How an animal communication session works

small white dog on blue and white chair
(Photo by Dominic Buccilli from Pexels)

As an animal communicator, I help animals of all species and their people solve problems and improve relationships. But the animals don’t come to my office, sit on a sofa, and tell me what’s bothering them. They can talk to me from their own homes — no Zoom, WiFi, or appointments needed.

That’s possible because communicating with animals uses that “sixth sense” all humans and animals have. It’s how you know your kid is either in trouble or causing trouble. It’s how your dog knows you’re on the way home. It’s that niggling feeling that, despite logical evidence to the contrary, something’s right or not right. (How often has that proved to be spot-on?)

Except for rounds at nonprofit barns or rescues, when I might be communicating and sharing meditation with many animals, most of my animal communication sessions are remote. I then email the human a summary.  

Here’s more about the process.

The animal, the question, and a prayer

When I begin an animal communication session in my northeast Indiana office, I have the animal’s name, species, age, gender, and usually a photo. The animal himself can be anywhere. I also have one or two questions or concerns the animal’s person wants to address.

But first, I say a brief prayer asking God to help me listen effectively, and relay with accuracy, fairness, and kindness what the animal needs her person to know. I ask St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment, to be with us as well.

Then I hold an image of the animal in my mind and gently tune into her energy. Once the animal responds — I generally get a sense of a head raised or ears at attention — I silently introduce or identify myself and ask permission to communicate with her. I say her person has asked me to talk with her about (whatever the issue is) and help if we can.

I’ve never had an animal refuse to communicate, but I have had a few “uh-oh, I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” responses. I assure them this isn’t about being in trouble. It’s about listening and finding a way forward.

I might ask: “So it sounds like you’ve been peeing outside the litter box. Can you tell me more about that?” Or: “You’ve been seeing some things being packed up around the house and your people have been pretty tense lately. (Your person) wants me to tell you more about what’s happening. We also want to know how you’re feeling about it and find out what you need right now.”

Being heard means everything

Then comes the most important part of all: listening with a clear mind and an open heart. Sometimes what the animal has to say will come in words, but more often I get images and emotions. I might get an image of the dog or cat moving away from an angry man inside a house. Or I might see a young girl grooming the horse and sense the horse feeling very relaxed and loved. I take notes in longhand.

I relay anything the person wants me to tell the animal and ask what the animal needs. Almost always, some action steps the person can take emerge. It could be a different location for his litter box or the need for more play time. It may be a visit with a particular person or another animal as her life is drawing to a close. In any case, I assure the animal that I will do my best to help, that his human loves and appreciates him very much, and that he is infinitely loved and cared for by God.

I thank the animal for communicating with me. Then I end the conversation pretty much the same way I’d end a phone call — I say goodbye and disconnect. Then I write up my findings and email them to the animal’s person — always with encouragement to take what resonates and leave the rest. 

If you have questions or would like to arrange a session for your animal friend, please feel free to contact me.

Need a name? Ask the animal

Black kitten looking up

If you’re wondering what to name your new cat, dog, horse, or other animal companion, try asking him or her.

Grab pen and paper, take a few minutes and sit with the animal as she rests or plays. When you are both relaxed, ask her what she wants to be called. You can ask out loud or silently. 

Then write down everything that comes into your mind, however silly or random it seems. It may be one name or a number of possibilities. 

Repeat the name(s) back to him and watch for ear twitches, eye blinks, head tilts, or other signs of recognition. Pay attention to any “yes” or “no” feelings that come up for you, too.

Chances are, you’ll have a clear winner. If not, try again later. 

Letting your new friend tell you what she wants, in her own time, will get your life together off to a great start!

For more information, or to schedule an animal communication or Let Animals Lead® healing meditation session, visit me at www.njcrowe.com.

(Photo by DomnoDominik from Pixabay)

When traveling with animals, get there together (and safely)

Pepper and I outside my apartment at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Photo by Charlie Castner)

The day Pepper and I moved to Louisville was stupid hot. My parents helped me load the last few things into my 1986 Mazda in Columbus, Indiana and we were off.

Sweat trickled down my face and chest despite the air conditioning being on full tilt. I was excited about starting my degree program at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, but for the moment I just wanted to get myself and my dog there safely.

As we chugged down I-65 in the searing sun, I glanced over at Pepper. I’d never allowed her in the passenger seat, but with every inch of the back stuffed with stuff, there was nowhere else for her to be. The 13-year-old rescued schnauzer mix sat facing me, panting. No car seat, no harness, no nothing.

I’d communicated with Pepper for weeks and days as I packed for the move. But if there was ever a “Tell me again. Where the hell are we going, and WHY?” expression, she wore it that day.

Dogs riding loose in cars might have been standard practice in 1993, but it wasn’t and still isn’t safe. If special harnesses, car seats or other devices were available then, I didn’t know about them. Pepper and I traveled many miles over our 15 years together and I am grateful we both emerged unscathed.

Today we have travel crates, crash-tested harnesses and awareness, though you still see many pets bouncing around in back seats and truck beds. Wirecutter offers this guide not only to tested top picks but best practices (“Would you let a kid do it?”).