Whenever I mention the possibility of remote Reiki sessions, most people look at me and say "I just don't understand it".  While it does take a bit of faith, I have seen wonderful results with this type of session. The rationale for it is based in quantum physics and is related to the finding that we are all connected (that there is really no time or space and that we are all really one). The science behind that is often difficult to understand as it gets esoteric.  Here are a few everyday examples of connections that occur without being in the same location.  My hope is you will start see how a remote session can be possible. 

Most of us take for granted that when we make a cell phone call, the person on the other end of the call (no matter how far away they are) is miraculously hearing what is said immediately. This occurs without wired connection or being in the same space. Instead, the signal (along with millions of other calls at the same time) is bounced off a satellite and connected by a specific phone number/"address". You are able to have a conversation with exactly and only the person who placed the call. 

Similarly, we are all familiar with GPS systems which can tell us exactly how to get from one location to another without actually seeing where we are. Another example we are also all familiar with is WiFi hot spots that allow us to connect to the internet without being attached through wires. During this, the information your are searching for comes to you almost instantaneously even though there are many people around you using the same exact WiFi connection in the same place. 

A human connection example is when a twin or parent knows immediately when something is wrong with their twin or child. We have all heard stories like this and most often, the intuition of the well/safe party is correct. This is because we are all connected at all times, these connections are just a little bit deeper/more realized than your connection with a stranger. From another perspective, have you ever had your eyes closed or back turned and yet knew exactly who was standing behind you? That is because you recognized their specific energy and how they "feel".

Each of us has a specific soul signature, soul song, or specific "energetic address" that can be tuned into just like the cell phone, GPS, etc.  Even when I work with an animal in person, I connect to this energy during the session. To do a remote session, it does help to have a photo so that I can see into their eyes/soul, but I can tune into their specific energies through their name, your name, their age, location etc. This is like aiming the satellite or connecting the phone call. Through thought intentions as well as opening my heart and feeling their energy, it is like I make a cell phone call just for them during the session.  I basically become a satellite to direct the healing energy from Source (God, whatever you want to call it) directly to your animal. 

So, during a remote session, I become an open/clear channel for the healing energy to flow through me to your animal. Trough thought intention, heart connection, intuition, and the hermetic law of similarities (using a proxy stuffed animal to represent your animal), I can feel the energy of your animal and where they are blocked.  The session then runs exactly as it would with me in the same physical space as your animal. I actually feel like we are together. One mediation/visualization I use to help maintain this connection is to picture both myself and your animal in a field (or other location) together -- that eliminates the feeling/belief of I am here and they are there. If anyone was to watch me during a remote session, they would see me moving my hands to different areas, removing blockages etc. just as I do in a traditional session. 
Most people tell me that they are aware of exactly when I start the session as their animal will go lay down in a secluded spot for the duration. Then, they can tell when I am done as the animal seems calmer, happier, and starts moving around again. However, some animals do choose to move around during a session to help move the energy or because they are feeling something and don't know where it is coming from.  It does not matter what they are doing (can even be out for a walk, car ride etc) - the connection remains strong (like a radio station signal) no matter where they are. Them moving around does not affect the healing energies at all as it flows out through their chakras  (through our soul connection) and out to wherever is needed in their body. 

During a remote session, I have a notebook beside me and write down all that I experience, feel, and see. I then will send you a detailed email about exactly what my perceptions, visualizations, feelings, and findings were. (Please see my blog explaining common Reiki visualizations). This tends to be a fairly long email as I want you to know exactly occurred from my point of view. (It usually takes me at least half an hour of typing). All of the visualizations are usually about releasing in some fashion or bringing in new energies. If you can keep that in mind, the email will make more sense. I include all of that as it might spark some memory of an event for you (maybe about the root cause or how they felt about something), info about needing to see a vet, or you might just find it interesting. Certainly, if you would prefer a shorter/more succinct email, I can accommodate that as well. 

