I've decided to work with a Pet Communicator with Shoshi on her fear factors. First I should say that Shoshi is clearly the Alpha Female in our home, she has no trouble pushing the boys around. Unfortunately, she has these bizzare fears. For example, when I go to dust a room and she sees the dust cloth she runs to the bedroom and won't come out. She's never been hit or anything like that and I doubt that she thinks I'm going to ask her to help cleaning, but as soon as I start she runs to the bedroom. It doesn't even have to be a cloth, it can be the feather duster, or anything. Recently I purchased our very first vaccum cleaner-oddly enough, that doesn't bother her!!! But if I dare move furniture around she scampers off to the bedroom, when I bought the holiday decorations out (moving something new-the box of decorations) she hid in the bedroom. This is just awful as I want her to take part in things but more importantly, I want her to feel safe in her home.

In addition to that, she's terrified of the wind and rain. The poor thing will actually shiver in fear sometimes. It just breaks my heart. If it happens at night then I'm up all night holding her and talking to her hoping she can focus on my voice and not the noises outside. I know some would say I coddle her, I'm sure I do but so far just acting like everythings ok and lets 'be happy' didn't get me far and I refuse to watch her in terror and not do anything!

So Friday we will get our first communication. The lady wants me to think of my most important questions and have them ready. I want to know why she is so afraid and what can be done so that she feels safe and secure in her own home. Does that seem like a good start? I want to know how I can build her confidence. I also want to make sure she knows how much I love her. Does anyone else have any suggestions? The lady said its ok for the boys to be in the room but would you recommend that or suggest they stay in one of the bedrooms while she 'talks' to Shoshi?

And lastly, what should my expections be from our first communications.

Many thanks,
Rosa

Rosa - I will be anxious to hear how it goes! I do know lots of people use them with very good results. I think your question is good - that's exactly what you want and need to know. I think I would let her speak to the communicator without the boys being there. No fun spilling your guts if the whole world is listening!!

Have you ever tried a thundershirt on her? My parents had a lab years ago who was also terrified of storms. I bought some drops at the health food store and when it would start to storm, they would put a couple of drops under her tongue. It really reduced her anxiety.

Good luck and I hope Shoshi opens up to the communicator!

Kris, thank you for reminding me about that shirt...I think the one I saw was called and Anexity Wrap??? I need to order one of those....I think its still saved on this work computer.

Gosh, I hope Shoshi is in a talking mood....humm...thats a scary thought, what if she won't open up??? No, I guess thats just me worrying....I'm sure she'll have tons to say.

I think putting the boys in the bedroom is a good idea. That way it will be all about her (just the way she likes things). I can hardly wait to hear what she says....gee, I hope she likes me!!! I just realized, I likely drive her crazy sometimes just looking at her and telling her how precious she is, etc..

OMG, I just realized she could really blackmail me...she knows all my thoughts and now I'm giving her a way to tell someone lol....I better stop at the petstore on the way home and stock up on treats

Hope this goes well for you! Please keep us informed. I have never put much stock in animal communicators but some swear by them and they may be right.

What is a pet communicator? Is this like an animal psychic? Do they communicate via spiritual channels or simply have an ability to understand animals? Just curious.

I look forward to reading what the communicator gets out of the visit.
I agree,the thundershirt is a good one to add to the wardrobe.

I did this one time. Very interesting what she "saw" in such a short period of time. Not the person you are seeing that I am talking about. Someone totally different.

I think this was a big guru in it: http://www.animaltalk.net/

I used one that was so specific, it was scary. He said my Bella wanted to know why I wanted her to sit up. I was like whaaaaaa??? And he said she keeps showing me you telling her to sit straight. It hit me, it was in obedience classes, during the sit stay she would hunch way down so her head was halfway to the floor and it looked so uncomfortable that I would try to get her to straighten up, and look pretty (eek! I was like a Toddler and Tiara mom!). So after that I would tell her to sit up, she would do it, give me a look and end up hunching after a bit! Creepy. He did a lot of things for my dogs and others, but he is no longer doing it anymore.

With the other dogs in the house, they can still "talk" to the communicator no matter where they are. Again, my guy was talking to people at a seminar he did to help Anna, and Bruno kept interrupting him. So he wasn't there to talk to Bruno, but Bruno wanted to be heard. He looked over at him and said, "I know!" at one point so whatever it was, Bruno was happy that he understood.

I know I sound like a loon and well, that ship sailed a long time ago. So be it!

I hope it works for you, Rosa. I have found a good communicator is a nice short cut to working on some difficult behaviors.

You don't sound like a loon at all. I believe there are people who have a special connection with animals and understand them. Heard quite a few times about communicators and was curious. Thank you for the examples. That is fascinating.

