Highly Sensitive People & Empaths Have Unique Gifts

Why Highly Sensitive People and Empaths Have Unique Gifts

Do you feel things very intensely?

Are you one of the highly sensitive people who can sense when others are experiencing extreme emotional turmoil or joy…but aren’t talking about it?

Perhaps, like me, you’re a Highly Sensitive Empath.

The sheer volume of energy, emotion and information received can feel overwhelming, exhausting and confusing. But once you understand how to navigate your heightened sense of intuitive awareness of the emotions, thoughts and events around you, it can lead to wonderful experiences.

Unlike non-sensitives, you can discover and enjoy the richness of the unspoken energetic dialogues the people, pets and world around you are having every day.

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It’s okay to be an empath.

I knew very early in my childhood that I was one of the highly sensitive people who are often labeled as empaths.

Unfortunately, we’re also labeled at best as aberrant… at worst as flawed.  Those who do not understand or feel what we feel can subject us to ridicule and criticism.  They don’t know what we know, and don’t have the challenges we have.

Well, at least I was. 

Growing up, people around me confused the heck out of me because I knew when they were lying. I also knew when they were attacking me energetically.  I knew when things weren’t nearly as safe or harmonious as everyone was pretending they were…it was unnerving to say the least.

My family dismissed my intuition, denied and invalidated me at every turn. I had highly intelligent, wonderful parents, but they didn’t have room in their heads or hearts to acknowledge that I was given a gift of deep knowledge. I was forced to conform, as they had, to maintain the superficial veneer of polite society at large.

What ensued was a frustrating journey – seeking a place to put all my knowledge, seeking a Faith that gave me peace – that ultimately led to manic depression and thoughts of suicide. And I was just a teenager.

In my 20’s I met a psychic counselor who taught me that it was okay to be an empath. I learned to meditate, and began to feel validated and respected for the first time in my life.  

And so my wonderful journey began.

And yours can, too…

Learn to use your highly sensitive empathic gifts for the greatest good – for yourself and others

Highly sensitive people and empaths have an amazing opportunity in their lives. The gift of empathic ability is a remarkable strength and a way to connect with others at such a deep, profound level… when you know how to use it well and wisely.

You will learn the techniques to harness your abilities in my classes.  Like me you could even become an animal communicator or pet psychic yourself. 

In the meantime, here is a brief explanation of two important tools you’ll need on your journey. They will help you navigate daily life with greater peace and contentment.

Compartmentalization

Every so often I end up working with someone who seems determined to deny and undermine the Truths I’m speaking.  

For instance, this can happen when I communicate the messages their pet is trying to share with them, and they’ll reject the messages out of hand. 

This can feel deflating, exhausting and tiring… IF I let them attack me.  

Why do they do that?  

Here’s the thing:  Animals don’t lie, and energy never lies.  

But, people often do. 

For many reasons.  Perhaps they fear being vulnerable, appearing weak, or having their secrets known.  They could also just be out of touch with themselves. Perhaps they never questioned their thinking or feelings beyond the most superficial of understandings.  

They don’t have a clue about what makes them tick, they feel more comfortable with appearances, preferring shallow interactions.  They wear social identity masks like at a costume party, afraid to have anyone see them for who they truly are.  They have developed no real depth or self confidence in their true nature and character.  

They can feel resistant, angry, afraid.  Sometimes they lash out as a form of self defense.  

Like when in the Wizard of Oz when the Wizard calls out to Dorothy when she discovers the truth about who the Wizard actually is, “Don’t look at that man behind the curtain! Ignore him!!” 

That’s when it’s best to compartmentalize the experience. 

I acknowledge it – sometimes to myself, sometimes out loud – and then I place it on the back burner. I remain in my place of calm, centeredness and connection. I resist the urge to implode and collapse into a space of self-doubt and self-recrimination, or to try to defend myself.  

The highly sensitive person’s job is to hold the space for truth to be known and understood from a non-judgmental, non-arrogant, peaceful place of knowing.

As an animal communicator, part of the job is to be the voice for the animals.  To offer their truth in peace with the intention for the highest good for all concerned. 

The truth is the truth.  

We each of us get to choose what to do with it when we hear and receive it.  Accept, grow, heal, and evolve…?  Or deny, prefabricate, defend, pretend… in which case, I can promise you that you’ll circle back around to this later when you’re ready to be more honest with yourself.  

For me, I renew my efforts to maintain a true, deep, positive connection with the animal, to keep that sacred link between us unencumbered by outside influences.

