Gazehound's Animal Communication
Newsletter
Keeping in touch with the animals....
and the people who love them.
December 2005
Season's Greetings!
Holiday Thoughts: The Golden Strand
It's often said that as we get older, we lose our enthusiasm for the holidays. Many adults complain of commercialism and lack of holiday spirit, they worry about the expense, and the main thing that many look forward to about the holiday season is "getting it over with". I think that part of this waning of spirit, too, is that the older we get, the more of our loved ones have not come forward in time with us. The holidays bring memories of days gone by, of people, pets, friends and family who are no longer here to celebrate with us. As human beings, it's hard to hold on to the joy, when such thoughts bring us sadness.
One thing my animal friends have taught me in recent years is that such passings and memories don't have to be entirely sad. Goodbye only applies to the physical, and with time and faith, we can learn to feel our loved ones around us, even after their bodies have ceased to be a part of them. I've learned to see the holidays and all of the memories they bring as a reason to celebrate the lives that I've had the privilege to share, including the lives of the animal friends who have blessed my past.
On our tree, my two favorite ornaments are tiny picture frames. One has a photo of my dear white Saluki Yoda, and the other of my sweet dark dog, Jai. Yes, each year I shed a tear as I hang those ornaments, but tears are not necessarily a bad thing. Tears are a gentle sacrifice, a giving of a part of ourselves for a life well lived ... for a memory worth holding in our hearts. By hanging these ornaments, and seeing their faces again, I've been able to feel their spirits close around me.
Like the garland on the tree, these memories are the golden strand that weaves through the years, making each holiday season a little bit brighter than the one before. I look forward to adding faces to that golden strand, as I continue to build my collection of photo ornaments. Each tear will add a happy sparkle, each picture another reason to celebrate all that this time of year means to me.
Don't be sad when you think of holidays past. Know that your loved ones, animal and human, surround you and celebrate the season with you. The golden strand of happy memories will help us all to face the future with joy.
Pree's Talk-To-Me Tips: "Ask first"
Pree began her "Tips" communication today by showing me an image of a human trying to take a photo of their cat, and the cat not being very cooperative. She kept moving from the posed position, having to be retrieved and put back in place, and both cat and human were becoming very frustrated. Pree's point in the image, is that a lot of difficult tasks with animals can be made easier if the person learns how to "ask first" and explain what is going to be happening. She then shifts to an image of the same person sitting with the cat and running a peaceful, happy "movie" through her mind as she explains to her feline friend what she's going to do. She focuses totally on the animal in front of her, giving full attention to the communication process. She puts her hands gently on the cat to help with the connection. She paints very clear, colorful, and peaceful mental images of exactly what she is saying. She takes the time to explain why she'd like these special pictures ... to have and keep forever to remind her of this Holiday Season with her dear feline friend. And then Pree shows me the photo session, after the cat has been respected and the subject explained, going much more smoothly. When the cat shifts, the human is patient. If the cat jumps down, she is called back respectfully or offered a treat to appease her. Instead of an aggravating session that ends in an angry cat, an upset owner, and no photo, the picture-taking is accomplished with much less stress. Pree suggests to "try asking first", making a real effort to respect your animal friend and explain the situation. The answer may not always be yes, but you'll find you receive more coooperation this way than when attempting to force things. This is not just a better approach for picture taking, but many tasks that an animal may not wish to sit still for in her day to day life ... taking pills, clipping nails, grooming.... "Ask first" is the first step to making a pet-owner relationship into a true partnership.
Did You Know: Pree has started her own Cat-blog? Visit http://pree-am-siamese.blogspot.com to check it out!
Just a Reminder....
The special on gift certificates is still running through Christmas Eve. I offer gift certificates at the regular rate of $25.00 per session/certificate. However, from now until December 24th, anyone who purchases two certificates together will be able to order two for $45, or $2.50 off the price per session. Anyone who purchases three together will receive 3 for $60, lowering the cost per gift session to $20 each. Just drop me an email or give me a call if interested.
Remember, also, that there will be some pricing changes starting January 1, 2005. More information can be found on the rates page of my http://www.gazehound.com website.
Permission granted to forward this newsletter to anyone you feel might find it interesting.
For archives of past issues, see the Creature Thoughts blog at http://gazehound.blogspot.com.
To unsubscribe or adjust your subscription, visit:
http://www.gazehound.com/pets/acnewslist.html
Need help or wish to make a suggestion? Email Gayle at allcreatures@gazehound.com
