Talking-To-Animals Newsletter
September 2005

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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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September 2005

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Published monthly for subscribers to the Animal Communicators Newsletter
By Charlene Boyd http://www.talk-to-animals.com
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO FRIENDS

As all of you are certainly aware, the New Orleans region continues to suffer devastating losses from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. After the search and rescue operation is completed, the community will have to deal with the long journey of rebuilding lives, which for many will be from the ground up.
The organization that specializes in disaster relief for animals is Noah's Wish. Their web site is http://www.noahswish.org.

The Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) web site has a list of area animal shelters available. They are working in cooperation with other animal state organizations as well as Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSUSVM), Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT), and Louisiana SPCA. Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) has set up an emergency fund for animals, the Walter J. Ernst Jr. Foundation.

8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Toll free: (800) 524-2996
Phone: (225) 928-5862
Fax: (225) 922-4611
E-mail: lvma@pncpa.com
http://www.lvma.org

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In this edition:

1. Welcome!
2. Some inspirational quotations about animals
3. Featured Article: "The Autumn Years"
4. A story from my files
5. From the bookshelf
6. Animal Advice
7. Questions Answered
8. FAFs (Fascinating Animal Facts)
9. Tell me your story

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1. WELCOME

Welcome to the September edition of "Talking To Animals". This month's issue is devoted to the subject of CHANGE. While September is still a warm month weather-wise, you can tell that change is in the air; the days are getting shorter, shadows are lengthening and early mornings are just a bit crisper. Change is a part of the life cycle of all living beings, including our pets. In keeping with observation of change in the rhythm of our natural world, we can also see changes in our animals over time. This month's featured article is a poem from an Internet dog breed mailing list. Although it is written about aging dogs, it applies to all older companion animals, whether they are dogs, cats or horses. It speaks of the changes in our old friends and how we accommodate these changes out of respect for the years of joy and love they have given to us.

In last month's newsletter we read part 1 of Sharon I.'s story about the passing if Hershey, her beloved dog. This month, Sharon tells us about Tess and how she helped everyone, especially Rudy, with the loss of Hershey.

"From the Bookshelf" will feature an informative holistic cat carebook and The Whole Dog Journal, one of my favorite sources of dog care information.

Thanks, and please take a few moments to observe the changes happening around you as we welcome September.

Charlene

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2. SOME INSPIRATIONAL QUOTATIONS ABOUT ANIMALS

"The mind of a cat is an inscrutable mystery, beyond human reach, the least human of all creatures and at the same time, as any cat-owner will attest, the most intelligent."
Attributed to: Lewis Thomas (1913-1993), U.S. physician and writer

"In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence."
Robert Lynd

"Closeness, friendship, affection--keeping your own horse means all these things."
Bertrand Leclair

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3. FEATURED ARTICLE: "THE AUTUMN YEARS"

As someone once said, "There is really only one thing wrong with pets; they don't live long enough." Unfortunately, this statement reflects the sentiments most of us share about our pets and the role they play in our daily lives. Confidants, playmates and best friends, our pets embody all these aspects and many more. Playful kittens and mischievous puppies grow up, and the day comes when we realize with a lump in our throat and a new awareness that they are beginning to age. In some respects, this new awareness allows us to cherish these golden days, making each day count, not only for them, but for ourselves as well. Those of us with older pets will identify with the wisdom and truth within the poem. We will remember the richness of a life shared and the comfort we learned to give and share with our old friends, and owners of younger animals will know and appreciate the years and times we have to look forward to with our beloved pets. Whatever stages you and your pets are at, please take a moment to savor "The Autumn Years."

What do we do when our loving pets face the last leg of the race? We do all we can to help them finish well, of course. We take time to read the unspoken needs of the friends we've come to know so well.

We give the simple reassurance of a loving touch when the old boy seems confused for no reason.

We groom them faithfully, but more gently, as age brings muscle wasting, and the arthritic bones aren't so well padded.

We learn to slow down for their sake, as they enjoy the scent of the wind, or track a visitor's trail across their yard.

We expect to be inconvenienced, and aren't angry when it happens.

We watch for pain and treat it, watch for changes in vision and hearing and do what we can to preserve those precious senses for as long as possible.

We take care of their teeth, and make sure their food is a manageable texture for them.

We remind them of the need for a potty walk when they seem to forget.

We remember the little rewards. We scratch the graying ears and tummy. When the pet we love has an unexplained need for comfort, we give it freely. When infirmities bring a sense of vulnerability, we become our old guardian's protector.

We watch their deepest slumbers, when dreams take them running across long-forgotten fields, and we remember those fields too. When they can't stand alone, we lift them. When their steps are uncertain, we steady them.

