Can an animal mind reader help my rescue pup?
MONICA CAFFERKY couldn’t work out why her pooch Molly was afraid of other dogs, so she called in a pet communicator
EVERY year, thousands of animals in the UK are rehomed and, much of the time, the new owners are completely in the dark about their pet’s past.
When I adopted Molly, a gorgeous seven-year-old Pomeranian cross, I knew she had been a much-loved pet who had to be rehomed due to family illness.
When I met her she was wary of me for five minutes but was soon licking my hand.And, once home, she settled in quickly and slept through the night in the kitchen.
The little poppet is clean in the house, has a good appetite and knows various commands like “sit” and “wait”.
Molly’s a real character and I fell in love with her quickly. But there is a problem – she barks at dogs when out and about, and it’s clear that she’s scared.
Her behaviour could become an issue if I wanted to walk her in more public places, like the park, which I do. I also need her to be calm around house guests – sadly a recent visitor sent her into a frenzy.
Molly’s the size of a chihuahua, and no doubt fear is playing a part. But I want my pooch to feel loved and safe, so it’s time to get help.
I call in Madeleine Walker, an animal communicator and author of An Exchange of Love (John Hunt Publishing). She’s been helping pets and their humans for 20 years.
Madeleine explains she can use a photo to tune into the animal’s energy. Or if she’s there in person, she picks up on the animal’s aura.
“During a reading, the animals communicate with me telepathically and show me events from their previous home. It’s like watching video clips in my mind. I can pick up on their emotions and discover what’s worrying them.” IN THE past, Madeleine has helped owners and their rescue pets with separation anxiety, aggression and even depression. She’s also communicated in the wild with animals such as whales and silverback gorillas and believes the animal kingdom is here to help humans reconnect to the earth.
I’m keen to discover any details of Molly’s past and I ask Madeleine to tune in using a photo.
Madeleine says: “Molly was adored by her former elderly owner, I’m picking up on her being fussed over. However, as her previous owner’s health deteriorated Molly tried very hard to console and comfort her.
“But sadly, due to the woman’s old age Molly had to be rehomed.To be taken away to another place, without being in control, or understand what happened to her owner, was incredibly upsetting for Molly and she feels rejected.”
This makes sense, Molly is a loving dog and she has clearly been well cared for. I suspect she’s pining for her original owner.
“Molly is very happy with you though. She’s a dear little bright spark,” says Madeleine. “She loves that you’re at home all day and she adores how you massage her ears, but she needs time to fully settle.” This response is a relief. Molly spends her day on quiet walks, snoozing in my office while
I’m working, then snuggling on the sofa at night.And I have a particular way that I rub her ears from the base up to the tip – a technique taught to me by an animal massage therapist.
“However, when I ask Molly for a word or phrase that underpins the reading she replies, ‘abandonment’. Molly is worried that every visitor who comes to your house may take her away – again,” adds Madeleine.
I ask Madeleine: “Can you let Molly know that she has a forever home with me? No visitor is going to take her away.”
Madeleine pauses, then adds: “Molly says it’s just going to take time and patience to fully trust you. My advice is to tell her regularly that you love her and to help her to feel safe.” That’s lovely, but I’m still worried about Molly’s barking on the lead. I ask Madeleine to communicate with Molly to find out the cause.
“Molly wants to protect you,” explains Madeleine. “She feels a need to control the situation to prove her worth, so ultimately she will continue to stay with you.
“Being on a lead can also make dogs more reactive as they feel the need to defend and protect, which is what Molly’s doing,” says Madeleine. “Of course, they pick up exactly how you’re feeling, even if you try not to get tense in anticipation of any conflict.”
Madeleine suggests taking Molly to a safe open space and letting her off the lead to run around, or using a training lead so she has a sense of freedom – and doesn’t have to protect me.
I make a mental note to try Molly on a longer lead.
I ask is there anything Molly wants me to do differently? Madeleine says no, just give her time to settle in.
Later that night, when I return from yoga, my partner Chris says, “Molly’s turned a corner. She’s just sat on my lap.”
I tell about my consultation with an animal communicator. Rather than roll his eyes Chris says to Molly: “The psychic is right, you’re not going anywhere.You’re staying with us forever.”
Molly snuggles closer and licks my hand. She is a smashing dog, and I feel so lucky to have her. ● For more information visit madeleinewalker.co.uk