This blog is the first of a five-part series, counting down from five to one, covering the primary reasons pet guardians contact me for an animal communication session and how the session can help. So, here we go, the countdown begins!
Reason Number Five: The human family plans a move, vacation or work trip, or other significant family change in living arrangements.
Many times our beloved pets sense when such a change in the family presence is pending. Because they are very routine-oriented, they pick up on our behavior differences and perceive our anxiousness, our hurriedness. And, yes, a suitcase can be a physical, visible trigger that a dreaded trip is near!
On the other hand, sometimes, our pets are not aware of the pending change and are caught by surprise, potentially causing anxiety and feelings of abandonment. So, what can we do to mitigate the potential angst and distress? I have found that in most cases, significant comfort is provided to pets when we share their humans' plans (for example, the start date, the duration, and who will be taking care of them while the humans are away).
In one instance, I communicated with a dog who, after understanding the plans, shared that he was happy that his humans were going on a vacation because he felt they needed it! However, another time, his reaction was quite different. His people traveled a lot for work, and he was dropped off at his favorite sitter with his best furry friend, as done many times before. As his people left, he ran to the fence, cried, and was physically upset for days. What had happened!?
After communicating with him, it all became clear. The dog thought he was being "left behind"; he believed he was supposed to be going to the beach with his people! Well, there was a beach trip planned, and he was going with the family, but first, his humans had to make another work trip! Once the dog understood the order of the trips, he felt better about things, but it would have helped him immensely if his people had clarified their plans with him ahead of time!
In another session, clients requested me to inform their cats of an upcoming work trip they'd be making to ally any concerns the cats may have, especially since one of the cats routinely misbehaved while they were away. What, they wondered, could they do to curb his naughty behavior? The cat bargained for a special treat for the trip's duration, the humans agreed, and the cat kept his end of the deal!
Similar to vacations, clarifying moving plans and dates well in advance of the actual event can do much to mollify our animal companions. The pets may not always like what they are told (especially about family separation or when living arrangements are changing). Still, we can reduce some of the stress by eliminating the fear of the unknown.
I recently chatted with a cat experiencing some physical issues exacerbated by the cat's concern about a pending move. We shared the plans for the cat to join the family at the new location and discussed the physical problems, and his outward demeanor improved by the next day.
I find that the more our pets know about the intentions of moves, trips, family members off to college, etc., the less stressed they are and, in turn, their human guardians as well! Such Communication may be essential as we begin to travel more after long periods of pandemic-related routines.
Debbie thank you for all you have shared in this post! Communication between our animal family members and we humans is so important and can make all the difference in the world. Thank you for the difference you make through communicating with animals and people!
This post was really helpful. I had always assumed that it was best not to stress my dog and cat by letting them see my suitcase open and in process prior to my trip. I usually like to start packing a few days ahead and do it gradually. And, there is the matter of my cat jumping in the suitcase covering everything with cat hair if it's left in an accessible place. So I have often resorted to putting my suitcase in a guest room and felt like I was sparing them from advance anxiety. And, then I would give my usual goodbye "Right back, right back" as I left. That has always seemed to calm my dog. I don't travel a great deal, at least lately, and they usually seem to fare pretty well although this gives me a new perspective on perhaps communicating with them a bit more rather than trying to conceal the preparation. Although, the issue of my cat jumping in my suitcase remains! Of course, I could close it! Thanks for this perspective. I hope to be moving to a new location soon and this leads me to think about giving my cat, who is 14, a bit of warning. Thanks for the good suggestions!