 Did you know the same cascade of events happens in animals? Many negative behaviors or health issues in our animals stem from stress. What is worse is often the signs of stress are overlooked a and considered to be "just how they are" or that is "just their quirks".  In actuality, those behaviors are probably the result of prolonged stress. Animals are hardwired for survival and the fight or flight response is very strong.  As a result of this system, you may also see them fight (bite, kick, scratch), flee (need to survive), freeze (try to be invisible so the stress will go away, dissociate from the stress). Another potential is that the animal resorts to other bad behaviors/fooling around to distract from or diffuse whatever is causing the stress. Animals are also very empathic and pick up on or take on our emotions and stress. They do this without realizing it and as a result, have a difficult time releasing the stress they picked up from us. 

 Normally, we are exposed to a stressor (person, place, event, or thing that makes us feel out  of control) and our body quickly and automatically reacts to help us deal with the stressor. We go into the flight or fight response governed by the sympathetic autonomic nervous system and involves release of cortisol, adrenaline, and glucocorticoids. These all work to help us perform at our best physical (if we choose to flee or fight) and mentally to sharpen our senses, take in more info about our surroundings, and make quick decisions about what is needed for us to survive. During this time period, anything non vital is slowed or shut down (such as animal may void quickly so that they don't have to while fleeing or fighting). Then, when the stressor has been dealt with, we release all those hormones and stabilize the system.   When the stress is quickly removed, all goes back to normal within a short time. However, when the stress is repeated or prolonged, it can get stuck which creates energetic blocks, reduces our overall health and then makes us more succeptible to further stressors. Each time the cycle occurs for the same or similar stressor, the severity of the reactions can increase. It is important to note that what causes stress for one individual may not cause stress to someone else - we all react differently. 

There are several ways to tell how severe the stress reaction is for your animal. How severely do they react to the trigger or event? Is it just mild, extreme, or fully out of control? Can your animal still think and act for themselves when triggered? Can your animal still respond to your cues/instructions? If you answered no to these, the animal is experience a high level of stress built up over time. Often, the reactions or behaviors get to a point of far exceeding what is a normal or typical reaction to an event. Stress is a two way communication in the body and chronic stress blocks the communication that the worst is over. ​It is important to notice when these behaviors occur, what is going on at the time, what helps improve.  If the behavior is increasing in frequency, duration, or intensity, something in the environment is reinforcing the need for the behavior.

Reiki works on several levels to break the stress cycle. It can balance the autonomic nervous system to stop the sympathetic reaction and allow the parasympathetic calming reaction. It can help balance hormones, flush out the system, remove blocks, and restore normal flow of energy. It can work to decrease, break, or erase the automatic stress reaction, decrease negative emotions/thoughts, and change perceptions/triggers related to an event. Reiki can also work to clear the cellular memory of the stress and optimize the function of all body processes and systems. It is important to note that the stress reactions built up over time and may take multiple Reiki sessions to release.  

Some of the most common stressors/triggers for animals are: changes in home environment (could be as simple as moving furniture or new neighbors), a stressful environment (they pick up on our stress and internalize it), noises, lack of stimulation/exercise, being left alone for long periods of time, fluctuating expectations from owner or not understanding what is expected of them, grief (for a person or animal housemate), vet visits, schedule changes, lack of affection, abuse, etc. 

Common signs of stress in all animals:
-hide/flee from stressor
-trembling/shaking
Change in breathing
Cling to you/ unable to function independently
Difficulty following a command/learning
Changes in appetite
Hypersexual behaviors
Digestive issues
Freezing/trying to be invisible
Increased tendency to fool around/get in trouble to distract from situation
Destructive behaviors (chewing, biting, scratching, breaking things)
Pacing
Picking at self/hot spots/itchy skin
changes in sleep patterns
agression/anxiety
excessively submissive behavor
poor learning abilities
increased allergic reactions
voiding inappropriately of excess diahrea or constipation
excess and repeated yawning or tooth grinding
separation anxiety
increasing or escalating triggers or negative behaviors
sudden behavioral or personality changes (normally calm/quiet but now vocalizing more/acting up)
new or worsening pain


It is important to note that many of these signs can also signify medical issues. It is important to always have your animal check out by a vet if you suspect any illness or disease. Remember, built up stress and energy blocks can lead to disease and illness. Once they are diagnosed, follow veterinary recommendations first and foremost and then you can supplement with Reiki to work on releasing the underlying cause of the illness. Reiki in conjunction with medical care can help your animal get back to feeling their best more quickly. 



