Saturday, December 08, 2007

A Holiday Story: Zack and Karleen

Karleen has sent us this wonderful holiday story about a Christmas Puppy who took a detour on the way to his forever home.
======================

When I first met my husband, he had a black and white springer spaniel named Bridgie. She and I became fast friends and I loved her dearly. She passed away in July of 1975. That Christmas, my husband called me at work and said he'd like to buy me a springer for Christmas and perhaps I could find some breeders in the area. A new pet store had just opened in the mall and I could walk to it from work. I headed over on my lunch hour and discovered that they had just received 2 springer puppies, one male and one female. I made my husband promise to go back with me right after supper.
When we arrived at the store and I asked to see the female, I was told she'd already been sold but I could hold the male if I wanted. The minute he was in my hands, I could feel a connection. He looked right into my eyes and "claimed" me. He chewed on my zipper and licked my fingers....a total bundle of energy and joy! When my husband found out that the selling price was $250, he told me he was sorry but he thought we could do better from a private breeder. I was heart-broken and snuck back to the mall on my lunch hours just to look at "my" dog but of course one day he was gone! That was right before Christmas - no springer under the tree for me.

My birthday rolled around in June and I was still dogless so my husband called me at work (again) and reiterated his desire to buy me a dog. I didn't know any breeders so called the Humane Society to see if they would recommend anyone in our area. I said, "I'm calling to ask about Springer Spaniels..............." but got no further as I was cut off by a curt, "How did you find out about this?" I was taken aback and said, "Excuse me?" The woman said, "Well, we have a springer spaniel for adoption but he's not on our public list. We're waiting for just the right owner to come along." I felt a little stirring of excitement and told her all about myself and about the farm the dog would be living on and even offered to bring in photos of our home to show her. An appointment was made and we went to the Humane Society that evening. As we were walking to the kennel area, the woman said, "I have to warn you. This dog is not for everyone. He's only 6 months old and he's extremely hyper. He was, for all intents and purposes, abused. His owner kept him tied to a woodstove by a 12" piece of rope all winter!" I was appalled and asked why. She said, "He's an older man and bought the puppy to replace his 2 deceased elderly cockers. But he wasn't prepared to deal with the exuberance of puppy-hood." She said, "Wait here." She walked down the aisle, opened a kennel door, and a liver and white springer bounded out and RIGHT INTO MY ARMS!! He licked my face and literally wagged all over! I could not stop laughing! I told my husband, "Well, take him!" Then I said, "Where did he come from originally?" The woman said, "He was bought at that new pet store in the mall, just before Christmas!" IT WAS THE DOG I HAD WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS!!!  Zack was my best buddy; my first child; my constant companion for many years. Altho he died young in 1983, I still get teary thinking of him today, especially at Christmas time!

Merry Christmas, Zack! I miss you!
Karleen


Friday, December 07, 2007

Holiday Thoughts, a special project

Happy Holidays to All!

I'll always be a child during the holiday season.  No matter how old I am, or how much I experience in "real life", I don't think I'll ever lose the sense of magic and wonder that this time of year brings to me.

Having suffered recent losses,  I find myself flooded with memories, and breaking out in teary-eyed smiles, a lot these days.  There are so many wonderful times in my past, and my firm belief that our loved ones stay "in touch" spiritually after the body passes on has been a great comfort to me.  Recently, I was watching a John Edward show in which a mom who had lost her little boy gave words of comfort to all who are missing someone crossed over:  "Always blessings, never losses."

The words sank profoundly to the depths of my heart, and they ring right in time with the holiday carols and the silver bells that jangle on the sidewalks.

Many of you knew my dear little Saluki girl, Dancer, and are aware that she passed in March.  I think of her every moment of the day, and this will be our first Christmas without her.  Memories of Dancer at Christmas time will always be a bright spot in my life, for she is one dog who really "got" the holidays.  She would lie on the couch, watching the lights blink on the tree, for hours on end, and the decorating itself was always a fascination for her.  When younger, Dancer wanted to be right in the mix while opening presents, though in her later years she was content to watch ... and wait, knowing that her own stocking would soon be pulled from the book case to reveal the goodies inside.

Do you have special holiday memories surrounding your pets?  Is there a wonderful story that will always stand out in your mind as part of your holiday cheer?  If so, please send them to me at allcreatures@gazehound.com.  From now until Christmas Day, I would like to post, to this newsletter list, your own stories, so that you can share them with others who love their animal friends as much as you do.  I will use first name and pet name only in the introduction, unless you request to remain totally anonymous, and post your story exactly as written (other than to possibly run them through a spell checker -- so if you wish to remain anonymous remember that when you write the post ;-)  ).  The stories will be posted to this list, as well as preserved in time on my Creature Thoughts blog, so that you can go back and read them over and over if you like.

