Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Archive for category Health & Well Being for Pets

Preparing for a Family Move With Our Pets

Apr 28

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Are you planning to move to a new home in the next few months? There is so much planning and activity associated with moving homes and sometimes our animals have a hard time with the changes that are taking place. Animal communication can help ease any worry or anxiety that your pet’s may have.

There are many animals who adjust to their new home relatively quickly, and some have a harder time. For every animal who moves with their family, their individual experience is different. If you have a move scheduled, or are thinking about a move in the future, here are some examples to learn from:

  • The best example is to recognize that a move is stressful for our pets. There will be changes and upset routines and stress on our animals. It may be valuable to schedule a few minutes to communicate with your pets as the preparations for the move begins. This certainly doesn’t guarantee that the beloved pet will not have some worry or anxiety during and after the move, but it does help to reassure them that things *will* settle down and that they *are* making the move with the family too!
  • A multi-kitty family moved from one home to a smaller home. One of the felines adjusted easily and quickly and was looking forward to exploring his new surroundings; the other was mad that he had less real estate to patrol and that the access to outside had changed, which resulted in litter box issues. We were able to reassure him that he still had all his outside privileges and that there were still plenty of litter boxes available to choose from, even though they were in a little closer proximity to each other.
  • A dog was very concerned and acting out to get his guardian’s attention. He believed that they had left behind the spirit of his companion who had passed some time ago. We assured him that his companion now has the ability to be with him anywhere and everywhere, including the new home.
  • A cat was working through his grief of leaving his former home and the loss of a human companion at the same time. He was having a difficult time letting go of the former home and therefore was not ready to accept the new home as his. We reassured him that he can retain all the wonderful memories from his previous home and still have room to accumulate memories from his new home too.

Ultimately you know your pets best. If a little anxiety is normal for them then talking with them to help them prepare for the changes as a move takes place may eliminate a difficult move and adjustment period for them and for you!

 

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Understanding Undesirable Behaviors

Mar 21

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

All of us with animals in our lives occasionally witness behaviors which we hope never to see exhibited again. A deliberate indoor urination accident, digging up the freshly planted flower garden, and cribbing are often a means of acting out from frustration, anger, disappointment, boredom, or are a means of testing just exactly how much is going to be allowed.

When clients call with behavior related questions, I am careful to not jump to conclusions about the root cause of the issue. True, often there is an obvious disconnect between the human and animal in  terms of strong leadership, enough exercise, or good ongoing training and reinforcement. Dogs and horses in particular need consistent training and leadership, but other animals also pick up on leadership qualities in their humans and will generally respond accordingly.

Many behaviors are deeper and may indicate other factors. If you begin to witness changes in your pet that you’ve never seen exhibited before, consider their age. For some aging animals, eyesight, loss of  hearing, and loss of mobility due to arthritis may bring about changes. Stiff joints may reduce their ability to get outside or get into their litter box fast enough to avoid an accident. There may be ways to assist, like moving their favorite bed closer to the dog door or finding a litter box with lower sides for easier access. Skittishness, increased barking or yowling, and fear behaviors may accompany a loss of an animal’s sense of sight, hearing, or smell. The slow onset of senility can bring about these same types of changes in behavior. A gentle understanding and explanation of the changes can be helpful for both animal and humans in the household.

Changes in an animal’s environment can also bring  about short-term or long-term behavioral changes. Loss of a loved one – animal or human – is devastating to our pets and they need time and support to work through their grief. Even short-term loss such as the departure of a teenager to a semester at college is confusing and your pet may mourn that loss of the daily interaction with their friend. You understand your student will return for weekends and holidays, but until a few cycles of departure and return are witnessed by your animals, it may not be clear to them.

Medical issues can cause changes in behaviors, and regular checkups are critical in your health care routine for your beloved companions. Some medical causes of behavioral changes may not be readily obvious and checking in with your pet through an animal communicator may provide answers and symptoms to help health care practitioners provide excellent care.

Daily observation goes a long way in understanding behaviors, but when causes of a shift in behavior is not obvious, check with your animal health practitioner and then determine if additional information from your pet through a professional communicator is appropriate.

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A Few Things About Nutrition…

Oct 31

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets | 1 Comment

Questions about food and nutrition come up regularly in my animal communication consultations. Veterinarian Dr. Diana Roberts of Harmony Animal Wellness answered some of the most common questions for a newsletter article in 2009. The information she provided never goes out of date and sometimes it is helpful to have a gentle reminder from time to time!

