Recently Ali Jarvis of SideWalk Dog invited me to attend a fundraising luncheon for the Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota.  While I had heard of this organization, this luncheon provided me with the opportunity to learn more of what they do.

I learned HSDM provides hearing dogs, special skill dogs, service dogs, including dogs who assist people who experience diabetes and seizures, and they provide dogs who assist people who are autistic.

Wonderful testimonies were given by families who do have a dog from HSDM, and some of the service dogs also made an appearance.  Two puppies in training were there and of course, they were a big hit with those of us who needed a puppy fix.

I invite you to visit the Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota website to learn more about the program and what they offer.  While you’re on the homepage, scroll down to see an amazing video of how Finn Golden’s life has been transformed with the addition of his service dog Traeh.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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I’d like to introduce you to our guest blogger today: Coryelle Kramer in an animal communicator based in Germany and New York.  Coryelle not only communicates with animals, she also uses TTouch, Bach Flower and Reiki therapy to assist the animals. Read on to see what Coryelle has to say about animal communication and children.  Thanks, Coryelle, for sharing with us!

Yesterday, I was Wii-sporting with my 8 year old nephew Elias. We were playing Wii Bowling and having a great time except….I was trying my trusty Wii Bowling technique, that works really well whenever I play with my “Adult” friends.

It hardly ever fails to get me a strike, sometimes 2 or 3 in a row. But I digress, it was not working yesterday.  Every time it was my turn, I got up, confident and assured that I could beat an 8 year old kid. And every time I would always hit the splits like the very hard 8-10 split or worse yet gutter balls!

Well then I started noticing my nephew, he held the Wii remote every which way but loose and then ran up to the TV and threw his arm up over his head with a laugh and a yell let the button on the remote and thus the ball FLY!

and you know what?…..

That little guy bowled a strike almost every single TIME!
He was bowling sometimes 2 or 3 and once 4 strikes IN A ROW!

It was stunning to say the least, but then I said to myself
“Self?…why not give it a try? What have you got to lose, certainly not your pride because he is ahead about 5 hundred points now!” OK I am exaggerating a BIT.

So the next time it was my turn I told my nephew I am going to pretend I was him, he looked at me, nodded his head and said “That’s a good idea.”

So I stood a few feet away and said to myself, “I am Elias, I am 8, I am having fun and just enjoying playing the game,” then I ran toward the TV just like Elias, laughing and yelling and I let the ball fly….

You know what I am going to say next right?

I swear, I bowled a strike…so I continued to bowl like my 8 year old nephew and almost every single time I bowled a strike, it was amazing and I had such fun.

What does this have to do with Animal communication you say?…

After the game we collapsed on the couch laughing hysterically.

When we were calmer Elias looked up at me and asked, “Coryelle you can talk to animals right?” I said, “Yes, you know that.”

He nodded his head yes and then looked back up at me and said, “Well when we talk to them it’s just like that right?”

He meant when we talk to the animals it should be just like Wii bowling, don’t over think it, don’t try to get a strike or to make something happen, just let it happen and be free about it, laugh, and just enjoy the moment.

I have spoken at after school programs both in Germany and in the States, and at 4H clubs, and always, always the kids know that animal communication is possible, they believe it, there are no doubts (until they get older and they start believing what we tell them).

It’s just them sitting with their cat or dog or guinea pig or hanging out with their horse and talking to the animals and listening to what they have to say. It is as natural to the children as breathing.

I love working with kids they remind me when I get too into my own head, to just laugh, run up to the TV and let the ball fly!

About the Author:
Coryelle Kramer has been communicating with animals since her childhood.

She has been doing professional consultations with people and their animal companions since 2001.  She lives in both Upstate New York and New York City and travels around the world doing Animal Communication workshops.

Coryelle utilizes TTouch as well as Bach Flower and Reiki therapy with many of her clients. A session can be done in-person, via email (with a photo) and even through video using Skype. A session can be for an animal that is living or in spirit.

It is her hope that in using her gift of animal communication, energy medicine and Bach Flower therapy, she is able to bring understanding and improve relationships between people and their animals.

For more information, or to contact Coryelle for a session or workshop simply go to her  website www.coryellekramer.com
or her blog www.coryellekramer.com/blog/

Harmony

Janet Roper

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Help is a two way street. Take a peek at this video and see how much the animals are helping the kids!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Halloween is a Spooktacular time for trick-or-treating, costume parties, bonfires, haunted houses and  watching horror movies, a holiday geared toward the 2 legged among us, not the 4 legged, feathered or finned.  However, by being aware of Halloween pet safety tips, using common sense and planning you will be able to create a fun and safe time for 2 legged and 4 legged alike! Download your copy and learn how to make this Halloween a safe one for your pets!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Easter will soon be here, traditionally a time to connect small kids with bunnies. It sounds like a winning combination, and they look cute together, but have you ever considered the rabbit’s point of view?

Rabbits and small children aren’t a good match. Most children are exuberant and like to be on the go, whereas rabbits are sensitive, intelligent animals who are easily frightened. After all, their ancestors survived by being alert and startled by strange sounds, movements or creatures.

Rabbits are soft and look as cuddly as stuffed bunnies yet they are fragile and must be handled gently. Because their bones are so delicate and their muscles so strong, struggling rabbits can break their own bones. Also, as prey animals, it is against their nature to be held and confined.

Rabbits are not toys but sensitive and intricate creatures – physiologically, mentally and socially. In general, a rabbit’s complexity makes them inappropriate pets for children. If your child is asking for an Easter bunny for Easter, buy her a toy rabbit that she can carry and snuggle with to her heart’s content.

Janet Roper

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Aren’t they cute? How can you say no to those good looking faces? Even animals as good looking as these guinea pigs find themselves abandoned and looking for a home.

If you’re looking for a guinea pig, March is the official time to adopt one. Of course, there are eleven other unofficial months in which you can adopt a guinea pig. As they say at cavyspirit.com, a guinea pig education, rescue and adoption site, ‘Adopt…don’t shop, please!’

Did you know:

A guinea pig’s life span is 4-8 years

The average male weighs 2-2.5 pounds, and th average female weighs 1.5-2 pounds

Guinea pigs are social animals doing better in groups. When you adopt, think pairs

Nails need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks

Guinea pigs like a variety of fresh veggies and some fruit in their diet

Most guinea pigs like to play hide and seek

Guinea pigs are not related to pigs

Guinea pigs are members of the rodent family

Different breeds have different fur lengths. Long-coated guinea pigs need regular grooming

Guinea pigs need to have Vitamin C supplemented in their diet, as their bodies don’t manufacture it

Janet Roper

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