A Friend for All Seasons

The gift of an animal companion:
Once again the holiday season is almost upon us and finding that perfect gift for our loved ones is foremost in our mind. We have expectations of seeing their faces light up when they open that perfect gift and wish that special moment could last well after the holiday season is over and the winter months have set in. We see the holiday cards with the cute little puppy or kitten with a red bow around his neck.....what could possibly be more perfect, the gift of unconditional love?
As beautiful and perfect as this image may seem, the reality is usually quite different. The happy surprise often is just a surprise and not a pleasant one at that. Animal shelters see a high number of animal surrenders after the holiday season as people are unsure how to deal with the rambunctious puppy or shelter cat who needs time to adjust to their new surroundings.
Bringing a cat or dog into the family is a major commitment in both time and money whether they are a month old or full grown. Even when you are sure that a person or family is ready to introduce a wonderful four legged friend into the family, there are many other things to consider before surprising them with one as a gift. There may be family members who are allergic to certain breeds. If there are children or other animals who are already part of the family, how will the new arrival interact with them? The holiday season is a very hectic time, with visitors, holiday parties and/or travel time away from the home. This can be stressful for all family members, including the animals. Adding another four legged friend at this time more often than not results in chaos.
How Energy Healing and Animal Communication can hep
Energy Healing allows the animal to relax and reduces stress thereby assisting puppies and kittens to adjust to leaving their mother and become part of a new family. The Healing Energy also helps shelter animals release any fears and emotional upset caused by the original circumstances that resulted in them being in the shelter. It also helps them through the additional adjustment into a new home and family. Communicating with them specific information about when they will be leaving their mother or shelter, what to expect during the journey and when they arrive. Sharing information about the number of people in the family, additional animals and listening to their concerns can greatly assist them during this time of transition. This also applies to the animals already in the house hold. They will be picking up on the excitement of the family about the prospect of finding a new four legged family member. Energy Healing and Communication with the animal companions will make them feel more relaxed and understood and will allow the family to address their needs during the adjustment time also. Like people, they too like to know what is happening and that they are being heard. Not doing so often leads to negative behaviour or emotional upset.

Waiting until after the holidays
Another way to give this perfect gift is to purchase a gift certificate from one of the shelters. The certificate can be placed in a box along with a toy or leash and given as the gift. If the shelter does offer gift certificates create one of your own. Once the holiday season is over, the recipient can take their time to visit the shelter and find their perfect companion. Introducing them to their new family at this much calmer time will make it easier for everyone to adjust and enjoy!
If the timing isn't right
You may find that it isn't the right time to introduce a new companion to the family. The gift certificate can be used to purchase a different present or given as a donation to the shelter. You can even give the gift of Energy Healing and Communication to shelter animals to assist them in finding their 'forever' home.

Elaine Turner
Animal Communicator
Reconnective Healing Practitioner
Reiki Master
MNL, MTLT, MCHt
www.pawsitive-connections.com