It will be my "Seasons Greetings" to all of you, and a chance for all of you to send good cheer to each other.

I wish you all Happy Holidays ... and Happy memories as well!

--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



Sunday, October 28, 2007

Holiday Special Starts Today, 10/28/07

Happy Holidays, Everyone!




Don't forget!

The holiday gift certificate special begins today (October 28th, 2007)!

It will run until January 1st, 2008. This will allow you to purchase gift certificates at $25 for one, $45 for two, and $60 for three, essentially receiving one session free for each group of three.

Payment can be made through Paypal or via personal check or money order, and gift certificates are delivered via email as a pdf attachment. In the rare cases where people don't have access to email, I will print and mail the paper certificates on request.

As always: Gift certificates are good for one year from the date of purchase (which, in the case of the holiday special, will always be listed as December 25th, 2007). Other specials and discounts do not apply to sessions purchased through a gift certificate, and the certificates are not refundable.


On another "holiday" note....

Remember, Halloween is coming up this week, and though it's a time for fun and frolic for many, it's also a time of additional need to keep an eye on the safety of our animal friends. With doorbells ringing, doors opening and closing, and strangers on the threshold all evening long, the chances for accidental escape, and other hazards, increase. Remember to be sure your pets are safely secured before the trick-or-treaters descend. While it might be fun to see how much Sparky enjoys the sight of monsters on his doorstep, it's much safer if he views the entertainment on a secure leash. For kitties and less social dogs, consider the wisdom of tucking them into a safe and cozy room, behind a closed door, till the excitement settles. Keep outdoor cats inside during the festivities, and supervise outings with your dogs if they have a fenced yard and the masked invaders are wandering the neighborhood.

Fun is much more fun when everyone is safe!


================================
Permission is given to forward this notice 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



--
The following concept inspired by Mike Dooley's
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES, The Art of Living Your Dreams.
Learn More: http://www.gazehound.com/about_tut.html
 There are no coincidences.   

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Gazehound's Creature Thoughts: September/October 2007


"CREATURE THOUGHTS"
GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS

September/October 2007

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

Adaptations and Sacrifices

Note: although this is a topic I've visited before in the newsletter, recent events keep suggesting that it's time to explore it again.  I hope you enjoy the article.


Have you ever considered just how much we ask of our animal friends when we require that they live within the limits of a human household?  We as humans are so used to ... "spoiled by", in many ways ... the willingness of our animals to adapt to our requirements, that we don't usually think about just how much they must adjust to do so.  In many cases, we're actually asking them to ignore their instincts, and un-do the natural adaptations the species has undergone in order to become our pets.  The really amazing thing is how well they take our requests, and how willing they are to sacrifice.  It then occurs, quite often, that when an animal isn't quite able to make those adjustments, we as human caretakers become quite upset, and go to great lengths to "fix" what is "wrong" with the animal.

In all reality, what is often "wrong", is simply that we are asking our dog not to be a dog, or our cat not to be a cat, and the animal's instinct and natural behavior is having trouble adapting.  We're asking our dog or cat to shut off its instincts, and the pet is having trouble finding the off switch.

Since "inappropriate elimination" is one problem that comes up very frequently in my sessions, I'll just take that as one example of what I mean.

Most dog owners know enough about canine behavior to have heard that a dog in the wild won't soil in its den.  We use this basic fact as the very foundation of house training, and expect the animal to learn the rules and follow them.  However, do we usually give thought to just what we are defining as the dog's "den"?  In the wild, the den is usually a small niche, and the area around it.  The "no soiling" instinct falls into play in order to prevent the possibility of attracting predators, and in the great majority of cases, this "den" is only used by females who are raising very young pups.

Move the dog into a human household.  The "den" suddenly covers 1,500 square feet (give or take), the restrictions apply 24/7, and they are permanent regardless of age, gender and whether there are any puppies to protect.  When you look at what we're asking of our dogs, that's quite a stretch of the "no soiling the den" instinct, isn't it?

Now, I'm not saying we're being unreasonable.  After all, I don't want my pups using my living room carpet as a wee wee pad any more than anyone else does.  Many of the rules we set up are necessary, of course, and we really do need to teach our pets how to live within them.  However, when we look at such situations from the point of view of the animal, and think about just what we're asking the animal to do, we might have a little better insight ... and greater patience ... as the animal makes efforts to comply (or has trouble doing so).

