Season's Greetings

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Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our friends who are celebrating today a Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be saturated by love.

--Gayle

And A Few Notes: Although I am again doing "regular" session, I will not be doing lost animal sessions for some time, as they are far too emotionally draining for me right now.

In addition, I do still have my Holiday Gift Certificate special running, as outlined on the archive page:
http://gazehound.blogspot.com/2006/10/holiday-special-on-gift-certificates.html

Please keep a special eye on your animal friends during the holidays. So many things that are part of our holiday traditions can be a threat to our animals, for they are naturally attracted out of curiosity to the things that we are focusing all of this intense energy on. There is also an inundation of new and wonderful smelling foods, some of which can be toxic to our animals. Remember to keep carcass bones, fatty meats, chocolates and other candies, onions, raisins and grapes, and even many nuts, out of reach of your pets. Some can be harmful in large quantities, others in small, depending on an animal's individual tolerance.

Some interesting articles you might find helpful in that area:

http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dtoxin.html
http://cats.about.com/cs/catfood/a/humanfood.htm

-- 

-- Gayle P Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
http://www.gazehound.com
Bi-monthly newsletter: http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Archives and blog: http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: November 2006

*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*November 2006

================================
Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them
================================

Spirit Animals

Today is Halloween. 

This year I've been running across "Halloween History" quite a bit, in articles, on radio, on television, and in casual conversation.  The origins of the holiday and traditions surrounding it are actually quite fascinating, having many of their roots in the ancient Celtic harvest ceremonies and celebrations in honor of loved ones who had passed into spirit.  They say that at this time of year the veil between the worlds is thin, and it's easier for those of us on the living-side to feel close to, and even contact, those who have crossed over.

I suppose it would be natural to look toward the other side during the fall, when the earth herself is moving toward rest, leaves are dying, the air is growing chill, and the hours of dark are overtaking the hours of light.  Autumn is a twilight time.

Whether it's because my friends in spirit are reaching out for me, or whether it's simply because I allow these beliefs to influence me, I do seem to find myself thinking of, and talking to, both people and animals who have passed more often at this season.  Those on the other side, also seem more eager to connect.  For me, it's a comfort to know that our relationships continue beyond death, and I cherish the opportunity to let my loved-ones-gone know how much I still love them.

In addition to such connections with the passed, I also find that spirit animals and totems tend to show up in my life more in the autumn.  Perhaps it's just that autumn is "my season", the time of year I feel most grounded and connected.  Or perhaps it is true that the veil between the worlds ... all of them ... thins.

Whenever I'm privileged to be visited by an animal unexpectedly, particularly species I don't often see, I try to ferret out what the spirit of that animal might be attempting to teach me.  Recently, two species have been placing themselves in my path, and have had me doing research on how their lessons can be applied helpfully to my life.  The first to show up, was Heron.  I was driving along a frequently traveled mountain road one day, and a Great Blue Heron was standing right at the side of the road.  He looked at me as I stopped the car, rolled down my window, and said hello.  Then he lifted gracefully, almost in slow motion, and flew up the road directly in front of my car.    It was quite a thrill to have him so close, guiding me, until he reached an open space near a pond and swerved toward the water.  The exact same thing happened again, not long after, and since I've seen Heron in quite a few places that I wouldn't have thought to look for him.

And then came the foxes.  Foxes are rarely seen around here; it's not because they're all that scarce, but they are masters of camouflage and secrecy, and they stay in the shadows, only to be seen when it's their will.  In the past week, after nearly seventeen years of never seeing a fox near our house, I've seen three.  My children and husband also enjoyed the visits from these amazing animals, and I still smile at the memory of the one who was "boinging" straight into the air in front of our house.  What beautiful creatures they are!  Fox is a definite teacher-spirit, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the research into what he represents.

So often, when an animal appears "out of the blue" like this, it is bringing a message that applies to something we humans are going through.  Whenever you are blessed by a visit from one of these wild children, I encourage you to search out what that visit might mean, and what lessons of life the animal often teaches.  Observing nature can teach us so very much about ourselves.

