I first met Su Wickersham when I was a teenager – she went to high school with my brother Robert and his wife, Beth.  They’ve stayed in touch all these years and I’ve reconnected with her through them.

Last year when I was a vendor at a pet expo and pet blessing, Su attended and told me about this new exciting path she was taking in Animal Communication.  She was just about to attend more classes to deepen her understanding and I could see that this was her true passion and wanted to help owners experience a deeper connection with their pets.

Su talks about the many applications that can be helpful for you and your pets such as finding lost animals, introducing new animals into the household and many others.  So, let’s let Su tell her journey in her own words!

I feel like I have a hard time to write down how much I feel this is the right path for me. I love to talk to the animals and be with them. Without sounding sappy, I feel their love, it radiates to me and I want to help all of them anyway I can. I think animals are here to interact with us on that deep level, to show us love and to experience life in a much deeper way. We just have to pay more attention and stop our busy-ness to get what they are trying to tell us.

Su and her dog Angus

Tell me how you got into animal communication. (introduce yourself a little – some personal stuff)

Ever since I can remember, I have loved animals. As a child I was attracted to them and hung out with them whenever I could. I drew pictures of them and always felt I had some sort of connection with them. But to me, it was a normal connection. I understood them. But it wasn’t until I was much, much older did I realize I was actually hearing them. Because I thought I was making it up.

A few years ago, after my beloved dog, Zoey passed away, a friend invited me to an animal communication class. I was so distraught, since it was only a week later, but I thought I’d go anyway and maybe I’d learn something. Well, it was an amazing class and I realized what I had previously thought I made up… was real!

In class we partnered up and communicated with each others animal. My partner was a gal I had just met and she asked me to talk to her dog. Long story short, I received validation that I was talking to the dog. Almost everything I told her, she told me, was true. I could hardly believe it. Couldn’t I just be making it up and have some lucky guesses? “Sure, that’s it”, I thought, until I told the gal that during the conversation with her dog, my head tilted to the left. I didn’t know why, of course, but our instructor told us to note anything and everything. Turns out the dog is hard of hearing in the left ear and tilts his head to the left so he can hear out of his right ear. Wow!! That blew me away. Maybe I can talk to animals after all.

Admittedly, after class I played around with the whole communication thing a little, but not seriously. It was a couple of years later that I found a book, Learning Their Language: Intuitive Communication with Animals and Nature by Marta Williams. I love Marta’s step-by-step explanation and exercises that teach us we can talk to the animals. As I was reading the book, I checked out Marta’s website and discovered she was teaching a class in my area. I was so excited and thrilled to get the chance to learn from her. Since that first class, I have taken all of Marta’s classes and we have become friends.

How can animal communication help me and my animal?

Animal Communication can be helpful for many common problems with domestic animals of all kinds and is guaranteed to improve and deepen your relationships with animals. Here are some applications:

• Deepen your relationship with your animal
• Solve behavior problems – fear, aggression, separation anxiety, unwanted behaviors
• Enhance training
• Make your animal happier
• Address quality of life issues – find out what your animal wants and needs
• Find lost animals
• Get assistance during illness and death
• Get help introducing animals to each other
• Adopting animals – find out about a rescued animal’s past

It’s been wonderful to connect with the animals and their people. Many lives have been changed for the better. And I’ve been told that after a session, the owners notice a deeper connection with their pet. It’s truly amazing. Helping animals and their people gives me great joy.

Since animals can’t talk, how are the messages transmitted to you?

I receive messages by hearing, seeing and feeling. I hear phrases or words, which is sometimes difficult because I hear them in my own voice, so, in the beginning, I had the tendency to think I was making it up. Often the animals show me pictures, like scenes in a movie, mostly from their point of view. I have also been shown pictures from what would be my point of view if I had actually been there. I often pick up how the animal is feeling about a situation; happy, playful, scared, or anxious, are just a few feelings I sometimes get. At first I thought these were feelings I was feeling and it was about me, but I have learned that if they come up quickly and for no reason, they are most likely the animal’s. And of course, when I receive validation from the animal’s people, I know I have truly connected.

Did you have special training?

