texted me: 
"Yay Dick ate this morning! He is feeling better!"  "

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

Enjoying Summertime with Furry Friends

It’s summertime, fun and travel time.  Ever wonder what your pets think about those who care for them while you are gone?  Or when they are in to get pretty or handsome at the groomers?  Recently I spoke with Fannie, a 12-year-old poodle mix.

Frances:  Your mom is concerned about leaving you with your sitters when she is gone.  Do you mind them watching you?
 Why can’t I go with mom when she leaves?  Why do I have to stay here?

Frances: Sometimes mom takes trips that dogs can’t easily go on.  She will take you when she can, but only if she can.  Do you have a preference of your sitters Dick and Jane? [not their real names]
I like when Dick comes because he sits with me for a while.  He lets me do what I want and gives me treats.  We go outside when it isn’t too hot, and he doesn’t get mad if I pee in the house.  Jane is fussier.  She doesn’t like to clean after me and my messes.  She makes me go outside when it’s hot and doesn’t pay attention to how hot the ground is.  Sometimes I feel like my pads are burning but she doesn’t seem to notice as she is looking at the thing in her hand the whole time.

Frances:  (I think she is pre-occupied with her phone.)

I shared this with my client, and she confirmed that Dick is a bit older and does like sit around, not that mobile and gives Fannie treats.  Jane is a younger woman who is always on her phone.  One time Fannie threw up and she called my client in hysterics that she had to clean it up.  Whoopsie, guess we know Fannie’s preference.

My client also asked about the groomer as she was very stressed when she was in the car knowing she was going to the groomers.  Fannie told me she didn’t know who would be doing her grooming, some are not as careful or nice as others.  This stressed her out.  Their previous groomer was no longer available so she is now looking for a quieter situation, single groomer so Fannie will know who is taking care of her needs.

Frances:  Would you like to play with other dogs?
Not really, I’m good on my own.  I’m not really much of a “dog” dog, I like people better.  

Frances:  I understand that, Fannie – I tend to like dogs more than some people, too.

Enjoy your summertime with your pets and watch out for the hot surfaces when walking outside and please never leave them in the car unattended even for a few minutes.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

Enjoy Your Furry Friends

 

Last week I had an animal communication session with a cat who was near the end of his time here. 

When I asked him what he wanted he replied: 

“Sometimes I think it would be easier to not be here anymore, but I do enjoy mom’s love and attention.  I am still able to eat and enjoy that quite a bit.  If I ever stop eating that is a clear sign I don’t want to continue and please help me along to my exit.”

My client laughed and said as a treat for him she would feed him his favorite cat food, the less expensive but tasty ones.  Food is one of their favorite things in life – love and a roof over their heads follow closely behind. 

Years ago, I had a client who wanted to know if her dog Lucky who was deaf and blind, was ready to go to heaven.  I asked him and he said, “No, the food is too good.”  Little did I know she had specially marked meat in the freezer with his name on it.

Enjoy your furry friends all the time you have with them as they pack a lot of love in that short time with you.  

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

Summer is Near - Traveling with Pets?

As things feel like they are returning to normal, at least a new normal, going out and enjoying new adventures are in order.  With the sunny summer travels approaching, it’s so important to remember our furry four-legged friends.  When you take them on your car ride adventures, please consider their safety.  We use seat belts, and they should too for their safety as well.   Like children, sitting on your lap with the car moving, whether you are the driver or the passenger – is not safe if you have to stop short or God forbid, were in an accident.  

If you have a smaller size pet, consider the basket type where they can see out the window while being safely strapped in.  There are other strapping devices for larger pets who may sit in the back seat with the window cracked open for their nose to stick out (I just love seeing the wind blowing in their face and the hair blowing back).  Please be careful not to have the window open too much so they don’t fall out.  If your pet rides in the back bed of the truck – please consider harnessing them in with more than a single leash connected to their collar.  (I don’t want to think what can happen should they try to jump out).  Have fun, enjoy the new adventures of this phase for you and your pet’s life.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

Pets are Like Children

Our pets are like children, they watch us and sometimes their brains don’t understand all the complexities about adults. When we are affectionate to our partner we may have sounds or actions that can sound or look like we are being hurt. We know this isn’t the case, but to a pet or a child, this can be very scary. They may be in protection mode or run and hide. If they can do that to him or her, what will happen to me? I’m so small, who’s going to protect me? Who can I trust? Best they are not placed in this situation when they are young or if a relationship is in the early stages. Pets get very confused about who they can trust, and this can then be projected to others who they thought they could trust. Assure them your partner is a good person by including them in quiet times, walks, throwing the ball and words – yes, they do understand your words. 

 You may not hear their responses like I do but be assured they understand your words and your kindness. You are all they have – be kind. 