Some good sources of information on animal totems and the lessons they teach are:

Animal-Speak, by Ted Andrews (Llewellyn Publications, ISBN 0-87542-028-1)
Creature Teachers, by Grandmother Twylah Nitsch (Continuum, ISBN 0-8264-1023-5)
Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, by Jamie Sams and David Carson (St Martin's Press, ISBN 0-312-20491-4)

The above are primarily Native American symbolism, though Andrews often includes information from other cultures as well.  There are also other sources, from other traditions and teachings, available.  Shop around for what feels right to you, and don't forget to check for websites that might apply.

================================

FYI NOTES

Don't forget that you can keep up with changes and info on rates, policies, and "other fun stuff" on my website:  www.gazehound.com, and that you can find archives of this newsletter and other articles on my Creature Thoughts Blog: gazehound.blogspot.com.   

Gift Certificate Special:  Until midnight of December 31, 2006, I'm running an "Extra Special Holiday Special".  So whether you would like to give a loved one the gift of a chat with their animal friends, or you're just shopping for stocking stuffers for your own pets, I hope you'll be pleased by this offer!

• Individual Holiday-Rate gift certificates are offered at $25.
• If you buy two gift certificates, the price for both is $45.
• And you can get three for $60!  That amounts to three full half-hour sessions for the price of two at my current rates.

Gift certificates are non-returnable, and they are valid for one full year from the purchase date (which, for the purpose of this special, will be dated Christmas Day, 2006).  Once payment is received, your gift certificates will be sent via email as a PDF attachment (Acrobat Reader required to open and print) unless otherwise requested, so be sure I have a correct e-dress for you.

Email me at  allcreatures@gazehound.com for more information or to order gift certificates at the special price.

================================

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Miss Pree would like to thank everyone who sent such kind thoughts after my mention in the last newsletter that she hadn't been feeling well.  She's fine now, all cleared up, and back to her normal, sassy self!

She's been sitting in my lap, purring, the entire time I've been typing up this newsletter, patiently waiting for her turn to share.

Today, she says she would like to remind everyone that their animal friends are there as helpers, as well as companions.  Don't overlook how much good your pets can do for you, when you're troubled, worried, or indecisive about something.  Pree says that your animal friends would like to help when you have a problem, and if you sit quietly and talk to them, letting their soft fur or smooth hide comfort you, you might be surprised how much clearer the situation becomes.  Open up your heart to their love and their assistance, and often you will feel new wisdom come through that will help your situation, and your mood. 

That's what friends are for.

================================
Permission is given to forward this newsletter to anyone you feel might enjoy it.  If this newsletter has been forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, just visit the newsletter link below.

--------------------

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets
Free bi-monthly newsletter:
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
   http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Holiday Special on Gift Certificates

Holiday Gift Certificate Special

Show of hands: who's started their holiday shopping?  (Okay, everyone who just said, "I'm all done", has to pay double.  ... Only kidding  ;-) ... ).

I've decided, this year, to get an early start on my gift certificate special, and to do a little something extra for everyone who subscribes to this list.

From today (October 17th) until midnight of December 31, 2006, I'm running an "Extra Special Holiday Special".  So whether you would like to give a loved one the gift of a chat with their animal friends, or you're just shopping for stocking stuffers for your own pets, I hope you'll be pleased by this offer!

• Individual Holiday-Rate gift certificates are offered at $25.
• If you buy two gift certificates, the price for both is $45.
• And you can get three for $60!  That amounts to three full half-hour sessions for the price of two at my current rates.

Gift certificates are non-returnable, and they are valid for one full year from the purchase date (which, for the purpose of this special, will be dated Christmas Day, 2006).  Once payment is received, your gift certificates will be sent via email as a PDF attachment (Acrobat Reader required to open and print) unless otherwise requested, so be sure I have a correct e-dress for you.

Payment can be made via Paypal to allcreatures@gazehound.com, or money order or check to:

Gayle Nastasi
485 Gridley Rd
Middleburgh, NY  12122

Happy Shopping, and Happy Holidays (even if I'm a bit early -- but hey, I received my Christmas L.L. Bean catalog weeks ago!)

--Gayle

-- 

-- Gayle P Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
http://www.gazehound.com
Bi-monthly newsletter: http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Archives and blog: http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: September 2006

*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*September 2006

================================
Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them
================================

Their Viewpoint

Learning to see a situation from an animal's viewpoint is not always easy to do. It sounds like a simple concept, but the interaction between animal and human can really be quite complicated. Most often, it is the animal who finally agrees to compromise. After all, for the most part, they live in our homes – and being part of a human-run family takes sacrifices. We humans don't always understand just how much of a sacrifice that can be ... until we hear it from the animal himself.

