Connecting with animals is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have.
In 2018, we moved to Bahrain with my family and our gorgeous Labrador, Phoebe. The stress of the plane journey plus the change of environment, food, weather and all that she was familiar with, took a bit of a toll. This led me to the use of Bach Flower Remedies, I was already using them on the family, why not Phoebe? I also started holding a few Jin Shin Jyutsu points. She settled, started eating and was back to her normal self.
The biggest change for us was our walking routine. Before, in Ireland, we would be walking on the beach or in a park, usually off lead, with other dogs for Phoebe to socialize with. Our first few months of arriving in Bahrain were spent walking along the road. It was so different to what either of us were used to. During these walks we saw a lot of stray dogs.
Despite my coaxing, none would come near us, instead running off. I had never seen a stray dog before and certainly not this many. Every walk ended in me crying home, the unfairness of it, the missing out on receiving a safe and loving home, the struggles that come from living on the street, through no fault of their own.
So instead of continuing to be upset with what I saw around me, I decided to put tears into action. I was fortunate to connect with some great people who have used their time and effort to help the many stray and abused animals that are here on this small island, and this is where I fell into fostering dogs.
All my foster dogs have come with their own, unique emotional baggage. With a lot of patience, some training and flower essences, I saw a softening and trust come from these dogs that had been so traumatized. I then heard about essential oils and applied zoopharmacognosy and read up all I could about it. It wasn’t until Phoebe contracted kennel cough that I actually saw it in action and how powerful these little bottles can be. A couple of sniffs of bergamot and eucalyptus and the next day her cough was gone!
This new path of working with dogs has been the most deeply valuable and loving experiences I have ever had.
As I tell all my clients, I have no veterinarian qualifications. Any issues, you need to consult your vet. I do, however, work alongside any treatments and/or emotional and behavioral issues.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy
To all the animals who have been misunderstood… maybe it’s time to re-evaluate our relationship with them, and start perceiving animals as active, rather than passive beings. – Caroline Ingraham
Caroline Ingraham is the founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy (AZ). Over 30 years she has been researching and observing how animals heal themselves. Through her amazing and inspiring work Caroline has proven that self medication is hard-wired into all living animals despite the domestication of some animals. Her great concern for the ethical treatment of animals, along with her expertise has helped thousands of animals all over the world.
AZ allows for domesticated or captive animals to self-medicate according to their individual needs. By offering a choice of various plant extracts, the animal is empowered to have a choice of the therapeutic constituents that animals in the wild would normally self-select to help them feel better.
An AZ session is purely guided by your furry friend. They are offered nutritive and healing herbs, macerated oils and essential oils – these can be either inhaled, taken orally or applied topically depending on what is being indicated.
To facilitate and be part of this process is profoundly touching as we connect and communicate with what the animal is needing.
Bach Flower Remedies
“The state of our emotions are a crucially overlooked factor in the treatment of disease” – Dr Edward Bach
Originally Dr Bach created his flower remedies for humans. However in the past 25 years there has been an increase in its usage for animals. Bach Flower Remedies are based on the concept that the correction of emotional dysfunction can help heal physical dysfunction, as well as help with behavioural issues.
Animals also have emotions, which can be out of balance. This can lead to difficult behaviour or disease.
What I most love about the Bach Flower Remedies is the unassuming power behind the simpleness & gentleness of them. After a consultation, the personal mix I put together of these flower essences will work on the underlying root cause of what is troubling your furry friend.
The remedies are always & only selected for the temperament of the animal in conjunction with its mood & nature in general. Whilst the knock on effect is that they will inevitably be helping to heal the physical issues, I always advise to consult your vet for any medical conditions & injuries.
Jin Shin Jyutsu
In JSJ it is acknowledged that all life is sourced from the “Universal Life Force”, therefore the same principles that apply to working with people will also bring harmony when working with animals. JSJ is an Art (rather than a technique) that harmonises this life energy (chi, qi, prana) by balancing the body, mind & spirit by releasing what is no longer needed.
By holding certain Safety Energy Locks, this allows the body to release any tensions that can cause stress, physical symptoms & negative behaviour. It is this release of ‘what is not serving you’ – be it thoughts, toxins, genetic patterns, food etc. – that will help promote harmony & well being, & allow your body to heal.
As part of the treatment, if JSJ is required outside the session, I will show you the where to hold. Using JSJ on your furry friend is a deeply bonding experience for both of you. It reassures your pet that you are connected & listening to their needs.
Reiki
By simply relaxing, being quiet, breathing and having a heartfelt intention to help another being, you create a sacred space. In this space, all things are possible. – Kathleen Prasad
As I work with your furry companion, automatically I invite reiki to be a part of the session. Reiki is a simple, safe and gentle hands-on healing technique. It is a Japanese word that means ‘universal life force energy’. As animals are sensitive and inherently more intune with energy, creating a safe and compassionate space will allow this calming therapy to promote a natural process of self healing for all animals.