Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

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

Posts Tagged animal communication

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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Pet Names DO Matter!

Oct 5

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 4 Comments

Through my work as an animal communicator, I never tire of hearing some of the creative and distinctive names that humans assign their pets. It is common for clients to want to know if their newly adopted pet likes their new name. While the responses from the animals are varied, I recognize that names DO matter to animals, but not in the way we might think.

A name is a name to the animals, but it is the energetic reaction that we humans might have when hearing their name that they respond to. If an iguana named Rose is regularly faced with the reaction of “that’s a silly name for a lizard” then Rose the iguana may start to question her stature in the world. A horse named Chomper may make some of us wonder if a piece of our bicep might become his afternoon snack! If many people who meet “Chomper” have that same fear and energetic reaction of distancing themselves from his powerful teeth, what is that conveying to the horse over time?

Consider your immediate internal (i.e. energetic) reaction when meeting for the first time:

  • a Rottweiler dog named Terminator
  • the same Rottweiler dog now named Lovey
  • a six month old kitten named Terror
  • or the same kitten named Cuddles

Could you imagine yourself being cautious when meeting a dog named Terminator? And did you imagine yourself wanting to scoop up Cuddles the kitten to hold him or her? There really IS something in a name, and over time a cat named Terror may really start to live up to that name. Chomper the horse may become skittish and self-isolating, and Lovey the Rottweiler might become the most popular and adored pet of the neighborhood.

Most of us put a lot of thought into the names we choose for our beloved animals, and appropriately so. I’ve met several animals who truly do live up to their name, both positively and with some behavioral issues. So the next time you find yourself needing to name a new family pet, consider the energetic reaction their name might illicit, and remember that over time those reactions very likely may have a long-lasting affect on how your pet behaves.

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Tele-Class: Connecting with Our Animals in Spirit

Sep 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Activities, Events, Classes | No Comments

It is a heartbreaking experience when our beloved animal companion passes away. For some, animal communication assists with closure and wishing our best friend peace in their afterlife. For me, there was no blessing greater than being able to connect with my cherished companions after they passed from their physical life to their new spirit form. It was so comforting to know – really *know* from their perspective - that they were safe, happy, healthy, and still with me every minute of the day.

Now, through this tele-class ”Communicating with Our Animals in Spirit“ you will have an opportunity to connect with your animal friend who has passed on. With some introductory instruction followed by a guided meditation, participants may have direct connection with their beloved pet, and will learn skills and tools to help communicate with them after the class concludes. A recent class participant comments:

“I want to again thank you for giving me the opportunity to connect with Topaz.  I feel such relief from the experience. I made her the promise, as she was making her transition, that I would learn how to keep in touch with her, and I had felt as if I had failed her, not because I wasn’t trying, but because I couldn’t do it. With my experiences this afternoon connecting with Topaz through your guidance and my other kitty’s encouragement, that’s all changed now.”

Communicating with Our Animals in Spirit
Next class offering: September 22, 2010
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time  (6:00 p.m. Pacific; 8:00 p.m. Central; 9:00 p.m. Eastern)
Cost $20 (plus possible long distance phone charges for the teleconference)

 To register and for more information about this class offered by Articulate Animals, click here.

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Pet Palooza! in Denver, September 24, 2010

Sep 14

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Activities, Events, Classes | No Comments

If you and your canine companion are looking for an activity to do together in Denver, check out Pet Palooza! on Friday, September 24, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at EarthDog Denver Dog Center on Kalamath Street.

Sponsored by TeamMates Commercial Interiors, proceeds will benefit MaxFund no-kill shelter in Denver. There are many dog-friendly activities available, and I will be on hand offering information and brief animal communication chats with your pooch. RSVP in advance. It’s for a great cause.

I hope to see you there!

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Bringing A Missing Pet Home: Rufus’s Story

Aug 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Products & Animal Resources, Stories about our Animals | No Comments

A client contacted me a few weeks ago with the news that her parents’ pet parakeet, Rufus, had gone missing. While he spends a good amount of time out of his cage with his people during the day, he is not an outside bird. On this day, however, Rufus was outside by accident and, as all of us with pets know, sometimes accidents happen. Rufus was startled and flew out of grasp.

Rufus

A missing pet of any species is heartbreaking. We generally feel a combination of panic, guilt, desperation and devastation, yet we try to remain hopeful amidst it all. Though challenging, it is important to remain optimistic and to work through all possible avenues to bring your beloved pet back home safely.

