Where, Oh Where Could Deus Be?

I have had an influx of people looking for help finding their lost pets in the last few days...one of them being my sister, Hillary.

Lost pets are one of the hardest consultations for me to do. Often the animal is confused and scared, which makes understanding their location difficult. 

Hillary called me on Thursday, saying she hadn't seen Deus (Day-us) all morning, and, come to think of it, all night. I tuned into him, and he explained that he needed some quiet time because he had important spiritual work to do. He would be back for dinner. We impatiently waited for 8:00 to arrive, which was when he said he would be back. 8:00 came...and went. When I asked Deus where he was, he told me he was in the basement. Searching revealed that he was, in fact, NOT in the basement. At this point, Hillary was in a growing panic, and I was thinking I was just making things up, and not in fact talking to Deus.  I emailed my teacher for help and validation. Hillary put out a litter box and some smelly things for him, and we decided to call it a night. Hillary made posters to paint the town with, ready to put out in the morning. 

When morning came, I checked in with Deus again. I was still getting that he was in a basement. My teacher validated these feelings, and we realized he was most likely in a neighbour's basement. Later in the afternoon, Deus told me he had gotten out of the house, and was now outside and trying to find his way home. He told me he was in grass, and could see trees, houses, and hear cars. On my way home from work I scanned the fields quickly, but saw no sign of him. I asked him about dirt, and he said he saw piles of dirt, which were all over the field near Hillary's house.

Hillary texted me and asked if I would go over to help her hunt. I agreed, as did our sister, Tori. We started our hunt at about 9, walking through the field calling his name. I would stop after each call and ask him if he heard us. He answered with a emphatic "no". As we hunted we heard a very loud bird in the massive puddle of water that the recent downpours had left as a souvenir. I asked him if he heard the bird, and tried to relay the sound to him mentally. I received "yes". We moved toward the field where we thought he was, but couldn't get to it as we were perched precariously on a mountain of dirt. Looking around, we saw a way to get down and into the field but the entrance was at a different point in the neighbourhood. Turning around, we headed back the way we came. While walking along the sidewalk, Deus told me "turn left". This was in direct contradiction to where we were planning on going, so I asked "are you sure?" "Go left!" he said again. So I informed Hillary and Tori of the direction, and we turned left.

Behind Hillary's house is a "pond" that is surrounded by heavy brush. We trampled around, risking exposure to ticks and other bugs, intent on our hunt. Tori has a loud voice, so she would call out for Deus, and I would ask "did you hear that?" The first time he excitedly answered "yes! You are close!" In circles we went, asking "louder?" to which he said "yes!" We listened to the sound of the the bird, which was giving the same call as the bird in the massive puddle from the other field. As we walked, we knew we were getting closer and closer, and our search grew more frantic. Finally, Tori looked at me and asked "Could he be in a backyard?" We all stopped our search, both of my sisters staring at me expectantly. I tuned back into Deus, trying to determine if he was even able to come out of hiding. He affirmed that he was, in fact, in a backyard. He could hear our crunching and voices, but was unable to see us. The sound of cars was quite loud, as we were very close to a busy street. Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. Using the "louder/softer" technique, we narrowed our search to one backyard. Coaxing him out wasn't working, and we had no "real" evidence to knock on the owner's door, asking to search their backyard. So we went to the front of their house, trying to see if we could find a way to Deus, or for Deus to find a way to us. I will admit, B&E was considered. 

Eventually we decided that B&E wasn't worth it, especially with the fire station, which doubles as the police station, right across the street. Instead, we made a late night trip to Sobeys to purchase some really unhealthy cans of cat food. Upon our return, we went behind the yard again, and cracked open the can. I hoped that the sound of the lid being pulled off the can would be irresistible to Deus, and he would come out of the backyard. No such luck, so I started flinging cat food around. When tuning into Deus, he relayed fear that he wasn't near us, and didn't want to risk exposure. The bright idea struck to make a food trail back to the house, giving him a very real smell trail. A messy walk back to the house ensued, while I managed to get cat food all over the neighbourhood, my coat and my hair. The smell trail ended with the rest of the can on the front porch. Unable to do anything further, Tori and I headed back home.

An hour later, at midnight, we got the text that Deus was back! He followed the food trail right to his front door. Hillary felt she needed to stay up just a little bit later, and on her last check of the porch she saw her beloved, fluffy, Deus. When I checked in with him again, he confirmed that it was the smell trail we had left that lead him home.

Even though Deus wanted to come out and see us, his instincts kept him hidden. This is another big lesson about lost animals...actually animals in general! Their spirit may know what they should do, but their instincts from their body keep them from acting...or in some cases, encourage them to act inappropriately. 

