Three years ago I worked on a dog who had a partially torn ACL, so she was limited in her movement and  in some pain.  Her owner decided to try Reiki as an alternative to traditional surgery, so we set up weekly sessions for about 8 weeks.  Hanna was a sweet, beautiful, healthy Rottweiler mix, who was very receptive to my offerings, and we all felt the sessions were bringing significant improvement to her condition. After the final session Hanna was allowed to start walking further and building strength, and returned to her normal life of a happy country dog.

Fast forward to 2021, she partially tore her other ACL, and I was again called in to work with her and offer my skills for her recovery.  I arrived at the door and when I knocked she barked, as all good dogs do. I was let in and she immediately started to wag, and fell into my arms with such a clear sense of joy for seeing  me again and gratitude for the help I had to offer.  3 years!  She knew exactly who I was, what she would be experiencing, and how to welcome me to her home.  I was, and am, touched and honored to know her, to work with her, and to be greeted by her full heart.

Mesa

Mesa, my beloved dog, was laid to rest last fall in our yard after a long and full life. Her days were filled with so much that she loved- swimming and playing at the lake, patrolling and protecting the gardens and barnyards, long walks through the woods, hanging out by the fire pit... these things brought her deep joy.

She also suffered from anxieties that made parts of life challenging and she and I spent 14 years navigating that rough road together. She willingly went into any unavoidable situation I asked of her, even if it wasn't comfortable, because she had total faith that I was there for her and would support her through the entire process. Her loyalty knew no bounds. Nor mine.

Mesa struggled with early onset arthritis in her spine which slowed her down and required a lot of attention to keep her mobile and comfortable. 

Our overall strategy was multi faceted: Reiki and massage on a regular basis supported both her body and her emotions. Switching her to a raw diet brought her body into optimum health. Essential oils, of the highest quality, offered support for her heart/mind in difficult situations. Turmeric, CBD, Green lipped mussels- all of these anti inflammatory supplements helped keep her pain levels under control. And of course taking her to her happy place, the lake, was the best therapy of all. Even as she aged and decided swimming was no longer what her body wanted, she would wallow and wade, taking the weight off her joints, and soaking in the healing waters of South Pond.  She was never happier.

I miss my dear Mesa and I am honored to have had her for a friend and a teacher. May her beautiful and sensitive heart shine on for eternity.