I have taken many courses, am certified through Marta Williams Professional Series and have practiced a lot. And I do think I have a special gift for listening and communicating with the animals, but I believe we all have the ability to do this. I compare it to playing a musical instrument. We all can learn, as long as we stick with it and practice, and yes, some people have a natural talent, but we can all learn.

Can you communicate with pets that have passed on?

Yes, I have spoken to a number of animals that have passed on. I have been told by their people that they have received fantastic messages from their pets who have passed. Once, when I was connecting to a dog that had passed quite recently, a friend’s dog who had passed over a year ago, appeared and started to talk about his owner. He wanted me to give her his messages right away… he was very impatient. I told him I would soon, but not that day. He insisted I call her and made me promise not to wait too long. I hesitated because I knew my friend would be upset, she missed him so much, but I felt I needed to connect with her to pass on the message. My friend was willing to listen, and yes, she cried, but her tears were out of happiness that her dog wanted to talk to her. She told me later that his messages were very meaningful and came at just the right time in her life.

Animal communication is also a great help to the animal and their people when the animal is dying. We want the best for our pets and sometimes it’s very hard to let go. Talking to the animal gives us insight as to what they really want. When my dog Zoey contracted cancer and was ready to pass, I could not let her go and wanted to provide hospice for her. I spent hours of one-on-one time with her and decided it was best to let her go, it’s what she wanted. As we drove back to the vet, she gave me a feeling of calm and peace and I knew I was doing the right thing for her. Then out of the blue, I heard a very loud “THANK YOU!!” in my right ear. I knew that was her reassuring me that everything was OK and this is what she wanted.

What can someone expect if they use your services?

I offer consultations by telephone, in person, and by email for all animals. Usually I ask for a picture of the animal, their name, age and gender. I introduce myself to the animal, letting them know their person said it was OK for me to talk with them. I ask general questions about what they like and dislike. These questions establish if I’ve connected with the animal or not. Most animals are wiling and happy to talk, although I’ve had my share of personalities that can be tough nuts to crack. But once they start talking and realize I am genuinely there to help, they open up. When I communicate with your animal, I receive information directly from the animal and also get my own intuitive impressions. I relay all of this information to you during the consultation. I will also refer you to any services or experts you may need to help you with your and your animal.

Is there anything else you would like to let us know?

Yes, I also provide other services for animals and their people, including:

• Animal communication classes where you can learn to communicate with your animal for a deeper relationship.
• Equine Touch – a noninvasive, energy and connective soft tissue discipline, inducing deep relaxation, releasing traumatized muscles and reducing pain. Although I have learned this on the horse, it can also be used on other species as well as humans.
• Reiki – a Japanese healing art form that involves channeling energy for the purposes of stress reduction and healing.

Please tell us where we can get in contact with you for your services. (website, phone number, social
media, etc.)

I can be reached via phone at 530.676.4744; by email at DogListen@gmail.com and internet at www.DogListen.wordpress.com.

Here it is July, and we have reached the midpoint of summer vacation season.  As pet owners, we love our dogs and hate the thought of being apart from them while the family travels.  Many families incorporate their pets needs, right along with the other family members desires, when planning a family getaway. 

Road trips can be a fantastic source of fun, recreation, and education, for the entire clan, including Rover.  Most camping facilities accommodate our four-legged family members, and more and more hotels are happy to serve your dog, as well.  If staying at a hotel or motel, you may have restrictions on the size of animal they accept.  And, be prepared to pay an extra fee, or a larger deposit.

For those of you planning to get away even further from home, you may, or may not want to bring Fido along.  Airline restrictions are…well…strict, when it comes to your pet’s travel.  Plus, there are dangers to subjecting your pet to air travel.

For dogs larger than a hamster (ok, I exaggerate a little), they are required to fly in the cargo hold.  This can be an anxiety provoking experience, for even the most well adjusted, and calm animal.  Sedatives are not recommended (and some airlines prohibit their use), because the changes in temperature and elevation, can cause your animal, when sedated, to become disoriented and disabled.   And, in the extreme, can lead to deaths.

Dogs in Cargo Hold

The ASPCA and The Human Society, do not recommend air travel for pets, and airplane travel for some breeds, can be deadly.  This is most prevalent in brachycephalic animals (short-snouted breeds).  Many carriers do not even allow these breeds to travel with them.  Please refer to Trips with pets for more information.

