Animal Nation: animal behavior

Showing posts with label animal behavior. Show all posts

December 27, 2013

Coming soon!

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October 06, 2013

Reisa Stone: Wild Geese

To honour this incredible changing season, I'd like to reprint a piece I wrote two years ago, about being swept up in the migration of Canada Geese:

Today's Animal Communication miracle left me breathless. I felt an urgent sense to drive across town to our beautiful regional park. As a matter of principle regarding privatization of the wild, I disagree with the parking charge. so I was going to park outside the gates and walk the extra distance on the road. By the time I was halfway there, I had to pee so badly, I trespassed into a farmer's green field (with bushes :-D).

I heard the wild honking of countless geese. They drowned out tractor and boat noise and the clip clop of a horse on the road. As I stood in the field of long grass and clover, a flock of over one hundred Canada Geese rose from the lagoon an eighth of a mile away. They flew in a curving line east, towards me. As they reached a point above my head, they arc'ed to the south. If you dropped a plumb line from the exact centre of the flock, there I'd be.

They were only twenty feet in the air. The sound was overwhelming; nothing existed but the geese, the sky and me. I could see the dark masks on their faces, the undersides of their beaks and the softness of their light gray breasts. The individual feathers on their wings undulated in the autumn sun. My skin tingled.

A few seconds later, another flock took the same path. Within half an hour, I experienced a similar phenomenon thirteen times. With the exception of two flocks and three straggling couples, the geese flew straight towards me, and turned south precisely over my head. It was as if I were the centre of the gyre, the strange magnet on which these creatures pivot to their winter home.

I had the stray thought, "Eeeek I hope they don't go to the bathroom on me." One answered, "Don't worry, we went before we left home." It made me smile. He sounded like a precocious five year old, with the baritone voice of an adult.

I stood there for another ten minutes. The lagoon and sky were silent.

I'm new to this area. I had no idea that geese live in huge numbers in this partially hidden lagoon, let alone that they all migrate on a certain day. I can only honour the fact that over one thousand Canada Geese chose to fly south at 4:45 pm, October 27, 2011. I was there.

Raisa Stone,

Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

To receive the complimentary Animal Soul Newsletter, with informative articles about animal care, communication and training, visit my website.

Copyright 2013 Raisa Stone. All rights reserved. If you wish to reprint material from this blog, contact Raisa Stone. Must be reprinted in entirety with all links and credit intact.

August 03, 2013

Reisa Stone: Minimize Your Companion's Anxiety

My August Animal Soul Newsletter

Chill Out!

Minimize Your Companion's Anxiety

If you've followed my work as an Animal Communicator, you'll know it's always about the animal's point of view. How do they see the world? Why are they acting that way? How can we work with their unique point of view to create harmony?

I had an eye opening experience recently. Before I broke my back, my role at horse and dog shows was mainly as a professional groom/handler or competitor. I took excellent care of my charges, and paid little attention to others' animals except to briefly watch their performances.

For the first time, I had a vendor table at a horse show. The kindly managers placed me in an optimal location---right inside the competitors' barn, where I had an opportunity to observe everyone. It was great meeting many of the competitors and their gorgeous equines, from a tiny, snorty Welsh pony stallion who was crushing on an equally enamored Sport Horse mare (let me get you a chair, fella), to leadline toddlers perched adorably on top of patient "baby sitter" horses.

Despite these vast differences, I saw the same issue over and over. Anxious equines. Horses with tummies so nervous, loose manure was everywhere. Equines calling to each other with a frantic note in their whinnies. Sudden explosions of energy: kicking, rearing, sidestepping, breaking gaits. Some competitors approached me with these problems. Anxiety was affecting ring performance. It was causing worries about leaving horses overnight.

This was another first for me: observing herd behavior, outside a herd. I'm well acquainted with herd hierarchy. How horses make friends and enemies, how they find places in their society. But at the show was a different kind of herd. One where each horse was exquisitely aware of the presence of all the others, yet had no way to make solid contact. They couldn't see each other over the solid stall walls, let alone touch noses, do the squealing, kicking, biting, mutual grooming, play and advance/retreats necessary to create herd security.

Our traditional wisdom of bringing horses to a venue the night before to "settle," can create more anxiety. They're not settling. They're freaking out over being away from home, and being thrust into new surroundings. In my showing years, I subscribed to this practice as well. It became clear I'd not done all I could at the time. What can we do to reduce anxiety?

