naturalpet
spend alone. Too many solitary hours can be stressful, result-
ing in inappropriate behavior, depression, anxiety and illness.
If family members must be away from home all day, consider
Pet Love
an animal sitter or dog walker, or ask a neighbor to check on
the animals.
by Sharon Callahan
PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS and take lessons
in unconditional giving from your four-legged and winged
It only makes sense that many of the things we do to
friends. Giving an unexpected gift to a stranger, helping a
neighbor or feeding a feral cat puts our focus on the well-be-
improve our health and the quality of our personal lives
ing of others, making life more meaningful. Self-absorption
also enhance the physical and emotional well-being of
leads to emotional problems and illness, which may refl ect in
animal companions. A life and home that are a sanctuary
the behavior and health of a companion animal.
of peace and stillness naturally promote health and hap-
Make the workplace, too, as peaceful and stress-free as
piness in our animal friends, too. The following mindful
possible. Because stress affects animals, exercise or per-
tips will help bring balance to beloved animals’ lives, as
form an act of kindness for another before arriving home. A
well as our own.
framed Kodak moment with our animal at work will help us
EAT WELL and take vitamins, and feed animals the whole- stay connected and bring peace and comfort.
some foods that keep them as clean inside as they are clean
PRAY AND MEDITATE. To pray is to ask; to meditate is to
and well groomed on the outside. A well-tended body feels
listen. Pray for assistance with life challenges. Listen for the
better and can more easily handle the stresses of everyday
still small voice within, as well as the voice of any beloved
life. Consider the body a temple of the soul.
animal companion.
EXERCISE DAILY and spend time outdoors to enjoy nature’s
Several times a day, we should check in on our emotion-
beauty; this is a human antidote to stress, anxiety and depres-
al state, which affects the well-being of an animal compan-
sion and it works for animals, as well. Playing and frolicking
ion. If we are overstressed, worried, preoccupied, depressed
in the yard with animal companions can enliven their spirits
or anxious, pause to implement one of the suggestions noted
and bodies and bring everyone joy. Sing and dance to release
here.
energy and to create peace and joy. Animals love good music
and many of them love to dance.
PERFORM AN ANIMAL “BODY SCAN” twice a week. Sit
peacefully, facing Fluffy or Fido, whether resting or stand-
KEEP COMPANY. Be conscious of how much time pets
ing. Get centered and take a deep breath, exhale, and then
resume normal breathing. Place one hand a few inches
above the animal’s body and slowly move it from the tip of
the animal’s nose, over the head, down each front leg, up
to the shoulders again and then over one side all the way to
the tip of the tail and down the back leg. Check the pads of
the feet by pressing gently to spread the toes, noticing any
tender areas. Look in the eyes and ears. Repeat the identical
procedure on the opposite side. Feel for any “cold” or “hot”
spots in the animal’s energy fi eld or for any other sensation
that feels off.
Next, follow the same process while touching the ani-
mal. Feel for any lumps, bumps or sore places. Pay particular
attention to the joints in older animals. Check the abdo-
men with gentle pressure. Note tender areas. Look in your
animal’s mouth the same way, paying attention to gum color,
teeth tarter and any areas that might look infl amed.
Don’t worry over the detection of something abnormal.
Continue with twice weekly body scans over a period of
weeks, and if a particular area of the animal’s body remains
sore or if a lump is detected, it’s time to make an appoint-
ment with a veterinarian.
Our animal companions sense the love and caring we
offer through these ministrations and respond by becoming
more relaxed and at ease. We, in turn, are nurtured through
their trust.
Sharon Callahan, animal communicator and resident of
Mount Shasta, CA, is the creator, formulator and manufac-
turer of AnaFlora Flower Essences for Animals.
30 Oakland, Macomb, Livingston & St. Clair, MI
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