So how can we help our pooch to adjust to our guidelines?  With many issues, including house training, there are approaches that we can take to make the job easier for the dog:  breaking the task down into small steps, working on one aspect at a time, not expecting too much too soon (for example, not giving the dog too much freedom ... "too large a den" ... too soon), lots of positive reinforcement to help lower the stress levels, and making an effort to outline a consistent training plan that allows us to clearly communicate to the animal just what it is that we're asking him to learn.  Throwing some animal communication into the works to help with that clarity can be a bonus, but it does not take the place of the training plan.  Realizing just how much instinct, bred into the species by thousands of years of survival efforts, we are asking our pet to over-ride will give us a new perspective, and more patience as we put our own efforts into the partnership.

For cats, we have a similar, though different, problem.    It often happens, in the confines of human homes, that a stressed cat will suddenly stop using its litter box.  This will invariably trigger an instinctive human response ... and not a pleasant one! 

While those upset human emotions are perfectly justified from the human's viewpoint, of course, it often helps to see things from a cat's perspective as we work on and solve the problem.  First of all, we're confining a species whose strongest survival instincts revolve around the very clear marking of territory, and using urine to communicate urgent issues, to going potty in a plastic box.  I mean, how weird is that (if you're a cat, anyway)?  The very survival of the species, in the wild, depends on the female in season and the male finding one another, through scent markers, to ensure a next generation.  The safety of the individual, or the colony in wild cats brought together under some sort of human intervention (feeding, shelter), depends upon clearly marked territorial boundaries.  The cat who only and always uses her litter box has already overcome millennia of survival instinct for the sole purpose of pleasing her human.  When stress hits, if you think about it from the cat's perspective, the fact that the first thing to fall apart is often the cat's toilet behavior shouldn't be a great surprise.  This is also why, very often, the thing that makes the most difference in solving the problem is reducing the stress.  Punishing the cat rarely has any effect ... because it instead increases stress levels, which leads to more "instinctive paranoia", the natural response to which is ... you guessed it!

Inappropriate elimination is only one issue that can be linked to the ways our animal friends are stepping out side of "who they are" in order to be members of our human-centered families.  Most of the time, despite these hurdles of instinct, such problems can eventually find a solution.  I've found, over the years, that the gentlest path to such solutions often begins with the human making an effort to do what their animal friends have been doing for them all along. 

We humans can help our pets tremendously, if we can step outside who  we  are for a moment, and try to see the problem from the animal's perspective.

 



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

FYI NOTES

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

Gift Certificates:  Beginning Sunday, October 28th, 2007, my regular holiday gift certificate special will begin.  It will run until January 1st, 2008.  This will allow you to purchase gift certificates at $25 for one, $45 for two, and $60 for three, essentially receiving one session free for each group of three.

Website Updates:  Several important additions/updates have been made to the website recently, in the form of policy details.  Please visit http://www.gazehound.com/pets and click on the links to these updates in the "news" section at the top of the page.



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

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Miss Pree, who had her sixteenth birthday in late July, has been having some health issues recently.  Although she's improved quite a bit, the problems are ongoing, and we're still diligently working to help her to overcome them.  We would like to sincerely thank everyone who's sent good wishes and healing energy our way.

Pree would like to talk about how having a good attitude ("cat-itude", she says, correcting me) is so important when you're trying to get through health problems.  I have to confess, there have been times her attitude has been better than my own "worried mom" feelings, but she really is so right.  Pree's chin has been up, even when she's felt physically down, and her bright personality has really given us strength.  In fact, I am starting to suspect that my vet is scheduling rechecks every two weeks partly because she loves how Pree takes over the exam room, hops onto the table to greet her, and otherwise charms the entire staff.

While we have not hidden any of the prospects and details from Pree, which she appreciates, we've also listened to her encouragements and taken heart from the fact that, although her symptoms are worrisome, her positive outlook hasn't been dimmed at all. 

I've often found, in fact, that when health issues bring clients to me, the animals themselves are less worried about the situation, and more likely to take things in stride, than their worried human friends.  So much is being learned in modern medicine about how attitude can affect our ability to heal and recover.

I guess our animal friends have known this all along.


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


Saturday, September 15, 2007

News, Thanks and a Reminder from Gayle

Hello, friends!

** First in importance, and in my heart ... Miss Pree would like to sincerely thank all who've inquired as to her health.  She is feeling much better, though we haven't totally resolved the situation yet.  It will be one of ongoing special diet and maintenance, and she hasn't quite returned to the proper balance yet.  However, she is "way more better" than she was last week, when she was a very sick little kitty.  She's leaping and laughing and playing and bossing the dogs around again now, as we continue to watch carefully and find what works best to bring her back to full equilibrium.  I can't express how deeply grateful we are for all of your caring emails and loving energy and prayers.