I spoke with a Lead mare who was lathered with anxiety over being unable to manage what she felt were her new charges, and simultaneously worried about her herd at home. Imagine a high energy executive, thrust into a company and unable to see either her new or old staff. Another mare, more a "middle of the herd" personality, was shaking with vulnerability at suddenly being solo. Imagine a meek clerk being asked to give an impromptu public speech! Stallions sensed competitors from whom they couldn't defend territory; geldings feared being unable to defend themselves.

Their anxiety increased as they were taken into the ring, where yet another herd configuration met them. And yet again, no opportunity to truly connect. Some competitors were clearly at wit's end, pulling hard on lead ropes and reins. I'll repeat what I said in my last article about nervous symptoms in animals. Yanking on them in this state, drives the symptoms deeper into the nervous system. Petting and soothing may be of little use. They need their needs met. They need to feel secure. Neither correction nor affection can provide that.

To an animal, their herd is comfort, security, protection against predators. Being thrust into the show milieu can be something like you or I being given a few music lessons in the comfort of our homes, then being thrown naked onto the stage at Carnegie Hall---without first meeting your fellow musicians! Wouldn't you be anxious? Would someone patting your head or pulling on your arm, create a feeling of security? Not likely.

What does work? Besides giving each competitor the viewpoint of their individual equine, I counseled the same exercise: calm and ground yourself. Lead your horse slowly down the middle of each barn aisle, giving them an opportunity to see and have a word with every other animal. Tell them it's temporary; they're going home soon. Bring a buddy, and either rent a double stall or stall them across the aisle. If you can run home and get your horse's favorite hay, local water and treats, please do. Take your horse outside and let them see the ones in the warm up ring. Keep your energy and movements low and slow. Take your time with everything. If your horse lifts their head and stares at something you can't see, let them. Their senses are so much keener than ours.

It worked. I was thrilled to see, from my central location, horsewomen returning from the show ring with ribbons. They smiled at me and held their prizes high. Their horses' energy had dramatically changed. They were now calm, walking with their noses down instead of waving frantically in the air. Stall kicking and squealing lessened. These horses had had their anxiety dialed down, by their owners pro-actively showing their place in a temporary herd.

You can apply the same principles at competitions for other species. Cats are a bit different, as they're not typically pack animals. However, they're highly territorial. It's comforting for them to see their entire environment. Take a lesson from their love of perching in high places, and allow them to view the show venue. Explain to them that the enclosure they're in for the duration, is their exclusive territory and impermanent. Again, favorite treats and water from home. Make things as familiar as possible. Enter the "animal zone" I teach in my digital guided journeys, and have a conversation with your companion well before the actual show. Tell them what to expect.

By the way, this is an excellent way to train your animal to enjoy the vet's. Calm your energy. Drop into the waiting room "for no reason," and treat them. Tell the receptionist what you're doing, hang out for a few minutes, then leave. Next, take your pet to a place they love. Build positive associations around the anxiety-producing event. Create security.

What if you need a way to consistently calm and ground yourself? I offer a digital guided journey called Awaken the Gift of Animal Communication on my website. It contains a deep, Nature based meditation that engages the part of your brain which usually wanders during such exercises. If you do this meditation a few times, you'll be able to quickly put yourself in the grounded, relaxed zone which connects you with your companion.

All my best to you in the show ring, the vet's office and at home with your beloved companion.

Copyright 2013 Raisa Stone

Subscribe to the Animal Soul Newsletter on my website: www.reisastone.com
____________________

Copyright 2013 Raisa All rights reserved. May be reprinted only with permission, with attendant website links and credit. May not be edited or used in part.

~Raisa Stone
Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com
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July 28, 2013

Reisa Stone: Reasons for Animal Communication Sessions

A list of some reasons people apply for sessions with me.

They:

-Have spent countless hours and dollars trying to change their pet
-Have sought every possible solution, from expensive
equipment to total permissiveness, with little improvement
-Avoid certain situations
-Delay vet or groomer visits due to nightmarish behavior
-Lose work, social opportunities or sleep
-Lose precious and costly items to a pet's destructiveness
-Feel angry or disgusted at the pet's behavior, then feel guilty
-Get complaints from neighbours or even Animal Control
-Fear that when other people tell them to, "Just get rid of
it"---they may be right
-Have elaborate, time consuming systems to keep pets
from fighting, soiling or destroying property
-Blow classes or even entire expensive weekends at shows
-Experience confusion from conflicting opinions about
animal behavior
-Have a stack of expensive books and DVDs gathering dust.