Deus' disappearance was a big learning experience all around, and we are all thrilled to have him home safe and sound.

Moving forward

I went to college for the first time this year. After high school, I got a job working in a dog daycare. I was so in love with animals, and it was a dream job. Five years later, I work in the same place. Nothing has changed except my passion. Although I still love dogs, the monotony of daycare has changed my perceptions. 

I decided to go to college for media. I don't know what drew me to media in particular, but I figured I wasn't getting too far without a college degree, so I enrolled.

The biggest thing I learned while in college was I can't turn away from the animals. I tried to turn my interests towards something else, and failed. My obsession with animals just became greater. And yes, it is an obsession. I can't stand by and watch animals be hurt, or worse. I want to help, but I don't know how yet. 

So I am continuing on a path, and I have no idea where it will lead. Many people seek security in their careers. I am moving more and more towards a career with no security, but one that can help both people and animals. Although risky, I know that I am moving in the right direction, and I will land on my feet. 

Even though going to school ruled out media for me, it reminded me of what is really important: passion.

Wally's Story

After writing Amadeus's story, I thought it would be nice to get another perspective. Wally is my cousin's American Eskimo puppy. He is 4 months old, and was brought home at about 10 weeks old. I asked him if we would mind telling a story for this blog, and he agreed. 

"I was born in a *big* litter of puppies. I loved playing with my siblings. We would jump on each other and nip each other's toes. It was so much fun. They all started leaving and I stayed. I didn't know where they were going, and that made me sad. I didn't want to be the only one left. I shouldn't have worried because I was picked up by my human parents. They brought me home, but home was already occupied by cats! The cats didn't play like the puppies did. They hit me instead of nipping at my toes. They hissed instead of barking. They confused me a lot, but after awhile I realized they were pretty cool. Plus, my human mommy loves them. 

Sometimes I have accidents inside. It is hard being a puppy, and learning to be a big boy. My mom is very patient with me, and that is nice. She takes me outside and makes me feel special when I potty like a big boy. My dad hangs out with me during the day. I never feel lonely.

I love to play. It is hard to play with the cats, so instead I play with their toys. That makes my mom angry. She says I have lots of puppy toys to play with, but I want to play with the cats! If I steal their toys, maybe they will play with me. Sometimes my mom will take me on walks. The best are the ones where I get to run. Running is so much fun. There is nothing like feeling the wind against my fur as I race to catch up with the big dogs. Sometimes it gets slippery, but that just makes it more fun! Sliding is great! I wish I could run like that all the time, but I know that it is hard for mom to do things like that with me. She doesn't have fur, so she gets cold. If she ran, she would be warm but she can't run as fast as me, so I understand why she doesn't bother. She does her best, and that is what matters.

She wants me to grow up to be a gentleman. We are going to a place where a lady tells us to do things. She makes me sit and lay down. It seems silly to me, but I know it makes my mom happy so I do it. Sometimes the lady gives me treats for doing fun things. I like that. I hope the lady turns me into a gentleman. I know it would make my mom very happy. That is what is important.

I love my mom very much. I am with her to give her strength and unconditional love. The cats love her too, but I can go places with her. We love to do things together. I will always be a sounding board for my mom. I am a great listener and I won't tell anything that she doesn't want told. She can trust me always."

My Adoption - A Story Told to Me by Amadeus Jamieson

During my extremely short stint at the pet store, I came into contact with a lovely Domestic Long Hair cat named Winston. He was staying at the pet store while looking for his new home. My sister came in to see me, and fell in love with Winston. She wasn't sure how he would fit in her already full family, so she tried to put him out of her mind. On my third shift Winston asked me if my sister was going to come back for him. He told me he really wanted a nice warm home where he would be well loved, and that he loved kids. I relayed his message, and a few days later we went back in to fill out adoption forms. Winston told me he would like his name to be changed, as he was starting a new life and wanted a new name for his new beginning. My sister decided on Amadeus as she is a musician.

I asked Amadeus (or as we call him, Deus) if he would mind telling me of his experiences. He agreed. The rest of this entry will be in his words, as he dictates them to me.

