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All animals are a treasure. We must treat them as we would rare jewels.

—M. Scott Kosins
   

Talking-To-Animals Newsletter November 2006

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TALKING TO ANIMALS  Monthly Newsletter
By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other. 
Dr. Louis J. Camuti

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November 2006

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Published monthly for subscribers to the Talking-To-Animals Newsletter
By Charlene Boyd
http://www.talk-to-animals.com

To view past issues of Talking-To-Animals, please visit our newsletter archive.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO FRIENDS

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In this edition.

1. Welcome!
2. Some Fascinating Pet Facts
3. Featured Article -
Cat Food Review
4. A story from my files - Messages from Abbey
5.
DOG TRAINING 101
6. Results of my Poll

7.
Veterinary diagnostic testing: what does BUN, GLU, ALT mean? Is it just alphabet soup to you? 
8. The Tail End

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1. WELCOME

W
elcome to the November 2006 edition of Talking-To-Animals Newsletter!
 

Dear readers,
 
Welcome to the November edition of Talking To Animals newsletter. Last night we turned our clocks
back-how quickly the year has gone! It seems like we just moved them forward in anticipation of Spring,
and here it is, almost time for Thanksgiving!  Personally, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.
It is a day of coming together and sharing. We are reminded that the world situation is far from perfect,
but upon reflection, each and every person has much to be thankful for, compared to so many throughout
the world.
 
The people I come in contact with both personally and professionally are, for the most part, thankful for
sharing their lives with their animals. If there are problems with their pets, this is where I can step in and
help both the owner and their pet have a more satisfying life together. Usually it is just a little adjustment
that has resulted from a misperception or misunderstanding on the owner's or pet's part. Once the problem
is resolved, things are back on track and their pet once again becomes a source of love, joy and companionship.
 
At this time of year with our thoughts turning toward feelings of thankfulness, let's think of how we are
thankful for our pets. Within their being lies the capacity to trust, face fear, to heal, and most importantly,
to love with all their heart. Many of our pets are strays or rescues who were not always treated well before
coming into our lives. Yet their hearts are open and they are thankful for another chance at love and
companionship. Their steady presence is always filled with an openness, trust and joy--a big lesson for
their human counterparts.
 
As I watch my own dogs and cat go about their day, I am able to be aware of a more basic reality of life and
I say a silent "thank you" for giving me an opportunity to see what is real and what is important, usually not
what I deem to be a top priority. I have one dog, the youngest, who comes up and bumps me with his nose
to remind me that I have worked enough in his opinion! This is a "second time around" dog for me. He died
seven years ago and I always felt that he would come back to me, but to be honest, I was getting discouraged
in waiting for him. He told another animal communicator who is a dear friend, that he didn't come back sooner
as I was too busy for him! That was a big lesson for me. We all have "stuff" that fills our days, and sometimes
we just need to slow down. Phillip gets me to slow down.  Thank you, Phillip!


 
When I am out walking our dogs, I am filled with gratitude for the chance to be outside, marveling at the
ongoing display that Mother Nature is always unfolding. From the simplest life form to the most complex,
we all share the same spiritual path; from birth to death the journey is the same for all. The bonds and spiritual
connections that we share with our animals are almost as old as time itself. From the time that man first brought
animals into their teepees, huts, homes and igloos, a relationship based on love, need and trust was formed that
endures today.
 
I am thankful to experience their wisdom, spiritual lessons and unique gifts that they so willingly impart to us.
They give us a way to express the best and highest aspects of humanity, such as kindness, compassion,
altruism and being of service to another human being. I feel truly blessed to share my life and time with them.
 
I wish all of you dear readers a most wonderful Thanksgiving this month. May all of you take some time to reflect on the
blessings that you and your pets share together. As the truism goes, "there are no accidents in life." You are with
your animals at this time for a reason. May you take some time to  remember the initial reason you got that "special"
animal and give thanks for the relationship that was forged and the lessons and love you continue to share together.