I have also found that, as a rule, our animal friends are more willing to make the compromise. It's almost embarrassing to say that it's sometimes easier to help the animal understand the human point of view than the other way around. The area of behavioral “problems”, in particular, is one where it's very hard for people to work within the animal's parameters, and in the vast majority of cases the humans are unwilling, and often unable, to budge in their requests.

This sounds harsh, but really, most of these stubborn humans have very good reasons for their insistence. The trick is getting the animal to understand why it's so important. The fact that this is not always easy, and definitely not “natural”, for the animal to do is often difficult for humans to truly assimilate.

In other situations we have almost the opposite extreme. People can expect the animal, who is more “in tune” with energies and vibrations and spiritual forces, to know more than the animal knows. Frequently people want the animal to be able to tell them the cause of their symptoms, for example, in the case of physical ailments. Even though they themselves would not know why they had a belly ache, simply that their belly was aching, they expect ... or at least hope ... that an animal will be able to pinpoint the cause. Although occasionally I've met an animal who is aware of the cause of his or her symptoms, it's rare. Most of the time their belly ache is just a belly ache, and they don't know the cause any more than you or I would. What they can tell us is what that belly ache feels like,  where it hurts, and give a little more information for the vet and their humans to go on as the situation is explored by more ordinary means.

Humans also often tend to expect their animal friends to be more willing to comply than another person would be. I suppose, to some extent, they actually are more willing ... but this doesn't mean that they're automatically going to say yes to every request. When people say to me, “You talked to them, why aren't they listening?”, I'll ask, “Do you talk to your kids?”

The fact that animals are intelligent, understanding creatures means that we often have to give them a good reason to comply, when a situation requires compliance. That isn't always easy to do!

We also need to try to understand that, when relaying information, an animal can only show us things to the point that they can understand them. If an animal is relaying an image to a communicator, and the animal does not know what that object is, it's going to be very difficult for them to send a clear, defining, image. Sometimes this can be likened to viewing an alien landscape ... “I can't tell you what I'm seeing if I don't know what I'm looking at.” This can especially be a problem when trying to locate a lost pet.

The key to truly understanding and communicating with an animal, therefore, is to first accept that we are truly speaking a different language. The animal can only understand things as viewed from his or her own species/cultural perspective, and the beginning of compromise lies with the human, to accept the differences, and be willing to understand them and work around them.

That is something only the animals themselves can teach us.

(The above article is a draft chapter from the non-fiction book I am working on, Through Their Eyes: The Nature of the Beast.)


================================

FYI NOTES

Don't forget that you can keep up with changes and info on rates, policies, and "other fun stuff" on my website:  www.gazehound.com, and that you can find archives of this newsletter and other articles on my Creature Thoughts Blog: gazehound.blogspot.com.   

Gift Certificates are always available, and a way to order communication sessions at a savings.  From the website:

"Gift certificates will be sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session, There is, however, a special rate for anyone who orders three or more at one time. Ordering 3 or more gift certificates will reduce the cost per session to an individual session rate of $25/session. Therefore one Gift Certificate will be $30, two will be $60, but three will be available for $75, with increments of $25 per certificate over three. This will be permanent pricing. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply. "

Starting in November, I will be running my annual Holiday Special on gift certificates as well.  "Watch this space" for future info!

Follow-ups: Due to a recent unfortunate situation, I am forced to remain more focused on enforcing my policy on payment and follow-ups;  subsequent sessions will be available for clients whose accounts are current.  As always, of course, I'm open to discussing special situations. 

================================

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Our PreePree hasn't been feeling well on and off lately.  In fact, that's one of the reasons we're late with the newsletter this month.  The vet hasn't found anything definitive ... some gum irritation, and a sensitive digestive tract that might hail back to her sojourn in 1996, when she crashed through a window screen and was missing for a full month.  Now that Pree is fifteen, she says, she has the right to be off balance at times.  She thanks you all for your healing thoughts and for thinking of her kindly as she regains that balance.

