Roby is a 15-year-old male Chihuahua who had failing health. My client contacted me to check in with Roby to find out that he was indeed, ready to go. I always have a conversation with the pet before the appointment with my client and I then read the information to the client during the appointment.
In the initial session, Roby told me: “Please let Mom know I am ready to go when she is. I will always be in her heart and when she thinks of me, I will be there beside her to guide her as the little pup on her shoulder.” I took that as a metaphorical answer, as a symbol of his love always being with his mom. When we did our Zoom call, I noticed my client was adorned with several tattoos. I asked her if she was thinking about getting a tattoo of Roby on her shoulder. That is exactly what she was planning on doing but didn’t know if he wanted a paw or his picture.
Roby was enthusiastic and said, “Yes, I want my picture on her shoulder". My client replied she knew exactly which picture she would have tattooed on her shoulder. This was a first for me. It was very exciting for me to share both of their wishes, and do the right thing for each other.
Friday, December 13, 2024
Tattoo Surprise!
Friday, November 15, 2024
Don't Worry - Be Happy!
Patsy is a 14-year-old Havanese female dog who seemed very anxious, generally at night, pacing back and forth. On car rides with Dad to her physical therapy water treatments for her back leg, she gets very anxious, panting heavily and jumping between seats, making it very unsafe for her dad to drive with her in his lap to calm her down.
Here’s part of our conversation:
Frances: Mom and Dad asked if I would talk with you, is that ok?
Patsy: Sure, anything for mom and dad. I love them very much. I know I am getting older; my hearing is gone, and my eyesight is blurry. I feel ok, I suppose, nothing to complain about, but I do know my time is limited. I don’t want them to do anything special to extend my life and will do my best to go on my own when the time is right. Not yet, but you know what I mean. I’m glad I have this opportunity to tell them how much I have loved our life together. They are the best mom and dad I could have ever had, especially in my later years – the food is so good! I get special treatment, and I love it!
Frances: Thank you, Patsy. When you pace in the evenings, what are you wanting from your mom and dad?
Patsy: I get anxious at night because I am afraid that I won’t wake up in the morning.
Frances: What makes you think you won’t wake up in the morning?
Patsy: I had a dream not long ago and one of the previous dogs came to say I was going to join him soon. He didn’t say when, so it just makes me nervous.
Frances: Ok, so the dog in the dream said you would be joining him – but until you do, how about just settling in with mom and dad and enjoying their company? It’s not like you can control it so why pace and worry about it?
Patsy: Hmm, I get what you’re saying.
Frances: Just remind yourself to enjoy the moment with mom and dad. If you start to get anxious, just say to yourself, “I am safe with mom and dad.”)
Patsy: Ok, I’ll try that, thank you.
Frances: You’re very welcome, Patsy. When mom leaves the house, she goes to work and then she comes home. She always comes back. She is safe at work and will be home before dinner. Dad is there to keep you safe and happy; Mom will come back when she gets off work. Does that make sense?
Patsy: Yes, it does – I just don’t understand why she has to leave, why can’t she work from home?
Frances: Her work requires her to physically go to the building of her work.
Patsy: Oh, ok, I guess she has to go then.
Frances: Yes, she does. Why do you pant so much when you go on car rides?
Patsy: I never know where we are going to go, if they are taking me someplace and not picking me up, what if they don’t pick me up?
Frances: I will make sure Mom and Dad tell you where you are going to ease your mind. You will always be picked up unless your mom and dad leave you overnight for special care or if they go out of town and can’t take you.
Patsy: Ok, as long as they tell me, that will help.
Frances: I realized you can’t hear so I will suggest that they talk to you in their thinking voice, like I am doing right now. You will be able to hear them, but they may not be able to hear what you are telling them, so don’t get upset if they don’t hear you.
Patsy: Oh, ok, that sounds good.
Frances: I will talk with Mom and Dad a bit later this morning, by for now.
Patsy: Bye and thank you for talking with me.
Frances: My pleasure Patsy.
During the appointment, for an attitude adjustment before the car ride to therapy, I encouraged Dad to show Patsy to be happy and excited about going to play in the water with her therapist. At night, to calm her down, ask her (in their thinking voice) to join them in sitting quietly and watching TV.
A week later I received an update from Dad:
Re: Patsy Update
Hi Frances!