​

Recently, my elderly cat has taken a turn for the worse and is at the end of his life. I have been offering Reiki to him several times a day. After much meditation with him and discussing with other animal communicators, we have determined that he wants to stay home as long as possible and not have to go and be euthanized. We are doing our best to accommodate his wishes but have communicated to him that if he starts being in obvious distress or suffering, we will take him to be put down. So far, we are maintaining him comfortably at home and hoping he will pass with ease and grace in the comfort of familiar energies in alignment with his soul's chosen path. In discussing this situation with family and friends, several people have said to me "but you say Reiki is not a substitute for good veterinary care". That is absolutely true! Reiki can not diagnose -- only a vet can do that. Also, it is important to not that Reiki can not cure terminal illness. When your animal is truly at end of life (what might be considered hospice care), Reiki can help them in many ways. Here are some examples:
1) Reiki can help decrease pain, ease distress, and make them more comfortable. I have noticed this in my cat -- he occasionally is wheezing. Within a few moments of starting a Reiki session, his breathing eases and he is able to relax. I also see him able to move around a bit more easily after a session.
2) Reiki can bring peace and harmony to the soul and help release any blocks such as guilt (about leaving, those left behind etc), anxiety (what will they experience), or other sources of stress. In several animals I have worked with, I felt a large amount of guilt -- "will my people be ok" etc. With my own cat, I have felt a huge shift from tension, stress, anxiety, and guilt to a feeling of peace and acceptance that everything is ok. 
3) Reiki can work to release any negative karmic ties and finish up any life lessons. Yes, animals have karma just like we do. Reiki can work to help free the soul of any ties or tethers that are holding them back. Some of these karmic ties or life lessons can prolong their suffering or experience.
4) Reiki can work to help the animal decide what their soul path is and what they want to experience. It can help prepare them for what is coming on all levels. Through this, it can help your animal intuitively "communicate" with you as to what their wishes are. Keep your heart open and trust any "random" thoughts or feelings you pick up - this is probably your animal communicating with you. 
5) Reiki can help support not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. 
6) You may also want to seek Reiki for yourself to help you move through the grief process and get to a point of acceptance. 
7) Keep in mind, Reiki flows anywhere it is needed and works on so much more than we could ever be aware of. 

Lessons learned from this experience:
1) Do not judge the situation. Just because the physical body seems really weak, the soul may still have "work" to do. Allow them the time to work through whatever is needed. Trust your intuition. 
2) Keep your heart open. If you get a random thought or feeling about how to proceed, it is probably your animal trying to communicate with you. Trust it!
3) Even though you are going through the grief process and it may be hard to interact with your animal, take a deep breath before you interact with them. If you can interact with them with love and kindness and not just detachment, your animal will definitely notice and appreciate the difference in your energy level.
4) Believe that miracles can happen. At any time, their soul can "re-negotiate" and things can change. Stay open to that possibility and to any "messages" from your friends/family. Sometimes, someone will mention something that no one has thought of that can make a big difference. I had a friend who had a cat not eating and someone recommended trying the anti-stress pheromones and it made a world of difference. The person did not realize the amount of stress in the house and the vet was assuming it was a respiratory infection and the cat was not eating because they couldn't smell. The antibiotics were not making any difference, but the day they listened to their friends message and got the pheromones, the cat started eating again. 
5) Remember to celebrate their life and all of the happiness and joy you have shared. Unfortunately, animals life spans are shorter than human life spans and we will experience this process several times with different animals. It is the love, joy, happiness that makes this all worthwhile. 
6) Let their soul fly free! Take the time to say your goodbyes and get closure, but then wish them well for any future adventures and experiences. Tell them it is OK for them to let go and leave the physical body when they feel ready -- this helps them let go of guilt, anxiety, and stress. 