"I was born in a barn, with my siblings. I was brought into a family as a kitten, and I was happy. Soon the family got very busy. There was so much going on, and no room for me. It grew more and more apparent that I was just a burden to this family, and no longer welcome there. It wasn't long before my family outgrew their home. They decided to leave, and I knew they weren't planning on bringing me with them. I took it upon myself to leave and find myself a home that would appreciate me. I was out on the streets for a long time, but my long fur kept me warm enough. I found a man to feed me and take me in. There were lots of cats there. We all got along but there just wasn't room for me. I heard the man on the phone trying to find someone who would take me. It wasn't too long before I was picked up and taken away from the man and his cats. I was brought to the vet, and taken care of (*note from me, he was fully vetted and neutered at this point*). I recovered in a different home for some time, but I knew this was not where I would spend the rest of my days. One day I was picked up and brought to a new home, but this one was different than the last. I was put in a cage, (*this was in the store*) and there were many people walking around me. Many people talked of bringing me into their home, but I still stayed in the cage. I didn't get much time out, and I was too big for the cage. I couldn't stretch my legs very well. I was finally picked up by my new family. They came to see me in the store, and they decided to bring me home with them. I was able to talk to Kristin, and she told my new mom what she needed to know. I was very excited because they had a little girl, just like in my old family. Their little girl loves me very much, and I knew we would be a perfect match. Her name is Kylie. She can also talk to me, which makes me feel a lot better about my new home. I have been in my new home for a bit now, and stay in a room by myself. There are other animals outside the door, but I haven't seen much to know what kinds (*there are two dogs and one cat*). I don't like dogs because I was chased after I left my first family, I don't like being prey. My new family is in control of these dogs though, which makes me feel better. 

I am so happy I was given a second chance...so much so that I wanted my new name to be Chance! But Amadeus suited my new family better, and I am happy if they are happy. I am excited to live the rest of my days in this home, happy and comfortable. I am excited to help Kylie learn, and teach my *parents* as well. I know that one day Zazzles (*the other cat*) and I will be a team, but for now it is better we are a part. I hope that my story can inspire other people, and help them know that we all have a purpose. I was lucky enough to find the home where I will spend the rest of my days, whether it be long or short. There are many cats who aren't as fortunate as me. I consider myself extremely lucky, even though I had a rocky start."

-Amadeus Jamieson

Parrots

Parrots are a popular pet among many people, but not considered "main stream". Their nutrition can be harder to keep up with, and they require a lot of time and care. 

Parrots are best known for their intelligence, and talking ability. They can mimic humans with such a likeness, you think it is a person talking to you! Most parrot owners obsess over their feathered babies. They spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on cages, toys, perches, enclosures, and of course, food. 

I am happy to be a part of a flock of 4. Included in my flock is an Amazon, Pionus, Mini-Macaw and African Grey. I am not exempt from spending thousands of dollars on them (although the Grey is the only one that is actually mine...the other 3 are my parents'). 

The one thing that has been driving me crazy about parrots, though, is their nutrition. I definitely did not do enough research as far as parrot nutrition went, neither when they came home, or more currently. I paid more attention when I got my savannah cat, and researched cat nutrition. Basically, I read the ingredients on my bag of bird pellets and I didn't like what I saw. I knew, however, that parrot food from the store all basically consist of the same ingredients. 

Today I decided to make a change. I knew there had to be a better way to care for my parrots, so I took to the Internet, as every one does when they need answers. My research started with basic nutrition that I have known for years...don't feed an all seed diet, supplement fresh fruits and vegetables, and you can make some parrot specific dishes for variety. I was happy to learn about sprouts, which is just growing some seeds in water and giving it to the parrots just after sprouting. There are lots of natural vitamins and minerals found in them, so it is fantastic to add to their fresh foods. 

I wasn't satisfied with the content of my pellets, but everything I was reading was listing the brand I use as a good source. I finally stumbled onto a page that promoted a type of organic pellets simply called Totally Organic Parrot pellets. I looked at their web page, and I was thrilled with what I found.

Ingredients include:  Rice, barley, sunflower seed hulled, alfalfa leaf, sesame seeds unhulled, quinoa whole, buckwheat hulled, millet hulled, dandelion leaf powder, carrot powder, spinach leaf powder, purple dulse, rose hips powder, rose hips crushed, orange peel powder, lemon peel powder, rosemary whole leaf, cayenne ground, crushed red chili peppers, and nettle leaves.

This in comparison to the ingredients right off the bag of food my parrots eat now: Ground Corn, Ground wheat, Ground Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein, Coconut Oil, Soya Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcum Phosphate, L- Lysine, Choline Chloride, Natural and Artificial flavors, DL Methionine Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Yucca Schidigera.....and that is about halfway through the list of ingredients.

The only downside thus far to Totally Organics is I have to have it shipped to me as there are no stores nearby that supply it. I haven't given it to my parrots yet, but I am committed to finding ways to convince them to try the new food if they snub it.