Charlene

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2.  FASCINATING PET FACTS

  • Dogs are known for remembering a scent for a lifetime
  • Dogs blink less frequently than humans
  • Heaviest living dog: Tom Scott (UK) English Mastiff weighing in at 286 pounds!!
  • A cat can jump seven times its height
  • Cats cannot taste sweets
  • According to fossilized records, animals related to the cat family have existed for 12 million years
  • Cats sleep 16-18 hours per day(but most of you knew that already!)
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REMINDER: The Introductionary Animal Communication Workshop is coming up soon!

The date is Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 in South Orange County, CA. The cost is $95. All monies are due by
Dec. 15. Once payment is received, directions and other class information will be sent out to participants.
The full information is just below this reminder

This is a wonderful way to start off the New Year for you and your pet(s). email charlene@talk-to-animals.com
or go to my website for more information

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 Learn to communicate with animals intuitively.
 
Would you like to deepen your connection with your animals?
 
During this workshop you will learn everything you need to begin practicing animal communication.
 
No previous psychic ability required! Through a series of fun, guided exercises you will develop skills
that will allow you to connect with animals intuitively and interpret their messages to you.
 
Date: Sunday January 21, 2007
Time: from 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $95
Light refreshments provided
 
Contact: Charlene Boyd
949 858-6717
 
**********************************************
Here is how to register:
 
1. Call or e-mail me to reserve a place in the workshop. A place will be saved for three weeks.
2. Send a deposit of $50 to confirm and reserve your space
3. Upon receiving your deposit, you will be sent a list of things to bring, directions, nearby
accommodations and restaurants if you are coming from out of the area.
4. Send the balance 2 weeks before the workshop.
5. I can accept credit cards and checks. There is a $3 fee for credit card payments.
6. There are no refunds on one day workshops.
 
I look forward to helping you deepen your relationship with the animals you love and to increase
your ability and confidence to communicate with them through this life-changing workshop.

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3.  Featured Article: CAT FOOD REVIEW
 
I work with so many animals that have developed cancer or died from cancer that it is really frightening.
More research is indicating that it is as true for us as it is our animals that we are what we eat. What you
might save in food bills can end up being spent on veterinary bills! I have done much research on cat foods,
both dry and canned and I wanted to share with you what I found:
The most highly rated canned foods, according to www.consumersearch.com, is Natural Balance Ultra Formula. 
For protein the sources are chicken, chicken liver, duck and salmon. It does not contain cornmeal or by-products,
chemical preservatives or artificial colors found in cheaper food and does include cranberry powder to promote urinary
tract health.

Experts say that wet food is better for cats than dry food since it contains a high percentage of water,
ensuring your cat stays hydrated. In the wild, cats drink very little water as they derive most of their water needs from
the viscera (the internal organs) of killed prey, so many house cats on a dry food diet can be somewhat dehydrated.
Always keep a fresh supply of water available for your cat to ensure he/she has plenty of liquids.

Iams Chicken Formula is a step down in quality to the canned Natural Balance food. It does
contain chicken, chicken broth and chicken liver and then it lists by-products (ground, rendered and cleaned parts
of necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines). Many pet nutritionists prefer foods like Innova or Natural Balance,
but they feel that Iams, even with by-products is better in quality to foods such as 9 Lives, Friskies and Whiskas.

I noticed when I started upgrading what I fed our cat, his coat improved, there were no more mysterious globs
of regurgitated food on the new carpet and his shedding was reduced quite a bit on the furniture, which was a
nice surprise!


Next month we will talk about dry food and mixing canned and dry food together.
 
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4.  A Story From My Files:  Messages from Abbey

As an animal communicator, I am often contacted by devastated clients who have been
given a terminal diagnosis for their pet by a veterinarian.  This diagnosis will be for a something
that they had no idea was troubling their pet but was now making its presence known, shortening
the life and the times they shared together.

I was contacted by Gary G. when his beloved Golden Retriever Abbey was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
She had been treated at Cornell Veterinary School, one of the premier veterinary hospitals in the Northeast.
Gary has had Abbey since she was a young puppy and they share a very loving, close relationship together,
spending endless hours hiking and canoeing, loving
both the outdoors and spending time together. 
Abbey told me that her life really began when she came to Gary.
 