This is a story of a family who did everything they possibly could to bring Rufus home, and it paid off. The parents of Rufus acted very quickly and called other family members in and out of their small town asking for support and guidance. This immediate networking provided resources and suggestions which wouldn’t otherwise have been available. Each family member took a bit of the responsibility to contact any resource of which they were aware. This included placing an ad in the local newspaper, requesting an announcement on the local radio station, posting signs around the neighborhood, contacting an animal communicator, and registering Rufus on FindToto.com, a service providing telephone broadcast messages to help bring missing pets home. Through it all the family was pragmatic, knowing the chances of a small bird being identified as a missing pet were slim, but still remaining optimistic that their efforts would be successful.

Low and behold, Rufus was found! He spent one night out on his own, and one night with a very loving gentleman who spotted Rufus sitting on his backyard bird bath and cared for him overnight. Apparently the gentleman mentioned finding Rufus to some family and friends, and this networking led to Rufus’s safe return home. Someone saw the advertisement in the newspaper the next morning, alerted the gentleman, and he returned Rufus promptly to his very happy and welcoming family.

Any of the methods used – signage, newspaper, radio, animal communication, a missing pet service - could have been the method that brought Rufus home. The fact is, we don’t know who may notice our beloved pet and what newspaper ad or sign in the neighborhood they might see. It only takes one to bring our pet home. Broadening the scope of the search by utilizing all methods available as quickly as possible increases the odds that the one person who has seen our pet has also seen at least one sign or newspaper ad or heard one radio announcement or received one phone message from FindToto.com.

It is my hope that none of us ever has to go through the anguish of a missing pet. Should that unforeseen circumstance happen, however, I urge you to network extensively and utilize all possible options, as this family did, to bring your beloved pet home quickly and safely.

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Vacation Preparation for our Pets

Jun 24

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | 4 Comments

During this season of family vacations, following is a reminder partially taken from a post last summer on how to prepare our pets for our time away:

Generally speaking, a vacation is an exciting time for humans. This is not always the case for the animals of the family, however. For some pets, their human being away for any length of time is a sad, lonely, perhaps anxiety-ridden experience.

Each animal reacts differently to time away from their primary human guardians, and their reaction can vary depending on the arrangements made for their care. Preparing for a vacation means preparing our animals as well.

For some, the “you have fun, but behave yourself” talk is appropriate, along with your reassurance that you will return soon.

Some animals will benefit from a gentle explanation that you’ll be gone for a few days, then a detailed explanation of how they will be cared for.

Some animals are not concerned with their own arrangements as much as knowing that YOU will be safe and that you will return happily and refreshed, and they will likely want to know all about your adventure when you return.

For all animals, I believe it is helpful to explain that we love being home with them, but that it is important for humans to get away from home occasionally.

No matter which of the above scenarios best fits your animal companions, always finish your conversation with your beloved pets by envisioning a wonderful, joy-filled homecoming with snuggles, praise, and perhaps a small treat.

When the suitcases come out, your animals know that something is about to change in their world. Most will respond more positively when they are brought into the experience so take the time to communicate with them and do so positively and with joy. And most of all, remember that your pets pick up on your energy so remain calm and confident that your time away from them will be pleasant for all concerned.

Vacations are exciting, and don’t have to be feared by our animals. Help them by communicating your intentions, and they will be joyfully waiting for you when you return!

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Toys to Keep Pets Challenged

Jun 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When I work with animal communication clients regarding certain behavioral issues with their dog or cat, it is not uncommon for a part of the cause to be related to

  • anxiety or boredom,
  • prey drive/hunting instinct, or
  • territorialism.

Of course, every animal’s rationale for their behavior is different and it is important to understand what is driving them to react as they do. But quite often the solution involves redirecting the pet to a less destructive, more productive activity. Toys to keep your animal companion challenged, mentally and physically, can be just the ticket.

Consider your pet’s breed, which gives a clue as to their in-bred instinct. Obviously a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever dog loves to retrieve. It’s great exercise for them to chase balls, Frisbees, and sticks as thrown by their guardians, and until these dogs approach their golden years, they could partake in this activity for hours. You can add more mental challenge for them by rubbing their favorite retrieval item with a food scent and hiding the item. This is great for an retriever dog who might have a bit of anxiety or destructive behavior when you leave them alone for a few hours. Give them the “job” of finding their toy, assisted only by scent, and then guarding or protecting it while you are away.

Other dog breeds may not have a strong retrieval instinct, but may be very motivated by food. Toys that allow a special treat to be locked inside can keep these canines busy and mentally challenged for hours.