The answer can be in learning your companion's point of view. Your pet has been waiting a lifetime to speak with you. If you've ever personally experienced the frustration other people "deciding for you" what is in your best interest----than you have an idea of what being a pet is like.

Your companion's behaviors are a message for you.They may be saying the same thing over and over, yet unable to make themselves understood. I can tell you what they're saying. If they need training, I can direct you to the TYPE of training from which they'll benefit.

Yours in the love of animals,
Raisa Stone
Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

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June 30, 2013

Raisa Stone: Does Your Pet Have PTSD?

There has been debate recently about whether animals suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you've ever rescued, you'll know that an abused animal can exhibit lingering anxiety, fear and inexplicable aggression.

Conclusive answers for mainstream animal behaviorists have been blocked by an inability to verify that traumatized animals also have the defining PTSD factors of (a) intrusive, repetitive thoughts about the trauma; and (b) nightmares related to trauma.

As an Animal Communicator, trainer and behaviorist, I run across animals with PTSD frequently. As I can hear their voices and share their mental "movies," I can say conclusively, yes, they have PTSD. Trauma causes nervous system damage, to which every species is susceptible.

External triggers create distressing symptoms your pet can't help but exhibit. For example, if they were harmed by human hands, even a loving hand reaching towards them may trigger a negative response. A playfully tossed stick may represent a beating. Just as a car backfiring may cause a war vet to dive for the floor and even become violent towards his/her family, a triggered animal may react with in unexpected ways, from seemingly inexplicable causes.

I have a great deal of success with animals who exhibit PTSD symptoms. I treat traumatized animals with a combination of counselling and focused energy healing. Just as with humans, having your story finally heard is the first giant step towards healing. Distressing symptoms being compassionately understood is the next.

With aggressive and anxious pets, I tell them I believe and understand their story completely, and acknowledge that they've coped the best way they know how. A combination of desensitization exercises and energy healing sessions help restore the nervous system. I work with the animal's chakras, or physical energy centres.

During Animal Communication sessions, I let you know the specific type of touch your pet associates with abuse, and which feels healing. I understand the frustration of reaching out a hand in kindness, only to be rebuffed or even bitten. We may discover that it feels safe when you present the back of your hand rather than your fingers, or that your pet would prefer to always be the one to approach.

In working with traumatized horses, I've sat on the ground with my back to them. Eventually, curiosity gets the better! But even when I feel the soft nose exploring my neck and back, I refrain from petting---at least at first. Once safety is established, I form a mental image of what my touching them would look like. I wait for permission. Permission doesn't always come the first or even second time.

I've seen an interesting thing with horses: sometimes their first attempt to show they trust you, is by nibbling. If you're not familiar with horse behavior, it can be disconcerting to see those huge teeth coming at you! The horse's intent may be to groom you, just as they would a pasture buddy. I've seen people yell and smack horses who extend this incredible gesture of friendship. Please don't. If your horse has never had a close relationship with a human, they don't understand your skin is fragile.

Instead of pushing them away, back off and go to your calm centre. Picture your horse grooming you with only her lips, teeth closed. Explain that human skin is fragile, and that she must honour the "teeth closed" part. Wait until you feel she's agreed. I still remember what it felt like the first time an immense, reactive Percheron mare rescued just days from slaughter, swirled her soft lips in my hair :-D

One of the first things I teach owners is that our conditioned reaction to say, "No!" to aggression and exercise force, is driving the reaction even deeper into the nervous system, creating even more aggression. Yanking on a collar, reins, or God forbid, using a shock collar, worsens the disorder. A diagnosis of "fear aggression" is half right. Fear is one symptom of PTSD, but not the whole picture.

And as I shared re: horse behavior, sometimes what appears to us as aggression, is really misunderstood friendliness. In order to not miss that precious window of opportunity, we need to understand the animal's intent.

An important facet of healing is to create a safe space that belongs to the animal alone. That may mean a personal house (which is why they hide under the bed, for safety), dark closet (door half open!), a corner of your horse's stall or paddock he can retreat to without interference.