Sorry OP, I hope you don't mind. I don't mean to change the direction of the thread. I hope your girl will find peace. They are so close to our hearts, aren't they and it is so desperate when we know they are trying to say something but we can't understand what. I hope you will get to the bottom of her anxiety about these specific issues. Yes, please keep us posted.

I have used an animal communicator and like Jean, she was so 'on', it was really scarey!:)

First thing if I were you, (since I was a skeptic!) I would not tell her ONE thing about Shoshi..

I started off by saying, "you tell me about about Jynx",,and she started talking and again, was right on with stuff.

It definately made NOT skeptical, when the woman knew absolutely nothing about me or the dog.

I've been to two animal communicators on three occasions!

The first one impressed me a lot.

The second one impressed me the first time I went to her. The second time I saw her was a joke, a waste of my time and money!

I'd consult with one again if needed ... But would only go to someone who has been recommended by a friend!

Thank you so much for your feedback. Friday afternoon is the big day. I had talked to Kris awhile back about wanting to do this and she told me about Jeans experience with Anna and her other dogs. I'm glad to see others have used them.

Honestly, if it works thats great. If it doesn't it's not the end of the world but at least I will have known I tried. I might also need to try a couple of different people before I can decide either way. I would just like to do all I can to help little Shoshi with some of her fears. I want her to always feel safe in her house and thats just not happening now.

I did descibe some of her fears to the lady already (when I start housecleaning she runs to the bedroom, stuff like that) but what I haven't described is Shoshi's background. So if the lady talks about 'abuse from the past' I will know she's full of it. I know Anne, her breeder and my friend, and I know her first 8 wks of life were very good. Since then she's only been around other people when I was there once when she and Shiloh were boarded years ago. I was a little worried about that last night, thinking I wasn't there for her at that time and what if something happened then??? Well, if I think about it Shiloh and Shoshi were together the entire time and I'm sure no one would have even tried to hurt her with him around. Not that that would have been the case at all but I'm just saying that as that was the only time I wasn't with them when they where in the presence of others.


But we shall see. Hopefully we can make some progress on Friday and if it works we can continue until she's feeling better and more secure.

Have just read a really interesting book by an animal communicator - I have to say I was really tempted to contact one to see if she could get through to Chamsa that chasing cats will not be tolerated...!

I have had some good results treating fearful animals with Bach flower remedies - I think most people have heard of rescue remedy but there are a few really good ones for the fears you describe your dog having.

Good luck with the communicator and let us know how you got on

I'll agree Shoshi has some really bizzare fears. Last night I was cleaning up poop and I had the scooper in my hand. I turned in her direction and she ducked as if I was going to hit her with it. Shoshi has NEVER been hit, the thought wouldn't even cross my mind. She's been such a soft dog from the get go that I don't even need to raise my voice to her. I just don't know where this fear is comming from or how to reduce/eliminate it.

When she was younger I wanted to get her involved in agility to build her confidence but she's so doggie aggressive that was ruled out quickly. She has come a long way in greeting people. Her 'Auntie Tammy' comes over and always brings treats along and Shoshi is right up there with the boys to make sure she gets hers.

And yes, I'm describing the same dog. She is doggie aggressive and loves nothing more than barking at the fence at a dog or cat or even a leaf for that matter. She has plenty of confidence there. She pushes her brothers around without any problems. She takes all the toys from them as well as anything else she wants. I laugh when I say the world and everything in it belongs to Shoshi and when she wants it back she is going to take it!

I just love her so much. I want every day she's alive to be happy and carefree. Thankfully, we have our home and she never has any real reason to worry.

I will def share our feedback from the communicator. I'm really looking forward to it.

I've heard of this before...I'll have to give them a try. Is there something, a brand or something, that you recommmend?

Let us know how it goes! My vet has an animal communicator she uses for her own dogs and she has her come in and do sessions every month or two (where people can sign up to have a session with her). I have thought about signing up for one but I am skeptical about it.

Theres a part of me thats a little skeptical, but I remember Jean and her experiences with Anna and it just makes me want to give it a try. I guess what concerns me most is that its done over the phone. The lady I found is in VA and I'm in CA. I've heard that doesn't matter. I hope it doesn't. I just want to watch Shoshi and see what she does when this lady 'talks to her'.

Hopefully I'll have good news for you all.

I am a believer in animal communicators and have had both very good and , eh, OK experiences.

When Skye was a pup a communicator at an expo (I had heard of her and now have her book) told me she was sorry she drank so much water (and boy did she!) She told the communicator that when she drank it just kept making her thirstier and then she HAD to drink more.

Hmmm....funny the new water softener didn't bother me that way, but it did Skye! I started getting water from the outside faucet that did not go thorugh the softener and she drank less than half of what she had been.

WOW!

Having said that:



Please get Shoshi's eyes checked by a good veterinary ophthalmologist. You will want to rule out vision problems that may be causing her to react in strange ways.