Gary had prepared some questions for me to ask Abbey about their life together and how she wanted to be
remembered at the end. Abbey understood Gary's concern for her physical condition. Yes, she was getting
tired and needing extra rest as well as the sound of soothing music played at times. However, she was very
clear 
that when she was no longer aware of her surroundings and was unable to walk, she wanted to leave her
body. Abbey is a very proud dog and does not want to be helpless, requiring much assistance. Gary also told
me that Abbey never barked and he wanted me to let her know that a little barking was really ok with him!
 
When it was her time, Abbey said she wanted Gary to be with her until the end. She said she still had
lessons to teach about living and dying and wanted to die with dignity. She wanted Gary to know that it
was ok to show his emotions as she knew they were real and heartfelt.

As poignant as this story is, there is a silver lining; she assured me that she would return to Gary as a
medium sized dog and a sturdy dog. One that he could go walking and traveling with--just like they do now.
 
Gary was deeply touched by the messages from his Abbey. There was more to their conversation, but I have
included just the highlights as some of the messages were too personal for the newsletter. And yes, Abbey
did bark after Gary told her it was OK.  In fact, she barked with joy.  He had no idea of the depth of love and
feelings that animals could have. I have seen this happen literally hundreds of times and it is one of my favorite
type of case to do. Yes, there is sadness, but as the animals so eloquently tell us, life just goes on and on--
there really is no separation.  I know that it will be a joyous reunion when Abbey and Gary come together again
in a couple of years. Those of us that know the intelligence and depth of feelings we share with our wonderful
animals are truly the lucky ones!

                                                 Abbey
---------

Dear Charlene,
 
Thanks very much for the talk you had with Abbey.  I was a bit overcome with emotion and it was difficult to
speak.
 
Abbey perked right up when she heard your voice on the speaker phone.  For the past three hours she has
been playing with her toys and walking.  It's obvious that she is also pleased with what you have done for us.

Sincerely,
Gary and Abbey



----

Hello Gary,
 
I hope you and Abbey are still having good times together, filled with mutual love and comfort for her. May
I ask a favor of you? Would you please resend that lovely picture you sent of Abbey on your boat with water
drops on her face?  I'd like to tell your story in my next newsletter.
 
With Blessings to you both,
 
Charlene
---

Charlene,
 
Yes, tell our story.  I'm sure it will help other people who care about their pets, but don't have the answers they need. 
Besides, Abbey always wanted to be helpful too.
 
Gary

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=============================================================================

5. 
DOG TRAINING 101
 
All dogs should know these five key commands says Pat Miller, in her book, The Power Of Positive Dog Training.
Pat is a contributing columnist for the Whole Dog Journal, one of the best resources for dog information.
 
COMMAND     USE IT....                                     TRY IT WHEN.....
      
1. Come          to call your dog away from             he's tempted by small kids with food
                      anything at anytime  
 
2. Sit-Stay      to keep your dog stationary for        she's overly excited by arriving
                      short periods of time                                                    visitors
 
3. Down-Stay  to keep your dog stationary for        the family sits down for dinner
                      longer periods of time
 
4. Drop It         to prevent your dog from eating        he gets into the trash
                      or picking up something he
                      shouldn't
                      
5. No               (sparingly)to get your dog's              he is chewing on an power
                       attention when there is danger          cord
                       or he does something seriously
                       wrong                    
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6.  QUICK POLL RESULTS
 
A big thank you to you readers who took time to answer the poll in last month's newsletter. It was a tie
between ears and teeth! For my own, pets I take them to my vet and have their nails trimmed. I think it
is particularily difficult to trim dog's with black nails because you can't see the quick and if you accidentally
cut that it will bleed. The shape of an animals ears and past history will dictate how you approach this.
Dogs with heavy, droopy ears are the most prone to problems. The ear canal is a perfect environment for
bacterial growth, resulting in problems. Long or thick coated dogs have have very hairy ear canals! A quick
sniff of the ear on the inside will let you know if there is trouble brewing, literally. An off-smell should be
checked by your vet ASAP!
 