Safety means that under no circumstances do you touch your animal when they've retreated there, nor allow other animals to invade. When your pet was developing PTSD, he/she felt there was no safe place for them in the world. When you create this utterly safe place, they can begin to regain trust and heal their nervous system.

Another area in which there is no published research, is the effect of being abandoned or having offspring taken away. Animals feel both very deeply. They can develop PTSD symptoms from either. Even if they don't acquire actual post-traumatic symptoms, they develop mistrust and insecurity towards humans and the world in general.

Shelter staff acknowledge the harsh effects of abandonment and homelessness as "kennel craziness." The longer a pet endures these conditions, the more their behavior escalates. Blessings to volunteers who ease shelter pets' lives. They're alleviating or even preventing the formation of long lasting trauma symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in animals has puzzled behaviorists for a long time, due to their inability to learn the animal's point of view. With Animal Communication, backed by knowledge of PTSD and energy healing, pets can become calm and secure.

Have a great Canada Day and Independence Day!

Raisa Stone

Expert Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

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May 30, 2012

Raisa Stone: In Praise of Small Dogs

Years ago, I didn't really like small dogs. Yep, I was a dog snob. And because I avoided them, I didn't listen to them.

When I was a veterinary assistant, I even landed in a clinic where the groomer despised small dogs. She had special mean names for them. We all laughed. Looking back, it wasn't funny.

Thankfully, I was well on the road to small dog appreciation before I went professional as an Animal Communicator. When you make the transition from "picking and choosing" your rescues to cooperating with big rescues, you work with who's in front of you.

To my surprise and delight (and some self-recrimination), I found a world of brilliant personalities.

Here's what I now know about small dogs:

-Small dogs have the same needs and desires as big dogs. They want to: run, play, socialize, scratch, eat yummy things, roll in stinky stuff, have sex, be part of a pack, sleep in your bed, protect you, have a job, know their place is the home, chew bones, and be with you.

-Though every small dog has the heart of their wolf ancestors, they feel extremely vulnerable due to their size. They can be afraid of: too many feet (on sidewalks and at festivals), people and other dogs approaching too quickly, being picked up without permission, children, loud noises, tall objects, cars, bicycles.

Part of what I do as an AC is actually "go inside" the animal's body and experience the world through their senses. It is quite frustrating and frightening to be a small creature in a world of large ones.

Small dog advice:

-Don't carry them around when they can walk. They find this embarrassing. It subjects them to razzing from larger dogs. Carrying them in your pink purse, is, well, like dressing kids in frou frou clothing. Pick them up only in unfamiliar or crowded situations. As well, lack of weight bearing exercise can cause osteoporosis;

-Housetrain them as rigorously as any large dog. Pee pads and ignoring "accidents" because they're small, is a subversion of their strong natural instincts to potty outdoors. It eats into their self esteem and makes them anxious. Is it acceptable to go in your pants when you only have to go "a little bit"? You'll also find yourself more welcome, socially. No matter how nice your friends are, believe me, they talk about the pee pads and newspapers behind your back;

-Adult large breeds make the best pets for children. Small dogs, especially puppies, are easily injured;

-Give your dog stature. Whenever you can, put them up on a (safe) chair or bench beside you. A small dog likes to view her surroundings. The other day I facilitated this for a mini Poodle at a powwow. She had been cowering under a chair, fine with the drums but terrified of dancing feet. I suggested her Mom put her bed on a chair. The little sprite stopped shaking, looked me warmly in the eye, and in a wee, high voice, said, "Thank you!";

If you leave them during the day, give them a safe perch that lets them watch the world outside. As a dog ages, they may need steps to reach their perch. Don't mistake their gameness to jump and please you, as unlimited ability to do so;

-Don't for one moment think of them as a "toy." They have the same feelings and needs as anyone. Give them big beefy bones they can growl over. Let them socialize with other dogs;

-Use your good sense and compassion when choosing accessories. Many small dogs are mortified by the costumes they're forced to wear, and act this out with misbehaviour and anxiety. I'll say it again, "Dogs make fun of each other, just like we do!" Don't work out your own fashion issues on your pet.

