Animals are amazing. A dog has roughly (very roughly) the intelligence of a 2-year-old child. This is all a
lot like comparing apples and watermelons. Compared to humans, animals have limited problem-solving
abilities and verbal skills. Compared to animals, humans have poor senses and think too much. People
think, animals feel. Even though a 12-year-old dog has the logical abilities of a young child, it has the
emotional experience of an old animal. It has had a lifetime of feelings and emotions. Our domestic
animals have emotions that are a lot like ours. They feel joy, shame, and grief. They understand cause and
effect, and they crave attention. They want to be happy. They worry.
One of the main differences between humans and our non-human friends is that animals are focused on
themselves and their immediate environment. They don't think abstractly. They're not concerned about
what the neighbors think, but rather worry why you are late coming home from work. That is not to say
that their emotions are less than ours. I did a reading on a West Highland White Terrier who had lost his
best friend, a Yorkie. The Yorkie had to be put to sleep a year before and his friend was still waiting for
him to return, getting more and more depressed. The Westie couldn't logically think his way out of the
disappearance of his friend. He could only feel the pain of the loss.
The difference between human and animal emotions is the source of the emotion. A dog may feel joy when
rolling in stinky garbage, and you may feel joy when watching a beautiful sunset. Joy is joy. I think that all
creatures have emotions. Even 'simple' animals such as fish have likes and dislikes and feel pleasure or
fear. A fish's pleasure is very different from a cat's, but it is the capacity to feel pleasure that makes them
similar. I don't know if this is because of similar neurotransmitters in animal brains or if we are all
connected in a cosmic or spiritual way. I just know that emotions are the key to animal communication.
Domestic animals have deep and complex emotions and very good memories. They understand things like
fairness, but not concepts like equality. A lot of animals get confused because their owners don't give them
clear emotional messages. If it is cute when a puppy jumps up to greet you, but a source of scolding if he
jumps up on your Great Aunt, he is likely not to understand what you expect. By directing emotion clearly
to your animal companions, you can get more consistent behavior and a happier pet.
I have found that animals will take on their owner's emotions, but often in a more simple form. If you are
stressed at work, your pet may show anxiety when you have to leave in the morning. If you are annoyed
with your neighbors, your dog may act aggressively toward them. Animals can also pick up physical stress
and manifest similar illnesses to their owners. Many times in readings, I will tell an owner the animal's
physical ailments, and the owner will say, "I have the same problems! What are the chances of that?" It
isn't chance. Animals are like emotional sponges when it comes to important people in their lives. Animals
are only part of your life, but you are the main focus of their life.
A Little About Me
I have had the ability to communicate with animals all my life. I was about 10 when I realized every one
else didn't talk to animals! I thought you talked to people in words and animals in pictures. We do a huge
disservice to children when we say things like, "Oh, honey, the dog isn't really talking to you; you just have
a good imagination". Well, the dogs and cats really were talking to me, and they still are! I feel that a lot of
people who love animals have this gift, but for whatever reason, they don't use it. It is very hard to be
objective with your own animals!
In 1984, I met the best Teacher of my life. Some friends took in a stray kitten and their landlord wouldn't
let them keep it, so I said it could stay with me until we could get it to a shelter. We were thinking of
names for him, and this little ball of fluff distinctly told me his name. After that, I knew I would keep him. He
somehow explained to me that he would help me become more intuitive if I let him live out his natural life
span. This has proven to be a good deal for both of us. I talk to animals, and he recently passed away at
a ripe old age.
I have been doing readings for about 6 years. I work with all types of animals and never get tired of the
amazing things they tell me. They are all individuals and all are unique. Find out what your animal
companions Really think! Give me a call at (208) 409-2625. Thanks, Patty