She showed me images of having a quiet space to herself, and of how Mom offers "comfort foods" when she's not feeling well.  Although normally we feed home made cat food with just a few crunchies for snack time before bed, when Pree isn't feeling well, she wants the food of her very early years, before her humans learned about "health food" ... plain old Iams crunchies.  She's also discovered she likes the "Select Bits" in chicken or turkey flavor by that manufacturer.  Though it bothers Mom a bit that it's not the holistic home made diet, it's what Pree wants, and it's better than nothing at all.  She will refuse food for days if it's not to her liking when she's feeling off, and (particularly at her age) it's important to keep nutrition going in to her.

Pree says that when a pet is aging or doesn't feel well, sometimes compromises have to be made, and balance restored.  She focused then on that concept of quiet space again.  Many humans worry about their pets when they seek solitude, especially if this is not normal behavior.  In a way that is a good thing, a matter of recognizing an important signal that might indicate a trip to the doctor is necessary.  She reminds us, though, that it's also important to respect that need, for by seeking quiet and solitude, an animal is often working gently on helping their own healing along.

================================


--------------------

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets
Free bi-monthly newsletter:
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
   http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: July 2006

*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*July 2006

================================
Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them
================================

MOVING DAY

Some time ago, a client asked if I could do an article on moving house with your pets for the newsletter.  Unfortunately, the person has already moved since, and I'm just now getting to the news issue!  However, I still like the idea, and would like to thank Traci for thinking of it!  Hopefully there will be some information in here that will help her little family settle in to their new place.

Although this article focuses primarily on moving house, much of it can also apply to adopting a new pet, or bringing a pet to a kennel, pet sitter's or other temporary arrangement, too.

As always, it helps to try to think like your animals would, and perceive the situation from their unique viewpoint.  What is important to a dog, cat, bird or other pet as he adjusts to his environment?  What will be the most difficult thing for him to adjust to?

Dogs, for example, are very scent-oriented.  All animals smell better than we people do (there could be a joke in that, but we won't go there.... ) but canines in particular are very dependent on their sense of smell.  Therefore, one simple solution to helping a dog feel comfortable in a new home, is to transport familiar smells before you transport the dog.  Having something he recognizes and feels comfortable with in place when he moves in will give him something to anchor to.

Birds are very visual.  If it's possible to set up the bird's room with familiar objects from home before you move her, it will go a long way toward helping her adjust.

Cats are possibly the hardest animals to move.  Cats tend to be oriented to energy, and they anchor their own energy fields to objects and places.  Therefore, when one moves a cat, one is literally amputating the cat from its environment.  This is one reason it is very urgent to keep cats who normally go outdoors inside for quite a long time after moving.  I recommend at least three months ... the energetic ties to the old home are very strong, and a cat cannot help trying to follow them when he feels their pull.  When moving house, it's very helpful if you can bring object that the cat is accustomed to along and have them in place before you move the cat himself.  It will be easier for him to attach to his new location, if there are already anchors in place that he is, quite literally, connected to.  This amputation is also the reason many owners report that their cats become depressed after a move ... it actually, quite literally, hurts some cats to be moved from their familiar places.

One caution I cannot stress strongly enough is for the person to be absolutely rabid about keeping their animals secure.  Be paranoid, be fanatical, jump all over people about keeping doors closed.  If necessary, put the animals into a back room during moving day ... both out of the old and into the new houses.  Lock the door, keep only one copy of the key.  Put up signs all over the place threatening bodily harm to anyone who opens the door.  I cannot count the vast number of times I've received frantic calls from people who have lost a beloved pet because a workman left a door open!

In the new place, it's best to set up one room in advance, move all the animals into it with food, water, litter boxes, and lock it up tight.  Then, particularly with cats, give the animal a few days to accustom to that room ... lay down new anchors, as it were, before allowing him access to other parts of the house.  Once you're removing barriers, do so gradually, letting the pet explore outward from this new "central headquarters", laying down his scent and connections as he goes.  Being in a big rush to acclimate a pet to a new place often leads to confusion, so be patient with your friend, and let him meet the new house gradually and at his own comfort level.

Of course there will be those animals who are dying to explore, and will let you know vocally that the "a little at a time" approach is not for them.  Be flexible if this is the case, of course, you want to find a balance between security and adding more stress by being too restrictive.  One area you can not "give" on, though, is letting that outdoor cat out the door!  He's just going to have to learn patience until he's so firmly ensconced in the new digs that he won't be inclined to follow the pull of energy back toward the old.