Re. teeth, many vets now offer non-anethesia cleaning right in their hospital. This is an ideal solution IF
your pet's teeth are relatively clean. If they have a heavy buildup of plaque(tartar) you might need to have
them anesthetized for a deep cleaning and then switch to non-anesthesia cleaning at periodic intervals.
Just like our teeth, regular cleanings in the long run, save money and bigger bills.Some of my more
dedicated clients regularily brush their cat's and dog's teeth, but for most of us, we leave this to the pros.
A cleaning would make  a great gift for the holidays for your special friend!
 
Next month I will write a short feature about the pros and cons of giving your dog's raw bones--another
great way to keep those teeth pearly white.

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Gift certificates: Are you looking for something unique for that "hard to please" pet lover? A gift certificate
for a consultation or a package of consultations for multiple pet households is a perfect gift and eliminates
a trip to the mall! One size truly fits all and there is no expiration date! A single consultation is $95 including
the tape and $165 for multiple pets. Please e-mail me if you are interested in this hassle-free gift!

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7. 
Veterinary diagnostic testing: what does BUN, GLU, ALT mean? Is it just alphabet soup to you? 

Alphabet soup? What DO those letters used for diagnostic testing mean to you and your pet?  Depending on
the age, physical exam and medical history of your pet, your vet may order specific tests . Diagnostic tests
are important to determine the overall health of your animal as well as how certain organs or organ systems
are functioning. Periodically in upcoming newsletters, we will review some of the more commonly prescribed
tests. If you have ANY questions about the tests recommended by your vet, don't hesitate to ask!   An informed
client makes the vet's job so much easier and allows you to be fully informed about your pet's health.Let's start
with some of the blood chemisty information:
 
Albumin(ALB)
A protein produced by the liver. Reduced levels of this protein indicates liver or kidney disease, intrstinal disease
or intestinal parasites such as hookworm infection.
 
Alanine Aminotransferase(ALT)
An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury
 
Alkaline Phosphatase(ALKP)
An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and associated ducts. Elevated levels can indicate liver
disease or Cushing's Disease.
 
Amylase(AMYL)
An enzyme secreted by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated levels can
indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
 
Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN) BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate
dehydration, kidney and liver abnormalities.

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8.  THE TAIL END

Once again, thank you for reading to the very end of my newsletter.  Since November is the month to reflect on all
that you are thankful for, I wanted to make sure that you knew that I am very thankful for you, dear reader.  I know
that if you are reading my newsletter, you must care deeply for other living things and I am thankful for this.

I did attend the workshop I mentioned in my last newsletter on Death and Dying.  I decided to save the article
I was originally planning to write on this for January as well as the other topics I'd originally planned to write. 

I hope you enjoyed this month's issue.  Have a lovely Thanksgiving  and I'll see you in December!
Charlene

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Mission Statement:

"I feel that my primary role as an animal communicator is to speak the truth for the animals. By speaking their truth I am able to share with their owners their unique perspectives and spiritual philosophies. The special bond that companion animals share with their owners is one that is built on love and trust. Through this special relationship both owners and their animals have an opportunity to experience love, trust and mutual understanding. It is the key to all relationships we develop with our pets. As we become more sensitive to our pets, we learn that we are all One, created by the same Divine spirit. Our ultimate goal is to live in harmony and joy with the animals we love and cherish."
Charlene Boyd

To all my readers, I always look forward to hearing from you and I do answer each and every email I receive. If you would like to email or call me to talk about your pet and any help I might give, my number is 877.907.1741 or charlene@talk-to-animals.com.

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TALKING TO ANIMALS Monthly Newsletter, talk-to-animals.com and Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator are trademarks of Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator, Coto de Caza, California, USA Phone 877 907-1741.
Copyright 2006, Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator.
You are welcome to forward this entire newsletter to friends.
Please visit my website for articles you may publish and share freely!
--> http://www.talk-to-animals.com/aandr.htm

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To find out more about animal communication and to visit our newsletter archive, please go to our website at www.talk-to-animals.com. To contact Charlene regarding a lost animal, animal behavior problems or the death of your pet, email her at charlene@talk-to-animals or call 877 907-1741.

 

Articles By Charlene
The Magical Connection With Our Pets
Pets and Unconditional Love
Words Can Wound or Heal
Giving Thanks to Our Pets
Breathe Deep = Peace & Tranquility

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