Whether explaining what I experienced during an in home session or typing up a "remote session report", I find myself talking about many different visualizations that I experienced during the Reiki session. Each session I do has some of the same components but often there are some different/unique things that I relate. A few that come to mind are a dog in an amusement park riding the rides, a dog showing me around his "house"/inner sanctuary, a cat taking off a costume or even swimming in a river. Whatever I "see" and report is how my brain/subconscious interprets what is happening with the energies. Your animal may "see" things totally different during the session based on their personal points of reference. What is important with these visualizations is what is happening with the energy. No matter what the images are, we are probably releasing something your animal is ready to let go of, breaking through a block or stuck energy, balancing energy, or bringing in new energies and integrating them. That is the basis of Reiki -- remove blocks, release any pent up energy, balance, and bring in harmony to restore a state of homeostasis allowing the animal to function at their highest possible health and wellness. I thought it might be helpful and fun if I explain some of the common visualizations that may occur in a session:

1) Any sort of dark, black, thick stuff (water, coating on fur etc.) is low vibrational energy which is negatively affecting your animals' health, wellness, or happiness. It is common to see this being released through light, spinning, melting, burning, draining away etc.

2) Flushing. This may be done via a hose, river, bath/shower etc. and is used to move out the old, stagnant energies and bring in new energies. Often, there will be a drain or something where the energy is rinsed away from your animal so that they can fully release it.

3) Colors: green light is for healing, blue to decrease inflammation/irritation, white brings in new energies, and each chakra has it's own color associated with it that may be seen at any time as that energy integrates throughout their body.

4) Water in general tends to relate to the emotional body. The more clear the water, the happier/higher vibrations of the emotion.

5) Walls of any sort  or blocked windows are where there is an energy block. During the session, we try to break down or through those walls -- if that occurs even just a little bit, that frees up energy to start flowing more naturally again.

6) Releasing may look like getting rid of rocks/stones, balloons, effervescent, bathing, shaking things off, etc.

7) Computer screen: often used to get rid of old programming, negative thoughts/behaviors. Think of it like a computer programmer changing or updating software. This sort of thing may also show up as some sort of wiring being connected or adjusted.

8) Fun stuff such as amusement rides, slides, swings, riding in car, playing fetch etc. are usually bringing in new energies, finding the inner puppy/kitten, or bringing in more joy/happiness

9) Fears often show up as something locked up, chained, in cages, dark, hiding, or movies/scrapbook images. As the Reiki does it's thing, the "fear" is often released or the light is turned on etc.

10) Balancing/harmonizing energy levels often show up as a see-saw, dials, recording studio/equalizer etc.

11) Past traumas sometimes are seen as actual wounds on an image of the animals body, photographs, cramped dark spaces, feelings of constriction

12) Feelings of safety are often an inner sanctuary/house, nature, surrounded by loved ones. If your animal is hiding behind objects, locked up some place, unwilling to explore an "adventure", or there are guards/weapons around they are probably still feeling uncomfortable/unsafe.

13) Genetic/cellular clearing is often seen as strands of DNA, ladders, clearing out closet, throwing away stuff, burning stuff

14) Sometimes, I may not have a visual, but will get feelings in my body that reflect what is going on with your animal. These may be pain, constriction, anxiety, stiffness, upset stomach, headache etc.


Please keep in mind, every session is unique. Even though some of the above visualizations may be mentioned in subsequent sessions, the energy is working through different things or at a different level. If you ever do not understand a visualization that I share with you, please don't hesitate to ask!!!!

Interview with Wendy Nigro owner of Purrfect Pet Sitting.
This service offers dog walking and pet sitting in East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Wynantskill, West Sand Lake, Averill Park, Schodack, Rensselaer and some of Troy (South and East). Contact them if your area isn't listed.

1) Can you briefly describe the benefits of a professional pet sitter instead of a friend or neighbor?
 
There are many benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter.  First, this is our job.  It's what we do for a living, not for some extra cash.  We will be there when we say we're going to be there and we will make sure all client instructions are followed to the letter.  We work with pets daily and are trained to notice the small things that others might not catch.  We won't bail on a client because we got a better offer or had something else to do.  Hiring a professional provides a peace of mind that free help usually can't.