When I do, I feel lighter. I’m better able to focus on the task at hand: listening intently to the messages the horse, dog, cat, bird or chameleon is trying to share with we the people.

Energetic shielding

Highly sensitive people and empaths must have a highly fortified energetic shield – the protective outer rim or edge of your energy field. It’s most often on autopilot, but we can programmed it to fulfill specific needs. 

Here’s what I mean…

Years ago I had an extremely unsettling experience with a woman who had made it a personal mission to rescue as many animals as possible.  I had agreed to communicate with them, but she rejected all my communication efforts as inadequate. The woman made it clear that I was not telling her what she really wanted to know even though I answered her spoken questions each and every one. 

Confused and frustrated, I asked that she tell me what it was that she really wanted to know, and to be clearer.

On my next – and last – visit at her farm she presented me with a written list of over 100 questions she wanted me to ask the animals. 

She wanted me to explore their understanding of her religious, dogmatic Christian Faith…and ultimately persuade the animals that her beliefs were right.  She had no room or consideration for the animal’s beliefs, philosophies or wisdom.  And she had no respect for what they knew that she didn’t. 

I made an effort to again answer her questions as honestly and truthfully as I could, but eventually I gave up. There was no point in continuing the exercise on her terms…it wasn’t going to get her, or the animals, anywhere. 

Animals have their own set of beliefs

You can’t force them to believe someone else’s, especially if they don’t agree with the ideology.

I ended the session as peacefully and truthfully as I could, and left.  

Shortly afterward, I started to notice that my energy field was under attack. I felt drained, anxious. I had a dark cloud of negativity hovering over me…I even started to feel physical pain.

An exploration of my psychic space revealed that this woman was actively attacking me with angry, harmful curses and hexes.  

I also noticed how wounded I felt, how rejected and misunderstood and disrespected. My energy shield was in tatters.

During this inner exploration, I realized that many of my old childhood wounds had been triggered. I went to work making peace with the past and forgiving myself…and her. And I felt gratitude for how she was helping me heal, evolve, and grow.

Finally, because I felt at the time that she really needed a wake-up call – a dose of compassion, an extra measure of Divine Grace and love, and a whole lot of help – I mirrored the outer surface of my shield so it reflected back whatever she threw at me… tenfold.

It wasn’t long before I started to feel much better, lighter, no longer under attack. I had successfully repaired my shield and healed another layer within. 

Highly sensitive people and empaths have a highly valuable gift

If you sense that you’re empathic like me, you have a golden opportunity to channel your energies and help yourself, as well as the people and pets around you, live a fulfilling, happy, healthy life. 

Exploring the depths and range of emotions, feelings, and experiences…especially with animals, who are so often misunderstood and ignored is a powerful healing gift. All animals are sentient spiritual beings with thoughts and feelings of their own.

You can learn many ways to communicate with them with my online courses, and give them the voice they deserve.

If you would like help healing, evolving and growing into your best self, then I highly recommend working with me so I can help you do exactly that.  

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Are You Highly Sensitive and/or Empathic?
Being A Dog Whisperer Comes In Handy!
How Animal Connection Can Heal Our Own Wounds and Trauma

The post Highly Sensitive People & Empaths Have Unique Gifts appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/highly-sensitive-people-empaths-have-unique-gifts/

A Connection with Animals is About More Than Play and Rest

Why your connection with animals is about more than play, food, safety and rest.

Did you know that pets are a window to your soul?

Or, more accurately, they’re a mirror reflecting you back to you on all 5 levels.  Physically, emotionally, spiritually, energetically, and mentally.

Can you see the reflection?  

And when you do, how does it make you feel? How do you think it makes your pet feel?

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It’s undeniable that your connection with animals isn’t just skin-and-fur (or feathers or scales or…) deep. Your pets can act as guides, teachers, angels, healers as well as being your best friend.

They are simultaneously taking on your burdens and wounds, while also carrying their own as sentient, feeling individuals.

In order for both you and your pet to live a healthy, fulfilling life, this connection with animals must be embraced and understood. To ignore it is to miss out on a rich, rewarding, give-and-take of clarity in communication between you and your animal companion.

Let’s explore the Human Animal BodyMind Connection.

Think of the Human Animal BodyMind Connection as a deeper assessment of the mental, emotional, physical, energetic and spiritual connections between humans and animals. 

It’s how we decode and interpret the messages our pets are constantly communicating to us through their behaviors – the good and, more importantly, the bad – that makes the difference. 