Q: I feed my dogs primarily dry food because it seems as this will  help with keeping their teeth clean and their gums healthier.

A: It is actually a myth that dry food saves dog’s mouths. Many dogs that eat exclusively dry food have horrific oral disease. Genetics and home care really are the biggest factors involved in how healthy their mouths stay. Some breeds are truly genetically predisposed to fast tartar buildup (greyhounds and daschunds, for example). Brushing the teeth daily helps, but just as humans still need professional cleanings despite at  least 2x daily brushing, so do most pets. There are some products shown to help  reduce plaque buildup – ask your DVM.

Q: I have an elder, and I have recently started buying food with  Glucosamine to help keep his joints healthy as he ages.

A: Foods with glucosamine rarely have enough to be truly useful for the animal, and the foods are not regulated as to quality or quantity of that glucosamine.

Q: I know it is best for my dog if I set specific meal times and  take his/her food up if s/he doesn’t eat it in a certain amount of time. However, I’ve always let my cat graze by leaving her food out and available to her 24/7.

A: Cats are *definitely* not  designed to graze!! They are genetically designed to have periods of fasting between big meals. Grazing allows for constant demands on their insulin production and can predispose them to diabetes as well as obesity. Canned food  in measured meals are ideal for cats. (This topic could be a whole newsletter  itself!)

Q: We are very careful to never give table scraps or “people food” to our dogs. They get only canned and/or dry dog food.

A: Table scraps are generally not  harmful to pets….depending on what’s on your table! If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t ask your pet to do so! Be especially careful with bones and high fat foods; otherwise, the occasional tidbit should be fine if your pet is in good  health and not prone to easy GI upset. Don’t make scraps the bulk of his diet,  just an occasional treat!

Diana Roberts, DVM, graduated from Michigan State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994 and practiced in upstate New York for four years before moving to Colorado. Dr. Roberts enjoys working with small animals and over the years has incorporated acupuncture, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and nutritional guidance into her practice. She opened her own veterinary clinic, Harmony Animal Wellness, in September 2006.

For more information about animal nutrition, talk with your local holistic veterinarian.

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Article: Kelly Krueger Provides a Voice for Your Pet’s Needs and Emotions

Jul 1

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Mountain Connection Magazine, July 2011 issue

Kelly Krueger Provides a Voice for Your Pet’s Needs and Emotions (click to see full article)

By Sarah Schraad

Are you or your family heading on vacation this summer? And if so, have you told your pets what is in store for them while you are away? Kelly Krueger, owner of Articulate Animals, can help you pass along the message. A professional animal communicator, Krueger says that it is important your pet understands when and why you are going away…and that you’re coming back.

Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

“More and more people are utilizing animal communication for a variety of situations like vacation preparation, as well as behavioral problems and health concerns,” says Krueger. “By enlisting an animal communicator, individuals can deepen their relationship and understanding of their pets, as well as obtain information about a particular issue that can then be used to benefit both the family and the animal.”

Born and raised on a Wyoming cattle ranch, animals have always been part of Krueger’s life. Based in Evergreen, she launched Articulate Animals in 2007 and has worked with clients in nearly every US state as well as around the world in places like India, Australia, and Ireland.

While the majority of her consultations are with dogs, cats, and horses, Krueger has also worked with birds, rabbits, iguanas, and more.  She connects telepathically with the animal in an effort to better understand a variety of issues, for example, why the pet behaves a specific way around strangers. In the event of a health concern, Krueger can help identify where an animal’s physical discomfort exists, which can then be shared with the family’s veterinarian. She also helps animals prepare for upcoming household changes such as a new baby, loss of a loved one, or moving to a new home.

“Most pet owners speak with their pets daily, usually to accomplish a specific task or correct a behavior,” Krueger says. “While we know our animals listen to us, it may not be as clear that our animals are also speaking to us with the same purpose and intent. I help individuals better understand what their pets are saying and feeling, because once those details are uncovered, harmony and balance can be restored.”

While there will always be skeptics, Krueger says that once an individual actually experiences the benefits and sees the results – such as a strange behavior that abruptly stops following a consultation – they recognize that animal communication does work and can improve the health and happiness of an animal.

“All of my clients have the same goal in mind, which is to gain a better understanding of their pet’s overall well-being and ensure the animal is content and feels loved. I can think of no better reward than helping my clients achieve a stronger relationship with their animal companion,” she adds.