I deal with clothing/collar/blanket/dish/tack preferences all the time in my practice. Yes, they do see colour. Yes, they care about texture. Think about how very simple animals' possessions are, and that they don't have the ability to change these. If you sense discomfort, leave it off, or ask an Animal Communicator;

-Give them a job, whether it's fetching one slipper at a time or an agility routine;

-Recognize that much of the time, the "yapping" other people complain about is a combination of being treated as though they're not dogs, and their desire to protect you---along with the knowledge they can't really do the job. Build their self esteem in other ways;

-Small dog breeds have some special health needs. Read up on your breed. Many have poor teeth, and need extra dental care. White dogs can tend towards deafness.

And please: if you're thinking of acquiring a small dog, look to local rescues and shelters first. Such genuinely nice dogs get dumped. The Spaniel in the photo was an unclaimed stray, with not a thing wrong with him physically or behaviourally. The main reason people get rid of pets, is because they don't realize how much responsibility they are. In BC, we have a double problem: low vacancies at exorbitant rates, with landlords who don't allow pets.

If you're thinking of adopting, please feel free to consult with me. I can look at rescues' photos and give you an idea of their personalities. A session with me can save you much time and effort.

Here's to small dogs, and the people who love them!

Kind regards,
Raisa Stone
Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

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Copyright 2013 Raisa Stone. All rights reserved. If you wish to reprint material from this blog, contact Raisa Stone. Must be reprinted in entirety with all links and credit intact.

April 11, 2012

Animal Communication Events

Thank you to the 43 animal lovers who attended the Love and Light to Bunnies and Chicks Event! I know our efforts raised awareness for some people who would otherwise have thoughtlessly bought living creatures as gifts this past weekend.

I must say though, if you're looking for a quiet, clean house pet and have done your research (please!), adopting a bunny from a rescue may be one of the best moves you've ever made. There are rescues devoted strictly to bunnies, and bunnies are commonly found at mixed shelters, as well. Vancouver Animal Control always has some nice ones.

To stay on top of events, Subscribe to the newsletter. I'm accepting new private clients. Please apply through my website for a free phone consult. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sharing the love of animals,
Raisa Mary Stone
Animal Communicator

March 11, 2012

Reisa Stone: Why Bother Grooming Your Pet?

What's the point of grooming your pet?

For long haired pet, the answer is obvious. It doesn't take long for their coats to become a tangled, matted mess that attracts dirt and foreign objects. Skin infections lurk beneath, and accumulated body fluids can create an almost unbearable odour.

Your long haired pet may or may not require professional grooming. If you're diligent with daily detangling and brushing, they may be just fine. But let a few days go by...

Why groom short haired or any pets? There are a number of reasons:

-To distribute skin oil through the coat, which keeps it beautifully shiny
-To run your hands over your pet daily, catching bumps, bruises, heat, swelling, ticks or burrs before they can turn into something nasty. There are cases where cancer or an ingrowing foreign object did not have to result in a miserable death, if it had been caught early with routine inspection
-Grooming is a bonding ritual throughout the animal kingdom. The act itself draws the two of you closer, and may prevent or even solve some problem behaviors
-It contributes to muscle and skin tone. Skin is the largest organ of the body. Grooming helps keep it healthy
-To create a feeling of well being in both of you. Physical touch releases endorphins, the "feel good chemical," in both pets and humans
-To brush away loose hair that otherwise ends up on your clothes and furniture
-To clean debris that causes irritation to delicate tissues, such as eyes, nose and genitals. Imagine having something in your eye, and not being able to work it out.

Enjoy your daily grooming session. Make it a special time for you and your pet!

By the way, if you're wondering if there's more you can do for rescues and shelter pets: Groom them! They may have never received this type of attention in their lives.

In a future blog post, I'll discuss grooming tools and methods.

Kind regards,
Raisa Stone
Expert Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

March 09, 2012

Reisa Stone: Pet Expo was Greaaaaaat!

Thank you, everyone who came out to Vancouver Pet Expo, and attended my Talking With Animals seminar. I had a full house. Participants received answers to their questions about Animal Communication and behavior. They learned an exercise to make a profound heart connection and receive a message from a pet.

After doing this meditation, two brave souls walked up to the front and briefly communicated with others' pets from photos. It was amazing. these people were 70-90% accurate in the information they received from the pets! Thank you, Alex and April :-D

I met Exhibitors in the fields of training, nutrition, cool pet products (including hand tooled leather collars), and many rescues. I'd planned to meet every Exhibitor plus attend at least one or two seminars.

