ALL SPIRIT HEELING: Spring Clearing For You And Your Pet

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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Those Old Siberian Blues

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Renato: The Day He Became A Dog

On June 10, 2011, 25 dogs were seized in Milwaukee’s largest dog fighting bust to date. One of the dogs, “Renato” – the Latin word for rebirth, is believed to have been used as a breeding dog. He spent 22 months at MADACC on hold as evidence for the criminal trial. During that time he had little interaction with people, other than to be fed or have his kennel cleaned.

The Brew City Bully Club rescued Renato on April 1, 2013 and took him into their facility in Pewaukee to begin his true rebirth. For 14 months they worked to rehabilitate him in hopes he would be able to live in a family environment. They spent many hours desensitizing Renato to sudden movements and teaching him the value of human touch. Under their care he learned what it truly meant to be a dog and be loved.

I learned about the Brew City Bully Club after adopting a Pit Bull/Boxer Mix from the Wisconsin Humane Society in Saukville. I became an avid BCBC follower on Facebook and one day, there he was … a dorky, big-headed white dog with a black and white spotted nose and huge perky ears. Renato was ready for adoption.

Renato really captured my heart, but my family wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility of a second dog. I watched the BCBC ‘adopt Renato’ posts hoping someone would step forward. Months passed with no interested parties and Renato continued to call to me. We finally decided in early May of 2014 that we wanted to meet him and see if he would be a good fit for our family.

We made the trip to the rescue facility, and it was love at first sight for all of us. This crazy-looking dog was a giant lover who just wanted to snuggle and kiss everyone. We made plans for him to meet our dog and moved forward with the adoption process.

On Monday, June 30, 2014, Renato came home to live with us FOREVER!

It has been 2 years since we brought Renato into our family, and he is as happy as can be. He spends his time playing and causing trouble with his doggy sister, Brulee’, and is a whiz at figuring out new ways to chew through our backyard fence (tempted by bunnies).

While most dogs won’t pass up the opportunity for a snack, Renato attacks food, wolfing it down with a vengeance. I suspect that behavior is the ghost of his past still haunting him. After the disappearance of an entire loaf of bread, we learned it’s not safe to leave food unattended on the counter. Antics like that have earned him the nickname ‘Renaughty’.

He sleeps curled up with my son at night and is my daughter’s ‘shadow man’ showing an understanding of her emotions I can’t even grasp. He gives everyone he meets a giant grin and then proceeds to cover them in his signature drool (envision scenes from the movie “Turner and Hooch”). We spend countless hours snuggling him, kissing his over-sized head and giving him more treats than any dog should be allowed. He loves to have his tummy and ears rubbed.

Renato has remained active with the Brew City Bully Club family and serves as poster dog and ambassador for their annual “Ride to End Dog Fighting”. He also loves to make appearances at other BCBC functions throughout the year and is currently campaigning for the upcoming presidential election – although we’re not sure if he’s a Repuplican or a Dogmocrat. He has his own Facebook page (follow ‘Renato Enchilada’) where he stays in touch with all of his fans, old and new, posting photos and updates on his latest shenanigans.

We suspect Renato is 10 years old, but there is no way to know for sure. By becoming his family, we’ve accepted all that his is and isn’t, and we’ve promised to fill his remaining life with love. For all of the care and affection we’ve shown him, Renato has given us so much more. He continues to show us every day just how wonderful a rescue with a horrific past can become when given the chance to just be a dog!

Story and photos courtesy of Andrea Mlejnek

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Healing Audree

Audree loves kisses. In fact, there is nothing the 4-year-old English Bulldog/Pitbull Mix seems to enjoy more than cozying up to one of her favorite humans: Jessie Neassen.

As a volunteer for Milwaukee-based 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue organization Canine Cupids, Neassen provides care and love to the area’s most neglected and abused dogs as a foster “mom”. Audree is one of the foster animals currently in her care, and when Audree wants kisses, Neassen is happy to oblige.

“She just wants love and attention,” Neassen says. But when Audree was rescued by Canine Cupids 1.5 years ago, she needed much more than that.

“She had severe mange, secondary infections and was anemic,” Neassen says. “She also had entropy in her eyes, a heart murmur, ear infections and partial tears in her back ACLs.”

Audree’s mange resulted in swelling and inflammation and “weeping” open wounds on her skin.
“She could barely walk,” says Neassen. “The first couple of days I was scared that she was going to die. It was bad.”

While Neassen had cared for dogs with mange before, never had she encountered a dog with such extensive – and costly – health issues. Audree required constant supervision. She slept beside her just to make sure she didn’t stop breathing. She bathed Audree every other day, massaged her with
essential oils, administered many medications and coordinated all of her vet visits – anything to give Audree a chance.

Neassen’s effort paid off. Within a week Audree’s condition began to slowly improve.
“I could just see a difference in her,” says Neassen. “Through it all, her tail was wagging.”

Audree’s tale is one of betrayal and forgiveness. Despite suffering such neglect at the hands of her prior owners, Audree has given humans a second chance.

“She just loves people,” Neassen says. “Any person she’s ever met she adores. Aside from knowing and seeing the pictures you wouldn’t guess she had such a horrible past.”

Story & photos courtesy of Jessie Neassen

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A Sammy’s Smile Is Worth 1000 Words

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.

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English Bulldogs: Your Favorite Couch Potatoes

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

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