I wanted to update you on Patsy and her progress since we met last.
The panting and walking around in the living room at night is much better. She spends more time with us lying down and relaxing while watching TV. There have been a couple of times she has still gone back to her old behavior but much better. We are trying to send her a picture of her lying down and relaxing with us.
So, thank you for helping us talk (quiet voice) to Patsy. I know it is a work in progress. We will keep working on it and keep you posted.
Take Care,
J and K
Frances
Friday, October 11, 2024
Ruby Watches Over Mom
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Friday, September 13, 2024
Buddy Opens Up about His Past
Buddy is a 16-year-old male Westie (West Highland White Terrier) who was adopted in 2021. My clients wanted to know about his former owners and why he needed a new home.
Frances: Hi Buddy – how are you?
Buddy: I’m ok, why?
Frances: Your mom and dad asked if we could talk, is that ok?
Buddy: Sure, why not.
Frances: What was your life like before you came to live with Mom and Dad?
Buddy: Before I came here, I lived with an older couple. They didn’t walk or play much with me, so we did a lot of sitting and watching the thing in the box.
Frances: Is the thing in the box with moving pictures?
Buddy: Yes
Frances: Ok, we call that a television, or TV for short.
Buddy: Yeah that’s what it was. They were very nice to me, but it was really loud sometimes.
Frances: I suspect they couldn’t hear very well so they had the volume up.
Buddy: You’re probably right. The man went away and didn’t come back and then I found the lady on the floor one morning. It scared me, so now I follow my mom around to make sure she is ok.
Frances: I’m sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately, as people get older, they sometimes get sick and pass away. So, you don’t have to worry about your mom – she’s much younger and doing well. Plus, your dad is there to take care of you too.
Buddy: You sure?
Frances: Well, I’m as sure as I can be, but I’ll check in with Mom and Dad when we talk in a little bit.
Buddy: Ok, thanks.
Frances: Do you want to spend more time with other dogs, or is it the caregivers at the doggy daycare that you like?
Buddy: I guess I like people better. I was never around other dogs much, except the place with the cages, before coming home with Mom and Dad.
Frances: Is there any place that you were taken by your previous mom and dad that you would like to go to?
Buddy: They didn’t take me anywhere except the doctor and the groomer. Towards the end, the groomer was less and less. I guess I just know about watching TV. I would like to be outdoors more and see beyond my own surroundings.
Frances: Is there anything you would like to tell your mom and dad?
Buddy: Please tell them that I love them very much and thank you for bringing me into your home. I know I’m not your typical dog, but I’m happy just as I am.
Frances: I am glad you are happy Buddy. I’ll be talking with your mom and dad soon. Bye for now.
Buddy: Bye and thank you for talking with me.
Frances: You’re very welcome, Buddy.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances
Friday, August 16, 2024
Pillow Talks
Pillow is an 8-year-old female chihuahua mix rescue with whom I recently had the pleasure of speaking. She was a bit confused when I first tuned in. Here’s a portion of our conversation:
Frances: Hi Pillow – how are you?
Pillow: I’m ok, why? Am I in trouble?
Frances: Honey, why would you think you were in trouble?
Pillow: I don’t know, but I’m afraid I’ll be taken someplace else like the previous people did. Am I staying?
Frances: Pillow, you are staying. This is your forever home. Your mom loves you very much, so you have nothing to fear. You have a mom, a home, food and love forever. How does that feel?
Pillow: Oh, I am so happy to hear this. Are you sure?
Frances: Yes, Pillow, I am sure. Can you tell me about your life before you came to live with mom?
Pillow: First, I was with a family with little people, [kids] and they kept us outside. Little by little each of us left with other people. I was the last one and they kept me for a bit and then they had to leave so they took me to a place where other dogs were. It was ok as I was fed regularly, but not much else. It wasn’t too long before I went to live with Mom.
Frances: Thank you for sharing your life before you met Mom. Do you like your housemates Molly and Rusty?
Pillow: Yes, they are ok. Are they staying too?
Frances: Yes, honey everyone is staying, just like you.
Pillow: Oh, I’m so glad, I was afraid to get too close in case anyone had to leave. It hurt so much to get close and then never see them again.
Frances: Since you have been with Mom, you had a brother who passed away. Do you miss him?