** If any of you are within driving distance of Middleburgh, and have next Saturday free, you might want to take a little drive to the Community Spiritualist Chapel's Psychic and Wellness Fair.  The information is as follows:

Sat. Sept. 22 from 1pm to 6pm

The Community Spiritualist Chapel
Corner of Main Street and Wells Avenue
(Landmarks: The white building on the corner where the churches have gathered, caddy-cornered across from the school and close to Stewart's.)

Please call Reverends Bob and Peggi at 518-827-6123 for more info.

There will be psychic readings and animal communication readings ($18 for 15 minutes; the Fair is a fund-raiser for the church), free healing sessions, Native American vendors from the TePee in Cherry Valley, and a door prize drawing.  Bring photos of loved ones and your pets, both living and in spirit, and a few pertinent question for the psychics.  There is also a gift shop on the premises.  In the evening following the fair there will be a seance ($8 per person). 

The fair will be a chance to meet some of you live, I hope, as yours truly is the animal communicator in attendance.  In addition, if I'm able to, I plan to attend the seance in the evening.  If so, it will be the first seance I've sat in on as a medium since the fall, so have patience with me.  ::smile::

I do hope we'll be seeing some of you there!

** Lastly, don't forget, my "Celebrating Autumn" special on gift certificates closes on the 23rd, next Sunday!  The special price is $65 for groups of 3 gift certificates.


I hope this little note finds everyone well!  Wishing you love, light and laughter,

--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


Sunday, September 09, 2007

Celebrating Autumn, gift certificate special

Hello, everyone!

I know I normally hold a holiday gift certificate special, but this year I thought I'd also do something special for the rest of the summer.  From today (September 9th) until the autumnal equinox on September 23rd, I will be running a "Three-Fer" special.

If you purchase three gift certificates at one time, the cost for the three will be $65 ($10 off the usual price for groups of three).  This is only applicable to sets in increments of three, and the usual gift certificate specifications otherwise apply (non-returnable, may be used for your own pets or given as gifts, other discounts and specials don't apply to gift certificate sessions, and must be used within one year of purchase date).  Gift certificates may of course be paid for via Paypal, or via money order or check.  Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. 

--Gayle

PS: I'd also like to ask all of you, our friends, to send love and healing light to our own Miss Pree, who has been quite ill recently.  We both thank you sincerely.



--
-- 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


Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Gazehound's Creature Thoughts: July/August 2007


"CREATURE THOUGHTS"
GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS

July/August 2007

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

Our Amazing Friends


Recently,  a news story has been circulating around the internet about a cat who lives in a nursing home,  knows when patients are about to pass away, and spends comforting time at their sides before they cross over.  The story went on to say that the cat has accompanied the deaths of many patients, sometimes giving alert to staff in time to call the family in, and bringing peace to those family members as they say goodbye.

The original story of Oscar the cat, at least the original as first forwarded to me, can be found at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSN2531239020070726?pageNumber=1

Within the day I'd received quite a few copies of this story, plus another version of Oscar's tale from the CNN website:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/25/death.cat.ap/index.html

Once Oscar's story made the rounds, other "nursing home cats" surfaced as well, including this touching story of Buckwheat, which appeared in my inbox today, complete with video.

http://video.nbc10.com/player/?id=134786

Of course, to those of us who truly know  our animal friends for who they are, cats like Buckwheat and Oscar come as no surprise.  Stories have abounded through time of animals who exhibit an inner knowing,  and a desire to be caretakers for humans in need.  That knowing does not only center around pending death, of course, but many animals also sense health issues and emotional strain, and will come to their human companions with comfort and healing energy.  Some  animals, such as the amazing seizure alert dogs, are even trained as service animals for that very reason. This is something I have experience myself, in my own dogs and cats.

I'm sure just about everyone reading this newsletter can tell tales of how their animals know when they're hurting, ill, or upset, and offer their obvious help and comfort.  In fact, if you would like to share about your own wonderful pets, please visit the blog link at the bottom of this newsletter, and post your comments to this issue.  I would love to read them, and I'm sure others would as well.

Just what is this talent?  Is it intuition, telepathy, some kind of psychic knowing?  Or is it that animals have a much keener sense of smell, and ability to sense chemical and energetic changes in their companions?  My answer to that is, "Probably, yes."  Just as telepathic communication is only one of many ways that animals exchange their thoughts and feelings, I'm sure there are probably many different things animals pick up on when they respond to humans ... and other animals ... who require comforting.  What they sense, though it would be interesting to find out, really doesn't matter.  What truly matters is the obvious  love and caring these animals display as they offer themselves to those in need.  Animals like Oscar and Buckwheat are bringing to light the truth that you and I have always known.

Animals love.

