Tag let animals lead

Three cats, one lap and other versions of ‘enough’

Nancy Crowe Leave a comment

Healing energy is infinite. My lap is not.

That’s what I told the three cats, but they worked out the logistics themselves. The tabby stayed put, the black cat sat on my shins and the calico decided it was more fun to sit on the counter and swat at everyone else. We all settled in for the meditation session … just as it was, which is what the Let Animals Lead® method is about anyway.

Here’s what I’ve learned in my animal communication and Let Animals Lead® meditation practice … and in my own home.

When someone sticks their neck out, pay attention.

If a horse comes to the fence or sticks his head out of a stall, I go see him first. For example, a Tennessee Walker who kept catching my eye and pressing against the fence told me about some hip and back pain. I was able to pass that along to the equine chiropractor and help him with Let Animals Lead® in the meantime.

The animals probably know who needs help first.

Animals can be astute, too, about who might need help more than they do at the moment. Two mini horses (one of whom was disabled), were hanging with a mustang who’d been battling a persistent infection. When the three of them approached me, the two minis hung back. I thanked them, worked with their mustang buddy, and made sure to see those kind minis before I left that day.

A cow at an animal sanctuary had adopted two young calves. When I approached their stall and offered to share a healing meditation, the cow turned her head toward the calves. I assured her all of them were welcome to participate — but following her lead, turned toward the youngsters. As the session continued, mama cow joined us.

Don’t placate. Just toss the ball.

Dogs are famous for their “how could you?” looks if you pay attention to another dog or come home smelling like one. (Canine jealousy was even documented in a University of California study.) Yet imploring any being not to be jealous is likely to be ineffective.

Over time I learned that when I come home with the scent of other dogs on me, it’s best to let my dogs sniff without comment. Then I make sure they get a belly rub or a couple of toy tosses sooner (like now) rather than later.

When we build even a little more awareness and trust, “enough” can look like plenty.

There is power in pulling together

Nancy Crowe
Kat, Cyndi, Lucky and Randy

Four Camp Red Cedar therapy horses were to be on hand for Boots & Bourbon, the camp’s major fundraiser. It would be a different environment from their barn and pasture, with lots of people and a live band. Theresa, the barn manager, was a bit concerned about how first-timer Lucky (the black and white Gypsy Drum Horse with Randy above) would handle it, but she was willing to give it a go. As it turned out, so was Lucky.

I communicated with each of the horses on the afternoon of the event, making sure they knew what to expect and knew their human handlers had their backs. Lucky was on board but asked that if he started fidgeting and shifting side to side, he needed to be done for the evening. Kat, the Gypsy-Percheron cross with Cyndi above; and Jake, the black Tennessee Walker on the left below with Dava; agreed too. So did Tuff, on the right below with Emily; but he asked if he could then have a day off. I promised to pass all of that along.

Then we shared a Let Animals Lead® meditation to help everyone handle their tasks and meet their supporters in a calm, refreshed state. I offered the Three Diamonds meditation I’d just learned, which brings light to and shares it from three energy centers: the hara or lower belly (groundedness), heart (relatedness) and mind (clear thought and heavenly energy). I was actually taught this with totem animals for each energy center (bear, eagle and tiger). How would bear or tiger energy go over with horses, I wondered? So I meditated on those three aspects of horse energy instead … what makes horses so good at grounding and connecting.

During the evening, I had a chance to offer some in-person encouragement. Lucky had a few anxious moments, especially when he spotted his buddy Jake from a distance and wanted to go join him, but he got to go home when he’d had enough. All in all, everyone fared well, and they were good and ready for more meditation time when I arrived for my regular rounds the next day.

We are all occasionally called upon to step out of our ordinary spheres for the sake of something bigger. That can be uncomfortable. Knowing what is expected, being able to express our needs and being among allies all help us meet those challenges for everyone’s good.

(Photos by Theresa Prentice)

Jake, Dava, Tuff and Emily

Of course goodbyes are hard

Nancy Crowe

On the left is Rowdy, also known as Little Man or Little Rowdy Man. I worked with this cantankerous senior mini horse when he joined the Summit Equestrian Center herd a few years ago, as he retired to Lopin’ Along at the Farm Microsanctuary and just before he passed away last month. 

That came shortly after Maggie, Summit’s majestic (and sometimes princess-like) black Percheron, died. I’d known her since she came to Summit in 2018. Though skeptical of me at first, she decided relaxing meditation and getting her opinions heard were worth her while.  

All along the way, I was able to check in with them about how they were feeling and offer meditation to help. As their conditions and pain levels became more difficult to manage, I helped assess their readiness to cross.  

Anyone who lives with or works with animals has to deal with goodbyes. There are also hellos, I love yous, thank yous, inquiries about breakfast and other exchanges. 

Animal loss is painful. I’ve struggled mightily with it and walked clients through its dark, sweet shadows. There are no shortcuts.

The animals deserve to be remembered and the humans who love them deserve to heal in our own way. Can we offer ourselves the grace and humor our beloved animals have given us? I have found that as we do, it helps us see a much bigger picture.  

(Photos by Nancy Crowe)