For the Love of Animals, 

Frances

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

When couples decide to go their separate ways, they can talk it over – sometimes calmly, sometimes not – but what do the pets go through?  How do they know what is going on when their mom and dad go to different corners?  Why aren’t they together?  What did we do to cause this?  Pets (as well as young children) don’t understand the complexity of relationships, nor should they necessarily need to know all the details.  They just want to know “what about me”? 

I recently spoke with a client going through this very situation and she asked me to speak with her two dogs, Sarge and Little Man – two male greyhounds, 7 and 5 years old respectively.  Sarge is the strong stoic one who doesn’t show much emotion.  Little Man is the sensitive guy who shows his concerns very vocally.

Frances:  Mom and dad are not going to live together and mom will be living someplace else.  It’s nothing you two did to cause this, it is something that humans sometimes go through.  Does that make sense to you?

Sarge:  Yes, but what about us? 
Frances:  That’s what I want to talk to you each about individually ok?
Sarge:  Yeah, I guess so, but we will listen to each other too. 
Frances:  That is perfect.  So Little Man I want to start with you, ok?

Little Man:  Ok – but am I staying with dad or mom?
Frances:  Which would you like to stay with?
Little Man:  If I stay with mom, will I never see dad or if I stay with dad, will I never see mom? 
Frances:  You tell me what you would like, that’s why I am talking with you.
Little Man:  I love dad but I’m more close with mom – she understands me when I get scared and she knows how to comfort me.  I know dad loves me, but mom understands me more.  I don’t want to hurt dad’s feelings and I will miss Sarge, but I really want to be with mom.
Frances:  Thank you, Little Man, I know that is hard to say to me and I appreciate you telling me your feelings.  In case it happens where dad wants you to stay with him, will you be ok with that?
Little Man:  Yes, of course, I know he loves me and I love him too. 
Frances:  Would you want to visit with mom or dad depending on who you stay with?
Little Man:  I would as long as it isn’t hurtful to either one to see each other.
Frances:  Little Man, you are so considerate of their feelings – I’m so honored to be talking with you.  You are much more mature than many humans, do you know that?
Little Man:  Well, I never really thought about that, I just know being kind and loving is all I know, I’m very blessed. 
Frances:  Yes, you certainly are blessed with two loving people who care for you very much.  Anything you want to tell mom and dad?
Little Man: Please tell mom and dad I love them both very much and I’m sorry you are going through this situation.  I am grateful for you choosing me to be in your family and will always remember the good times.  Whatever happens I want you both to be happy and I will be happy with whatever you decide.
Frances:  Thank you, Little Man. Sarge it’s your turn.

Sarge:  Ok I’m ready, so you want to know what I want?
Frances:  Yes, please share what you would like.
Sarge:  I would like to stay with dad since we were together longer, I feel he is my person.  I understand Little Man wanting to be with mom, they really did bond from the beginning.  Dad will be ok with sharing him with mom – I think so anyway.  I’m sorry they have to go their separate ways, but whatever makes them happy.  Dad and I have been on our own before, so we’ll be fine.
Frances:  Would you be ok if Little Man stayed, and mom left?  Can you be the head of the household to protect everyone?
Sarge:   I do that now, no big deal here.  I love mom and all, but I realize things don’t always last forever – I just want them happy.  I want everyone to be happy.
Frances:  Thank you, Sarge.  Is there anything that mom can do to make it easier on you?
Sarge:  Mom is great – she is always thinking about others.  I would like her to take care of herself, eat better and let’s get out and walk more.  She has been so concerned about others, she forgets to ask what she wants, what would make her happy?
Frances:  Sarge, you are so caring and loving of your mom and dad – but especially mom – I think you are right on target with your suggestions to mom.  Anything you would like to say to mom and dad?
Sarge:  Thank you for the time we’ve had together.  I love you both and understand things happen in the human world that we don’t really understand, but you are both such good people.  I just want both of you to be happy and if going your separate ways does that, so be it.  I love and always will, regardless of who lives with who.  
Frances:  Thank you, Sarge for your kind words.  I will be talking with mom shortly and we can talk more then.  Bye for now.

Both:  Bye – thank you for talking with us. 
Frances:  You’re both very welcome.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

With the changes in our work situation over the last two years, our pets have gotten pretty spoiled having us around 24/7.  Now that many are going back to work or school, the pets don’t understand why we aren’t there to be with them as much anymore.  They like all the attention, affection and let’s face it – snacks to keep them occupied while we tried our best to be productive on the computer, zooming with the boss, teaching a class.  They just seem to say: What about me? I’m here, I’m cute, I’m bored…. I’m, I’m, I’m.  Yes, very self-centered – it’s all about me.

I had a recent client session with her cat, Kizzy, who normally was just perfect with the litter box.  Suddenly she pooped on the home office Persian carpet – in front of her son, yes – not hiding it or sneaking in, nope, very deliberately.  And then it happened again – no accident, so what’s up with that?