By the way - her name is so pretty! Is there a story behind it?

Thanks for your reply Bonnie. Of course, I'm open to seeing any specialist that might help Shoshi and your thought of an ophthalmologist is a good one. I doubt that is the problem because she can catch a ball thrown from any distance really well and doesn't appear to have any other type of vision problems nor has any appeared at her complete physical. But its a good thought and something I wouldn't rule out completely.

She was actually given my Hebrew name as her name. I had always called her Shoshona until one day one of my old fav Rabbi's shortened it and called her Shoshi and thats how she got her nickname. From that point on I pretty much call her just Shoshi.

I can hardly wait for tomorrow.

I'm about to email my questions to the communicator. She didn't say I needed to do this but I thought it would help us be better prepared. Should I include examples of what I see as fear (such as the other night with the scooper when she ducked)? I'm also going to clean house tonight so I'll have that as an example. I just thought I should use these examples in case Shoshi decides to play tuff girl and not want to admit she's scared and these will be recent times she'll be able to remember. What do you think? I know someone said not to give her too much info.

This is what I was thinking...maybe I shouldn't tell her anything but the questions I want to ask????

http://www.ainsworths.com/index.php?node=bach-quick-guide2

This gives a quick guide to the different bach flower remedies and their uses. You can mix them - so if your dog has more than one issue you can use more than one remedy to address. They are very user friendly and their are some good books on using bach flowers for dogs (amazon have quite a few)if you want to go into more detail. go with your instincts about what you really feel your dogs core issues are. the communicator could also provide you with information that may help you to find a good remedy as well.

Thank you so much!!! I'll print out the guide and go shopping. It looks like I'll need a combination of Agrimony, Elm, Aspen, Walnut and Rose Rock.

I asked questions ONLY after I let "her" ramble and tell me what she had to say about Jynx,,like I said I just went in with "you tell me about Jynx",,and she just started telling me:)

Hi Rosa!

I just saw this thread. How exciting! Back when I had the three seniors (Chama, Basu & Cleo) I used an animal communicator. She was fairly on with Basu and Chama but totally off with Cleo. Then it occurred to me that I knew everything Cleo was thinking and vise-versa. So I guess Cleo didn't want to give some stranger access to her thoughts.

I agree that it's a good idea not to tell her anything in advance. I asked questions as we went along, after she checked in with the animal.

Also, I agree about Shoshi's eyes and getting a full check-up with blood work.

I have only had one experience with an animal communicator and she was dead on. She was either reading my mind or the dogs. It was at the Gilda's Club cancer walk and I had my 2 rough collies at the time. All she asked me for was their names and what did I want to ask them. I was currently doing pet therapy and had recently stopped agility so my question was "Do they enjoy pet therapy and do they miss agility?" She said that Misty was asking to go first, and that Misty had a really good understanding of why she was doing pet therapy. I did not tell her that Misty's nickname was Dr Misty from various experiences doing therapy. She said that Misty also missed playing on the agility equipment but what she missed most was the close working relationship with me, and that she would like it if I could do some agility with her in the backyard. I never told her that Misty was always very focused on what was going on in the agility ring. When it came to Roenick she said that she wasn't getting that there was any one thing that he really loved. She said that he adored being with me and that if he could do whatever I was doing then that was what made him happy. I hadn't told her that he was a momma's boy and that the reason I stopped doing agility with him was because I felt that he was doing it for me and not because he enjoyed it. I found it fascinating that with 2 dogs there she totally read each one correctly. If she was guessing she could have picked the wrong dog or picked one for each activity. I was impressed with her.

Good luck with your communicator tomorrow.

I'm loving this feedback, many thanks to everyone. I'm not going to email her the questions ahead of time afterall (that was my idea not hers and I didn't tell her I was going to do it). I'll just have my list and see what Shoshi wants to talk about as well as to focus on my questions.

She just had her complete physical in December with all the Senior Panels done. Everything came back perfect. Her eyes were checked as part of the physical but her eyes weren't dialated. I'll see what tomorrow brings and go talk to our Vets. Like I wrote before, I'm open to doing anything to help my girl-even going back to the Vets for further exams and referrals.

Do keep us posted on how it goes. I'd love to have someone read Risa. I'm semi-skeptical but also really open to that sort of thing. So who knows!?

The countdown is on and the time is getting closer. I'm so excited. I so hope it works. This morning was a perfect example of my girls fears...i had two bowls filled with food and treats in them. One for her one for Shiloh (Eli was already taken care of in his room). The two bowls hit eachother and made a noise and Shoshi yelped. The bowls were in my hands as I was walking, yes she was close by but they were by no means close to her. She yelped as if she had been hurt! I just don't get it. There was nothing else by here and she was clearly responding to the noise the bowls made.

One might think she hasn't been exposed to enough but she really has. In fact, she rarely responds like this when were away (at least not that I can even recall). But we'll see today.