In addition to the stress of a cargo hold, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100.00 (JetBlue) to $250.00 (United) for your pet.  If your pet is small enough to be in the plane with you, that’ll cost you an extra $100.00 – $200.00, depending on airline.  These are base prices, and can increase with dog’s size.

Even if money is no worry, and your pet is not short-snouted, problems arise with dogs in cargo holds.  The most famous story of dog air travel gone wrong, is the escape (and permanent loss) of Vivi, the Westminster Dog Show winning Whippet.  While every airline has statistics of pets lost, Continental Airlines has, by far, the worst record for delivering your pets safely.

Rufus the Boxer

Instead of stressing your pet (and yourself), with the worry of safe air travel, your pet would most certainly be safer and happier with a professional pet sitter.  If your dog is a homebody (or agoraphobic!), you may choose to have a sitter come to your home twice a day, or opt for a live-in pet sitter while you travel.  If Fido is more of a social being, boarding, in an open environment (not caged), is ideal.  Whatever your needs, there is a pet sitter in your area that can meet your needs.

Do you have any travel adventures with the airlines?  We’d love to hear them.  Happy Traveling.

In my world, everyday is Be Kind to Animals week.  As a pet sitter it’s my job – that’s why I became a pet sitter.  I’ve always had a special relationship with dogs and feel that we need them as much as they need us.

Annie and Tommy

Be Kind to Animals Week was started in 1915 by American Humane to celebrate the relationship we have with our pets and to educated people on how to treat them with kindness and love.  I couldn’t image a world without pets. The joy and love they bring to our lives everyday can’t be measured.  It’s constant and so complete.  You can always count on a dog to lift your spirits and fill your heart with so much love that you think it’s going to burst!

It’s only right that we help other people who may not feel the same way to treat our furry friends with kindness.

As my part for this week, I devoted my ezine to adopting or getting a new dog.  If you want to do your part, here’s what American Humane suggests.  They also instruct you on how to accomplish these suggestions when you click on the learn more button.

Speak out for the animals:  This can be done through legislation, reporting animal abuse (see my prior post about animal abuse) or just speaking out on animal issues that you’re passionate about.  They have an Action Alert if your interested in knowing more about policies and legislation.

Respect wildlife in your own backyard: I know there are lots of pests that eat gardens and plants such as rabbits and deer, but there are humane ways to deter them from your door.  The American Humane has lots of suggestion how to humanely get rid of unwanted animals in your yard.  Or, how about starting a butterfly garden or have bird houses so they have a safe place to live.

Rescue of pet from a shelter: In my opinion, this should always be your first choice when getting a new pet.  Not only are you being kind, but in some cases, you’re saving their life.  All they want is someone to take them home and give them the love they deserve.  It’s a win-win situation. 

Taking care of your pet: Once you get your pet from the shelter, you have to give them the very best.  Number one on that list is nutritional pet food.  This is the foundation of their health and you can avoid costly vet bills if they are getting the proper nutrition.  Get a soft, warm pet bed, brush their teeth on a regular basis, give their coat a good brushing, bathe them, take them on daily walks, provide them with adequate shelter, shade and water, make sure they have their identification including getting them micro chipped and get them the vaccinations they need to keep them healthy and happy.

Most of all love them with all your heart and the love they give back to you is nothing short of miraculous.

Chris L Wagner

I have never owned a cat, but I’m sure giving one a bath would be the hardest thing about owning one.  Cats don’t like me as much as dogs do, so this one is for all the cat lovers out there that have given up on bathing their cats.

This tip was given to me by a Vet and swears that it works.

Help, she's trying to kill me!

First, prepare the room ahead of time and fill a couple buckets full of warm water.  This is so you don’t have to run the faucet as it might scare the cat.

Next, get a window screen frame from the hardware store and place it in the bottom of the tub.  When you put the cat on it, they will grip onto the screen for dear life and not let go.

Now, pour the water on the cat.  Don’t put the shampoo on yet just in case the cat freaks out and runs away.  You don’t want her to be all lathered up and not be able to rinse her off.

If they are OK with the water, use a pet shampoo that will wash off fast and clean.

When you’re done, put a towel around the cat to get some of the water off and pry her away from the screen.  Then let go!