Pillow: Actually, he still comes around and checks in to be sure we’re all getting along. He was kind of the ruleskeeper and oversaw us all.
Frances: How do you feel about Mom’s boyfriend, Bob?
Pillow: He’s ok as long as he keeps mom happy. I just want her to be happy. She takes such good care of us. Why does she have to leave us during the day and sometimes at night?
Frances: That’s what people do – they go to places like work, shopping, the theatre – places dogs can’t go. She would bring you if she could – but with all of you, that would be a bit hard on her. Does that make sense?
Pillow: Yeah, it does.
Frances: Is there anything you want to tell your mom?
Pillow: Please tell her I love her very much and I am so happy to hear that I am staying. I kind of held back my feelings not knowing if I was going to stay or not, so now I’m all in. Thank you so much for choosing me and taking me home with you. I’m forever grateful. From your forever dog, Pillow. Oh, I like how that sounds!
Monday, July 15, 2024
Hellooo Dolly!
Frances: Hi Dolly – how are you?
Dolly: I’m good, why?
Frances: Your mom asked me to talk with you, is that ok?
Dolly: Sure, anything for my mom – she’s the best. Why can’t she be with me all the time or me go with her all the time?
Frances: Mom likes to go out of the house to work, shop, eat – stuff like that where dogs can’t go. Mom has to work to make sure you have food in your tummy and a roof over your head. Does that make sense?
Dolly: Yeah, I suppose, but I can wish it so, right?
Frances: Yes, you can wish and dream all you like. Do you wish to play more?
Dolly: I would like to go for car rides and see other places. It gets kind of boring seeing the same walls all the time.
Frances: Why don’t you like to be around other dogs?
Dolly: I like people better, dogs are unpredictable.
Frances: What do you like about your mom?
Dolly: She is kind and sweet and gentle. She cares for my every need, and I love her very much. Please tell her thank you for choosing me to love and care for. I am the luckiest dog ever.
Saturday, June 15, 2024
New Kid in Town 🐱🐈⬛
I recently had a session for a client with two cats. This is how it went.
Frances: Hi Sally – how are you?
Sally: I’m ok, why?
Frances: Your mom asked me if I would talk with you, is that ok?
Sally: Yeah, I guess so, what about?
Frances: Do you like your new family? I understand you have been there for about a year.
Sally: It’s ok, but why did that other cat have to come too?
Frances: Missy needed a home just like you did. She is now your sister, why can’t you be nice to her?
Sally: Why should I be nice to her? She’ll take all my food.
Frances: There will always be enough food for you and Missy. Your mom will always ensure you are both taken care of with a roof over your head and food in your tummies. Do you know that you are loved, and this is your forever home?
Sally: What do you mean by “forever home”? I’ve never been in one home for very long at all. I’d get in a fight and that was it, I was moved to another place, then another, then another. I don’t trust anyone anymore and that’s a fact.
Frances: I’m sorry you haven’t had the kind of life you deserve. But you do know if you’ll allow your mom to love you like you deserve to be loved you have it now. A forever home is where you will stay for the rest of your life. You will have the same home with your mom and sister named Missy. This is your forever family, and it is there for you to open your heart and love and be loved. Does that make sense?
Sally: I think so but how can I believe you?
Frances: Just give it time. You don’t have to take my words only, just allow each day to unfold with the knowing that you are loved, you have plenty of food in your tummy, and a roof over your head for your safety. Can you do that?
Sally: I suppose I can try.
Frances: Good for you, that’s taking a positive step forward. One step at a time, right?
Sally: Yeah, ok – I see what you’re doing here. I know I’ve put up a good wall to protect myself, I’ve had to. Nobody did anything for me just because they wanted to. I always felt like a burden, and they let me know it. I liked being outside because then I didn’t have to deal with the people and their problems. They yelled and screamed all the time at each other, and I just got in the way. I do have to say my life here is nothing like that and I really do appreciate all that I am given, really, I do. I was afraid it would be a repeat of the past and I would be moving on to another place, so I didn’t want to get my hopes up and open my heart just to get broken again, so I stopped trying. I see that it is different this time and now that you mention it, I do feel I can relax more and allow the love they have to offer to sink in. Yeah, even with Missy, I think I can do that too. Thank you for talking with me, I do appreciate your words very much.
Frances: Thank you, Sally.
