My love affair with animals has always been with me. I don't recall a time when I didn't feel drawn to them. I was the little girl who brought home and attracted any of the injured and stray 4 leggeds with fur, and 2 legged winged creatures. I believe the word was out on the street that any creature who found it's way to me would have a safe haven, domesticated and wild alike (often times without my parents even knowing~haha).
Horses and dogs have always been a special passion of mine. They are a part of who I am and help to complete my life. They have been my best teachers in life. Offering friendship, service, love, joy, and learnings.
Dogs are definitely a gift from the heavens! Where else would man find such a companion that is truly devoted to us down to their very core. A companion that actively seeks out human contact and can scan and read our expressions, moods, and energies better than we can read ourselves? When I lived in California I was very active with an animal rescue group. We were in a high dog fighting area. Most of the animals (dogs) we rescued were victims of dog fighting and abuse, both as fighting dogs and "bait" dogs. My role in that organization was that of foster rehabilitation and retraining. I would often have puppies and dogs recuperating from medical issues such as surgeries, and disease (parvo was especially hard on the puppies). It is amazing to me that through the horrors that many of these dogs witnessed and were party to, they still rebounded back to become happy, and healthy companions to man. Most of the dogs and puppies never lost their faith and trust in humans. Dogs are saints with 4 legs and fur! We can learn a lot from dogs!
I've also loved horses for as long as I can remember.. I believe I was born with the "horse gene." I learned how to "ride" at the age of 4 on a dear sweet welsh pony named, Speckles. I was told to sit tight, pull back hard to stop, and kick like heck to go.. and I was duly dumped quite a few times for my pertinence. Speckles definitely had the personality of a saint for the patience she gave me; for as many times as I would come unseated, I would jump right back on and go all over again. I believe in her way, Speckles was trying to tell me that there was something "more" that I was missing. At 20 years old I took in an emaciated OTTB, Kasey. I knew there was another way to be with the horse and Kasey became my first "real" teacher and equine partner. Looking back over the years I see the mistakes I've made.. I've learned, am learning and am constantly evolving in my dealing, understanding, and riding of the equine. There is something so uniquely soulful about them. As Winston Churchill is quoted as saying:
"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Over the years I have been pondering ways to help honor and benefit the horse and dog. I am thrilled to discover that I have found ways in this journey to give back to them. Through massage and Reiki I am able to offer healing to the creatures that so often give all of themselves to the humans that have them, be it through sport and competition, therapy work, and/or companionship.
Of course, the journey doesn't stop here.. I am a lifelong learner and every day brings a new lesson. I continue to pursue certifications and further studies into different healing modalities, including and not limited to: aromatherapy, nutrition, flower essences, homeopathy, and acupressure.
Added note: Don't get me wrong... I won't turn away a cat, goat, or bi-ped. All creatures are welcome and sacred by me!
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