And if their health fails, it falls to us to make the choice that will gently put them to rest. But until that is absolutely necessary, we pause to let the autumn sun warm our old friend's bones. And we realize autumn is not a bad time of year at all.

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4. A STORY FROM MY FILES

Last month, Sharon I. shared with us the poignant story of Hershey's passing. All of us who have lost a pet could relate to the hole that Hershey left in everyone's heart when she passed. Other pets in a family often feel the loss just as strongly as the human members. Sharon decided that Rudy, their other dog, needed a companion before Hershey died to ease the loss she knew he would experience. Sharon was charmed by a dog at the animal shelter and begins her story:

"My story is about this sweet, innocent destructive little girl named Tess, who is full of games, trickery and just life in general.

"I had 2 dogs--Hershey and Rudy. Hershey was a mixed breed who embodied nothing but sweetness, gentleness, love and manners. I got Hershey in 1990. She was the center of attention and our only child for 8 years when I adopted Rudy, a wire-haired Dachshund at the age of three months. I had some reservations that Hershey might show signs of jealousy toward this newcomer, but I was pleasantly surprised. Rudy immediately latched on to Hershey like a substitute mom and Hershey stepped up to the plate and filled the bill. They were inseparable. Over the years the bond grew stronger, but Hershey's health began to go downhill.

"In late 2001, I was at the vet's office with Hershey and we were discussing her time left with us. She was not that close, but I knew she was getting to that point. My vet suggested getting another friend for Rudy BEFORE Hershey passed so that the new baby could bond with Rudy and become a member of the family while Hershey was with us. That way Rudy would not feel the grief so badly when Hershey passed. There was no urgency in rushing right out and picking the first baby I saw.

"Well, a few months later I had Hershey and Rudy in the car and we were coming home from the pet store when very impulsively, my car all on its own mind, went downtown to the humane society. We all piled out of the car and looked at all the puppies in the play yard. We observed the puppies playing. Every single dog was either black or brown except one---Tess. She stood out. She was energetic, playful, happy and clearly trying to be the boss. I had already picked out the name for the next dog (Tess) long before I ever attempted to search for one. She looked like a 'contessa' the queen of the ball, so we brought her home. She was 3 months old at the time.

"She and Rudy were incompatible. I was heartbroken because I got her for Rudy. He clearly did not want this newcomer in his home. He snarled, growled and snapped at her. She wanted to get close to him but he would not allow it. I was afraid I was going to have to take her back. But Rudy eventually warmed up to her. Tess took over the household and everyone in it. Everyday when I would come home from work, something had been destroyed. Some things were not so important but still a mess to clean up. She showed her displeasure at me for leaving her by tearing up something that was mine. She never touched my husband's things. There was no such thing as 'Tess-proofing' the house; she'd find a way of getting what she wanted.

"One day when I came home from work I was stressed to the max. I had laid my pocketbook on the sofa and I went out to the sunroom to just sit quietly and unwind. I did not want the dogs with me. I wanted solitude. Tess stood at the door and barked and scratched at the door to come in but I would not let her. She finally got quiet and left the door. When I came inside, the first thing I saw was my pocketbook on the floor with the entire contents scattered around her. My checkbook had been chewed, an Excedrin bottle had been mauled, an entire roll of Rolaids had been eaten, my cell phone had been chewed and she was sitting in the middle of all that destruction with her head cocked to one side and bright red lipstick all over her mouth. If she was not so funny looking I would have been even angrier with her! When she started to chew on the sofa, I decided I needed to call in the big guns. I had tried puppy Prozac and behavior modification (mine and hers) for her separation anxiety, but nothing was working. If I could not fix her problem, I would have to take her back to the shelter, but I had already fallen in love with her. I decided we were in for a long haul and I would not give up on her.

"That evening when I spoke to Charlene about her session with Tess, Charlene told me that the first thing she asked Tess was 'what are you doing?' Tess responded 'I'm sitting in the middle of the room surrounded by lots of toys.' Okay, this lady is the real thing I told myself. Tess told Charlene that in her former home, all she heard from the people was 'get rid of the dog.' She knew she was not wanted. When she got to the shelter she was happier. She told Charlene that the shelter was cleaner than the home she came from. She said she was happy here with us and she loved us. She loved her housemates (Hershey and Rudy) but one of them was grouchy (that would be Rudy). She said she really didn't know why she chewed and destroyed things. She would be in the house and all of a sudden she would feel the quietness and aloneness and feel that we may not come back to her. She said the other dogs would look at her like 'what the heck is the matter with you?' Charlene spoke to her about her behavior and Tess said she would try to do better but it would take some time. Charlene told me to give Tess a job to be responsible for while we were away and tell her what a good job she did when we came home. Also I should leave either music or the T.V. on. It wasn't immediate, but let me tell you Tess is no longer my little destroyer. She is still a handful, but in a good way. She still tries to run the house, but not the people in it."