If your pet is…

• Fearful – they may be reflecting your subconscious fear or anxiety.
• Aggressive – they feel a need to protect you but aren’t sure why or how or from what.
• Clingy – they sense your need to be a caregiver in the absence of a baby or child, or your insecurity.
• Destructive – they sense your own boredom or frustration and are looking for an outlet.

In all of these scenarios, your pet is trying to siphon off the negative feelings you’re projecting and, inevitably, their demeanor and health will change, rarely for the better. 

At best, they’ll chew up your shoes, follow you everywhere, poo or pee inside, or scratch the furniture obsessively. 

At worst, they’ll make themselves physically ill.  They can lose bowel or bladder control, even develop cancers and other diseases in an effort to regulate the negative dark energy they’re trying to absorb or deflect.

You can open up the lines of communication, though, giving your pet the freedom to explore their own emotions without the burden of trying to regulate yours…

My first lesson in understanding our connection with animals came from my cat.

I was in a very unhappy marriage. I thought we were getting by, though, and hadn’t given much thought to the impact on our two cats, Peach and TuffyTiger.

Peach was 12 years old and her health was failing. We’d taken her to the vet, explored every possibility – we thought – and yet her energy was evaporating along with her appetite. We could tell she was in terrible pain…she seemed near death. I was heartbroken and desperate.

Then one day, on a whim, I asked her directly if she was carrying the “bad stuff” between my husband and me.

“Yes!” she told me. She felt like she had to take away the hurt we were both feeling. It was killing her, but she believed it was her role.

It took me quite a while to persuade her that our burdens were not hers to carry, that she couldn’t solve the problems we were having.

As strong minded and stubborn as she was, I finally convinced her to release that pain and let us deal with it.  It was our stuff, we were solely responsible for it. 

I told her what we really needed from her: to hold the space for peace, love, harmony, health, well-being, for our highest good.

That evening she leapt on my plate while I ate in front of the television, scattered my dinner everywhere – including on her fur – and jumped down again.  Sitting in the middle of the floor looking very pleased with herself, she happily licked off all the food from her coat and feet.

She lived a much better, healthier, happier life for her remaining 8 years. 

Your physical and emotional pain is their pain, too.

Years ago I met a beautiful little dachshund who was paralyzed – she had no control over her backend. The owner was at her wit’s end. She asked me to meet with them.

When I intuitively scanned the little darling, she showed me the vertebrae in her back that was causing her trouble. I told the owner, who was completely shocked because she had the exact same back problem as her beloved dog!

I told the woman how her dog felt – how this back problem impacted her – and she confessed that she felt the same way. With more exploration, I learned that she was going through a separation, and was feeling anxious about her future. She was worried about her finances.

The dog told me she was worried about these things, too. I was able to assure her that she needn’t carry that burden for her owner. That her friend would take care of those problems, and take care of her. 

The relief was nearly immediate. Her tail started to wag…it wasn’t long before she was walking again. Without fear and worry, she was able to feel joyous and optimistic – and healthy – again.

Finding a way to understand your own connection with animals…

It’s possible to communicate with your pets, to better understand the reflection they see and learn how to ease their pain and worry. Take the time to explore the Human Animal BodyMind Connection.

Not only will it help your pet lead a more balanced, contented life…you’ll find balance and contentment yourself when you take time to look in the mirror. 

As healers and teachers, our pets can inspire us to tackle our fears, our anxieties, the unfinished business we allow to weigh us down…

Together you and your pet can travel lightly.

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Coping with Pet Loss: Understanding Death, Dying & Transitions

Clairaudience and 7 Ways to Grow Your Intuition

Who’s Your Spirit Animal? The Truth Might Surprise You

 

The post A Connection with Animals is About More Than Play and Rest appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/a-connection-with-animals-is-about-more-than-play-and-rest/

Serenity Prayer for a World Put on Hold

Serenity Prayer for Today: In an Insane World Put on Hold by Covid-19

By: Kai Riversong and Bella, as gifted from the Akashic Records**

I am struggling, like a lot of people around the world, in this Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

However, I am thinking my struggle may be from a different facet than a lot of Westerners. Please do not crucify or stone me here. The last time I checked we still had the right to free speech, right, or has that changed also?  I just need to keep remembering the Serenity Prayer.

I am beginning to think this is just so stupid, the lockdown I mean. This came to a head for me when I went to take my two furkids to the holistic vet for acupuncture and chiropractic treatment and they told me that I could not enter the facility even with gloves and a mask on.

They instructed me to drop the furkids off at the curb, one at a time, and the vet tech would take them inside. WHAT?!?! Are you freaking kidding me? This is simply and plainly unconscionable.