Another issue people often have problems with after a move is house training.  Cats forget where their litter boxes are and reliable dogs suddenly start having accidents.  Remember that animals don't always generalize such things very well, and be prepared to do a little 'refresher training' with your pets when you move.  The dog has to learn where the new doors are, where the yard is, and where in the yard it's okay for him to go.  The cat has to be anchored enough to the new rooms to remember from the opposite end of the house where she left her litter box.  This is another good reason for restricting freedom in the new house at first.  It helps the animals to gradually learn what is what, and where is where, with confidence.

Talking with your animals, well in advance, about a move always helps the process.  Remember, when you talk to them, to paint mental images.  Find familiar comparisons when discussing time ... "It will take as long to get there as it does to go to grandma's house" is going to be easier for a dog to grasp thank "It will take two hours in the car."  If possible to take a dog to the new place for a few visits, and to leave her scent in the yard, that will also be very helpful.  That's a little harder with cats, birds and other pets, of course, but consider bringing some "scent" from the new house home to the old for introduction purposes if possible.  When talking to them, remember to include images of things like neighbors and their pets, any unusual landmarks or noises in the new neighborhood, and other major differences.  Moving a cat from the country into a busy city, for example, is going to be less of a culture shock if her person has been successful in "playing" sounds and images for her ahead of time.

Moving is always stressful for everyone involved.  Hopefully, seeing things from an animal's viewpoint, preparing a few things ahead, and having a plan for their comfort and safety when they arrive, will remove some of that stress for both you, and for your animal friends.




================================

FYI NOTES

Don't forget that you can keep up with changes and info on rates, policies, and "other fun stuff" on my website:  www.gazehound.com, and that you can find archives of this newsletter and other articles on my Creature Thoughts Blog: gazehound.blogspot.com.   

Gift Certificates are always available, and a way to order communication sessions at a savings.  From the website:

"Gift certificates will be sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session, There is, however, a special rate for anyone who orders three or more at one time. Ordering 3 or more gift certificates will reduce the cost per session to an individual session rate of $25/session. Therefore one Gift Certificate will be $30, two will be $60, but three will be available for $75, with increments of $25 per certificate over three. This will be permanent pricing. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply. "

Brochures and Business Cards

Thanks to everyone who requested that I send brochures and/or business cards to give to friends, put in pet supply stores and vets' offices, etc.  If anyone else would like me to mail them such supplies, to help "spread the word", just drop me an email with your mailing address and how many you would like, and I'll be happy to send them out to you!

================================

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

I was thinking about the newsletter today, once I realized how late I was in writing it, and Miss Pree came by and started circling my feet and talking to me.  Being busy at the time, I told her we'd talk later, so once ready to discuss the issues, I went looking for her.

I found her in one of her usual spots, with her mother on top of the bathroom linen closet.  When I asked what she'd like to talk about today, she turned and looked at Sachet and meowed.  "Her."

Sachet is not only Pree's biological mother, she's her best friend.  The girls are "thick as thieves", as they say (and often each have a paw in the thieving, I'm sure).  Pree's point, when I questioned her, was that animals have personalities just like people do, and, just like people, some get along better than others do.  Just like with human friends, certain personalities mesh, and others do not.

She indicated her brother, Sasha.  Sasha and the girls just don't get along.  It's not that they fight, or that they hate each other, it's just that they have not bonded much at all since Sasha returned home to us at age nine.  He just turned thirteen and, though they all tolerate each other, Sasha is the "lone wolf" of the cat pack.  He tries, occasionally, to approach his mother and sister, but they just aren't all that interested. 

Pree suggests that humans watch the personalities of their animal friends, and accept that the animals themselves make the choice of who their partners are.  If someone brings home a kitten, thinking the older cat needs a friend, and the older cat turns out to not want anything to do with the kitten, the person shouldn't be hurt by it.  It could just mean that their personalities don't mesh, or that the older cat hasn't made up his mind yet about the newcomer.  And if they never quite hit it off, it's nobody's fault ... the two individuals just didn't connect.

In closing, Pree added that it's always a good idea to provide space for each individual to have his or her own 'quiet spot' ... even animals that do get along sometimes need a place to go off alone.  If personalities are on the 'friendship fence', having that guaranteed spot for privacy may make the difference in whether or not they will eventually bond.