Can you tell me why you pooped on the Persian carpet?
Ha – got their attention, didn’t I?  Nobody is around like they used to be, they just leave us here by ourselves.  Why can’t I go anyplace besides the vet?  Why are they leaving so much?

Ok, so you are feeling neglected, really?  You have clean litter boxes, good food, a roof over your head and this is how you are showing your appreciation?
Well, when you put it that way, I guess I am a bit harsh. 

Yes, ungrateful I would call it.  The world outside of your house has been going through a time when most people had to stay home.  That’s why your mom and dad were home most of the time.  Now the world is safer, and people can be out and about.  This is true for your mom and dad.  Dad is on a business trip and will return on Sunday – two times the sun goes down.  Mom has returned to her school schedule.  Does this make sense to you?
Yeah, I can see when they were here a lot – I really liked that.  I could be by there side all day long.  I miss that but I guess they didn’t want to do that as much as I did.

They love you to be by their side when they are there, but not whine about them not being there or poop on the rug.
Please tell them I’m sorry to upset them.  I guess I didn’t know how to tell them that I miss them being there as much as they had been. I know I can’t go places with them, I just love them so much and want them near me as much as possible.

Thank you, Kizzy – I will be talking with mom soon.
Thank you for talking with me.

You’re very welcome, Kizzy.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances

 

Happy 2022!

Happy New Year to you all.  I am so excited to greet 2022 with hope and optimism that it will be healthy, safe and prosperous for you and your furry, feathered and scaled friends. Last year brought a new reality of normal to many – including new pets that got used to mom and dad working from home.  For rescued pets who had a life before they came to live with you, they have their experiences, fears and expectations to overcome.  Abandonment is a very scary thing and now that many of us are working from home, they expect us to always be by our side – like 24/7 – or fear you are never coming back home.  This was part of a recent reading with Frankie.

Hi Frankie – how are you? 
I’m ok I guess why?

Mom asked if I would talk with you, is that ok?
I guess so, why? 

Do you know how much your mom loves you?
Well, I think I do but I get scared when I don’t see her.

That’s what I want to talk about.  Mom will always be there for you.  This is your forever home.  I understand you had a dad but he’s not there anymore.  This had nothing to do with you.  Sometimes humans stay together and sometimes they don’t.  It’s a human thing.  But you will always stay with mom.
 Are you sure? 

Yes, Frankie I am sure – she loves you very much – that’s why we are talking.  I will talk to mom on how to tell you when she leaves where she is going and when she’ll be back.  She will always be back but sometimes she may go for a few days.  Humans need to do that sometimes.  But you will always be cared for and have food in your tummy.  Does that make sense?
 I am afraid she won’t come back. Thank you for explaining it to me.  My last family just packed up and left and I was on the streets looking for them.  I didn’t understand how they could just leave me.

I’m sorry that happened to you.  Sometimes humans have things happen in their lives and they may not think of all the details.  I’m sure they didn’t mean to forget about you but may have been struggling in their lives.  Your mom now has a wonderful extended family who love animals like you and would never let anything bad ever happen to you.  I promise, they are very good people. 
Thank you, I was afraid I did something bad, so they didn’t want me anymore.  I was afraid I would do the same thing with mom, and she would get rid of me too. 

Is that why you whine in the car?
Yes, I’m afraid she’s going to drop me off someplace and not pick me up.

Mom will never do that to you.  I will talk to her about how to share with you where you are going so you don’t have to be anxious in the car.  It can be a fun adventure instead.  Seeing new places and new people.  Just know that you can’t go everywhere with mom.  Dogs aren’t allowed everywhere, and mom needs to be able to go out and have fun with her friends, right?
Yeah, I guess you’re right.  I was so afraid she didn’t want me or wouldn’t come home to me.  Now I know she will, but I need to know all the details, so I won’t worry so much. 

Yes, Frankie, I will explain to mom how to tell you all the details you need to know.  Some things are human things and won’t make sense, but you will know what you need to know – each and every time she leaves the house, ok? 
Thank you, oh that makes me feel better already.  I can relax more and play more.  I was almost afraid to play in case I did something wrong, I love mom so much, I don’t want her to be mad at me.

You don’t have to be afraid of mom getting mad, no matter what you may think you did wrong, mom will always be there for you and love you. Anything you want to tell mom?
Thank you so much for bringing me to your home.  I love you so much and was afraid you would leave or take me someplace to drop me off and not come back.  I can relax now and open my heart fully.  I was holding back just in case you didn’t love me like I love you.  Now I can love you even more!

You are so sweet, Frankie, yes now you can love even more with no fears at all to hold you back.  I’ll be talking with mom shortly and we’ll talk more, ok? 
Ok, thank you for talking with me.

You are very welcome, Frankie – my pleasure.  Bye for now. 
Bye.

For the Love of Animals,
Frances