Cats should be washed twice a year – it will get rid of dirt, dander and excess hair that won’t go into their intestines.

Hope this helps and let me know if it works.

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Spring is here and the flowers are blooming and the plants are coming to life.  Are you enjoying it or are your eyes watering and you’re sneezing?  Yes, allergy season is upon us.  Luckily, I only get mild symptoms, but for some, it’s a miserable time.

How about your pets – do they get allergies?  Of course they do.  Grasses, insects, molds and weeds to name a few can lead your pet to scratch, bite and sometimes cause open sores on their bodies.

When my  late dog Nikki was little, she used to scratch all the time and get hot spots.  I was a new dog owner and would literally follow her around to see where she was scratching and spray some medicine on it.  It got to the point that she would stop scratching when she saw me coming or would go out of site to scratch!  I was very annoying .  Around 4 years of age, she grew out of it and didn’t have any more problems with the hot spots.

My little Nikki in her later years

The most common types of allergies in dogs are Food, Contact, Inhalant , Bacterial, and Flea Allergies.

Food Allergy

Pet food has come a long way to removing ingredients that pets can be allergic to such as corn, wheat and grains.  It is believed that if they are introduced to these too early of an age they may always be allergic to it.  Mold is sometime inherited with grains because they are stored for long periods of time in grain silos.  The symptoms from food allergies usually manifest themselves as digestive problems or skin problems.

To treat food allergies, you have to start by eliminating the food they’re eating and give them a chicken and rice diets (or whatever your vet recommends).  Vets can also prescribe hypoallergenic packaged dog food.  Slowly, one by one start adding in other foods.  Starting your pet out in life with  a nutrient rich, holistic pet food may be your best defense to food allergies.

Contact Allergy

Contact Allergies are the least common type of allergies.  This is usually caused by a chemical such as  flea products, disinfectants and even types of bedding such as beds filled with cedar.  To treat  a contact allergy is to remove the substance that’s causing it.  However, if it’s not readily apparent what the substance is, you might have to do some detective work.

Flea - A face only a mother could love

Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant Allergies are triggered by the things we get allergies from, pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, mold, mildew and dust mites.  Instead of getting a runny nose and sneezing, dogs manifest their symptoms through their skin.  This can cause itching, scratching, shaking their heads or rubbing their ears or muzzle and licking.  Depending on what they are allergic to, symptoms could last for a few weeks for seasonal allergies or longer.

To find out what is causing the allergy, your pet can go through testing by injecting possible allergens, or do a blood test and send it to a lab so they determine what your pet is allergic to.

Treatments for Inhalant allergies  are:

Anti-Inflammatory therapy using steroids/cortisone.  This will block the allergic reaction in most cases.

Flea Free Shampoo

Shampoo Therapy: Shampooing frequently with a hypo allergic or natural dog shampoo made for this reason can help considerably.  Antigens can be absorbed through the skin and it is thought that frequent shampooing can lessen the absorption and also quickly relieve the itching by removing surface antigens.

Hypo sensitization is basically allergy shots.  By giving your pet small amounts of the antigen, it’s hoped that weekly shots can retrain the body’s immune system to become desensitized and lessening the effects of the allergy substance.

Flea Allergy

By far flea allergies are the most common type.  To most dogs fleas are just a pain in the rump, but for some, it can cause intense itching and cause them to scratch until they have an open sore.  This in turn can cause other secondary infections.  If your dog in severely allergic by the fleas saliva, it’s best to remove all fleas.  Easier said than done.  There are several spot on medications you can purchase such as Frontline, however spot on flea medication has come under some scrutiny in the past months.  There are natural flea shampoos,  and Diatomaceous Earth.   In some cases steroids can be prescribed.

Bacterial Allergy

Staph bacteria is common in dogs.  For some it’s not a problem, but if their immune system is comprised, it can become a severe problem and invade the deeper layers of the skin.  This infection is called pyoderma.  The symptoms are hair loss, raised circular lesions, flaky skin.  This staph infection can occur as a secondary infection from the scratching and itching from other allergic reactions.

The treatment is usually antibiotics, topical and oral medications.  Providing a natural, holistic pet food can bolster the immune system so that a staph infection can’t escalate.

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Holistic Pet Food