Charlene Boyd, Animal Communicator
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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December 2007
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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 to our Christmas Newsletter
2. Featured Article - Gift of The Old One
3. Upcoming eWorkshop
4. A Story From My Files - Gator
5. Great groups to support during the holidays
6. Pet Safety Tips for the holidays
7. Albert Schweitzer's Prayer For Animals
8. From the Bookshelf
9. The Tail End
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1. WELCOME
Welcome to the December 2007 edition of Talking-To-Animals Newsletter!
Dear readers,
I want to wish all of you a very special holiday with family, friends and of course, your dear animals.
December is always a time of reflection for me in spite of the frantic activities that the holidays
bring into our lives. Each year at this time I think about the animals I've worked with and the joy
and love that they have brought into their owner's lives. I also reflect on those pets that have passed
and the comfort special messages your pets were able to share with me for you. For those who lost
a loved one during the year, I send love, blessings and healing to you. I celebrate with those of you
who opened your heart and loving home to a new stray, shelter or rescue animal this year. May you
know the joy and happiness of saving a life and adding more love to your own. For the rest of us, may
we be mindful of the comfort, good health and familiar love we share with our dear pets. Old friends
make the best friends. May all of you share the best of times at this special time of year, and create
beautiful memories to treasure forever.
December is always a time of reflection for me in spite of the frantic activities that the holidays
bring into our lives. Each year at this time I think about the animals I've worked with and the joy
and love that they have brought into their owner's lives. I also reflect on those pets that have passed
and the comfort special messages your pets were able to share with me for you. For those who lost
a loved one during the year, I send love, blessings and healing to you. I celebrate with those of you
who opened your heart and loving home to a new stray, shelter or rescue animal this year. May you
know the joy and happiness of saving a life and adding more love to your own. For the rest of us, may
we be mindful of the comfort, good health and familiar love we share with our dear pets. Old friends
make the best friends. May all of you share the best of times at this special time of year, and create
beautiful memories to treasure forever.
As is my tradition each year at Christmas, our featured story is my all-time favorite Christmas story,
"Gift of the Old One". This story helps me to be in touch with the deeper truths of love and
commitment to others. Reading it again reminds me of the true spirit of the season and the lesson
that with age comes respect and wisdom. It also reminds me that those gifts we remember most
are the ones that did not come with a price tag, but were gifts that showed true love and caring.
As my mother often said when I was young, "It's not the cost of the gift, but the thought that went into it
that counts." Love, sharing, responsibility and loyalty are the greatest gifts there are. As you will
discover when you have finished reading "Gift of The Old One," love has no season; it is ageless in
its purest, most spiritual essence.
"Gift of the Old One". This story helps me to be in touch with the deeper truths of love and
commitment to others. Reading it again reminds me of the true spirit of the season and the lesson
that with age comes respect and wisdom. It also reminds me that those gifts we remember most
are the ones that did not come with a price tag, but were gifts that showed true love and caring.
As my mother often said when I was young, "It's not the cost of the gift, but the thought that went into it
that counts." Love, sharing, responsibility and loyalty are the greatest gifts there are. As you will
discover when you have finished reading "Gift of The Old One," love has no season; it is ageless in
its purest, most spiritual essence.
Holiday Blessings,
Charlene
Charlene
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2. GIFT OF THE OLD ONE
By Eunice Day, Washington ME
The young couple had made their usual hurried pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt
their elderly parents with their small herd of goats. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm
because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become
a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside.
The old folks no longer showed their goats, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a little
milk, and a few kids each year, and the goats were their reason for joy in the morning and
contentment at days end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at
least dispose of The Old One? She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had either
kids or milk from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively
about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly,
"We keep her because of love. Only because of love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed
back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.
So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed
wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft
full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he
raced to the barn to save their beloved goats. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing
heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man
and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife,
resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana.
Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas.
Let us, therefore, climb to the hill to the old pine tree where we have sought comfort in times of
despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears
with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up
and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant
star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and
it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon
glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. Suddenly,
the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the
tree, was their Christmas gift.
Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first
hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the goats through it. Slowly
and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the
snow. The kids were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling,
hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The
milkers pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety under the
pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle
with the years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift--Because of love.
Only because of love.
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3. A STORY FROM MY FILES - GATOR
Although we often think that most animals are content in their lives, occasionally I am asked to work with
an animal who is not entirely happy with their current circumstances.