What parent of a minor human child would drop them off at the curb and simply wait in the car???

Our furkids in my mind, are pretty much like human toddlers, with the need for our guidance and support and protection. It IS NOT ok in any universe, in any dimension, to take my furkids away from me out of sight and do God knows what without my oversight and support.

Needless to say, I did NOT drop off the furkids and wait in the car. And even without the 114-degree temperature which made this impractical anyway, I would never have just dropped them off. Just crazy. In what universe is this shit ok??

I can go to the Salon and the stylist will do my hair. We all wear masks and they clean like crazy between clients. A haircut and highlights takes about 3 hours.  The salons have figured out how to reduce their risks and keep the doors open.

But at the same time I cannot go into the vet with my furkids for acupuncture and chiropractic treatments which takes like 20 minutes, seriously. This is F*cked up. Where are the priorities here?

Then I think, what really is the purpose of this lockdown anyway?

We are all going to cross the rainbow bridge when it is our time regardless of masks and lockdowns. It seems to create a false sense of security or maybe a placebo effect. But it is the way the world is right now whether I like it or not.

Then I meditated, and the thought of reminded of the Serenity Prayer. Here is my version:

“Universe give me the courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the wisdom, insight and knowing to distinguish the one from the other. *”

I think as animal enthusiasts and members of Val Heart’s AnimalTalk Coaching and Mastery Club this is a really important topic.

Just how do we distinguish one from the other? As westerners we tend to FIGHT injustice, march, protest and try to change things.

This brings me to a parable that a colleague shared with me when I first started working in the Department of Health in the tropics.

A colleague shared with me that I should be aware of the cultural difference and understand that I was “Not in Kansas any Longer” (from the movie The Wizard of Oz). He explained the cultural difference this way.

Imagine you are walking down a path and you come across a giant boulder blocking the way. He said that many of the local cultures would just accept this obstacle and simple find a way to maneuver around it.

However, most westerners, Americans in particular, would drop everything and find a way to move that damn boulder out of the road at almost any cost.

At the time I was pretty young and thought “well of course someone should move the boulder out of the path”. The American way is the only way. Go get the Marines or the Corp of Engineers and some explosive experts and heavy equipment operators and traffic control experts to stop all progress until this obstacle is removed safely and dealt with and the path is restored.

But now I wonder, does the boulder really need to move at all?

The attitude of peacefully navigating around what “boulders” life puts in our path is somehow attractive to me now.

But then I am faced with the fact that it is not ok with me to have my dogs undergo medical treatments without me being present. OMG, what is a girl to do?

Serenity Now, Serenity Now, Serenity Now (borrowed from a funny Seinfeld episode).

Val Heart’s last AnimalTalk Club Platinum Masterclass was the third in a series about Chakras and I highly recommend listening to all three multiple times.

In class a fellow student asked Val asked “But how do I know?” (the topic does not matter here since this is a universal question).

Val answered, “Your Heart Knows”.

The Class was geared towards teaching us how to live from our hearts and not our heads.  She provided specific tools to assist with this. I personally have made the commitment to myself to use the tools on a daily basis to reap the benefits from this wisdom.

In my heart of hearts, it is still not ok with me to drop the furkids off at the curb at the vets. I will trust my heart that a solution will present itself and, in the meantime, I am going to be meditating a lot and use the tools Val has taught us and be ok with what my intuition and heart is telling me. It is not ok to drop the furkids off; that is not how our relationship works. I am looking for a new vet but so far, no luck. Even the house call vet is turning down new clients….

Peace, health, and prosperity to you all, and serenity in this insane world. May we know the one from the other.

. . .

* The Serenity Prayer was composed by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in 1932-33. Original version: Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.

** Val also has a great Heart Wisdom Masterclass in the Platinum Animal Talk Coaching & Mastery Club archives on the Accessing the Akashic Field for Healing

. . .

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Are You Highly Sensitive and/or Empathic?

Discovering the Joy of Visualization and Intuition

COVID-19 and Mother Earth Gaia’s Perspective, I Wonder?

 

The post Serenity Prayer for a World Put on Hold appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/serenity-prayer-for-a-world-put-on-hold/

Adopting a shelter pet saves two lives

If you want to get a pet that can make your life more meaningful and complete, you should know that adopting a shelter pet is a great alternative to buying one.

Animal shelters are full of happy and healthy animals that can’t wait to show you love and loyalty! That’s why so many people give it the thumbs up. Besides that, adopting means that you don’t support puppy mills.  These commercial dog breeding facilities are known to put profit over the well-being of dogs. If you want to know why adopting is so beneficial, both for the animal and its owner, keep on reading. Here is what you need to know about adopting a shelter pet.