Although I will not divulge identities here, I feel led to close this article by sharing about a beautiful pair of  dogs I had the privilege of talking to this past week.  Someone contacted me, because her friend's little dog was missing.  I spoke to the owner, a loving, caring mom who told me something about this dog that truly touched my heart.  This missing dog was not just the lady's beloved pet ... he was also the self-appointed guide for his elderly, blind and deaf canine companion.  In fact, she shared that one person who had sighted the dogs  told her that he'd seen the little guide dog take his blind friend by the fur and pull him out of the road to safety.  I had tears on my face as she explained how the people had been able to capture the blind dog, but his guide-dog companion had gotten away. 

My week was made complete this morning, when I received a joyous email that this little guardian angel had been found, safe and sound, and was back home with his family.

I leave you today with this joy, and with the knowing that each of your own animal friends is just as wonderful, just as special, and just as amazing.  Give them all a kiss for me.


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

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:  Enjoy savings, by pre-ordering sessions through my gift certificate program.  Single gift certificates are sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session. There is also 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. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply when a gift certificate is redeemed. 



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

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Pree is my "purr-massage cat".  I thought that she would be particularly interested in today's topic, due to her knack of always knowing "just where it hurts" and her ability to apply the "perfect purr" to the spot.  Pree shows me that it's "no big thing", really ... she finds that she doesn't have to think about how it feels, or what she's looking for.  She can  just tell that something is wrong, and the person's body will simply lead her to the right spot.  She shows me, by letting me "feel how it feels", that a cat's nerve endings are sensitive enough to detect minute changes in body temperature and energy, and their sense of smell acute enough to note when a spot is inflamed or receiving the body's healing attention.  She shows me, too, that it helps when the person and animal are already used to communicating in whatever form they've developed, partly because the "Ah, that feels good" response the person utters, whether verbally or silently, lets the animal know they've found just the right spot.


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




Thursday, June 21, 2007

Toes has entered spirit

I wish to thank you all for your healing thoughts for Toes, Shellie's
very sick kitty. Toes passed away Tuesday afternoon, after going into a
decline that included seizures and other very serious symptoms. On a
subsequent visit to her vet, Shellie brought home a kitten, Shimmer, in
honor of Toes. Shimmer had been very ill, and is recovering; I feel in
my heart that this would please Toes -- Shimmer now has a good home and
help on his journey to perfect health.

The experts involved all are quite certain that it was the essential
oils which caused Toes' sudden illness and death. I know that many of
my animal friends are into natural health care, and many use essential
oils on themselves and their animals. I am hoping that Toes' story will
alert us all to the dangers involved.

I have seen many websites, experts on essential oil products and
aromatherapy, who exhort their use with pets. These well-meaning people
may be experts on essential oils, but they are not experts on cats.

Please remember Toes. One interesting aspect of this story is that
Toes' sister also received the product, and did not suffer ill effects
(as far as anyone can determine). The difference may be that Toes
licked the product from his or his sister's body and ingested it. The
difference may be that Toes was simply more sensitive to the oils.
Whatever caused Toes to react when his sister did not, though, the
potential is always there for any cat.

Essential oils have many wonderful uses. None of those uses should be
applied to cats.

Again, thanks to everyone who has emailed me, and who has been praying
for and sending energy to Toes. Please continue, that his adjustment to
spirit is a joyful one, and that his sister Pooh, his momma Shellie, and
his new little soul-sibling Shimmer, all find comfort and love together
in their journey onward.

Be blessed,
--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

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Dogs that know when their owners are coming home

Hello, friends,

I received the following email this morning.  Although I have not checked out the validity of the information, other than by visiting the websites listed, it sounds like an interesting experiment, and I thought I would pass along the information to you, in case your own dogs might wish to participate in the study.   I have a copy of Dr. Sheldrake's book on the subject, and my own experiences certainly support his findings.  Sadly my own dog who always, unfailingly, knew the school bus was coming ten minutes before it arrived was Dancer, who passed away in March.

On the page that is listed first, with the previous research information, there is a link that you can click to nominate your dog for the study if interested.

At the least, I hope you enjoy the reading.  Have a great day!