================================


--------------------

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets
Free bi-monthly newsletter:
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
   http://gazehound.blogspot.com

From Gayle: Cards/Brochures and Chat Sessions

Hello, friends,

This is just a little intermediate note to respond to a couple of
requests I've had recently.

BROCHURES AND CARDS

Several people have requested recently that I send them brochures,
flyers and/or business cards to distribute to their friends, put on
veterinarian and pet food store bulletin boards, etc. One friend
suggested that I let the subscribers to the e-news list know this is
available. If anyone would like to request such materials by mail,
please email me with your mailing address and a note to that effect, and
I'll be happy to provide them. Thank you for helping to spread the word!

CHAT SESSIONS

I've also had a request (one of those 'now why didn't I think of that?'
moments) to add "Chat" animal communication sessions as an alternative
to telephone and email. I have decided to do this on an experimental
basis, so won't add it to my website officially until I see if it works
out. I have both AIM (AOL Instant Messenger, available at
http://www.aim.com) and Hello (http://www.hello.com), both free for
downloading. If you would prefer a chat session to phone or email the
next time you schedule a consultation, just let me know, and we'll
exchange user names and give it a try!

Wishing you a lovely summer season!

--Gayle Nastasi

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: May 2006

*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*May 2006

================================
Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them
================================

Cautions ... and Joys ... of the Spring

It's Spring!  I know it has been for some time for a lot of you, but here in upstate NY, the lilacs are just about to bloom, daffodils just finishing up, and we're wandering the fields and gardens every day looking for new shoots, new leaves, buds and blooms.  In the bushes and trees are the sounds of animal life, nesting birds and the squirrels and chipmunks entering into their most active cycle.  The deer are breaking up their winter herds temporarily as the does seek privacy to give birth to this year's crop of fawns, and I'm watching eagerly for that first hummingbird to come to my kitchen window and yell, "Hey Lady!  Where's my food!?"

With the spring come new joys, and new cautions as well.  Your pets, if they have access to the out of doors, are going to want to be spending more and more time outside.  Now's the season for things like vet checkups, heartworm tests and preventative, and flea and tick precautions.  It's also time for  safety concerns, such as being aware of what in your yard is a danger to your animal friends.  Check those fences and make sure they're secure, search the yard for anything sharp or dangerous that might have been hidden by winter snow or fall leaf piles, and educate yourself on toxins and hazards your property might hide.  A little bit of care is worth it in the long run ... ask anyone who has had a long and frightening veterinary experience due to a pet who ate a toxic plant or was injured by a piece of hidden debris in the yard.

A thorough list of plants toxic to pets can be found at http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants/M01947.htm -- it's one you might wish to bookmark for future reference.  Of course with so many possible problems on the list, it would be impossible to clear the environment of every danger.  However, it's good to know what is there, and what the symptoms might be, if any of your pets should suddenly fall ill.  Having a list of "this is what is in my yard" might help the vet to diagnose the problem.

The spring,  along with its cautions, brings many new joys.  Those practicing animal communication find that they have a whole collection of new experiences, contacts and conversations to enjoy once the migrating birds return and the local wildlife begins to bring forth their younglings.  The joys far outweigh the few concerns, and I hope your own spring is giving you cause to celebrate every single day.

One true delight I experienced this year was reacquaintance with a species of bird I haven't seen since moving to our home in the mountains.  When I was young, a mockingbird nested right outside my bedroom window, and would wake me with glorious song every spring and summer morning.  I called him Sunshine, and loved the myriad sounds of his music; a truly wonderful alarm clock!  Mockingbirds apparently don't care to live in higher altitudes, and we haven't seen a single one in the area surrounding our home for the past seventeen years.  My daughter, however, goes to school in a local large city, and I drive her there every day.  Since the weather warmed and the buds began on the trees, I've been hearing a mockingbird sing on the campus while I'm waiting for her to get out of class.  For all the lovely sounds he gave me, I had yet to actually see him, for he sang from high in the treetops.  One day last week, during final exams, I had the windows open and was listening to his song.  I decided to talk with him, let him know how much I appreciated his music.

I told him I'd love to see him, as the school year was over and I might not be back to campus till the fall.  Once I had I let him know what was on my heart, the little fellow was happy to oblige.   A movement fluttered in a great old tree across the lawn, and there was the mockingbird high on an outer branch, in plain view, though quite a distance from my car.  As I was thanking him for showing himself to me, he flitted to the lawn, still some distance away but in clear view, and then to a fire hydrant near him.  I continued to talk to him, and told him about Sunshine and how it had been so long since I'd enjoyed the company of a mockingbird. 