Frances
Friday, May 17, 2024
Who's the Boss?
Marvin is a 6-year-old Goldendoodle with a very strong sense of self-importance and awareness.
When asked if he would like a dog brother or sister to join his family, he replied,
Marvin: Hmmm, like a playmate that lives here?
Frances: It could be a playmate.
Marvin: That would be ok if they knew I was the boss. They have to listen to everything I say, and I eat first, and I play first, and all the toys are mine.
Frances: Well, don’t you think that would be a bit unreasonable to ask? Sharing your home and life with another dog is a privilege. You make it sound like everything is me and mine. When another dog joins your family, a family shares what they have.
Marvin: Well, I don’t think I want one then. I don’t like sharing my stuff. Besides, then I won’t get all the attention.
Frances: Why do you put mom and dad’s socks on your favorite stuffed animals?
Marvin: I like the scent of mom and dad around when they are not here. I like to share them with my favorite stuffed friends. My stuffed friends don’t get the same kind of love I get from them.
So, he does think of others, just not in the way we might expect.
Marvin: I want to go on more walks and adventures to see new places and people. I like to see new people; they are friendly to me because I’m so cute and I like the attention.
Frances: Well, you do have a healthy opinion of yourself, you’re definitely not a wallflower.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Tough Love
Jerry is a 3-year-old male domestic short hair black cat who started attacking his housemates, other cats: Boo-boo, Sparkle and Jody. His mom wanted to know what was going on with him.
Frances: Hi Jerry – how are you?
Jerry: I’m ok, why? Who wants to know?
Frances: Your mom, Mary asked me to talk with you, is that ok?
Jerry: Yeah, I suppose so. [Sounds like a tough guy.]
Frances: Why are you beating up on your housemates?
Jerry: Like who?
Frances: Boo-boo, Sparkle and Jody.
Jerry: Aw, they’re just pussies – they can’t stand up for themselves. I’m trying to toughen them up.
Frances: Why do they have to be toughened up?
Jerry: To get along in the real world they have to be
tough.
Frances: Jerry, your real world is your home with your loving family – they do not have to be tough, nor do you. All you need is to love; love is what your world is all about.
Jerry: That’s not what I see on the TV – it’s rough out there.
Frances: But Jerry, what you see on the TV is make believe, it’s not real. Your life is your home and your loved ones, not those on the TV.
Jerry: You mean they aren’t going to come in and get us from the box?
Frances: No honey – the images you see on that box is called a TV. They are just like the pictures on the walls that don’t move. They are not real and cannot jump off the wall or out of the TV. Does that make sense?
Jerry: Are you sure?
Frances: Yes, honey, I am sure. Actually, I am positive that your family is safe, and nobody is coming out through the TV.
Jerry: You sound pretty adamant about that, so I guess I’ll just wait and see for myself.
Frances: I promise it won’t happen, but in the meantime while you wait and see, please do not attack your housemates, they are perfect as they are. Just stay loving and kind to everyone in your home, including your housemates.
Jerry: Hmmm, I guess I could do that, but I’m not going to be a sissy if something does come through that box.
Frances: I understand you are not a sissy, but you can be strong and kind at the same time. You are perfect as you are, and mom would like you to be the kind and loving cat she knows you can be. Can you do that?
Jerry: Yeah, I suppose so. I was just trying to prepare everyone in case of a problem, you know?
Frances: Yes, I understand, but you now know that isn’t going to happen, right?
Jerry: Yeah, I get it. I guess I can calm down more, right?
Frances: Yes, you can relax and play with your housemates in a kind and loving way.
Jerry: That sounds pretty good. I think I’ll try that approach. Thank you for explaining this box to me.
Frances: You’re very welcome, Jerry.
My client told me it started when her roommate would play very aggressive video games and Jerry would sit and watch. Luckily the roommate is no longer living there so they can return to being a peaceful and loving home.
Frances
Friday, March 15, 2024
Looking on the Sunny Side!