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You’ll save not one, but two animals this way

Millions of cats and dogs are being euthanized annually in the United States for one main reason – there simply isn’t enough space in shelters for all of them. Unfortunately, only a small number of people consider adoption when looking for a pet. If you’re of two minds about whether or not to adopt, try to see it from a different perspective. Adopting a shelter pet means not only that you’ll save its life, but also a life of another animal.  What other animal?  The one that will take its place and get a chance to find a family, too.

You’ll give these animals a great opportunity for happy life, which is a good deed you should be proud of. As already stated, adoption saves at least two animal lives, but the fact is that it has an impact on many more – especially when we’re talking about their owners’. Many research institutes, such as National Center for Health Research, point out that having a pet in your home has a number of significant advantages when it comes to promoting your health.

You’ll save yourself as well

The most obvious benefits of pet ownership are love and companionship, which is exactly what you can get if you adopt a shelter pet. Dogs and cats can provide unconditional love to their owners, and they’ll undoubtedly make them feel happy, fulfilled, and grateful. Having a pet has many more benefits, and researchers suggest that a caretaking role gives people sense of purpose and responsibility.  This further contributes to their overall well-being. So, you’ll have to face important challenges and decisions like choosing good pet food, toys, collars, and other necessities.

Companion animals can improve your heart health by regulating heart rate during stressful situations.  They can also lower your blood pressure. Some studies even showed that having a dog in your home can lower your blood pressure more efficiently than taking blood pressure medication, which is another good reason for people with similar health issues to get a pet.

The benefits of adopting a shelter pet are numerous – apart from saving its life, you can also save a life of another animal that comes to its place, which is one of the most important advantages. Besides that, adoption can give you an opportunity for love, fulfillment, and mindfulness. Saving an animal’s life often turns out to be saving a human life as well, which is exactly what makes it so valuable.

Guest Post Bio:

Zara Lewis is a regular contributor at Highstylife.com and a full time animal lover. Passionate about creating a better world for the generations to come, she is a mum of two, raising them inseparably from their furry family members.

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

What Are the Friendliest Dog Breeds? There’s More to it Than You Think!

Why You Should Not Own a Cat and Dog Together

First-Time Dog Owner Guide: Health and Nutrition

The post Adopting a shelter pet saves two lives appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/adopting-shelter-pet-saves-two-lives/

Time Travel is the Best Superpower to Help Abused Animals Heal Negative Emotions

Just like humans, animal emotions can be both negative and positive.

Animals, just like humans, not only feel physical and emotional pain but can also feel and remember pain caused by traumatic events that have happened to them in their past.

The problems many pet owners face is not only recognizing these emotional wounds exist, and if they do, finding a way to overcome them.

It is unlikely that the vet you take your animal to will be able to help. Unless you are trained in the techniques that I teach in my masterclass, you will not be able to help either. No matter how much you may want to or how much training you do with your animal. That’s because you don’t know how to erase or rewrite history.

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Rewriting History is the Key to Helping Animals Heal From the Past.

Over my career, I have developed a wonderful healing technique in order to help mend these painful emotional wounds that I call “time travel”.

A lot of people struggle with this concept. To quickly clarify, no, I do not literally mean travel back in time physically!

Rather, what I have discovered is that…

Time is an illusion.

When I say time travel, I mean that I travel to moments in the past, using the memories and the minds of myself and animals as the vehicle.

Let me explain:

The speed of light is fixed, but time and space have to be flexible in order to make the world sync with the fixed state of light. Space gives us the concept of separation. Time gives us the concept of associations (within the body-mind or externally in the environment.) Light represents the continuum of the absolute—Brahman or the god mind—and the total awareness of the fully enlightened individual. Time/Space (sound/vibration—God) represents the ignorance of the intellect and the relative restrictions of life.

While this is a lot to grasp, understanding that time is a construct rather than an absolute, allows us to remove the barriers that stop us from going back and helping us mend negative animal emotions.

Once this is understood, we can begin to look at the idea of…

Expanding and Contracting Time

Our minds are linear, and as such we subconsciously organize our experiences as such.

In reality, time is more like a movie, which can be fast-forwarded, rewinded, or even stopped altogether.

If you think someone has plenty of time, it is because they have an expanded state of time. On the flip side, if you are always feeling rushed, that is a contracted state of time.