Buuuuuut, I was sidetracked by a conversation with a rescued Cockatiel. She had a yellow punk hairdo, which I admired. She hopped on my hand and looked me straight in the eye as she spontaneously told me the tale of woe that had caused her to be rescued, and we discussed her lingering behavioral issues. I think her guardian was quite startled by the information from the little tweeter.

I was so inspired by the Expo, I immediately wrote a report called, Five Things Your Pet Wants You to Know. Please contact me through my website for your free copy.

I'd like to apologize for a misunderstanding. I've heard from people who were disappointed not to receive my mail outs. Subscribing to this blog, does not put you on my mailing list. If you wish to be informed of Animal Communication events, newsletters, free reports on pet-related topics, etc., you must use a Contact form on my website.

When you submit your message, please white list my domain name, www.reisastone.com, in your email program. This ensures my messages will not be sent to Spam.

All my best to you and your pet,

Raisa Stone

Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

March 01, 2012

Reisa Stone: Communicate With Your Pet, Part 3

Less than 48 hours till my Talking With Animals seminar at Vancouver Pet Expo! Details at the bottom of this post. If you can make it, we'll be doing a fun and profound exercise to help you connect with a pet. Here is one I won't be covering in a hectic atmosphere like an expo, as it can be quite time consuming. I walk you through this in private workshops.

You can do this on your own, or take turns guiding a friend.

Sit or lie down. Breath deeply. Let your limbs relax, and your jaw drop open.

Imagine yourself at the top of a flight of stairs. Start walking down, still breathing deeply. Count the stairs: 1, 2, 3....

You'll know when you've reached the bottom.

At the bottom of the stairs is a door. Open the door, and you will find yourself in a particular landscape. It may be a forest, a desert, or a completely unfamiliar setting.

Take your time acclimating to this place. Breath in its scents, feel the air temperature, the surface beneath your feet.

As you walk forward, you sense an animal presence. Invite him or her to come forward. This is the pet that most needs to communicate with you. He or she may be alive or in the spirit world, they may be temporarily elsewhere or permanently rehomed.

You may be surprised by which pet it turns out to be. Accept their presence. This is who you are to connect with at this time.

This pet has something to tell you. Your job is to simply listen. Invite them to speak with you whenever they feel the need. Ask them questions. Do not scold.

If you feel you need forgiveness for a misunderstanding, ask them and wait for a response. As most of us have muddled through life not hearing animals when they speak (I'm not perfect, either), I've found this to be powerful and vital part of the exercise.

When their message has been delivered, thank them for the communication.

This is one way to establish and maintain connections with spirit animals, and also create a closer bond with one in the physical. If you connect with a pet in the spirit world, don't be surprised if they visit you again, even unbidden. I'll discuss this phenomena further in future.

When your pet indicates its time for them to leave, thank them. Walk towards the door, and walk up the staircase. Let yourself come gradually out of your very relaxed state.

To solidify your experience, journal it.

This exercise may seem quite short in reading. In a workshop, I would talk you through it in a way that gives everyone ample time for each section. We would further share what we had experienced. In total, this exercise done conscientiously and thoroughly, takes anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.

Read the first post in the Communicate With Your Pet series.

Animal Communication learning materials are available on my website.

Kind regards,

Raisa Stone

Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

Painting: Quite a Deal, Thoroughbred stallion by Reisa Stone. You can buy Dealer on products at my Zazzle.ca store, SpiritHorses.

All posts on the Animal Nation blog are copyright Raisa Stone. They may be Shared in entirety using social media buttons. Otherwise, contact Raisa for reprint permission.

February 24, 2012

Reisa Stone: Communicate With Your Pet, Part II

In my last post, I taught you an exercise to communicate with your pet, and promised you meditative exercises to deepen your skills.

My favorite meditation is in and with Nature. I empty my mind and enter the forest or field expecting the miraculous, and am never disappointed. If you breathe deeply and listen, you'll hear the voices of wildlife, trees and even rocks.

I've been very rushed, working 16-18 hour days expanding my business (besides doing animal communication, I'm marketing my horse art). I was so distracted, I left my glove compartment open and drained the car battery. Heavens to mergatroid, I had plans! I felt my heart pounding and my mind started racing.