--Gayle

-------- Original Message --------

Dear Gayle,  I found your email address via a link at Animaltalk.net.  I am a parapsychologist and the senior editor for a new collaborative project called Open Source Science (www.opensourcescience.net).  At OSS, we facilitate the discussion and replication of controversial scientific experiments that may contribute to an improved understanding of consciousness.  Right now we're looking at the research of Dr. Rupert Sheldrake (a biologist and former fellow of Clare College, Cambridge University) on the phenomena of 'dogs that know when their owners are coming home'. Dr. Sheldrake's research suggests that dogs may have a link with their owners that is currently unexplained by science, and we'd like to look into this a little further.  I have summarized the previous research on the subject here: http://www.opensourcescience.net/index.php?title=Experiments:_Can_Dogs_Anticipate_Their_Owner%27s_Return%3F  We are looking for dogs who exhibit this behavior and dog owners who would be interested in participating.  Right now, we are assisting curious dog owners in conducting self-tests of their dog's behavior at home. Would you or anyone you know be interested in participating? If not, do you have suggestions on how we should go about finding dogs and/or collecting stories?  Thanks for your attention,  Annalisa Ventola www.opensourcescience.net www.publicparapsychology.org  

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Gazehound's Creature Thoughts: May/June 2007


"CREATURE THOUGHTS"
GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS

May/June 2007*

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

Serenity and Connection


Peace. 

They say that the greatest wisdom arrives over quiet seas.  So often, our modern-society lives are full of rushing here and there, checking off to-do lists that never end, and we rarely get a moment to just sit.  "Just sitting", though, is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do when trying to grow closer, and increase understanding, with their animal companions.

Watch your cat, your dog, your horse ... observe how much they treasure quiet time, whether napping, soaking up the sun, or grazing contentedly in a pasture.  Don't think, "he's so lazy, all he does is eat and sleep all day" -- thinking along those lines is such a human thing to do.  Try to appreciate the fact that your friend actually does treasure those moments, and finds joy in them.  Try "just sitting" for a while.  Turn some music on (for this purpose Mozart might be preferable to Linkin Park) if it helps you to quiet your mind, or if you find your thoughts scattering and running back to all those things you haven't crossed off your list yet.  It doesn't have to be a long time, just five or ten minutes a day will do to start with.  Have your animal companion at your side, and just "be" with him.

You'll be amazed at how your relationship improves.  Even relationships that are great to begin with will find new depth, and your animal friend will truly appreciate that you wish nothing more than to "be" by his side.

Aside from just being present with my animals, I also find it fun and enlightening, when I spend quite moments with them, to try mirroring them at times.  If out walking quietly around the yard, I'll watch how my dog moves, and attempt to move my legs the same way, arch my neck similarly, and otherwise shadow what it might feel like to "be a dog".  The cats can get into some positions, of course, that would strain a few muscles if I tried to fully mimic them, but I can move my body in a suggestion of those poses, which is often an interesting and fun activity.  When doing this, I will try to reach my mind toward them, pretending that I'm living inside their skin, and imagine how it feels to be who they are.  As silly as others might think these games are, I do find it helps my emotional connection with the animals when I remember to spend this kind of time by their sides.

Recently, I've returned to the act of honoring one of my earliest and greatest life's loves: horses.  I have been volunteering my time grooming at a nearby farm.  I've also been playing with a particular horse who needed a regular friend, a Percheron named Zeus.  He's a wonderful soul, as are all of the animals at this farm, and it's been a great opportunity for me to be around them.  "Hanging out with the herd" up in their pasture, before the fly season brought them back inside during the day, was great fun, as I'd interact with them and observe the myriad ways that they interact with one another.  While there, I've also been privileged to get to know the other animal residents: llamas and alpacas, pigs, sheep and goats, rabbits, and various types of barnyard fowl including some very cool peacocks.  One of the greatest things about spending time at the farm, is the opportunity to carefully observe the behavior, and as a result get to know the souls, of all the animals there.  Each has his or her very unique and special personality, and they all find wonderful ways to amaze me.  They teach me so much.

I encourage you all to seek the quiet moments, or actively create them if they're hard to find, to just be with, and to imagine what it is like to be, your animal friends.  I trust that it will not only help you to know them better, but bring more serenity and connection to your entire life as a whole.

Peace.


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

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:  Enjoy savings, by pre-ordering sessions through my gift certificate program.  Single gift certificates are sold at the regular session rate of $30/half hour session. There is also 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. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply when a gift certificate is redeemed. 



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

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

After writing the above article, I walked out into the living room to see if Pree would like to contribute, and she trotted up and hopped into my lap with an encouraging purr and meow.  She shared that the animals enjoy the quiet and connection time, too.  She says she loves when I just "sit" with her, and actively try to quiet my mind.  She knows that human  thought is so often scattered and chaotic, and she appreciates that I make a concentrated effort to quiet those thoughts just to be with her.  She's sure other animals are just as pleased when their humans do the same.  Pree also says that she'd encourage animals to try to "be" their humans ... to stretch their own imaginations to see things from a human perspective.  She thinks that the animals might be better at that than the humans are ... because they, for the most part, are better at quieting their minds and appreciating the peace to begin with.

There are, of course, always exceptions ... but those exceptions might actually benefit from the exercise more than most.