To understand this, think about the experiences that you have “lost.” This is also sometimes thought of as going into autopilot. One example is when you drive the same route to work as you always do. One minute you are leaving your house, and next you are at the office! Essentially, you have sped up time by stepping outside of the regular time-space continuum temporarily.

At this point you are probably thinking:

“Val, this is interesting, but how does it help me heal my animals’ past and negative emotions?”

Which is a great question! Once you can grasp the idea that time is not as we perceive it, we can learn the concept of…

Past and Future Lives

Sometimes, both humans and animals will react in ways that we cannot explain. Emotions, phobias, and emotions seem to come out of nowhere and no matter how hard we try, we cannot change how we feel.

Our bodies store memories of significant things that have happened to us, whether they be traumatic, or positive. Regardless, they are stored at a deep, subconscious level. While some of these memories are from our current life, some are not. Rather, they come from our past life.

The same can be said for animals. While some animal emotions can come from experiences they remember, others might come from their past lives. I have even talked to animals who have told me about incidents that happened to them with their owners from ‘before’.

So to help mend negative animal emotions, we must sometimes go back to their past lives to help find the stuck spot.

Future lives can also impact us as well. Once you have mastered an understanding of how time really works, you can talk to your future self, and bring back will help you, and your pet, in your journey.

Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and truly master your animal communication skills? Click here to sign up for my Platinum Club Membership and live Masterclasses!

A Therapy Dog’s Own Struggle.

I had the privilege of working with a wonderful therapy dog not long ago. Her owner is a professional counselor, and her dog helps her in her practice. My client was increasingly concerned about her beloved companion and partner because, starting last fall, the dog had, for the first time in her life, shown the unmistakable signs of fear of thunder and loud noises.

When I tuned in and ‘spoke’ with the dog telepathically, I asked her how she was doing. She said it had been difficult during the past few months—she was nervous and definitely not herself. She had lost her peace and tranquility and was not interacting with people like she had always loved doing before. I asked her to tell me about thunderstorms and why she was afraid of them.  I asked if she could tell me what had happened to make her afraid.

Instead of answering my question directly, she shared with me that she had been having recurring nightmares. I asked her if she could tell me more about that. She was very frightened but was glad to be able to share these nightly terrors with someone.

She showed me an image of herself standing, watching her human. Then she heard a monstrous, thunderous boom that shook the earth. Standing wide-eyed, she then watched as great billowing gray clouds swallowed up everything and everyone she loved.

In the dream, she would frantically run and bark, calling for her owner.  She was trying to get to safety but always losing her human to the ominous clouds as they blanketed everything.

Bark! Bark!

She could almost hear her human calling her, but try as she might, she could never find her. The therapy dog was lost and helpless, despairing of ever seeing her beloved human again, feeling that she had somehow failed to warn her of this catastrophe.

She wanted so desperately to save her loved ones but always lost them to the noise and that terrifying, all-consuming cloud. In her waking hours, she began being anxious and fretful. She was living in dread of any loud noise that reminded her of the awful nightmare.

As I watched and listened, I realized that she was describing the events of September 11, 2001. I asked my client if she had been personally affected by the events, or if she had counseled others about them, and she said yes to both questions.

At this point, we both understood how deeply this sweet, telepathic animal had been affected by our nation’s tragedy and our reactions to it.

It should come as no surprise that animal emotions are deeply affected by world events and tragedies, especially when they affect us so profoundly. It is helpful for all of us, humans and our animal companions, to discuss these things openly with each other, to share comfort and hope, as well as sadness, pain, and fear.

This is exactly what we did with this dog. A week later, her owner reported that her dog was acting less fearful and was continuing to improve day by day.

Through lots of open-hearted exploration, using the methods I have learned throughout my many years of training and education, we can start to bridge the gap between us and the other creatures who share this planet with us. A kinder, more communicative planet can start with you and your own animal companions.

Mastering this unique intuitive skill is important. Being able to communicate with an animal about their emotions will allow them to tell you about a past traumatic event, or that their person is struggling over something they’ve experienced. Once you know that, then you’ll know exactly what to do to help them.

Did you enjoy this article? Here are some more you might enjoy:

Healing dogs through meditation.
TedX talk: animals are smarter than you think.
Doggie depression: how to help your dog out of the blues.

The post Time Travel is the Best Superpower to Help Abused Animals Heal Negative Emotions appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/time-travel-is-the-best-superpower-to-help-abused-animals-heal/

Information About A Bearded Dragon Diet

There are dogs, and there are cats and then there are bearded dragons.