Amber contacted me to help with Gator, a cat who divided his time between Amber's home and a person
who did not appreciate Gator enough to provide even the bare minimum of food, shelter and care. Since
technically he was not her cat, Amber wanted to know if Gator wanted to be with her family or did he wish
to be in the other home. Poor Gator was going back and forth, obviously not sure where he belonged.
an animal who is not entirely happy with their current circumstances.
Amber contacted me to help with Gator, a cat who divided his time between Amber's home and a person
who did not appreciate Gator enough to provide even the bare minimum of food, shelter and care. Since
technically he was not her cat, Amber wanted to know if Gator wanted to be with her family or did he wish
to be in the other home. Poor Gator was going back and forth, obviously not sure where he belonged.
When I contacted Gator, he expressed his upset and confusion over his situation. Many people
think of cats as being basically nomadic in nature, but Gator made it perfectly clear that he really wanted
to be with Amber and have a permanent home. Amber spoke to the other "owner" and offered to take care
of Gator. Much to her relief (and to Gator's), the other party was glad to have Gator taken care of by Amber.
I always ask my clients for an update on their situation and to see how the pet is responding. Amber wrote:
"Charlene, You are just one of the most caring lovely people I have ever met. Thank you so much, we're glad
Gator is here too. He's gained about a pound; his ribs were sticking out terribly. Now he smiles constantly.
He plays with the toys we got him, more than I've seen him play in seven years, what great exercise for him.
I guess he just finally figured out how to get himself here for good."
think of cats as being basically nomadic in nature, but Gator made it perfectly clear that he really wanted
to be with Amber and have a permanent home. Amber spoke to the other "owner" and offered to take care
of Gator. Much to her relief (and to Gator's), the other party was glad to have Gator taken care of by Amber.
I always ask my clients for an update on their situation and to see how the pet is responding. Amber wrote:
"Charlene, You are just one of the most caring lovely people I have ever met. Thank you so much, we're glad
Gator is here too. He's gained about a pound; his ribs were sticking out terribly. Now he smiles constantly.
He plays with the toys we got him, more than I've seen him play in seven years, what great exercise for him.
I guess he just finally figured out how to get himself here for good."
Amber concluded by saying, "If I should ever need it for any of our babies, I'm getting a consultation. If you
need any recommendations, you've got a few here!
need any recommendations, you've got a few here!
Blessings, Love and Light to you dear lady,
Sincerely,
Amber"
I think Gator was the clear winner here, but as many of us know, Amber was also richly rewarded when Gator
came into her life. There are no "accidents" in life, and by taking Gator in on a permanent basis, she really
"paid it forward" and I would be willing to bet that by her kind gesture toward Gator, Amber has had many
little positive changes or events come into her life. A good deed is never forgotten.
Charlene
===========================================================================came into her life. There are no "accidents" in life, and by taking Gator in on a permanent basis, she really
"paid it forward" and I would be willing to bet that by her kind gesture toward Gator, Amber has had many
little positive changes or events come into her life. A good deed is never forgotten.
Charlene
4. Learning to Talk To Your Pets - My Animal Communication eWorkshop in January
Most of you received my announcement earlier this week about my upcoming online Workshop,
Animal Communication 101, which will start in January next year. I want to thank everyone who
has already signed up for the workshop. I know we will be sharing some great experiences as
you go through the Workshop Training and your pets will thank you for it.
This is a wonderful way to start off the New Year for you and your pet(s), and if you are interested
in attending, you can visit the workshop registration page to get more information and to register.
Here is a testimonial from one of the people who recently completed the training:
"Charlene, I just wanted to let you know how much fun your workshop was and some
of the results I'm already seeing from it.
Last night I was invited by friends to a dinner party held at the home of a couple I'd never met
before. They have two dogs .......one of the dogs showed up at my side and 'told' me that her mom
always fed her at the table. I answered.......and told her that I thought she might be trying to
talk me into something her 'mom' did not actually do, and the "mom" looked twice at me and
told me yes, they did feed their dogs at the table, letting them sit in chairs while they fed them.
Needless to say, by the end of the evening I became an honorary family member and Aunt to
the pups.
Thanks again for the wonderful course!
Sincerely, RV"
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.
that will allow you to connect with animals intuitively and interpret their messages to you.
Date: Wednesday January 9, 2007
Click on this link for more information.
