BY STACY KRAFCYZK
Animals are very sentient beings, like little psychic sponges, they are very sensitive and in tune with their environment and their people. It is very common for animals to pick up and take on their human’s emotions, the energy of their environment and begin to take on physical ailments that are not their own, whether intentional or unintentional.
A lot of times people will contact me because their animal companion is acting out or acting strange and they want to figure out what’s going on. While I am communicating with the animals, they quickly turn it back to their human companion and help guide them to what’s going on within or around them that is the true issue or cause of the animal’s behavior.
For example imagine they are like a child. Negative attention to them is attention, and they need it for the next step of their growth and healing (so do the humans in the house).
If their human companion has health issues, their animals can “mirror” that. If the owner gets cancer, the animal gets cancer. If the owner has diabetes, the cat gets diabetes. Their human friend has an injury; the animal has an injury similar to their owner. Sometimes the human and animal have the same disease, but the animal eventually succumbs to it whereas the owner lives. The animal took on its human’s illness to save them so their human companion can live out their purpose. “Mirroring” the energy or emotion of the human or environment is how the animal communicates what needs attention and this happens very frequently in the animal communication sessions.
Witnessing this as an animal communicator, it’s very common that the dog will mirror emotional issues such as fear, abandonment issues, distrust, anxiety, worry and other common negative emotions. Animals are brought into our life for healing and teaching us as much as we are for them. So they are capable of highlighting an issue and mirroring back to us what needs to be healed. As their humans, it’s important it begin to correct and heal that pattern. Sometimes we need professional help to change that pattern or just need to become more mindful of it while beginning to make necessary changes.
It’s not a reflection of us being “bad humans or companions” to the animal but more of an awakening that the animal is able to give us, whereas if another human brought it up to our attention it’s less likely to make as big of an impact on us. We’ve all come to this planet to help each other heal, grow and evolve. Animals tend to reach places in our heart and soul that we would not allow other some people access to. They’re helping us to wake up and point out what is not working right now. It may be a little uncomfortable to hear at first, but then after that it becomes a very empowering experience and deepens our bond to our animal friend.
Another important note is that therapy dogs are very in tune and sensitive to the people and the environment they will be visiting, including in-home therapy dogs. Whether it’s for hospice care, veterans, any type of rehab, visiting children, all that energy adds up and takes a toll. Over time it can weigh on them physically and energetically almost like they’re depressed. The glint in their eyes disappears, and they no longer want to jump in the car to go. They dig their paws into to the ground as if you can only drag or carry them into the facility, or they hide under desks.
If we can learn to clear their energy field before and after the therapy session, the dogs keep their energy clear and light and then are able to be a dog and let their work go.
One client’s therapy dog said it no longer wanted to work in hospice and now wanted to work with children. The dog said it’s happier energy and lighter and the dog felt more in alignment on its purpose. Death and dying was too hard for the dog. It was too heavy and sad.
How we process and release energy is by going for a walk, a drive, calling a friend, yelling, crying, screaming, breaking things, etc. Animals don’t have as many options. They’ll process and release their energy or frustration by being destructive, excessively licking, chewing, running and eating things they normally don’t. With animals it tends to build and build until they ultimately do something very destructive or have a health crisis. That’s why it’s important to clear your own energy, the animal’s energy field, their environment and your vehicle (if they go to work with you).
This comes up a lot in animal communication sessions on a regular basis. Your cars, home and work environment all need to be energetically kept clean so that your animal friend doesn’t have to take that on, whether it’s by choice or not. You should communicate to the animal exactly what is going on because they know but would like details.
Examples of When to Clear
After doggy day care, the dog park, the vet, a death in the house, a dog fight, a job change, a move, a divorce, adding on to the human or animal family, health crisis and the list goes on. Anything that feels like there is a lot of negative energy or chaos needs to be cleared. A chaotic environment can make for a chaotic animal.
How to Clear & Shield the Animal’s Energy Field
There are many ways, but here are a few tips. You can use a spray bottle with an essential oil to mist over and around them, in the car and at home. Some animals don’t like the misters so you can spray it on your hands, rub your palms together and gently stroke down their body with the intention of clearing their energy field. Play a cleansing CD at home and in the car by Mitchell Gibson from iTunes or Amazon.