We’re talking about household pets that are domesticated for our companionship. The majority of the world’s population loves any four-legged furry friend to have around the house.  But those unique few that love bearded dragons, love them for the same reasons – as companions. They make obedient pets, too.  You want to make sure that you know all you need to know about a bearded dragon diet to ensure you keep your pet healthy and happy.

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The only difference between them and the furry ones are their diets. These guys prefer a bit more of a diverse range of food groups.  That includes anything from fruits to insects and vegetables. They keep it healthy. Bearded dragons, often referred to as “beardies”, are one of the most popular creatures to keep in houses. However, it is always important to note that if you’re planning to adopt one, you must keep him in an environment that mimics the outdoors where he would typically live. Some further advice about them can be found on appropriate websites such as this one.

When considering whether to get one, prepare to have it for at least 10 to 15 years, because that’s their lifespan in general. If you have recently adopted one or are planning on getting one but not sure what to buy for it, this article will tap into the most important information to help you make sure he or she is a healthy and happy little pet.

What Food to Give Them – Fruits and Vegetables

As mentioned above, these little creatures like to keep it healthy. Their food choices range from insects such as crickets to an array of fruits and vegetables. So in terms of fruits that they can eat, or prefer to eat, the list includes:

• pears
• most exotic berries (blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, and blackberries)
• olives
• watermelons
• apricots
• papaya
• mango
• figs
• peaches
• guava
• cherries
• prunes
• pineapples (canned are fine)
• mandarins or oranges
• plums

In terms of vegetables, keep it simple by giving items such as:

• broccoli
• artichokes
• zucchini
• okra
• parsnips
• squash
• mustard greens
• Bell peppers
• asparagus
• bok choy
• peeled cucumbers
• arugula
• basil
• dandelion greens
• uncooked artichoke hearts

You can also check for what’s listed on this site: https://www.cuteness.com/article/fruits-can-feed-bearded-dragon

Insects to Give Them

When giving them insects, the most common ones to buy from the pet store will be crickets. However, you can extend this option to include a bunch of other insects such as worms of many kinds:

• super worms
• earthworms
• silkworms
• butter worms
• wax worms
• mealworms
• goliath worms
• red worms
• locusts
• dubia roaches
• black soldier fly larvae

Setting Up Their Living Space

As mentioned above, keeping them in an environment that mimics their natural outdoor one is essential for them to stay healthy and happy.  Also to take into consideration is the temperature you keep them in.  Typically one would leave them in a room with a humidity level of between 30 to 40% for it to be comfortable for them. The heat levels must not surpass 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit), while the cold temperatures must not dip below 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 Fahrenheit). Fluorescent UV tube lights often do the trick of keeping the temperature levels optimum.

Because they can grow up to just under 50 cm (19.7 inches), it is important to make sure you have enough room for them in the vivarium to move around.  Even if he is still a baby, he will grow, and fast. Also, it’s good to note that the younger ones shed their skin a lot more than the older ones, and in big chunks. Sometimes if you find that they do this too much, consult a specialist.

During the colder seasons, these guys tend to sleep more. Their diet, however, will not change with it, it may just become less. While animals tend to hibernate, in the lizard family this act is known as “brumation”. They still eat, so food must always be left for them. If they stop eating entirely and start to lose weight, check with an expert as well.

In the end, just like you would look after any other pet – with much love and care – you should turn the same respect to these age-old ancient and amazing creatures.

Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:

Easing Stress for Yourself & Your Pets in Challenging Times

First-Time Dog Owner Guide: Health and Nutrition

Elephant Communication – Reunited after 20 years

The post Information About A Bearded Dragon Diet appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/information-about-a-bearded-dragon-diet/

3 Simple Steps to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Your Carpet

You love your cat and they love you back. But you hate the smell of their pee in the carpet, right? 

That’s why you need these 3 simple steps to get cat pee smell out of your carpet!

Even the most well-behaved cat will have the odd accident… and who can stay mad at a kitten who accidentally soils the rug in your bedroom?

Inappropriate bathroom rituals can also be a sign of mental or physical distress and shouldn’t be ignored…but let’s deal with the immediate problem first. The smell.

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You probably know that it’s very important to clean up cat urine as quickly as possible. It’s easier to eliminate the odors when it’s still fresh and wet.  And cats have a habit of becoming repeat offenders if the mess isn’t cleaned up quickly, too.  In fact the smell itself tells them that’s where the pee goes. 

But sometimes you stumble onto the accident hours or days after your kitty has gone to the bathroom under your sofa or in other odd places.