More information is available on Kelly’s website, www.articulateanimals.com, including first-hand testimonials about her work and information on upcoming classes on animal communication. If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Kelly at Kelly@ArticulateAnimals.com or by phone at 303-670-0292.

 

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Assisting our Pets with Disabilities

May 2

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets, Pet Nutrition, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When our beloved pets are still full of life even in the midst of a diagnosis or physical disablity, there are many resources and alternatives to keep them healthy and active for a while longer. It is amazing to me the resources available for our pets. Diabetes, degenerative myelopathy or similar, and cancer are all scary words to hear and difficult diagnoses to wrap our heads around.

These diagnoses don’t necessarily mean the end is near. Certainly, we don’t want our beloved pets to suffer if we can possibly help it.  In some cases the most loving, compassionate, and selfless act is to let (or assist) our companion pass. In many of these cases, however, there are ways we can help our pets to continue to live happy, fulfilling lives for as long as they wish to remain on earth with us.

Diet and nutritional supplements is a great place to start in supporting our pets living with a medical diagnosis. Talk with your holistic veterinarian about foods and supplements which support, and in some cases, help to counter-act elements of the disease.

I have known animals in my animal communication practice who lived many happy years with diabetes - receiving daily injections to keep their insulin levels in check. I also have several kitty-clients in various stages of renal failure, and they are living active lives with IV fluids administered by their loving humans a few times a week in the privacy of their own home.

Physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, chiropractic treatments, and energy work like Reiki can all help our pets with neuromuscular conditions to remain active on their own, and wheelchairs, slings, or leg braces can be appropriate for those whose spirit for living remains high as their condition progresses.

The resources available nowadays are many, and it is important that we consider all aspects of the diagnosis carefully. It is not a “one size fits all” proposition. The animal’s condition, demeanor, and spirit are paramount in our decision making process. Ask your pet how they are feeling and include them in the treatment strategy. If you and your pet agree that there are more weeks, months, or years of living left, know that there are resources out there that may work for you.
 

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Practice Communicating with Your Animals

Mar 10

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Activities, Events, Classes, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

I am excited to offer (new for 2011) the “Deepening Connections Practice Series,” a regularly scheduled tele-class for those who would like practice and a little more instruction on communicating with animals.

Join me, Kelly Krueger, for quarterly animal communication practice sessions to deepen your ability to connect directly with your pets. Each 45-minute tele-session will include instruction and tips for successful communications with animals, a brief guided meditation, and two topics to explore with your pets. If the topic of the session does not directly apply to your own animals you may practice with a friend’s or family member’s pet.

Dates and topics for 2011 include:

March 16, 2011 – Tips for communicating with our aging animals, including encouragement and support as their body changes, understanding stiffness and discomfort, and setting the stage for the future when a more detailed discussion about end-of-life topics will be appropriate. Litter box and house training communications will also be included in this practice session. If you have a new animal companion, we will discuss how to set expectations and house rules regarding pet hygiene.

June 8, 2011- Preparing our pets for family vacations and the pet’s care options will be discussed and practiced. We will also consider the addition of a new animal family member - the short-term disruption this may cause your existing pets and how to telepathically welcome your new family member into the fold while establishing house guidelines from the beginning.

September 21, 2011- This practice session will include instruction on working with a variety of pet behaviors. Generic communications will be discussed, and a few specific behavioral issues will be practiced. For those with holiday house guests arriving, we will practice preparing our pets for the holiday, preparing for holiday visitors, and helping our pets understand the short-term changes in household routines.

December 7, 2011 – The final practice session of 2011 will include development of appropriate telepathic communications to encourage healthy social behaviors with other animals as well as humans (playing nice at the dog park, and saying hello to Aunt Jane when she visits, for example). Included in this session and the topic of social behaviors will be social play time. This may include setting appropriate play expectations for your obsessive ball chaser, or a kitty who insists on playtime in middle of the night!

We all can communicate telepathically with animals – it just takes practice!

For more information on the practice tele-series, visit www.articulateanimals.com/blog and view the “classes” tab for “Deepening Connections.”

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Take the 24-hour Pet Communication Challenge

Nov 11

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Activities, Events, Classes, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Are you up for a challenge? You can do it, I promise! It’s simple.

Objective: Spend the next 24 hours joyfully communicating all the wonderful things you know about your pet

Rationale: This challenge reminds us just how simple it is to express our love and our expectations to our pets in a way that encourages their enthusiastic participation

Steps: 

1. Identify 2-3 items you wish to work on with your pet, or recent successes which you wish to reinforce

2. For 24 hours, be conscious of communicating with your pet, both out-loud and silently, in an encouraging, positive, and compassionate way

That’s it! I told you – simple! To help you with your challenge, here are a few examples. Some may apply directly to your own topics, or you can use these examples to create your own reinforcing communications.

