Tag pet behavior

Anthropomorphism and animal communication

Nancy Crowe

Today’s $40 word (there are no more $10 words available; I checked) is anthropomorphism, which means giving human feelings, behavior or characteristics to non-human creatures and things.

In addition to clever photo editing, that’s what’s happening in this image of a dog in sunglasses with a stylish sweater, scarf and sport coat. We see it in children’s literature when animals dress, live and act like humans to entertain or make a point.

Probably little, if any, of this is done with intent to disrespect animals or miseducate young humans. However, it’s all too easy for humans of any age to project a human motivation or emotion onto a companion animal’s behavior. It also misses an opportunity to see something from the animal’s point of view.

My job as an animal communicator is to go into any session with knowledge about the species I’m working with. For example, when I began doing farm work I read up on the health and behavior of pigs and goats. That helped me understand a former house pig with some adjustment issues, and I learned about polioencephalomalacia (sometimes known as goat polio) while working with a rescued, malnourished goat.

Regardless of species or issue, it’s most important to actively listen to what this animal is telling me about his or her world. Learning to blend knowledge, skill and presence this way reminds me very much of my seminary education.

The code of ethics I follow also calls interspecies telepathic communicators to “walk in humility, willing to recognize and clear up our own errors in understanding others’ communication (human and non-human alike).”

That is, until a young rabbit pillages your garden and leaves behind part of his wardrobe as evidence (I see you, Peter Rabbit and friends).

(Image by Taras Yasinski from Pixabay)

Three benefits of working with an animal communicator

Nancy Crowe
Are you listening to your animal friend
Are you listening? Working with an animal communicator lets your animal friend know that you are. (Image by Päivi Nietosvaara from Pixabay) 

You want to solve a puzzling behavioral problem with your dog. You want to help your cat through your upcoming move or divorce. You want to know what your horse needs from you as the end of his life approaches. Any of these situations, and countless others, may have you wondering if an animal communicator could help you sort it out.

Maybe you have doubts about animal communication. That’s OK. Maybe you’re not sure where to start — also OK. For now, consider three ways working with an animal communicator could help you and your animal friend find peace of mind.

1. Animals love that you’re listening.

In most if not all of the animal communication sessions I do, the animal appreciates being heard. This is especially true of rescued animals who have had little or no say in what happens to them. If they’ve experienced trauma, the notion that they have a choice about anything (including whether to communicate with me) may be new. Animal communication can therefore open new avenues of trust and partnership.

Working with an animal communicator can also help your animal hear you. Anyone who has ever had a human child, or been one, knows that what you hear from someone besides your primary caregiver sometimes sinks in more readily.

Of course you have been trying to listen to and help your animal. You’re probably doing better than you think. But there are so many of us humans on this planet, and we all have different skills and perspectives. We’ll all do better if we help each other out.

2. You get another set of eyes.

Years ago, I tied myself in knots trying to help my cat Idgie with a variety of health problems and changes. Even though I’d begun studying and working in animal communication myself, I knew I needed another perspective.

So I booked a session with my animal communication teacher, who helped me see aspects of the situation I had not. She also suggested action steps to help both Idgie and myself. That, along with continued veterinary care, helped get us on the right track.

An animal communicator brings a fresh perspective to your situation. Even if I’ve worked with an animal and/or family before, every session brings something new.

An animal communicator can be part of your pet’s team: you, your family, your pet sitter, your vet, your trainer, the folks at the specialty pet food store, the farrier, the groomer, the bodyworker, and more. I’m blessed to know a number of animal professionals in northeast Indiana to whom I can refer clients and ask questions.

3. Your relationships will improve.

Listening opens doors to a closer and happier relationship between you and your animal friend, but the benefit doesn’t stop there.

That’s because whatever you and your animal are facing almost certainly affects others, from your spouse to your horse’s trainer to the neighbor who mentioned your cat crying while you’re at work. As disconnected and polarized as we humans are, we live in a connected universe. Peace of mind in one arena translates to another. Who couldn’t use a little more of that these days?

To learn more about how animal communication and Reiki can help your animal friend — and you — visit me at www.njcrowe.com.