Million Dollar Pet Pix

A. There are a number of things your can do to calm your pets and ready them for successful surgery.

Hi Val,

My little Annie was diagnosed with luxating patella on her back right leg.  They have suggested operating.  I am not wanting to go that route as she is so hyper that I do not think I can keep her calm etc for 6 weeks.  Am going to get her cartilage shots for a month and see if that helps.  Wondering what is the best decision?   Sheila

Thanks for writing Sheila...
I’ve worked with many dogs in similar situations with good results.  In fact, your story reminds me of another dog named Zena with this same problem that I wrote an article on.  I invite you to learn more about that at Val Heart Free Articles:   

The first thing to do with problems like this is to have a vet check, which you have already done...

A. Life Purpose Isn’t Just for Human’s – Dogs Have Them Too!

Dogs as well as humans struggle with life purpose.  Just like humans dogs can be traumatized and because of this can forget why they are here.  Not only do they have their own life purpose, but they also want to connect their own with yours.

I recently worked with a very frightened young dog who because of her fear had forgotten her purpose.  She had been badly abused the first four months of her life, living in fear and shut up in a small cage most of the time.  She was not socialized at all, nor was she taught anything except to be afraid, always afraid.

Q. Is it Possble that Our Illnesses Are Reflected in Our Animals?

Many animals have mystery illnesses that perplex their owners.  For us humans, getting to the root cause of an issue with our much loved animal friends can be an exercise in futility.  We exhaust our efforts at the vet’s office and our own personal research into mystery aliments, when in fact we should be looking at ourselves. 

Is it Time to Put Your Horse Down?  Answer These 7 Questions Before You Decide

One of the most painful experiences all animal lovers must go through is at what seems to be the end of your animal friend’s life.  This is that dreaded time when your friend seems to be in pain, their body is degenerating and their quality of life has diminished.  And you don’t know what else to do to help them anymore.

Recognizing that Special Connection Between You and Your Animals

In the animal world, communication goes on between different species, and they are also trying to communicate with humans.  Once you begin to learn how animals communicate, it can be easy to pick up signals and language tips that they give out on a consistent basis. 

Q. I have been reading a lot lately about therapy dogs.  How they are trained to help people.  One very interesting article was about therapy dogs and autistic children. Val, I was wondering if you think it is possible for horses to be trained much like therapy dogs. My horse, Traveler, has a really gentle nature.  He loves people and especially enjoys getting out for a jog. I feel he would be a perfect candidate. I would appreciate your thoughts and any insight you might be able to give me.

Thanks.  Michael, Wellington, Florida

Dear Michael,

I really appreciate your question about therapy horses and dogs.  Like dogs and cats and many other species, horses are remarkable healers. They have an almost magical way of connecting with us, heart to heart, mind to mind.  There are many equine therapy centers where handicapped people and children of all kinds and ages can go.  I have on occasion worked with horses at therapy centers to help resolve various issues, and have always been so impressed by the horses who are chosen to do this kind of work.  I consider them to be true gifts to humankind, and they deserve a lot of respect.

"Hi Val.  I just read an article that said Jennifer Love Hewitt's dog Charli was taking Prozac. Apparently Charli was having anxiety attacks and Jennifer's vet put Charli on Prozac which has seemed to make everyone happy.

Somewhere I recently read something by a pet trainer who said that Prozac should be used as a last resort only. I can't help thinking that maybe a pet communicator could have done better here. I'd like to know what you would have recommended for Jennifer's Charli." - Chelsea - Houston TX

Dear Val,
I've had my horse, Jessie, for 3 years now and we both love to go for long rides together.  Lately, whenever we go on one of our rides, Jessie doesn't seem the same.  She doesn't seem to be as happy.  I have had the vet check her out but he can't find anything physically wrong.  I am hoping that you can give me some suggestions as to how I can find out what is bothering Jessie. 

Thank You.   Janette-Rae in Fort Worth
P.S. Sammi from MillionDollarPetPix.com sent me! 

Hi Janette-Rae!

I'm glad that you are paying attention to Jessie, have noticed her behavior changes and that you had your vet check her out.  That's the first thing to do in a case like this. However, even though your vet couldn't find anything obviously wrong, Jessie is having a problem.  Our animal friends always do what makes sense to them, and she is communicating as clearly as she can to you that something is wrong.  Until I work with you both, it's mpossible for me to know exactly what to tell you or how best to resolve this. 

“My lovely old cat, Tipper, died last month at 16 years old.  I miss him terribly.  Val, I can swear that Tipper is still in the house.  I feel my dear old pet is trying to talk to me.  Is this possible - or am I just imagining this because I miss him so much?”
Debra  (Boise, Idaho)

Hi Debra,
Though you may not think so, I'd say that your experience is very common and normal.  Spirit and energy continue even after the physical body is gone.  Often an animal friend will return to their person when they leave their body (although not always).  Sometimes this is because we still need them, or there is something unresolved between you, or is due to a tragic or sudden death that they haven’t come to terms with yet making them stuck here for some reason.  Sometimes they want to bring a message back to us, or to simply help us through our grief.