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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


Saturday, March 31, 2007

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: March/April 2007


*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*March/April 2007*

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

A Final Act of Love


We have had another sad goodbye in our family.  On March 21, my sweet little girl dog, Dancer, passed through the veil.  She was fine one day, gone the next, or so it seemed ... though there was actually five days of decline where we struggled to help her and find out what was wrong.  It turned out to be a massive infection that was not responding to treatment, and her digestive tract was beginning to die.  We made the heart-breaking decision to help her "over the bridge" before her pain grew to agony.

I've so often helped others as they struggle with this decision, and I know from experience that almost every single time the decision is made not because the human needs it ... but at the animal's request.  At a time where emotions are running high, most loving pet owners are hearing their animals in their hearts, even when they don't realize it.  And yet, when it came time for me to make this same decision, I could hear my own voice echoing the voices of so many clients over the years ... "I don't know if I'm doing the right thing."

Dancer knew.  On the day she suddenly fell ill, before her symptoms were even accelerating, she told me and another communicator both that she wanted to "Go live with Nanny and Yoda", because she knew that what was happening to her body wasn't going to be fixable.  And yet even hearing her, even with confirmation, I struggled with the pain of this thought for five days.  Years ago, going through similar, I would be right now riddled with guilt and doubt.  Now, however, it is somewhat easier ... confirming words from both our vet and my animal communicator friend Janice let me know I was surely hearing Dancer's needs correctly.  The guilt is there, but minimal.  The doubt crops up on occasion but I can gently vanquish it.  I look back over the signs we were given, as gifts, the night before she passed ... the "phantom dog" barking in the yard for my husband, whom he said sounded just like Yoda, and the little slate colored junco that was trying to get in through our living room window, and my dear Yoda's star, Sirius, shining bright in the sky outside the window all night long just as it did when he passed away ... and find comfort in them.

Even with all of that, it's the hardest decision any pet owner ever has to make.

Dancer is okay, I know this.  She's free of pain and of an aging body, she's running faster and more gracefully than ever before, and she is for certain with Nanny and Yoda.  She's sent me signs ... such as the day she was barking at the back door to be let in -- I could hear her as clearly as if she were still in her body, and the barking didn't cease till I opened the door for her.  I'm sure she knew she could "let herself in", but found a pocket of energy to utilize, so that she could let me know without doubt that she's still around.  And we'll be okay, too.  Pascha, her gentle forever soul mate, is comforting himself by clinging to Kai, and their growing bond brings me quiet joy.  None of that will make us miss her less ... make the pain go away ... but we do find peace in those simple gifts.

I write this today to share these feelings with you, to reach out to all who have been through this loss, whether their animal friends passed on their own or needed help releasing their bodies.  Just as we all share the great love that being part of this vast animal family brings to us, we all share the great sorrow of the inevitable goodbyes.

A number of friends made donations in Dancer's memory to STOLA (the Saluki rescue group I volunteer my web design skills for).  You may view her memorial page, if you wish, by visiting http://www.stola.org/memorial/index.html and scrolling down the list to click on her name.  If you wish to donate to STOLA, there are links on the site, or you may also use my "AC for STOLA" program to pre-order an animal communication session and donate a small percentage to the rescue group.  In Dancer's honor, I am extending my special offer of $10 donation per session ordered until the end of April, 2007.  The page for that is: http://www.gazehound.com/acforstola.html

Dancer passed on the first day of spring, leaping into the new life of spirit, as the earth passed the threshold of renewal.  How fitting, how pure, and how wonderful that was ... another source of comfort as I wander around here looking for her each day. 

I wish a joyous spring for all of you, without a hint of sadness, and great health and vitality for all of 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:  Although the holiday special is over, you can still save a bit by pre-ordering sessions through my regular gift certificate program.  Gift certificates will now 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 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. Gift certificates are non-refundable and other offers, warranties and discounts do not apply. 



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

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Pree reminds us that everyone in a family is affected by the passing of one of its members.  Throughout the process of Dancer's illness, I spoke to all of the animals, and encouraged them to spend some time with her.  Pree lets me know that they all appreciated that, and that they knew what was happening.  She replays for me scenes of the three cats, even Sasha (who isn't overly fond of canines), as they would rub against Dancer's feet where they hung over the edge of the sofa, and give her kisses.  Even though we were unable to bring Dancer's body home for them to see, the animals knew and, for the most part, accepted.  Of all, only Pascha continued to look for her for several days, asking each person who came through the door, "Did you find her?  Is she home?"  -- and it was not that he didn't know, it was that he didn't want to accept.  She encourages all who are going through a goodbye to remember that the non-human family members appreciate being part of the process, too. 