VetLocator.com is the web's largest directory of Pet Professionals anywhere. Here you can find an easy to
use directory of Veterinarians, a Holistic Pet Health Directory and an Other Pet Professionals Directory.
For another great newsletter, sign up for VetLocator's Vets-N-Pets-N-Stuff. Each month you'll receive quick
and easy-to-read information on pet health news, great pet tips and heartwarming stories along with
fantastic money saving offers that will make you and your pet smile.
Visit them at www.vetlocator.com
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4. During this season of goodwill and charity, please remember our animal friends.
local shelters that always need and appreciate donations of money, blankets and toys. I also want to mention
that perhaps some treats or cookies could be sent to the workers at the shelters and sanctuaries. The burn-out
rate is high due to the emotional stress of their jobs and many times they feel they are not valued for the difficult
job that they must do, mainly due to owner irresponsibility. They need to be recognized and given a pat on the
back. They do work that most of us could not do on a day-by-day basis. This year I have included a fund -
The Rabies Challenge Fund, as something you might be interested in contributing to. You can read more
about it by clicking on the link below the name:
Pets Alive is a no-kill animal shelter
http://www.petsalive.com
Noah's Wish:
http://www.noahs-wish.org
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary:
http://www.bestfriends.com
http://www.ifaw.org
http://www.worldwildlife.org
http://www.wildaid.org
The Rabies Challenge Fund
www.rabieschallengefund.org
5. PET SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Holiday Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pet
The fall and winter holidays are a wonderful time. We bask in the glow of family and friends and enjoy
fine foods, gifts, and company. This fine company includes our pets. Without them our families would
be smaller; our lives less complete. This is the time of year to remember not only our human friends
and family, but those animals that share our world, as well.
It is easy to overlook your pets' safety needs. So take steps to make sure your pets are protected
and secure this holiday season. Guard them from holiday stress, accidents, and injuries.
Start by examining holiday decorations otherwise, you can end up with ruined decorations and sick
animals. The Christmas tree is the most obvious addition.
You may need to get down on the floor and view the tree from the animal's perspective. Keep glass and
edible ornaments away by hanging them high up on the tree. Tinsel and yarns are easily swallowed and
can end up causing severe intestinal damage. Finally, make sure that pets cannot drink the water out
of the Christmas tree stand. It may be contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers that can make pets ill.
Living holiday plants can be poisonous, so decorative plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias
should not be used in households with animals that eat plants.
Decorating a house with pets may seem overwhelming. But it really is an easy task, as long as you
remember that pets are a lot like young children. Eliminating the handmade gingerbread ornaments will
prevent trouble. Taking the streamers off the centerpiece will keep the cat off the dining room table.
The most important gift you can give your beloved pets is the gift of stability. Help your pet adjust to
hectic holidays and a house full of visitors. Keep your previously established pet care schedule,
complete with timely walks and meals. Introduce the pet to each new visitor and instruct children to
respect the pet. In addition, find a 'safe' room where all pets can escape from overly friendly visitors. By
finding a quiet retreat you can help a pet cope with the holiday changes. Every house should have one
room where only the pets are allowed. This way a cat or dog that has reached its limits of patience can
escape to a quiet sanctuary. Make sure this room is easily accessible and has water available for the
pet. Move your pet's crate or bed into this room ahead of time. If you are planning an open house
environment, be sure to secure your pets in this room or if you do not have a specific room to keep
off limits, put your pets in their crates. With all of the excitement of the holidays, no one will be p
aying close attention to your pets and doors will be left open and your pets will get out.
Make sure your pets' emotional and physical needs are met throughout the holiday season. This way
you will start the New Year surrounded by healthy and happy animals.
Dr. Jane Leon
Holiday Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pet
The fall and winter holidays are a wonderful time. We bask in the glow of family and friends and enjoy
fine foods, gifts, and company. This fine company includes our pets. Without them our families would
be smaller; our lives less complete. This is the time of year to remember not only our human friends
and family, but those animals that share our world, as well.
It is easy to overlook your pets' safety needs. So take steps to make sure your pets are protected
and secure this holiday season. Guard them from holiday stress, accidents, and injuries.
Start by examining holiday decorations otherwise, you can end up with ruined decorations and sick
animals. The Christmas tree is the most obvious addition.
You may need to get down on the floor and view the tree from the animal's perspective. Keep glass and
edible ornaments away by hanging them high up on the tree. Tinsel and yarns are easily swallowed and
can end up causing severe intestinal damage. Finally, make sure that pets cannot drink the water out
of the Christmas tree stand. It may be contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers that can make pets ill.