For more information about sprouts click here

For more information on Totally Organics click here

Back On Track

I have recently been feeling very lost in relation to my job, and future career. I have been working at a local Veterinary Hospital for five years. Although I love animals, I realized that a career with them was highly unlikely. Last year I decided it was time for a change, and enrolled in school. I now work at the clinic part time, while going to school for media.

I was managing school and work very well...then I decided to stir the pot. Why? I don't know! I had a series of bad days at work, and was feeling more than a little sorry for myself. I thought a job change would put me back on track, so I applied for a job at a local pet store. I figured I would get at least get an interview, considering I worked in a pet store for about two years when I was in high school. I also thought I would be able to promote my business, Kindred Hearts, more. 

Sure enough, a week later I got a call from some guy named Jeff. He did a ten minute phone interview with me, then set up an interview with the store manager for the next day. I was honest with both interviewers, and told them that the reason I wanted to work in pet retail was to educate owners on pet care. I emphasized nutrition, and stressed how important education for pet owners was for me. A few days later, I got a call telling me I got the job.

This is where things got complicated. I had made peace with my job at the clinic, but I wasn't sure how beneficial the hours there would be for me in April. As a Christian, and a believer in meditation, I immediately turned to what I knew. After praying and asking myself the same questions, I was coming up empty. I had no answers at all. I turned to my family for advice, but was met with the same answers. So I turned to my cat, who is known to give me stellar advice. She told me to do what I felt was best. The last person I asked was my sister, who told me to take both jobs. It wasn't something I had considered up until that point, so I jumped on it. It was the best of both worlds!

I started my job at the pet store immediately. They needed a lot of hours filled, and I ended up working whenever I was not in school. 

I am a huge believer in natural diets. My Savannah eats a raw diet, and my domestic short hair eats a high end kibble supplemented with a high end canned food. I don't love the kibble/canned combo, but his stomach physically cannot handle the raw. My parrots eat a diet of pellets, with fresh fruits and vegetables supplemented daily. I have been unhappy with their diet, but recently changed it to an organic pellet (see previous blog post).

As I proceeded with on-the-job training, I learned about the kibble that was supplied. Although the brands aren't terrible, the benefits of them are minimal in comparison to raw. Even the other products didn't quite meet up to the standard I hold for my trusted companions. I was spending a lot of time researching various kibble brands. Promoting my business flew out the window when I found out it was against the rules. My assignments began to fall behind, and after two shifts I was more confused than ever.

I prayed and meditated again, with the same results. I asked my family for advice with disastrous results. I turned to one of my Reiki teachers for advice. She went through the pros and cons with me. She helped me realize that I am more susceptible to energy from my Reiki training. I left her house feeling a lot better about my options, and less like I was giving up on something without giving it a chance.

I worked one more shift at the pet store before I quit. I came home from school and realized I had a pile of projects to do with no time to do them. I realized it was far more important to focus on a career instead of part time jobs. Luckily the manager was very understanding and bore no judgement or anger. I felt the weight that had been sitting on my shoulders lift immediately.

Later that night I told my cat that I quit. Her answer astounded me once again.
 "This was something you needed to do in order to be happy. You learned what is important...to move forward in your business. You were lost for so long, you forgot what you wanted. This brought that back into focus, and now you can reach towards your goal. You didn't receive an answer from yourself because there was no right answer.", she said. 

Zeddie couldn't be more right. Self doubt can ruin dreams and goals. I have been lost for so long that I didn't know which way was up. Although working at the pet store was a bust, it reminded me of what I need to do. I am so blessed to have my best friend there to point that out for me.

Introducing...Me!

As a new Animal Communicator my views on animals have altered dramatically. Although I have always been an avid animal lover, it wasn't until I learned to speak to them that I really grasped the amount that animals give us. It is this gift that has inspired me to start this specific blog.

I have another blog that I started for a school assignment, but recent (hilarious) events had me updating my blog with the intent to keep it up. 
To read that blog click here. As I am assuming you have read, I don't go to bars often. Because I don't want to blog about two different things on the same blog, I decided to start this one for the sole purpose of blogging about animals.

 I have extremely strong opinions on most things animals. From nutrition, to care, to breeders/rescuing. I took a job in a pet store to educate people more about animal care, but realized soon after that people really don't expect pet store employees to know what they are talking about...and usually they are right. Just because I care doesn't mean everyone cares.

This blog will give me the opportunity to write about the things I care about, and that drive me crazy...and only those who want to read it, will. I am hoping to update it often, but have a fairly busy schedule which includes school. I imagine my first actual blog will be about nutrition...raw vs kibble. I am still gathering accurate information on kibble to make an educated post.

I hope my blogs will educate and help people understand the complex world of animals. And remember, if you are hearing voices in your head, it doesn't mean you are schizophrenic.