Play soft and soothing music for your animals and visualize a protective bubble of light around them from nose to tail, from tips of ears to the bottom of their paws. State the intent, “only love and light may penetrate this bubble” and use prayer while burning sage.
Cleansing all of those on regular basis is very important for a healthy and balanced animal. Depending on what’s going on for the human or animals it may be needed more frequently until things begin to calm down. It may seem silly, but clearing energy for the animals will make a big difference. It helps both the humans and animals.
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By JESSICA PAIRRETT, Freelancer
A permanent smile outlines the Samoyed’s face, matching its happy, warm personality. But don’t let this gorgeous dog fool you: he’s not just a pretty face. In fact, the Sammy or Sam, as the breed is known among fans, is a highly functional, hardy dog.
History
The Samoyed takes his name from the nomadic tribe who, thousands of years ago traveled from the Iran region to the tundra of Siberia. Once there, the dogs and Samoyed people shared trust as the dogs earned their working status. In addition to Artic exploration, the Sammy pulled sleds, herded reindeer and hunted and guarded property.
These dogs became companion animals, babysitting children and warming beds on cool nights. Extremely cold nights were three-dog nights, in which three dogs would be placed on the bed to warm its occupants, explains Maria Kirylo, state coordinator of Playing Again Sams Wisconsin Samoyed Rescue.
According to the American Kennel Club, during the early 1900s, the breed was brought to England to breed enthusiast Queen Alexandra. Present-day American and English Samoyeds are descendants of her dogs. Today, the Samoyed is one of the purest breeds around, the most similar to the primitive dog, with no fox or wolf DNA.
At Home
“Samoyeds make terrible, terrible outdoor dogs,” Kirylo says. They are very much part of your pack and want to be with their families. Gentle, friendly and easygoing, the Sammy is said to love everyone—intruders included. Needless to say, the Sammy will adapt to life perfectly fine with children or the family cat.
Activities
Speaking from firsthand experience, Kirylo advises that “if you can’t walk your dog several miles a day, don’t get a Samoyed.” Besides Wisconsin’s three warmer seasons, her four Sams will walk all winter long. And they do need the exercise. She says these dogs are sometimes labeled as stubborn, but it comes down to motivation. Make sure to give your Sammy an interesting job to do, one that keeps him mentally and physically active.
Mindset
Because they are working dogs, Sams instinctively need daily exercise. A fenced-in yard is nice, but long walks are even better. Showing their very high intelligence, Samoyeds also participate in agility. “They are up for anything, any time, any moment, but they know how to relax,” says Kirylo She also notes that Sams “bark a lot and love to dig.” If you want a perfect lawn or garden, the Samoyed might not be ideal for you. “They’ll eat anything,” she laughs, as she pictures those tempting vegetable gardens.
One of Kirylo’s favorite characteristics of the Samoyed is that it takes a lot to ruin this happy-go-lucky dog. In rescue, she sees the dogs’ different backgrounds, but the dogs exhibit healthy levels of trust. Sure, they can bite and snap like any dog, but that’s just not who they are.
Health
Samoyeds are typically healthy. However, almost all tend to get weak in the back end, she says. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can prevent this. Glaucoma can develop and incidences of diabetes are a little high, but cardiac issues are not common.
Coat & Grooming
Stemming from his ancient beginnings, a Samoyed’s gorgeous coat repels water—it was a necessity to stay dry amid those artic temps. If he rolls in the mud and it dries on the coat, the mud will flake off as if the dog’s coat is nonstick. You’ll be left with a white-turned-slightly-gray dog.
Overall, the Sammy’s coat requires a great deal of care. Weekly brushing (if not more) is needed, especially during the once or twice a year seasonal shed, reports the AKC. Plenty of hair is shed but unlike Lab or cat hair, a Samoyed’s hair falls out akin to human hair. Maria likens it to picking up little dust bunnies—they lift easily off the floor.
Also, “never, ever shave a Samoyed,” she stresses. This is an act she has never done in her 17 years of rescue. Underneath all that hair is “very pink, tender skin” that is dander- and oil-free. The coat keeps your Sam warm in winter and cool in the summer because it reflects the sun’s rays.