2) Do you have any words of advice to decrease the animal's stress and maximize their well being while the people are away on vacation? 
 
I normally like to tell people to leave a piece of clothing that they have worn (t-shirt, bathrobe, etc.) in a place the animal sleeps or frequents.  Having that familiar scent seems to reduce their stress.  Another thing is to leave a radio or tv on low to break up the silence.  We do our best to stick to the pet's normal routine which also maximizes their well being.


3) Can you explain why it is so important to have a back up pet sitting plan and how your company handles this?
 
When I first started pet sitting a fellow pet sitter in the area passed away unexpectedly two days before Christmas (one of the busiest pet sitting holidays).  She was a sole proprietor.  When her daughter stepped in to try to make sure the schedule was covered she didn't know that her mother had taken reservations for the holiday and hadn't yet written them into her schedule.  There were pets that went a full week without being seen (thankfully all survived).  At that point I created a written emergency plan.
 
We always send two people to meet with new clients.  That way, if the primary sitter has an emergency there are two people who are familiar with the home, the pets and the routine and our emergency coverage is seamless to the client.  All my sitters check in after each round of pet sitting visits so I can compare the sits they've done to the schedule to make sure nothing has been missed.  


4) How do you work with the dogs who may be unfamiliar to you to gain their trust? How do you minimize leash pulling or other aggressive behaviors when encountering other animals on your walk?  

As I said previously, we insist on meeting with a new client before they go away.  This way we can meet their dog and make sure all parties are comfortable with the arrangement.  If we feel the dog is too aggressive, we turn the client down and suggest alternate arrangements.  That extreme is rare though.  If we feel the dog is aggressive, but we can work with them we may suggest the client have us come for a few 'test visits' before they go away to make sure we will be able to get into the home and perform our duties.  It's better to find out before they are away than to have to call them on vacation and tell them we can't get into their house.
 
We also practice a lot of calming signals such as averting our eyes and not looking directly into their eyes, ignoring them and letting them come to us, licking our lips, yawning and blinking very slowly. 
 
Leash pulling and aggressive behavior is taken on a case by case basis.  For pulling dogs we may stop and make them sit and turn around, not letting them know exactly what to expect.  Or, we will bring treats (client provided only) on our walk to work on proper leash etiquette.  We are constantly on the lookout for other animals on our walk and we specifically ask the client during the interview how their dogs react to other dogs/animals so we can be prepared and act accordingly.

 
5) I know your company also offers routine pet sitting services to owners who work long hours and you will let the animal out, play with them, take them for a walk at a requested time during the day.  What behavioral changes do you notice in pets who are home alone frequently and do you notice any change when you start doing routine visits?
 
We always insist on meeting a client before they leave so we can meet the pets and see the routine.  We've had people tell us their cats hide from everyone and we'd never see them or people who tell us that their dog will be very nervous.  It's amazing how much different pets act when they are home alone without their pet parent there.  Cats who typically hide sometimes come out and be our best friends, nervous dogs greet us at the door with their tail wagging happy to see the Treat Lady.  They get used to the routine and look forward to our visits.
 

6) Any other thoughts you would like to share? 
 
Many people think that being a pet sitter is playing with puppies and kitties while chasing rainbows all day.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  It's a lot of hard work and dedication.  It's early mornings, late nights, holidays and weekends.  It's 365 days a year, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather.  Pet sitters don't get sick days.
 
I urge people not to base their decision on hiring a pet sitter solely on price.  If you're looking for a pet sitter who will be available (and still in business) the next time you go away look for a service that has a proven track record and has been in business for a while.  So many businesses start up and then close within 6-12 months when they realize that it's a lot more work than they thought.  For your own safety, make sure your pet sitter carries liability insurance.


For more information, please visit: 
http://www.purrfectpetsitting.net 
or call 469-6459


Now that you have their physical needs met, don't forget that you can purchase Reiki sessions to help with the emotional aspects of you being away from home. Reiki can help bring in calmness, peace, balance, and help them know they are safe while you are away.