House training example: Perhaps your dog has been properly house broken for some time, with only the occasional accident due to a short-term virus or a moment of extreme excitement. At some point in the day, unrelated to a bathroom break (or mistake), simply affirm the great job they’ve been doing: “You are my great go-outside-to-go-potty boy, Rover.” Do they know exactly what the words mean? No, but in that moment of expressing your sincere appreciation of a consistent job well-done, you will feel joyful at the success and you will automatically envision the several productive trips outside for appropriate elimination. The words of affirmation help you to feel and envision your expression of joy and congratulations and that is what your pet will understand and respond to.

New companion example: Perhaps you have introduced a new kitty to your family of cats. It is never too late to appreciate and affirm the wonderful integration (even if it isn’t consistently wonderful yet!) offered by your existing cats. “Fluffy, I am so proud of what an excellent big sister you are!” Your sincere expression of the welcoming nature of Fluffy, even if Fluffy still has an occasional hiss-fit toward the new kitten, sets a joyful, compassionate expectation which will eventually be fulfilled.

Weight loss example: If your horse enjoys chomping on all the fresh, tender spring grass and has plumped up a bit, you can encourage him through his weight loss regimen: “What a handsome, svelte, and energetic stud you are, Poco!” The tone and content of this affirmation, given randomly and with no direct affiliation to mealtime, helps both you and your horse to remember the goal and see the successful outcome which will soon be realized.

Aging example: My own 11 year old dog still loves her walks, but I notice that its taking a little longer to complete our usual loop. It is healthy for both the human and the animal to accept and acknowledge some of the typical aging issues that might begin to surface, such as slowing down slightly: ”Jezebel, you are my great walking-girl companion!” This simple affirmation, delivered by actually envisioning our very pleasant daily walks, however long they might take, keeps us both present and appreciating every moment we have together. It’s not unusual for me to give this affirmation in the evening as we snuggle, hours after our walk that day.

Most of us move through our day with our beloved pets stating fairly routine requests, corrections, and praise, and we may say little else to our animal companions. These are all appropriate and important ways to work with and connect with our pets, but it takes so little time and energy to communicate even more with them.

This 24-hour challenge encourages you to identify and add in non-routine affirmations through the day. I’m always in a better mood after saying to Jezebel, randomly, just because I love her, ”you are my beautiful and sweet 11 year old girl!” My loving relationship with her just got a little boost and my smile got a little bigger. Challenge yourself to a day of positive affirmations with your pets and see if you don’t have a better day for it. I bet your beloved pet will!

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More Household Dangers for Pets

Aug 31

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

There are hazards for our pets throughout our daily lives, some of which I mentioned in a previous post, Household Dangers for Pets. Some of these hazards are obvious and talked about frequently; others may come as a surprise. Whether this is a reminder or new information, I hope it will help to keep your pets safe.

Chemicals around the house - garages and the cabinet under the kitchen sink often contain chemicals which can pose danger for pets. Drain cleaners, car antifreeze, pool/spa chemicals, insecticides and rodent poisons are all dangerous for animals, potentially causing chemical burns, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal upset. If your pets are allowed to roam your property freely, consider what possible hazards may be in the garage or shed and keep those areas off limits to your furry companions.

House plants - some plants are highly toxic for animals if ingested. My plant nursery was great about checking their plant catalog for every variety of house plant I was buying to make sure the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers did not pose a danger for animals. I have worked with a number of animal communication clients whose pet is ill and the animal provides an image of a leaf or flower which they’ve ingested. While plants are excellent house-warming gifts, do your host a favor and gift only plants that are safe in the presence of domestic companions. The ASPCA website has an excellent list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Home improvement products – DIY home improvement projects can be fun and fulfilling, but those weekend projects can pose a danger for your pets. Liquid adhesives, solvents, and paint are all very dangerous to pets if ingested, and can also be a problem if absorbed through their paws or skin. Be aware of the nail strips when new carpet is laid, and remember that some carpet, varnish, and paints can out-gas for quite some time after the installation. Pets are smaller and more sensitive than humans and we should do our best to limit their exposure to any toxic fumes.

Be aware of toxins and hazards around your home, yard, and garage and keep them out of reach of your pets, and children too!

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