As I waited for my boost, I asked the huge, lush pine tree beside me for a word or two. He said, "Slow down. All will be provided."

I put aside less necessary errands and made a side trip to my favorite wilderness area. I walked the gentle green (and muddy!) slopes, calming my mind, enjoying just breathing.

On my way out, I spotted a Cooper's Hawk. She was sitting quietly on a telephone wire, gazing over a fallow field.

I suddenly felt my tiredness. It's been one of those weeks where I've made those extra calls, sent the extra emails---with no response. I wanted to be the hawk. I asked her, "Resting?"

She replied, "I soar, and I rest. If you soar above, there are many opportunities. I ate a mouse today. Now I'm sitting. The fields have more bare spots than full ones. Soar and rest."

I ate today. I drove a car, walked, enjoyed working electronics, heat and running water. Maybe the unreturned calls and emails are for the best, and what if everyone did respond to my clever posts on Facebook?

I'll stop thinking of the bare spots as empty.

This is today's meditation, brought to you by a pine tree and a hawk.

Animal Communication learning materials are available on my website.

Kind regards,
Raisa Stone
Animal Communicator
www.reisastone.com

All posts on the Animal Nation blog are copyright Raisa Mary Stone. They may be Shared in entirety using social media buttons. Otherwise, contact Raisa for permission to reprint.

February 16, 2012

Seminar: Talking With Animals

Only 2.5 weeks to Vancouver Pet Expo! Dozens of exhibitors, from rescues to pet nutrition to obedience competitors.

Be entertained at my seminar, Talking With Animals, 2 pm Saturday, March 3rd in the Pacific National Exhibition Forum.

If you were here for the Olympics, it's the figure skating venue. Contrary to rumour, I will not be skating with dogs :-D

Enter a draw for a free Animal Communication session. Make sure to come on time, and get your name in!

See you there!

Kind regards,
Raisa Stone
Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

February 14, 2012

Horses In Love

The best Budweiser commercial ever. Happy Valentine's Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfw7DF-H4QE

February 13, 2012

Reisa Stone: Will My Pet Spill the Beans?

Several people have asked: "Will my pet keep talking to you after our Animal Communication session?"

Immediately upon finishing a session, I thank your pet, and say, "Goodbye, unless your Mom/Dad wants us to connect again."

I then look forward to email updates from you about how you and your pet are doing. When you book another phone session, I reconnect with your baby.

It's an ethical violation for me to willfully stay in contact with your pet. Imagine if you were in family counseling, and your counselor chatted with your family members on their cell phones between sessions, without your knowledge.

Invasive, yes?

My job is to help you and your pet, not creep you out.

Occasionally, an extremely lonely animal will reconnect. I inform my client this has happened, in a low key way. This usually leads to my client finding ways to enrich their pet's life, such as more focused play and training time, or arranging social time with other animals.

Sometimes it's a case of moving a horse to a more stimulating area in the barn/pasture, or putting a chair under a window for a house pet. I had a foster bunny who acted aggressive----until I "got it" and moved the couch so he could play tag with me!

Abuse is of course unacceptable. I haven't yet encountered a human who cares enough to engage an Animal Communicator, who is an abuser. If I did, I would take the same responsible action as any reasonable person. Since the authorities are unlikely to believe the pet told me, I would have to have hard evidence.

I do, of course, listen to many tales from animals in shelter and rescue "limbo." I stay in touch and support them until they find a home. Then I disconnect, with love.

Don't worry. After your session, your pet isn't likely to speak with me without your permission. Their mission is to have a more harmonious life with you.

Kind regards,

Raisa Stone

Animal Communicator

www.reisastone.com

All posts on the Animal Nation blog are copyright Raisa Stone. They may be Shared in entirety using social media buttons. For reprint permission, contact Raisa Stone.

February 10, 2012

I Need Your Advice

I need your advice for an Ebook I'm writing: Common Sense Guide To A Happier, Healthier Pet.

I'm looking for the best animal care links on the Internet, to add to the book. You will, of course, receive a free copy and credit. Please email me through my website: www.reisastone.com

I appreciate your help!

Please note that I probably won't be able to use every link suggested. You'll receive the Ebook whether or not your link is used, as a "thank you."

Kind regards,
Raisa Mary Stone
Animal Communicator
Photo: Cyrus, City of Vancouver