As soon as I'd done that, he took off from the hydrant and flew to a little tree directly in front of my car, centered in the windshield, about six feet away.  He landed on the outer tip of a branch, and looked right in the window at me, leaning forward, tilting his little head back and forth.  "Is that you in there?"

"Yes," I told him joyfully, "It's me!"  I let him know how thankful I was that he would come so close, let me get such a clear look at him.  The little bird's generosity made my day ... my week ... my spring.  He sat there for a moment as I thanked him and let him know how much his kindness meant to me, and then he took off from the branch, to fly across campus.  As he did so, he swooped down, within inches of my windshield,  and skimmed the glass.  Had no windshield been there, I could have stroked his soft belly as he flew over.  Some time later, I went to the bookstore to get myself something to drink, and there on  a sign alongside the parking lot was the mockingbird, flicking his tail and looking right at me to say hello.

Not only is it a great delight to communicate with the wild things around us, it's a wonderful affirmation of our ability to do so, and the connection we have with all living things.  As you walk through your spring, be aware of the movements and sounds, and take time to "say hello" to your neighbors.  You never know who might respond, or in what marvelous ways they will return your greetings!

Take time to Listen to the Mockingbirds!


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FYI NOTES

Don't forget that you can keep up with changes and info on rates, policies, and "other fun stuff" on my website:  www.gazehound.com, and that you can find archives of this newsletter and other articles on my Creature Thoughts Blog: gazehound.blogspot.com.   

Gift Certificates are always available, and a way to order communication sessions at a savings.  From the website:

"Gift certificates will be sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session, There is, however, a special rate for anyone who orders three or more at one time. Ordering 3 or more gift certificates will reduce the cost per session to an individual session rate of $25/session. Therefore one Gift Certificate will be $30, two will be $60, but three will be available for $75, with increments of $25 per certificate over three. This will be permanent pricing. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply. "

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PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

There was very little hesitation when I asked Pree what she liked to share on this month, and her response surprised me.

"Old age", she said.

I have to say that startled me, because although Pree will be fifteen in July and her mother Sachet turns sixteen on June first, neither of them are "old" to me.  They are lively, playful, and look much younger than their years.  When they go to visit their doctor, everyone always marvels at the birthdate listed on the chart.  So her response was unexpected!

Pree said that was precisely what she wanted to say, that the adage "you're as young as you feel" does have some truth to it.  She also wanted me to know that, unlike many humans, she does not look at growing old as a "problem".  Most animals have no serious concerns about the aging process, and see it as part of life, just another aspect of the cycle of progression, and even something to celebrate.  Although she herself has no aches, pains or symptoms yet, she tells me that when she does, she'll see them as a badge of honor rather than a serious  cause for concern, and she knows that she has trusted humans who will help to relieve any discomfort for her, and keep her healthy and content for as long as it's the right thing to do. 

She also wants us to know that our animal friends don't think about "growing old" ... and that it sometimes surprises them to know that their humans are counting calendar years, often waiting for "signs of age" to set in.  Although she understands, to some extent, the human fascination with time, she says that animals only think about years and time in light of how their humans are perceiving the issue.  If they didn't have human-people to care for, most animals wouldn't even be aware when a birthday had passed.  It's only an issue because it makes their humans happy to sing Happy Birthday once a year.

Well, except for the  birthday treats.  Those are pretty good.

When I ask Pree why she chose this particular topic, she reminded me that the other day I was carrying both her and Sachet around talking to them about how wonderful they look "for their age".  She teasingly said I could have dropped the "for your age" part ... she looks wonderful, period!

And she's right, of course.

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--------------------

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets
Free bi-monthly newsletter:
   http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
   http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: March 2006

*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*March 2006

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Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them
================================

Greetings!

I know it's been a long while since I last sent out an issue of my newsletter, and to those who have been waiting and wondering, I apologize. "Life intervened", as they say, and time got away from me.

I've been mulling over what to write for some time, and even had an entire draft done of an article, but for some reason it just didn't feel quite right. Then, this evening, I happened across the following. Apparently I wrote it, though I don't remember doing so, or when, or under what circumstances, but for some reason I'm moved to share it with you in this issue.