Fun fact about the Sam’s smile: The AKC says the dog’s upturned mouth corners keep him from drooling—and prevents icicles from forming on the dog’s face—a necessary trait in the Artic.
Takeaway
Saying the Samoyed is “more than a pretty face” is not only one of Kirylo’s favorite phrases but also is 100 percent true. After all, who wouldn’t want a dog that boasts both beauty and brains? Add in the breed’s pleasant demeanor and medium-level energy and you may just find your perfect companion.
Homeland: Initially, Iran. Nomadic tribe traveled to Siberia.
Size: Males 21–23.5”, 45–65 lbs. Females 19–21”, 35–50 lbs.
Appearance: Muscular yet compact. Upturned mouth corners create a continuous smile. Thick, dense coat in white, cream, biscuit and yellow.
Job: Pulling sleds, hunting game, herding and guarding reindeer.
Temperament: Friendly, gentle, intelligent, loves people.
Grooming: Weekly to daily brushing. Weekly ear checks. Monthly to bimonthly nail trims.
Average Life Span: 12–15 years.
By SHANNON VENEGAS, Freelancer
He’ll jump on the couch, curl up next to your lap and wait for the movie to start. Then during the previews, he’ll probably look up at you with one paw resting on your leg and ask, “Where’s the popcorn?” This is typical behavior from English Bulldogs. They’re people-oriented couch potatoes with a bit of clown in them.
“They absolutely love to be with their people,” says Laura Wesseln, director of Adoptabull English Bulldog Rescue. “They’re OK with having another buddy, but they really, really want to be with you, their owner. They want to know what you’re doing, follow you around the house and keep an eye on you from their comfortable couch.”
According to breeder Mike Hedrick, English Bulldogs are “like no other dog.” “They’re more like humans than they are dogs,” he says. “I would honestly say they are probably the canine clowns. They’re goofy. They kick back and have fun. They can be athletic, but in short bursts. I have some that love to play tether ball. I have some that like to go on the toboggan or tubing behind the boat. Anything that has anything to do with people.”
Originally from the British Isles, English bulldogs were bred for bull baiting. Nowadays, though, as the fourth-most popular breed (according to the American Kennel Club), they much rather prefer their job to be as companions — and treat inhalers.
“They will do anything for treats,” Hedrick says. “They’re very food motivated, and their weakness is their stomach.”
And English bulldogs know just how to finagle those treats out of their owners.
“They’re smart but in a way that people don’t quite expect,” Wesseln says. “So a German Shepherd or a lab can do tricks, but a bulldog will do it once or twice but then ask what’s in it for me? They’re good at manipulating me. Mine have me trained to give them treats when they came in from going outside. Sometimes they want to go out just to come in and get a treat.”
Their stomach is not their only weakness, though. Like any other dog, some poor breeding has caused English Bulldogs to have their fair share of medical problems. Most common, according to Hedrick and Wesseln, are ACL and knee issues. They also have a tendency toward elongated palettes and cherry eyes.
I want one
When looking to purchase an English Bulldog, it’s crucial to have their personality in mind.
“Research, research, research,” says English Bulldog breeder Jennifer Guinn. “I can’t stress that enough. Is this the dog that fits
your lifestyle? Bulldogs are very attached to their humans so they need lots of human attention.”
Because English Bulldogs are such a popular breed, potential buyers have to research the breeders they are interested in. Wesseln says it is important to find a breeder who belongs to the Bulldog Club of America, has champions he or she breeds and is involved with local breed clubs. These are the breeders who have quality dogs and are active in the industry, according to her.
According to Hedrick, English Bulldogs are expensive and hard to find, so the price can be an initial tip-off as to whether it is a quality English Bulldog.
“If it’s only $800 to $1,000, it’s not a bulldog,” he says.
The starting price for a well-bred English Bulldog is from $2,000 to $2,500. With the chocolate, blue and lilac colors, the sky’s the limit, Hedrick says.
When you do find a reputable breeder, Guinn says to ask them if they health test and what type of health testing they do. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for puppy and vet references, as well as ask to see the parents of the puppies.