She sends all of you, and your four-legged friends, purrs for Spring.

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



Monday, January 29, 2007

Gazehound's Animal Communication News: January/February 2007


*GAZEHOUND'S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION NEWS
*January/February 2007

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

The Beauty of "Training"

In a casual discussion, recently, someone seemed slightly surprised when I mentioned that I often recommend training plans when a pet is having behavior issues.  I guess, since I'm an animal communicator, the person assumed that I'd simply suggest "communication reminders".  It is a natural conclusion, but those who've been reading this e-news, or have known me, for any time will know that I consider interspecies communication  "one tool among many".

We animals, of all species, speak many languages.  Thought, vocal, body, emotional ... all of these ways of communication are languages that come to us naturally, and that we can observe and polish as we strive to understand one another better.  I consider "training" another language that we can share with our animal friends ... the repetition of a concept, to help the animal adjust to a way of life that makes living together more pleasant and easier on everyone involved.

To me, training is not just a way to "make your dog do what you want it to".  It's a means of communication that is very much two-way.  To be a good trainer, one must become a good observer, learn to read an animal, and know what is on its mind.  By observing and understanding the animal's body language and responses, we learn how the animal is reacting to the training, where we need to modify our approach, and when our friend is ready to move on to the next stage, among other things.  By scheduling regular training sessions, we spend true quality time with our friend;  we communicate with them, and clarifying our communications, in a very precise and easily measurable way.  Training sessions are great practice for our communication skills, for as we use positive reinforcement to let an animal know,  "Yes, you did understand what I wanted, thank you!", we are also sharpening our own powers of observation and timing.  We are using another entire language to enhance our understanding of our animals, their understanding of us, and our lives together.

I  am a fan of clicker training and other positive methods, as well as training approaches that embrace a deep understanding of the natural behavior of an animal.  Don't let my cats hear me say this, but all animals, of all species, can be "trained" if the training is done positively and in an understanding manner.  There are, of course, many animals who will respond badly, even shut down, to harsh training methods, but it is rare to meet an animal who does not appreciate positive reinforcement and praise.   As I've researched the clicker training communities on the web, for example, I've found people who use the method to improve their relationships with everyone from dogs and cats to rabbits to birds to zoo animals and  horses.  I have also  been researching natural horsemanship, such as the Parelli method, and learning more about how these horsemen use their knowledge and understanding of a horse's natural instincts and behaviors to become both partner and friend to the animal, and progress in a safe and respectful manner in their human-equine relationship. 

Impressive.

Although my own animals are
primarily trained in "basic social skills", in effort to help everyone live together in harmony, I know many people who use positive training methods to take them to the higher levels of competition, as they have fun with their animals while bringing the friendship they share to new depths.  The best trainers, the ones who have impressed and delighted me with their knowledge and positive attitude, all consider themselves as much a learner as the teacher, and affirm that they learn as much or more from their animals as the animals learn from them.  Their training sessions are true two-way exchanges that bring new life to the relationship.

If ever you wish to view a sublime example of communication, of how training together can truly make magic of an animal/human relationship, simply watch a high level dressage competition, or a finely tuned team at an agility or canine freestyle trial.  Now there is "communication" that can be measured, recorded, and preserved in the record books!

So remember, as you strive to understand your animals better, engaging in daily training sessions with them will not only lead to better-behaved pets, but a deeper and more satisfying relationship as well.


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

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.   

Special Offer to Benefit STOLA (Saluki Tree of Life Alliance):   As many of you know, I'm one of the founders of, and a past board member and President of, the national Saluki rescue group, STOLA.  For a limited time, I am making a $10 donation to the organization for every animal communication session purchased via a special page I've set up on my website.  For more information, or to make a purchase through this offer, please visit:  http://www.gazehound.com/acforstola.html


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

PREE'S TALK-TO-ME TIPS

Pree has been quiet lately.  She seeks out either sunny or sheltered spots, depending on her mood, and although as sweet and cuddly as always, she spends more time these days curled up and snoozing, either alone or with her mother, Sachet.  Today when I went to look for her, to see if she'd like to share for the newsletter, she at first said she really didn't have much to say.  It was nap time.  Then, however, she thought that might in fact be what she has to say.

She says that part of the reason, perhaps most of it, that she's so enjoyed her naps and has been less active lately is simply because "it's winter".  Winter is a natural time of rest for many animals in nature ... some even sleep right on through it for the most part.  Even our pets often respond to the shorter days ... by taking longer naps!

Pree suggests that one thing her human friends out there can do to enhance their understanding of their animal friends, is observe how the change in seasons alters their behavior and energy levels.  All animals, even human ones, respond to the cycles of nature ... even though we don't always pay attention to the details of that response.

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