Still, you can clean up the catastrophe quickly and thoroughly, even when you’re late to the party, once you know how. There are some homemade solutions and some excellent commercial products available, but there are also ones that you should not use.  We’ll share our favorites with you here.

But first…

Why does cat pee stink?

All urine has an unpleasant odor, but cat pee is one of the worst offenders on the olfactory senses. There are few scents more distinctive – and pungent – than strong cat pee. To understand why you’ll need a little lesson in chemistry.

As the urine ages in the carpet, on your furniture, or the sweater at the bottom of your closet, the bacterium in the pee starts to decompose. This results in the putrid ammonia-like odor emanating from the stain…and that’s usually when you discover there’s a mess to clean up.

Unneutered cats have hormones in their urine that can be especially unpleasant smelling to humans. And, the older your cat, the worse the smell as their kidneys become less efficient. 

Sadly, it’s more likely your aging cat will be experiencing health issues related to kidney function and bladder control as time goes by.

It’s very important to keep in mind that, despite their reputation for mischief and spite, cats aren’t ‘getting even with you’ when they skip the litterbox and pee on your bath mat, bed or pillow. What they are doing makes perfect sense, from their viewpoint. 

They’re trying to tell you something – either about their physical or mental health. Make sure you listen carefully to their message and consult a pet communicator or veterinarian to find out what Tiger or Felix are trying to say.

How do I get the cat pee smell out of the carpet?

It would be nice to call in a professional to take care of the problem, but that’s not always practical – or affordable! 

Here are three simple steps that will help you get cat pee smell out of carpets and furniture.

1. Remove as much of the stain as you can with an absorbent paper towel. 

Don’t bother with a deep cleaning at this stage. The trick is to lift up as much of the moisture as possible when it’s still wet.

If it’s already dried, jump straight to Step 2. 

2. Use an enzymatic cleaner. 

This is imperative. Cats have a very keen sense of smell and will definitely return to the scene of the crime to repeat their offense if they can still smell their scent there. 

Don’t be fooled by your nose… Just because you can’t smell it very well doesn’t mean they can’t.  Their nose is much more sensitive!  The pee scent calls to them like a neon sign in the night. 

Never under any circumstances use an ammonia based product.  Urine IS ammonia, so adding more ammonia just spreads the stench around and makes it worse.

You want an enzymatic based cleaning solution. They have special types of enzymes and cultures that will literally consume ALL the odor-causing bacteria in the urine. 

Here are some brands we recommend:

• Carpet Miracle – the Best Carpet Cleaner Shampoo
• Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats
• Bubbas Super Strength Concentrate Pet Odor Eliminator
• Anti-Icky-Poo by MisterMax
• Clean + Green Carpet and Upholstery Pet Odor and Stain Remover for Cats

 Then let the magic do it’s work on your carpet until the area is thoroughly dry. 

3. Using baking soda as a finishing touch.

It’s time to get out the vacuum. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the dry area and leave it for a couple of hours to draw out any residual smells of the cleaning solution. 

A few drops of essential oil shaken up in a jar with baking soda adds a fragrant scent to your carpet freshener if you don’t want to purchase scented products at the store.

Be careful if you decide to use essential oils though because many essential oils are toxic to cats.  Also, less is more when it comes to your kitty.  

A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat  that also smell nice include lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense. 

This works for upholstery and carpets, and could be part of your cleaning ritual to keep all pet odors in your house at bay.

via GIPHY

What should I do if my cat keeps messing outside the litterbox?

It’s one thing to know how to get cat pee smell out of carpet. It’s another altogether to deal with the root cause of the problem.

As mentioned earlier, if your cat has the odd accident there’s likely no cause for concern. But if you’re finding messes throughout the house or consistently in certain spots, it’s time to consult an expert.

There’s a range of diseases – like lower urinary tract infections – that could be the cause of the problem. 

Cats also use urine to mark their territory in what’s known as marking.  

However, inappropriate messes in the house can often be a sign that your feline is experiencing either physical or mental distress…and this is one of the ways they’re telling you about it.

You should always be paying attention to your cat’s needs – and in this case?  It’s time to go beyond food and water and safe haven to solve the pee problem.  

Cats are sentient beings with thoughts, feelings, and experiences to share with you if you’re willing to listen.

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Recommended for you!  Cat lovers also enjoyed these popular posts:

How to Stop Cats From Fighting

Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats

The Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Cat Hairballs

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Affiliate Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate information which means that I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. 

The post 3 Simple Steps to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Your Carpet appeared first on Val Heart.

source https://valheart.com/get-cat-urine-smell-carpet/