Why do I do what I do?
I never forget how awful that helpless feeling is, when our pets are struggling, from having to go to the vet aged 13 years old to have my sweet dog put to sleep, to seeing my later animal companions in distress. My pets are my fur babies and it’s hard to face it when their health is compromised. That’s what led me to be an animal healer, I just knew there was so much more we could do for our pets than conventional veterinary care (which can be amazing) includes.
I’ll let you into a little secret. At times I still feel helpless about my pets. Something happens and I get that sinking feeling and that awful wave of helplessness (even if they’re getting treatment and veterinary attention). For a moment I’ll forget all my skills, tools and abilities and everything seems scary, out of my control and perilously fragile.
Luckily, I usually ‘remember’ myself and re-connect with myself enough to shift that pretty fast, usually by using EFT tapping and other techniques to re-centre, get clear and take whatever steps are needed to improve the situation. Yet, that time in the limbo of helplessness really shakes me up and also reminds me why I do the work I do.
It reminds me of the difference it makes to have support at this time, extra help for your pet to enhance their ability to heal and recover quickly and easily and to bring peace and comfort to them, as well as support for you, to help you stay strong and clear and be your best for them as they face their illness or end of life.
Even if you don’t think that YOU need support, believe me it makes a huge difference. Being a caregiver to a sick pet takes it’s toll, especially emotionally. Extreme self care and emotional support makes all the difference, but it’s a time when you tend to forget about yourself and focus just on your pet, right? Well, if you want to support your pet 100% you need to take care of yourself too! I make sure all my clients do just that.
Meet my fur babies, my inspiration for my work.
Sally
Sally is my awesome spaniel collie cross rescue dog, who is now 18 years young and absolutely fabulous.
She has taught me more about unconditional love than any other creature on earth and I utterly adore her.
Rubbing her sweet white belly is my favourite pastime.
Baby
Baby is the latest addition to the family.
She was delivered to my doorstep by neighbours in 2015 as a tiny kitten (found wandering along a road) with terrible cat flu.
I nursed her back to health and now she is full of life, fun and mischief.
She loves a good game of kitten football (see picture), is ace at climbing trees and makes me laugh heartily every day.
And not forgetting those who are gone, but will never be forgotten …
Leo
Leo and his sister Purr were my first cats, chosen as kittens from a local rescue centre.
Leo has always been my ‘right hand man’, regally supervising my every move.
He was ruler of the roost and Sally took him on as ‘her’ baby.
He was handsome and sleek, always cool calm and collected, right up until his last days at the end of 2015.
Elvie
Last, but by no means least, is my wonderful Elvie cat, the purriest, furriest, smiliest cat ever.
He adored my knee, even since I sat him there to give him reiki when he first arrived on the doorstep. He loved cuddles and we’d waltz around the kitchen together.
He triumphed over the adversity of losing his tail and one leg in an accident several years ago. At about 7 years of age, he became ill and had to be euthanized in September 2015.
It was hard to lose him so young, yet it’s better to have loved and lost him than to never have experienced the pleasure of his purry existence and adoration.
Both Leo and Elvie are buried in the garden.
Every day I see their floral tribute from the kitchen window.
I still wave and say hi to them every morning.
A little more about me
I’ve always loved animals. I grew up as an only child. My mother suffered from depression and alcoholism, so lets say the atmosphere was tense at home. The family pets, two Pekinese dogs, were my close friends and beloved childhood companions. They were my allies through difficult times, a source of stability and pure love whilst growing up. Their unconditional loyalty, their joyful nature and soothing energy meant the world to me. It still does today and I still marvel at the depth of joy and connection that pets bring to our lives.
With animals being such an important part of my life (even in university I had a secret pet rat for company) I know too well the pain it causes when our pets are unwell or unhappy. The more we love them, the harder it is to see them in pain, suffering or troubled.
So, from when I first studied energy healing, back in 2000, I knew that I’d use it to help animals as well as people and I’ve done just that*. I’ve used animal healing and animal communication in my work with animals for the past decade, helping pets heal from trauma, overcome pain and even behavioural problems.
I’ve also realized, from years of experience, that working with the energy of the pet alone is only half of the story. The energy and reactions of us, as owners, hugely affects the energy and well-being of our pets. That’s why I now work with the owners and the pets together.
This last piece of the puzzle with my animal work clicked into place when I began using a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) both directly with the animals and now with their owners. I now have the perfect tool to help owners release their fears and anxieties around their pets issues and deal with difficult situations, with grace and ease. It also delights me to teach my clients techniques, including EFT, so that they can directly and effectively help themselves and their pets through challenging times.
Here I am with Sally, teaching you how to use EFT tapping on You Tube (you can see that and exclusive tapping videos in my free video series showing you how to use tapping for your animals. Click here to find out more.
My background
I have been working as a Holistic Complementary Therapist for over 15 years, (since 2000) firstly practicing Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Reiki healing, then expending to include Flower Essence Therapy and Animal Communication. I’ve always used these techniques to help animals as well as people.
In June 2005 I graduated from a rigorous (and thoroughly enjoyable) four year course at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in Florida, a specialised institute of energy healing and personal transformation, run by renowned healer and physicist Barbara Brennan. That work deepened by ability to sense and work with the energy field of both people and animals.
In 2010 I qualified in level 1 & 2 EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), after practicing the technique on myself for several years.
In 2012 I expanded that work to incorporate Matrix Re-Imprinting with EFT. I now integrate all this work (EFT and Matrix) into my client sessions and find the techniques work wonderfully with animals.
In 2013 I took a Master Bluepring Coaching Course, so I can better support my human clients.
What makes me tick?
My passion for animals, healing and personal development keep life exciting for me. I love to learn and help others through my learning. Seeing my animal and human clients regaining their health, vitality and finding peace makes my work the best job ever.
I also LOVE to garden. I’m especially passionate about co-creative gardening and permaculture. There is almost nothing as rewarding as growing my own food – from seed to plate. The magic and mystery of it awes me every year.
*for my other work with people – helping them weed out their negative thoughts and live the life they desire – go here (www.thethoughtgardener.com)