Once you have one
One of the great things about English Bulldogs is that they don’t require 20 acres of running space. They work just fine for a dog owner who lives in an apartment because they are fairly low energy. They will go out and play for 15 minutes, and then it’s time for another nap, Wesseln says, so they can be a poor match for someone who wants to go out and run 5 miles in the summertime.
Hedrick says he does have some who have some energy and like to play, but only for short periods of time.
“They want to be Jack Russell terriers for 10 minutes, and then they remember they’re bulldogs,” he says.
They are best kept as indoor pets with a person or family in a loving environment because they are always happiest with people around, Guinn adds.
If you do have them in an apartment, though, make sure there is air conditioning. Another common issue with English Bulldogs is that they are prone to heat stroke. Any exercise in the summer has to be done in short spurts whether they like it or not to prevent any serious exhaustion.
Also important, make sure if you decide to get an English Bulldog that you don’t mind doing a little bit of daily cleaning. Wesseln says that when the rescue gets dogs, they have to wipe out their ears and wrinkles early every day. Bulldogs are also very short bodied, so you have to clean their back ends if needed, particularly if they have an inverted tail pocket.
Full of love
Once you have made the decision that the English Bulldog is the right dog for you, you will never go back. Hedrick quotes the AKC, saying “Once you have a bulldog, there is an 85 percent chance you will have a bulldog for life.”
Their kind, docile and brave character is enough to make anyone fall in love.
“Their clownish antics every day, you can’t help but laugh,” Guinn says. “When I walk in the door, they rush to the door to greet me. One plays dead constantly to get your attention to rub his belly while the other is waving her paw to get your attention away from the other one.”
Not only do English Bulldogs love to get attention, but they will return the favor.
“They just give so much love back,” Wesseln says. “They are really responsible—if you don’t feel well, they are very clingy and sit with you and give love to you.”
Homeland: British Isles
Size: 45-55 pounds
Appearance: Medium sized with a smooth coat; heavy-set bodies set lower to the ground with wide shoulders; short-faced head; shuffling gait; 10 colors including brindle and white and fawn and white
Job: Bull baiting (originally); companionship
Temperament: Kind and strong; people-oriented; couch potatoes with a touch of clown
Grooming: Regular cleaning of back-end area, as well as their ears and wrinkles
Average life span: 8-10 yrs
By NASTASSIA PUTZ, Freelancer
Nearly facing extinction during World War II due to thousands of Hungarians fleeing their homeland and leaving their dogs behind, Vizslas have survived and flourished. It is thanks to those few individuals that took their dogs with them during wartime. Today, the Vizsla is a well-recognized breed, noted for hunting and canine competition in the United States and has been re-established in Hungary as the national dog.
Brief Background/Facts: Vizslas (a Hungarian word that means “pointer”) were hunters and companions to the nomadic Magyar tribes and were selectively bred by Hungarian noblemen. They arrived in the US in the early 1950’s and the Magyar Vizsla Club of America (known today as the Vizsla Club of America Inc.) was established in 1953. As part of its foundation stock, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1960.
Today: According to the VCA, the Vizsla is one of the top three breeds used by the Transportation Security Administration. They worked in Search and Rescue at 9/11 and are used successfully in Seeing Eye programs.
Breeder and President of the Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club Rebecca Smith has handled over 40 Vizsla fosters in her home and has taken care of her own Vizslas since 1991.
With over 15 years of breed experience, she and her husband Mark have produced 8 litters, participated in conformation, field trials, hunt tests, limited obedience and agility and rally. Rebecca loves conformation and Mark is an enthusiast for the field trials. Having no two-legged children of their own, Rebecca says her dogs are her kids, and having an active lifestyle with these versatile pooches is comparable to having kids in multiple sports.
“If someone wants a dog that is going to be their best buddy, prefers to be close to them all the time (if not on top of them), is athletic and smart, the Vizsla would be a good choice,” says Rebecca. Also, Vizslas “are able to participate successfully in many activities…”
Ownership Pros & Cons: Besides their beautiful appearance, Rebecca notes, “They are a 50-pound lapdog … It is rare that I sit down to watch TV or work on the computer that I do not have a Vizsla sharing my chair or sitting in my lap.”
