How our dogs and cats mirror who we are. It has been an interesting 6 months filled with self examination and epiphanies.

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To explain:
About 20 years ago, I got my first dog. Kasey was a gentle, docile golden/chow mix that was brought into my life to help me overcome some difficult circumstances; a broken heart, health challenges…. At the time, I did not realize it, but now I know that she was put in my path to take care of me. We had a bond unlike any I had ever known. After she died, at the age of 19, I was blessed with a new puppy, Tonka. My new companion has a very different personality and demeanor. He was fearful, sound sensitive and extremely anxious – the perfect dog for me as I have worked with these same issues my entire life!  I have suffered from depression, severe anxiety, fear and an extreme sensitivity to another’s words and tone.

dogs and catsWith the help of a dog behaviorist, I began to work with Tonka to help him to be become calmer, happier and to strengthen our connection. I  started giving him a lot more exercise, feeding him a high quality diet, giving him aromatherapy massages and diffusing and applying therapeutic essential oils. The months went by and he definitely was better. And as he slowly began to settle into a routine, we became closer. However, whenever we were on a walk he still reacted every time a bus came by and would hide under the table when he heard loud noises (thunder, fireworks) or when I was sad or anxious. I knew something was missing, and that I should do more for both of us.

What could I do? What was left?

What was left, was me! I started to look within and began to examine and to work with my own anxiety, depression, and fear. I came to see that if I helped myself and became happier, that my dog would be happier too!

I realized that I had to change, that I had to take care of myself. When this light switch went on, I saw that my unhappiness was my own doing and that I had to shift my attitude – and that is what I did. I understood that I had a choice: I could choose to be happy, sad, anxious or calm. I chose to be happy and calm. I began to see life as a gift, to find my own self worth and to see my flaws with compassion.

Today: In the past 3 weeks, people have come up to me and said, “What did you change? You are different!”  I did not get new glasses or a hair cut – what is different is that I am happy, calmer and lighter. This dynamic change in me over the past 6 months has also had a huge impact on Tonka – he is a different dog. He, too, is happier, more content and less fearful!

Change yourself and change everything around you, including your animal companions.