Living holiday plants can be poisonous, so decorative plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias
should not be used in households with animals that eat plants.
Decorating a house with pets may seem overwhelming. But it really is an easy task, as long as you
remember that pets are a lot like young children. Eliminating the handmade gingerbread ornaments will
prevent trouble. Taking the streamers off the centerpiece will keep the cat off the dining room table.
The most important gift you can give your beloved pets is the gift of stability. Help your pet adjust to
hectic holidays and a house full of visitors. Keep your previously established pet care schedule,
complete with timely walks and meals. Introduce the pet to each new visitor and instruct children to
respect the pet. In addition, find a 'safe' room where all pets can escape from overly friendly visitors. By
finding a quiet retreat you can help a pet cope with the holiday changes. Every house should have one
room where only the pets are allowed. This way a cat or dog that has reached its limits of patience can
escape to a quiet sanctuary. Make sure this room is easily accessible and has water available for the
pet. Move your pet's crate or bed into this room ahead of time. If you are planning an open house
environment, be sure to secure your pets in this room or if you do not have a specific room to keep
off limits, put your pets in their crates. With all of the excitement of the holidays, no one will be p
aying close attention to your pets and doors will be left open and your pets will get out.
Make sure your pets' emotional and physical needs are met throughout the holiday season. This way
you will start the New Year surrounded by healthy and happy animals.
Dr. Jane Leon
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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!
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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6. A Prayer for Animals
By Albert Schweitzer
This prayer by Albert Schweitzer speaks from the heart and soul of all animals. It speaks of only one desire.
To be respected and treated kindly with love and compassion. As we end this tumultuous year may we all
remember and honor this heartfelt request from those who cannot speak.
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals
that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against
bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and
gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
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7. FROM THE BOOKSHELF
Books are always a real treat for me, especially after the hectic times of Christmas. I'm sure pet lovers
on your gift list would be happy to receive any of these books. Feline afficianados would be pleased
with Planet Cat (Houghton Mifflin;$15), a "cat-alog" of everything for a cat, from kitty litter to cat massage,
recipes for gourmet feline feasts.For your puppy pals, check out The Nature of Dogs (Simon & Schuster;$35)
a collection of photos and essays that pay tribute to man's best friend.
on your gift list would be happy to receive any of these books. Feline afficianados would be pleased
with Planet Cat (Houghton Mifflin;$15), a "cat-alog" of everything for a cat, from kitty litter to cat massage,
recipes for gourmet feline feasts.For your puppy pals, check out The Nature of Dogs (Simon & Schuster;$35)
a collection of photos and essays that pay tribute to man's best friend.
I reviewed the Shelter Dog by Christine Davis and I want to bring it to your attention again because of
the lovely messages in the book. You will come to understand the bond between "Hero" the dog and
the old lady who adopts him. It is a story about hope and eternal love that you will always remember.
It would make a great gift for a very special friend.
the lovely messages in the book. You will come to understand the bond between "Hero" the dog and
the old lady who adopts him. It is a story about hope and eternal love that you will always remember.
It would make a great gift for a very special friend.
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As the year comes to a close, I want to thank all of you who share your love for animals with me, for
you who read my monthly newsletter, and for those of you who pass my words on to others. I deeply
appreciate you and what you do for the world we live in.
you who read my monthly newsletter, and for those of you who pass my words on to others. I deeply
appreciate you and what you do for the world we live in.
With the end of the year, let us remember that we live in a time of exciting advancements in companion
animal care. I work with many animals and their owners who are living proof of new therapies and techniques
that enhance the quality of life for our animal friends.So many miracles are now possible and within the
reach of most pet owners. A reason to definitely rejoice about!
animal care. I work with many animals and their owners who are living proof of new therapies and techniques
that enhance the quality of life for our animal friends.So many miracles are now possible and within the
reach of most pet owners. A reason to definitely rejoice about!
May we all take some time each day this season to feel the love in our animal's hearts and see the joy
shining from their eyes. I hope all of you have a magical December. May it be filled with happy times,
warm memories, the sounds of loud purring and lots if doggie snuggles, each and every day!
shining from their eyes. I hope all of you have a magical December. May it be filled with happy times,
warm memories, the sounds of loud purring and lots if doggie snuggles, each and every day!
Peace and blessings to all,
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
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 2005, 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!
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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.
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