This is a trait she adores, but for some it may be a nuisance. Another potential bothersome trait may be their thought process. For a Vizsla it’s “Let’s go hunting,” as opposed to “Many other pointing breeds … which seem to think ‘I’m going hunting’ and ‘you keep up’.” So “… when you are hunting with a Vizsla, they may go out quite a long way [on their own] however, they will always check back to see where you are.” They are a bit needy and softer in temperament. A pro or con depending on the personality of the owner, she notes.
They do shed but not as much as a longhaired dog and are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears, trim their nails and “they are good to go,” notes Rebecca. She suggests not bathing them more than quarterly unless they get into something undesirable.
The High Maintenance Aspect: Being athletic and active dogs, they require a good amount of exercise. “If you are not planning on exercising your dog on a regular basis, do not get a Vizsla,” Rebecca says. If they don’t get exercise or have a “job” they tend to act out. Her dogs run free for at least 30 minutes a day to burn off that extra energy. “Vizslas tend to be diggers, chewers and counter-surfers. I’ve seen more than one couch or chair ruined by a Vizsla … they are not content lying around the house.”
Highly Trainable & Intelligent: As for training, they need to use their brains. But, “You need to go easy with a Vizsla … and not push too hard,” she confirms. Rebecca advocates positive reinforcement and further states, “If pushed too hard, they will simply shutdown.” On the bright side however, “they are quick to learn things and want nothing more than to please you.” And “they are ‘wicked smart’,” she continues. Her favorite memory is about her dog Jennie who could open “ANYTHING.”
“We kept [a deli bucket with treats] underneath the basement steps. Every time I would go down in the basement, Jennie would follow me and open the deli bucket and help herself to a chew bone. I sometimes had a hard time getting deli buckets open, but she didn’t!”
Playing Nice with Others: First and foremost, they have a notable “prey drive”, and “as a rule, Vizslas are good with other dogs and animals, but remember they are hunting dogs,” says Rebecca.
As far as children are concerned, “… dogs are dogs, and I try not to leave the kids and dogs alone together,” says Wendy Kempfer, Vizsla breeder, owner and handler. However, “… our Vizslas are great with children.”
Wendy is also an active member of the Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club and mother of two young boys, Sully, 3 and Sebastian, 6. “I work hard to try to teach my boys how to behave around dogs as well as teaching the dogs how to behave around kids,” she notes.
Dogs are individuals and will each act differently around children. Wendy’s three dogs each respond and react to her kids in their own unique way. Brody is “super tolerant and accepts it all” yet gives them space. Lexis wasn’t raised around kids and tends to be grumpy and growl at them, so she stays away. And then there is Gracie, the puppy. Gracie loves them and wants to play with them constantly. Sometimes too much and they get jumped on and end up crying in the process.
Even though she finds having dogs (especially Gracie) and kids a challenge at times, she wouldn’t change a thing. “You have to be willing and able to commit as much time to that puppy as you do to your children.”
Final Decision: Just like with any dog or breed, the Vizsla may not be a good fit for everyone and Rebecca stresses visiting a Vizsla in their home environment prior to making a long-term commitment. “They [the potential owner/adopter] need to plan on spending a couple of hours with the dogs so they can see what they are really like, and maybe visit more than once.”
Also, if getting one from a breeder, “… choose a breeder that you like as a person, someone you feel you could be friends with as that breeder should be there to offer advice and help you for the entire life of the dog, not just until you take it out the door,” insists Rebecca.
Note: Rebecca and Mark Smith currently reside outside of Fall River, Wis. and have three Vizslas of their own while co-owning a number of them with friends. “It’s sort of like having grandchildren. We get the benefit of the fun but the dogs live somewhere else.”
Anyone interested in breed rescue should visit cwvc.org. There is a form on the website to fill out in order to adopt a Vizsla and/or surrender forms if someone wants to turn one into rescue.
Homeland: Hungary, nearly faced
extinction, but today is the national dog!
Size: Males are 22-24 inches, Females are 21-23 inches.
Appearance: Golden rust color (various shades), minimal white markings on chest, medium-sized, short-coated athletic body.
Job: Originally bred to work/hunt in field, forest & water. Today, very versatile
in all areas of canine competition.
Temperament: Energetic, natural hunter
yet devoted family companion.