Frances
Saturday, February 10, 2024
💖 Love From A Grateful Client 💖
My client W, contacted me regarding her two 11+ years old cats – siblings Stuart and Sheldon. She and her partner P were overwhelmed by grief as two months ago Stuart became sick and never made it back home from the vet’s visit. Sheldon had been crying pretty much non-stop, missing Stuart so much. I have found my clients have their pets’ photos on their phone, computer and all around the home. My suggestion is to ease the length of the grieving and continual impact. For example, every time the phone rings the deceased pet’s picture glares in front of them. I relate this to a record turning and the needle digs in and digs in a little more each time. (I know – I’m dating myself for those who remember records.) My client sent me this email one week after our session and gave me permission to share it with you, my readers.
Re: Telephone Consult
Client: "Dear Frances, I hope this email finds you in good health and warm!!
I had to reach out to give you an update on our household since your intervention on 01/07/2024. As soon as we said goodbye and the call ended, I immediately changed the picture icon of Stu and Sheldon I’ve used to access YOUTUBETV at the front door.
Of course, I still “see” Stu & Sheldon at the door, but I did find the new icon I selected to be calming. I also rearranged the memory area in the kitchen which provided Sheldon with access to overhang counter top. He was again walking that counter later that evening!
Frances: I realized the crying from Sheldon was not only missing Stuart, but he wanted to speak to someone telepathically like he did with his brother as he was losing his hearing.
My client confirmed she wore hearing aids and I do find our pets take on many of our body’s weaknesses and illnesses. I instructed my client to speak to him in her thinking voice. She may not hear what he had to say back to her as I do, but it comforted him nonetheless.
Client: I also began to communicate with Sheldon telepathically within 30 minutes of the end of the phone call. I’m improving with each day I do see Sheldon responding to my “mind voice”. P is using the technique, too. In fact, she went on your website and purchased your online pet communicator class!
The greatest improvement has been Sheldon! We can’t believe the change that has occurred! He was so quiet and calm. He entered the office (that’s where our conversation occurred) after the call ended and sat in the doorway, looking back and forward between P and me. He approached me, rubbing his face and head on the legs, looking up at me without any vocalization! He then walked to P and the same interaction occurred!
We have determined that Sheldon’s crying/vocalization has been reduced by 80-90%!! It is amazing!!! You are amazing!!! The talk you had with Sheldon really changed the course of his interactions with us! I truly believe he has been relieved of the overwhelming duty and responsibility of managing all of our grief and I think at the
determent to his grief!
I cannot express the relief I have felt since the burden was lifted from me after hearing from Stu and that he was happy I made the decision I did. Two nights before I was to take him in to the vet to have an abdominal tap to withdraw fluid, we were in bed and I was talking to him. As I petted and stroked him, I promised him I would not prolong his life to make me happy. And that he could trust me. That’s when I decided the vet visit wasn’t for tapping his abdomen. As a RN, I knew the signs & symptoms of an endless treatment without cure. I told him my decision and we slept soundly.
Your special talent is amazing and the transformation of the entire household has been likewise amazing. I waited to contact you with the success to ensure the changes weren’t transient. Well, we believe the changes are permanent and we are so grateful for meeting you 10 years ago and your extraordinary talent.
We have told friends and family who have pets about your abilities. In fact, one of our friends has a parrot that has been with her for 31 years! The parrot is not doing well and I thought she might appreciate using your talents. She is seriously considering the offer.
Thank you so much!
Health and peace to you,
W & P, Sheldon and Stuart
Frances
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Starting Anew – Being Grateful for You
With the start of the new year, I am grateful for my clients both past and present. I am so surprised when after many years have passed, my clients reappear with new and grateful pets that they have rescued and brought into their family.
Rescued animals start anew when they come to a new home. They don’t know where they are or how long they are going to stay. When I tell them this is their forever home, they are so relieved. They are so grateful to have food in their stomachs, a roof over their head and the warmth of a loving home. They have memories of days past, so good and some not so good. I assure them that their new mom or dad loves them very much and are so happy to have them join their family home. When they first come to a new home, they are unsure of the situation, the rules of the home and what is expected of them. From past experiences, they may act in an odd way that seems out of place. They tell me it is what their first mom wanted from them, so they didn’t think it was odd at all. I let them know that their new mom would rather that they not do this behavior, but to do something specifically different so they know what is expected of them. Once explained the “what” and “why” it makes sense to them and how in their new life they can please their new mom (or dad). They are just truly happy to have a safe and healthy home to live in for the rest of their lives.
Blessings to you and your family (furry, feathered, two-legged or four) in the new year and talk with you again soon.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances