Monday 25 March 2013

When you touch a cat with your spirit....

How lovely.  This was posted on my Facebook timeline this morning, and thought it was too lovely not to share on.  It's a beautiful relationship isn't it?  And it's the same for any animals we have living with us, not just cats.  We give them so much, and they give back to us.  Or is it the other way around?  Those of us who have animals living with us know we're so blessed.

And touching once again on the subject of their leaving us, I thought this sentiment was wonderful:


Each animal we have living with us is completely unique.  We never ever replace one who's left us, but when we bring another in, and we've all got to know each other, we discover new joys.  We are so honoured. 




Sunday 24 March 2013

Oh, how I’d love to be able to foster!!

Just the other day, a lady came to the sanctuary with a very pregnant mum, in the process of giving birth to 3 lovely kitts.  And just the week before a new mum and her tiny babies arrived. We don’t keep mums and kitts at the sanctuary, as they always do much better living with someone in their home, so depend on people to foster.  All the time!!  I’ve often met the cats, then not seen them again, until perhaps the babies have become old enough for their own homes – kittens always go quickly – and the mums come into the sanctuary to wait for a new forever home of their own. 
 
It seems such a fantastic thing to be able to do, to help at such crucial time in their lives, watch them growing and becoming personalities, learning to do things, to become more and more independent.  And to give mum a safe comfortable place to be where she can rest and feed them (which is most of what she has to do!), such that they’re all happy and contented.  And there are times when we have a cat come in that needs close attention or medications due to an illness, or perhaps an oldie who might not thrive in a sanctuary environment.  So many reasons.  And I’d love to be able to help them all.  With Reiki too!!
 
I know it can be sad to say goodbye to an animal you’ve become close to, but that happens anyway at the sanctuary.  And to know that they’re going to a lovely new home always makes me happy.  I was talking to one of the other volunteers, who has also fostered for a long time, and all her adopting families keep in touch with her.  So wonderful!!!
 
I have two of my own – Bella and Dylan – and it’s a small house, so no room for me to do this.  If it’s a long term foster, perhaps an oldie or a cat on meds, then really they need to be living with you normally.  The lady that Billy (used to be Bruce, lived in my garden as a stray for over a year) went to just over a year ago, also fosters – for a rescue that only uses fosterers, doesn’t have its own premises.  She has plenty of space, with a spare room, and the foster cats often live in the house with the 5 of her own.  In fact Billy does a fantastic job of helping to socialise and train the more “difficult” cats.  He was always supposed to go and live with her;  he has a real purpose in his life.  He has also been amazing with her own 3 autistic children.     
 
New mums with kittens really only need a spare room, all to themselves.  They want a place of their own where they know they’re safe, and aren’t likely to want to be wandering all over the house anyway.   And it’s not for long, only a few weeks, until they find their own homes.  But I don’t even have a spare room!!!
 
So I have a dream.  I’ve told the Universe about this, and am expecting it to manifest any day now!!  I like my little house, so have decided the best thing would be for my premium bonds to come up, and the two lovely boys next door to decide they want to move.  Then I’d buy their house, and can still live here, while taking care of foster cats next door.  With an internal connecting door.  Oh, I’ve already done the plans.  I know exactly how it will work.  And I’ll enclose the garden so that they have somewhere safe to be outside.  When the weather allows!!  Or perhaps I will come into some money, and decide to move to a bigger house.  I’ve done the plans for that too.  But really, I know that I just need to leave my wish with the Universe, and trust that it will be delivered to me, in the right way. 
 
I’m so excited, I can’t wait!!! 
 
So, I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about fostering.  Perhaps you think you can’t as you already have animals.  But if you have a spare room that you don’t otherwise use, then you can!!  Have a think about it.  Then get in contact with your local animal sanctuaries to see if you can help.  And share your stories here.  Even better, if you already foster, I’d love it if you would share your experiences with us.  

The extra mile

I do what I do because I love doing it.  I’m lucky, my job is something I’d do even if I didn’t get paid for it (but we all need to keep a roof over our heads!!).  It never feels like work, even if I’m up to my arms in cat poo and smelly litter trays.  (I take care of dogs, rabbits, and other creatures too, but it’s mostly cats.)
 
Once the feeding and litter are sorted, to sit and be with a cat, letting them cuddle into me, letting them feel and know the Reiki they’re enjoying, is just wonderful.  I am very blessed.  And I know they are too.  No false modesty here!!  (For any new readers of my blog, I am a pet sitter with added Reiki, quite unique in my local area.  So all visits to feed animals automatically come with Reiki too, and I see time and again how much they enjoy it and benefit from it.)
 
My visits are timed to be 30 minutes each.  Sometimes people ask me to come and do longer visits, which is fantastic, as they enjoy it so much.  What happens in that 30 minutes varies a lot, it depends on how many cats there are, what needs doing, whether there are litter trays or not, and how many, and much else besides.  On some visits, the “chores” might only take a couple of minutes, so I have the rest of the time to spend with the animal, whereas others might take up to 20 minutes, leaving less time.
 
For me, and for most of the animals I visit, although they need their food and litter tending to, what they really want is plenty of love and attention.  And even those who aren’t quite as tactile, who might even go and sit in another room, – but really, not so many of those – still need to know I’m there.  Just because they’re choosing to be elsewhere doesn’t for one moment mean they’re not appreciating my presence.  And they’ll still receive their Reiki. 
 
It often feels that 30 minutes goes so quickly, and before I know it I’m off again.  (Some animal visitors only plan on 20 minute visits, I really don’t know how that works.)  I’d always love to stay longer, and the animals often tell me that too.   In their own, but very straightforward way! 
 
If I have a busy day, then I have to stick at 30 minute visits, otherwise I’d never get to them all.  And it’s so important that I don’t feel rushed.  My energy needs to be calm and relaxed, otherwise it affects the quality of the Reiki they’ll receive from me.  But I have days that are quieter, and I like nothing better than to take longer with my visits.  In particular, if I sense that a cat is feeling anxious, or perhaps is a little poorly, then if at all possible I do stay with them for longer. 
 
I enjoy going the extra mile.  I provide a service, and for me that’s what it’s all about.  We all gain – the animals are happier, and I just love spending more time with them.  Sometimes the extra mile is spent in other ways though.  It’s often the case that people leave to head off on holiday in a hurry, and the washing up is still piled around the sink.  As long as it doesn’t impact on the time I spend with the animals, then I’ll take care of that.  After all, it’s quite difficult for me to do the cat bowl cleaning every day if I can’t get to the sink!!!  And dried on food tends to smell a bit after a while too.  And when I think about it, lots of other things that I do too, just to help everyone to be a little happier.   If it’s in my power to do something, and I have the time, then I will.
 
 The vast majority of my lovely clients are always very appreciative.  Sadly I’ve had one or two who have taken this for granted in the past (if I’ve told them I’ve stayed longer because I had some extra time that day, they’ve then asked another time if I have some extra time, can I spend it with their cats).  And very unfortunately, an awful experience just before Christmas this year, which was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and hope to never again.  Not going to say any more about that, still upsets me too much to think about it.  I must admit, that when people take advantage of my good nature and desire to do the best I can, it has stopped me in my tracks.  But not for long.  I remember that it’s only a very very small minority, and that I couldn’t be, and wouldn’t want to be, any other way. 
 
I can’t think of any other job I’ve ever had where going the extra mile made me quite as happy! 

Monday 25 February 2013

Exciting times at Peggy Henderson's sanctuary


At Peggy Henderson's sanctuary in Sale, we care for dogs, cats and rabbits.  The dog and rabbit facilities were updated a couple of years ago, and they have wonderful new warm, clean and comfortable places in which to live until they go to their new homes. 

And now it's time for the cats.  We currently have 13 rehoming pens, and 7 quarantine pens, all housed in 3 different buildings, all of which really do need a lot of TLC to make as comfortable as the dogs and rabbits now have. 

Recently the sanctuary released fantastic plans to develop existing buildings, to make much better facilities, and a fund to raise the money needed was started at the same time.  We have a target of £80,000 to reach and have already started to work hard on this.  This is in addition to all the fundraising that's needed every day/every month, just to keep everything ticking over, ie food, vet fees, and much more. 

If you'd like to know more, do please have a look at the new website that's been especially created for this exciting venture:  SAA - Our Cats' Future

And if you'd like to share this, we'd be very happy!!!  If you have any ideas for fundraising events, or you'd like to run your own, we'd love that, so do please let us know. 

There's a Donate button on the website itself, if ever you find yourself with a pound or two spare (it really does all help!), and the main website gives lots of information about generally fundraising for the charity.  We make it easy, there are lots of ways to give.  SAA - Ways to Fundraise and Donate

And if you don't have spare money (completely understandable, many of us don't!), but have some time, there are still lots of ways you can help as a volunteer.  It all helps and it all counts.  The link here gives some ideas as to ways you could help us, but if you have a particular skill or interest that's not on the list, and you think we could benefit from, please ask.  SAA - Volunteering

It's a wonderful sanctuary, with some amazing people, doing a fantastic job for the dogs, cats and rabbits of Manchester, and we'd love to have your help.  Thank you all so much!!


My Reiki Volunteering - Update

I've been volunteering at Peggy Henderson's animal sanctuary in Sale (Society for Abandoned Animals) for a year now, and what a wonderful year it's been.  So many of the animals in their care have been helped by the Reiki that Lorraine and I have brought to them, and we've loved it too.  I've made so many wonderful new friends, both human and animal, and have been made to feel so at home there.  It's a wonderful place.

A little while ago my friend Janet also joined us, which took the team up to 3, meaning that more animals can have more Reiki more often.  Janet and I have been good friends for a few years now, brought together by Reiki, sharing the same Reiki Master.  Janet used to provide Reiki treatments just to people, together with Reflexology, Hopi Ear Candling, and also runs yoga classes.  One day a horse showed her that she might also want to extend her healing to animals - as she was telling me about this, I asked her if she wanted to join me and Lorraine as a Reiki volunteer at Peggy Henderson's.  She came the next week, and has been a part of our team ever since. 

I'd known Laksmi for some time, ever since she had contacted me while I was at Animals in Distress, saying she also wanted to volunteer Reiki for animals.  However, a full time job meant that it wasn't  ideal for her - weekends at animal sanctuaries are usually a little too busy to be sitting quietly with the animals.  But changes to her working arrangements have meant that she now had Fridays available, so she's joined in with us, and we now have a team of 4!!

Many of the people at the sanctuary are interested (although it's fair to say that some aren't!!) in what we're doing.  And many have had Reiki themselves, so can appreciate how the animals will benefit too.  And, a couple of new volunteers have already shown an interest in becoming attuned to Reiki themselves.  And Tasha the manager too. I can see that Janet might have her time busy in teaching and attuning new people, and we will have an even bigger team of Reiki therapists to help the animals.  Wonderful!!

So, in just a year, from Tasha the manager's tentative email to me to see if I might be interested, how things have grown. 

2nd International Awakening to Animals Conference

Last March saw the inaugural Awakening to Animals conference take place in the Lake District.  It was a fantastic event, with attendees from all over the world.  Following on from its success, a second conference has been organised for this June, and arrangements are now well under way.  A wonderful venue in Staffordshire, UK,  has been selected, some amazing speakers have been booked, and tickets are now on sale. 

Returning this year is the very inspirational Linda Tucker of the White Lion Trust, as keynote speaker.  We were all so moved by her wisdom, determination, and beautiful spirit last March.

This conference is unique, in that there isn't another conference that takes place anywhere in the world that has the same focus on developing our relationships with, and knowledge of, animals that also helps to combine science and spirituality, as we move towards a wonderful new time for all beings of this planet.  Humans and all the other animals of this planet truly working together.    

Please have a look at the wonderful website that has been created by Julie, Sue and Elaine, and we'd love to see you there.  2nd International Awakening to Animals Conference

When is the right time?


It’s a sad fact that when we have animals to come to live with us, we’re more likely to outlive them than them us.  It’s something we often don’t want to face, and when it happens it’s frequently devastating.  In my work as a pet sitter and animal healer, it’s something I find I’m often dealing with;  And not just for my clients, me too!!  I can’t help it, I do get very close to my wonderful charges, and it’s always so sad when they leave.  Even if I’ve been able to help them at the end, to be at peace and comfortable, with the aid of Reiki healing and intuitive communication.  Even if I know they’re happy and in a place of joy once they’ve gone, I still miss their physical presence.  And even as I’ve been able to give their families some comfort at the end too.  I guess we wouldn’t have animals to live with us if we weren’t so caring about them, so it’s bound to happen.  And I know it will happen to my own Bella and Dylan one day – although I prefer not to think about it.

At some point though, many of us do decide we will adopt another;  but when’s the right time?

Many years ago I lost my lovely Moggie at just 11 years old to kidney failure.  It was sudden and a huge shock, the grief was completely overwhelming.  I couldn’t face going back home to a house without her in it.  Couldn’t face the total emptiness.  So I jumped in my car and drove for an hour and a half to my sister’s, only returning home when I felt able to go back into the house.  Clearly I still had to deal with my emotions.  And clearly in no fit state to even start to think if I wanted to bring another in.  In many ways I was lucky – the decision was taken out of my hands, as my job was moved to overseas very quickly, and there I remained for 18 months. 

On my return it was something I considered, but found I just couldn’t deal with the thought that I would have to go through this loss again at some point.  But, my job then took me all over the country, so not fair to bring in a new cat if I was hardly there.  Decision averted for a little while longer.  But whenever I returned home from my travels that was something I missed.  Someone to welcome me with unconditional love, to make my house a home again.

Various other events conspired to make bringing in another cat an impossibility for quite some while again, but eventually I knew I was ready, and Bella found me.  It was a long time, many years, and I do think I needed all of that time to know that I was ready. 

I have a pet sitting client who lost her beloved cat in December 2011, and still can’t face her fears about adopting another, over a year later.  She welcomes in local cats as they wander around the area, as she still loves them, and gains a great deal from their presence.  But no new cat of her own just yet.

At the other end of the scale, I remember a few years ago while volunteering at Animals in Distress, a lady came in to adopt a ferret.  She’d only just lost one that very same morning, but she knew she had to have another straight away.  She was still in tears, and in grief, so I did wonder a little.  But this is what she’d done before, and it worked for her.

And now, at Peggy Henderson’s sanctuary, people visit to adopt a new family member after another has gone – but this can be weeks, months, years even.  It’s not right until it’s right.

Just recently, three events have caused me to really think about this question - “When is the right time?”  Last May, gorgeous 3 legged Archie passed away suddenly, leaving his person completely grief stricken.  In fact I didn’t know it had happened until she sent a general text to everyone telling us what had happened, and that she wanted to be left alone.  I knew she’d be in touch if she felt I could help, and I know that this grief can last a long, long time.  She contacted me just the other week to invite me to come and meet Harriet, her new cat!!  They’re still getting to know each other, but already they seem very fond of each other.  And I’ve already been to take care of her, and she’s delightful.  I think they’ll be good for each other.  But she needed all those months.

My friend Lucy adopts older cats, as she knows they always struggle to find new homes, and wants to be able to help their last years to be as happy as possible.  Trouble is, you know you might not have them very long, so are having to face bereavement perhaps more frequently than most of us.  She’d had Lily Pad nearly 3 years when she became quite ill with cancer a few weeks ago.  She nursed her to the end, and I went to help her with some Reiki too.  She felt she would probably get a new cat quite quickly, it’s what she’d done before, and it worked for her.  So, she has 3 new lovelies, and they’re all settling in.  But she is still missing Lil so much, there are times she finds it difficult with these new ones that she doesn’t yet know very well.  She’s fond of them, but there’s no strong bond yet.  She has good days and bad days.  There are some where she feels it’s all too much and she jumped back in again too quickly, and others where things are fine.  But when do you know that the big grief has passed, and that you’re ready for new beings to love?  Often you don’t.  It’s different for everyone, and it’s different each time.

And then Bubble left us just last week.  I’d taken care of him for 3 years, fairly frequently – his person worked from home, which was lovely for them both, but would need to visit the Brussels office for a couple of days every couple of weeks.  Bubble was diabetic, and just before my last planned visit last weekend, was told he’d had a hypoglycaemic incident, but that he seemed to have recovered ok.  But he hadn’t, and a few days later, after no eating or drinking and emergency rehydration, it was clear it was his time to go.  He was 17 and had had a good life.  But it still seemed very sudden, and quite a shock.  I had a long chat with his person after that, to make sure he was ok – it was just the two of them.  I asked if he thought he might adopt another cat, and the answer was a very definite yes.  We talked about when might be the right time, and after giving him some of the examples I’ve related here, he decided that he would probably wait a little while, to make sure that he was in the right place emotionally for a new friend. 

There is something else to be aware of too when adopting a new animal friend.  We know intellectually that each animal is different, and we’re not replacing those that have gone.  Yet, it often happens that the heart wants to do just that.  The settling in period can be hard.  Even if we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure we adopt the right animal, there will be times when we feel we’ve made a bad mistake.  They are completely new beings, and we’re new to them.  Relationships of any kind take time to develop and form, so we must allow this time.  We miss the lovely idiosyncrasies of those who left us, yet in time, we’ll learn to love our new pets’ foibles too.  Time, patience and awareness of what may happen are essential.  And patience with ourselves too. 

So, I’ve not answered the question;  nor did I expect to.  There isn’t a right or wrong here.  Sometimes for some people, for some animals, it might be just days;  other times it could be years.  Trust your heart in the end, and know that while there will need to be some settling for you all, your new animals will come to be as loved – for themselves – and all the animals who’ve lived with you have been.