*****
I ride the silken thread
The spiral web of the universe

The universe is my home
and I her child

With each breeze that blows
The thread is plucked
and I vibrate

Connected
One
Whole

I cannot be separated
from all that is
For all that is
Is me

I grasp the strand
I touch the starlight
I feel the pulse of life
I smile

I will remember
That the universe is me
I will not forget
That I am made of starlight
And as the stars shine in the black night sky
So shine I

Joy is gentle
Not always leaping and bubbling
Sometimes soft and whispering
As the starlight

Happiness is mine
For it belongs to the universe
and the universe is me

I ride the silken thread
*****

Sometimes, as we walk our walk, and get caught up in the day to day lives we live, much as I've been caught in recent months, we can lose our sense of connectedness. We can forget that we are a part of everything, and everything is part of us. Even those of us who "love nature" often do so as observers, forgetting from the sidelines that there are no sidelines. We ourselves are an essential part of the game.

I believe that as we strengthen our connections to our animal friends, we grow closer to the center of the web, more aware, more conscious that we can feel its vibrations just as surely as the spider feels the arrival of the fly, or the elephant feels the heartbeat of the earth through the soles of his feet. Often, it is our animals who are key teachers of this truth.

We are rather unique, we humans, and more privileged than we often realize, in one respect. We're one of the few animals who, of our own accord, choose to share our lives and dens with other species. This gives us such an opportunity to learn about that connectedness of all life, such a chance to really become a part of a new way of thinking. We have the golden chance to lay our own path alongside the paths of creatures so different, so unique, and yet in so many ways like us. By opening our minds and hearts to the animals who teach us, we are given a chance to step outside our own perspective, and witness how vast and wonderful the universe really is.

So when you look at your dog, your cat, your horse, your cockatiel, look with your heart open to the wonder of the relationship you share. You are both equal players in the game, traveling partners on the path of life, who have chosen to share a unique and amazing bond. Lay your hand upon your friend, and feel your connectedness to him. And then reach outward, far and far and farther, as you run your mind along the strand of life that takes you to the stars and beyond.

We all ride the silken thread together.


================================

FYI NOTES

Don't forget that you can keep up with changes and info on rates, policies, and "other fun stuff" on my website: www.gazehound.com, and that you can find archives of this newsletter and other articles on my Creature Thoughts Blog: gazehound.blogspot.com.


================================

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

When I asked Pree if she'd like to share anything this month, she thought she'd like to remind everyone that animals are multilingual. In addition to talking mind-to-mind with one another, including their human friends, they also communicate through sensory messages of sound, smell and touch, and through visual cues delivered by body language. Pree suggested that, though we know that everyone would love to learn more about animal communication, people remember that "telepathy" is only one of many "languages" animals speak, and -- to the animal -- no more or less important than any of the others.

Pree also mentioned that many things that people perceive as "problems" are actually often expressions of one of these other "languages". ("Scent marking", for example?) She suggests that when your animal friend is doing something that perplexes you, in addition to trying to figure out how to fix the problem (if there is one), it also helps to translate the message that goes along with it.

Pree's "tip" for today is to encourage people to study their animal friends and learn about "animal communication" on all levels.

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--------------------

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
http://www.gazehound.com/pets
Free bi-monthly newsletter:
http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
http://gazehound.blogspot.com

Happy 2006, and a rates reminder

Happy New Year! 

I hope you and all your loved ones, including all species, have a marvelous, magical, happy and healthy 2006!

This is just a brief reminder that the gift certificate Holiday offer has ended, and a reminder of the price changes that went into effect on January 1st.  Details can be found on my updated website at www.gazehound.com/pets. 

Although gift certificates will now be sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session, I plan to keep a special rate for anyone who orders three or more at one time.  Ordering 3 or more gift certificates will reduce the cost per session to the "old" individual session rate of $25/session.  Therefore one Gift Certificate will be $30, two will be $60, but three will be available for $75, with increments of $25 per certificate over three.   This will be permanent pricing.

As always, gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply.

Peace and Light!
--Gayle

-- 

Gayle Nastasi
Animal Communication Consultant
    http://www.gazehound.com
Free bi-monthly Animal Communication newsletter:
    http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Creature Thoughts Blog:
    http://gazehound.blogspot.com