On January 8, 2004, Miss Hershey passed, and Rudy got through it with the help of Tess.

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5. FROM THE BOOKSHELF

This month, I am reviewing two well-respected publications on dogs and cats. One is a book, while the other is a monthly publication available in either an online or print format.

"Think Like A Cat: How To Raise A Well-Adjusted Cat" by Pam Johnson-Bennett. This informative book helps you understand the instincts that determine feline behavior, both positive and negative. Topics covered include: where to get a cat, choosing a vet, basic healthcare, treating more serious health problems, and avoiding litter box problems. The author has written four books on cat behavior and runs a private veterinarian-referred behavior counseling practice. She is a regular columnist for the three major cat magazines. A must have for anyone thinking about getting a cat or who is already "owned" by one.

"The Whole Dog Journal." WDJ exists "to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on effective holistic healthcare methods and successful non-violent training." Similar to Consumer Reports, they do not accept commercial advertising. As a subscriber, you can access their online archives for back issues. This month's topics include pre-puppy preparation, toxic food ingredients, how to protect yourself in a dog attack, help for the home-alone dog, building a strong skeleton, digestive enzymes, and a review of a video on teaching kids to be safe around dogs (and even cats!). They have an excellent review of all canned and dry dog foods that more than pays for the subscription cost. Their website is: www.whole-dog-journal.com

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6. ANIMAL ADVICE

How can I prepare my pet for upcoming changes in my life?

Changes in our lives impact our pets as well. Some pets welcome company into their homes, while others go into a panicky, avoidant mode. It is not always easy to know what to expect from our pets in new situations, even if they remain in their own homes. I was contacted by Susie K. because her Lab mix Vegas, who had been a rescue, was behaving aggressively, characterized by excessive barking towards Susies parents. They were visiting from the East Coast and would be staying with Susie for the month. Susie was very worried about her dog's behavior, and she was concerned about her parent's safety.

When I contacted Vegas, he told me that because Susie was so important to him due to his earlier life, he felt threatened with the idea of sharing her and her home with anyone else. I explained to Vegas that the situation was only temporary, and I reassured him that Susie had plenty of love for everyone-- especially him. I recommended the use of flower essences to help with the emotional aspects of the situation.

Six weeks later I received this e-mail from the Susie:

"Just wanted to drop a line to thank you for your help. It was amazing; Vegas changed right away and didn't bark at my parents once! After a couple of days, he even went up to them to lick them and ask them to pet him. It made everything so much easier and now they can see what a great dog Vegas is."

With a little advance preparation and understanding on our part, most pets can adapt to the changes in our lives that impact them as well, and change can be a stimulating and a time of growth for all concerned.

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7. QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How can I help the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina?

Two organizations involved in rescuing animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are Noah's Wish and the Humane Society of the United States.

From the Noah's Wish website at http://www.noahswish.org:

"Noah's Wish is a not-for-profit, animal welfare organization, with a straightforward mission. We exist to keep animals alive during disasters. That's it. We are not involved in any other animal welfare issues. It's not that we are not concerned about all the ways animals are abused and exploited. Noah's Wish would like nothing more than to see all suffering stop. Fortunately, there are a multitude of national and local animal welfare organizations that are tackling the issues that adversely affect animals. No other organization has made the commitment though to just focus on disaster relief work for animals. That's the void we are filling."

From the Humane Society of the United States website at http://www.hsus.org:

"The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has launched a massive relief effort to rescue animals and assist their caregivers in the disaster areas. Our highly trained Disaster Animal Response Teams are now in Louisiana and Mississippi coordinating a multi-state animal rescue and recovery effort. Our Disaster Response Unit, and other rescue vehicles affiliated with our teams, are in Mississippi.

"Our entire relief effort is funded by donations from people like you, and they desperately need your support. Please make an emergency contribution to our Disaster Relief Fund today! Your tax-deductible gift will be used exclusively for their disaster animal relief work."

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8. FAFs (Fascinating Animal Facts)

Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible

Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds, while dogs have only about 10.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating; they sweat through the pads of their feet.

A cat cannot see directly under its nose. This is why a cat cannot seem to find tidbits on the floor.

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9. TELL ME YOUR STORY!

Last month, Sharon received her free consultation for her story about Hershey. I invite you to share your own inspirational or entertaining story about your pet with our readers. Please send it to charlene@talk-to-animals.com. If yours is chosen to be included in my monthly newsletter, you will receive a free 30-minute consultation with me.

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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 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.