Cats have a strong prey drive, and they don’t lose that instinct just because they are indoor cats. Sometimes their frustration at not being able to stalk and hunt builds to a point of frustration and unwanted behaviors can develop, not to mention stalking and hunting is a great way for a cat to keep themselves fit. Scratching posts, catnip toys, and interactive games with their humans are all great, but consider adding some challenge for your kitty by making a simple toy to allow them to express their natural instinct, AND allowing them to reap the final reward at the end. A few bits of dried chicken or their favorite fish flakes in a recycled (empty) water bottle with small punctures for the aroma to escape will keep them redirected from yowling at the window, attacking your visitor’s feet, or scratching the furniture due to boredom. Small, light-weight bottles are all the better for skittering across the kitchen floor, just like a mouse would do. And best of all, if you don’t tighten the lid much, repeated batting and rolling around will eventually allow the lid to come off and the treats will be revealed. This kind of foraging toy, while not identical to hunting a mouse or snake in the garden, will allow your feline to honor his natural instinct for hunting, and a redirection to this game from an unwanted behavior could make your home much more harmonious for all.

If your pet is exhibiting unwanted behaviors and you suspect they are bored, find a mentally challenging game for them which is appropriate for their breed and personal preferences.

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FAQ: Helping Pets Deal with Summer Heat

Jun 9

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

An animal communication client asked:  Any tips on how to help extra furry dogs stay cool in this heat?? That’s a great question! Living with pugs most of my adult life, I do have some tricks up my sleeve. While a pug is not ”extra furry” like a Husky or Australian Shepard, they do have delicate respiratory systems which can become very quickly compromised in heat and humidity.

Jezebel showing off on her cool mat

Here are some tips:

  • Of course, first and foremost, limit your dog’s intense activity during the hottest part of the day. Easier said than done for some very active pooches, I know. But consider a good long walk in the early morning hours to give your companion their required daily exercise while the day is still cool. This will tire them out so they’ll rest during the hotter part of the day.
  • Allow access to cooler parts of the house during hot days. Put a dog bed and fresh water in your basement or an interior and/or dark room for your pooch while you are away.
  • Check your dog’s water regularly and keep it fresh and plentiful. I drop a few ice cubes in the water bowl through the day to keep it nice and cool. There are gadgets to allow on-demand access to fresh, cold water directly from an outdoor faucet. I’ve not tried or seen these myself, but for some breeds this may be a great solution for regular fresh-water intake. My less high-tech solution is to put a chunk of ice in the outdoor water dish which melts over a few hours, keeping the water cool for a good part of the day.
  • Many friends and clients have set up a baby pool – one of those plastic models with 8-10 inch sides – for their dogs to walk through and lay in. Keep the water fresh in case your dog decides to drink instead of swim, and don’t allow your pets to have access to a water-filled pool without adult supervision!
  • I set up a floor fan to blow air into the inside portion (a fenced area of my garage) of the dog run when I’m away. The fan is *outside* the gate so there can be no accidents with tails, paws, or tongues wanting to explore. While this is recycled warm air, it does provide cooling from the breeze, and adds an additional benefit of white-noise should I be away when a thunderstorm begins. The fan is positioned to blow on only one side of the containment and the other side remains breeze-free. I’m big on choices for my beloved companions! On particularly hot days, I set a bowl of water in front of the fan for more cooling.
  • Some families I know give their furry dogs a haircut in May or June, which grows out through the summer in time for the colder weather. Your dog may not look like himself for a couple of months, but it certainly does help with the heat. Remember though, if you give a short or buzz cut, protect them with sunscreen for the first couple of weeks!
  • There are products which seem to do a nice job of keeping dogs cool without getting them wet. Check your local pet store and/or animal supply catalogs for cool mats, rugs, vests, and collars (one version of a cool mat is shown above). My experience with a cool mat has been good, and a 20-minute soak in cold water keeps the mat cool (and dry!) to the touch for up to two days, then another dunk in cool water and we’re good to go for another couple of days. I’ve not tried the vest or collar but the concept is similar and may be the perfect solution for some dogs. Some dogs have expressed in our animal communication session that they prefer or *need* the cooling to come from their belly area. Other dogs hold their heat in their neck area. Choose the style that works best for your furry companion. The material in the mat, vest, etc. may be toxic so choose your style and brand wisely if your pet is a chewer.

These are my tips. If you have tips which keep your extra furry dog cooler on hot summer days, leave a comment!

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