I know what it is. Shoshi is responding to what she preceives would be painful. She's never felt the pain but she's somehow imagining that in her head, if that makes any sense???

Rosa, you might try to mellow out a bit before Shoshi talks to the communicator! If Shoshi is reading you, that communicator is going to get an earful about what a screwball mom she has!! (To all - Rosa knows me well enough to know that I'm giving her a bad time and not being mean!!)

Aw, heck - I thought for a minute there really was another screwball Mom out there to keep me company.

What happened?!?!?!? Or is it not time yet, west coast time...

That's interesting all these stories - Linda - I had my dog Kramer in agility class the first time we did a reading with the guy that was creepy good. Kramer was 11.5 at the time, and I asked if he liked it. The guy said Kramer said he liked the IDEA of it, but that the reality of it at his age was a little different. Ha! Kramer also said he liked fostering. I've since learned that he was actually the foster, and I was just helping him.

Rosa is having computer problems at home and can't get on the forum. She asked me to let you all know that the session went very well. She was really pleased with the communicator and it was quite enlightening. She'll update Monday from her work computer!

Thank you Kris, I can't believe I finally got on line but I'll save my complaints about my dial up machine for later.

The session was AMAZING!!!! Just simply amazing!!! For anyone who knows me they know I'm always early at everything. 15 mins or so before my time to call I had the boys in the bedroom and I was sitting with Shoshi in the Living room all ready to make my call.

The first thing Karen said was she takes some time before each call to prepare for the session and Shoshi was putting out strong messages saying 'We ready allready, allright!' In other words enough waiting alright-I'm ready!!! I thought that was funnly as I'm always early at things and my poor dogs always have to wait.

But on to the reading. I read my first question to her. Why are you so afraid sometimes and what can i do so that you feel more safe and secure in your home? I read it as I didn't want to give any other info to her.

Right away she asked how was the big dog...the one bigger than the others.. it's Eli. Well Eli was breaking in (oh how I would have placed a bet on that). Eli said its because I coddle her too much. That he's just the opposite of her and trys to encourage her to be more like him! He said he's outgoing and trys to show her theres nothing to worrry about.

That blew me away!!! Eli is such an in your face, silly fun lovng and just the opposite of Shoshi!!!

Shiloh broke in to say that I encourage her behavior as well.

Shoshi finally spoke up and said that there was a time when she filled that need for me to have a baby to cuddle and take care of. But that I've changed and I don't need that now but she is unsure of what to do. She knows how much I love her but is unsure of her role at times. OHG, how true is all of this. Clearly I have a lot of work to do on ME.

I asked what she likes and she mentioned trips and descibed when we used to do Mommy & Me times. That was when I'd take one dog out at a time and just spend time with them and I'd rotate them so they all got a chance. I stopped doing this as it was so hard to leave the other two behind, Again, something I need to work on. She also said she things its'a production' and thinks its funny how people react when were all walking together. It's normal for us and doesn't see what all the fuss is that people make of it but loves the attention.

The other thing that blew me away was Shiloh and what he said. Let me post so I don't loose this.

Shiloh, con't. Shiloh was saying something about leaving him...she asked if I boarded him? Yes, once...pause no, that wasn't it...something about its ok to leave him behind...then he said I worry alot about him getting older (OMG, that is soooo true), but he wants me to know he's ok. But there may come a time when its ok to leave him at home.... I then realized he's talking about our vacations. I plan vacations for them. We go up to Mt Shasta where they can swim and hike for hours upon hours. I think he's saying that there will come a time he can't do this....

It was amazing. It was so worth the money. I told her nothing other than the questions. I def want to do this again.

Oh, I almost forgot. I asked about Eli and how he chews up furniture. We only had a few min's left and I wanted to respect that. But I did find out a few things that made sense. He said he feels he was taken from his family too early. That he wasn't ready for that. Even though he was 8 weeks at the time Eli has always been a bit slow (mentally) but this would make sense as well.

But thats it. I'm so glad I was able to finally get on line. Thanks again Kris for letting people know of my difficulites.

Lastly, I have a lot of work to do on myself and how I respond to Shoshi. It is true that I'm putting out signs, at this point I'm likely doing more than I even realize. But I'm going to work on that. I'll be rewarding 'good behavior' and ignoring fearful behavior. I'll combine my housework with ball throwing and other activites to distract her.

Fascinating, so glad it was a productive conversation! Can't wait to hear your progress reports!

It sounds like you had a great experience and I am so glad. If we keep an open mind, we can really learn a lot.

Funny that your other dog broke in and answered a question. I was at an expo without Skye the first time she was read and after a few minutes, the communicator said, I'm sorry - I keep getting an older dog trying to speak to me. She described her and I said, oh that's Seiko, does she need something? After a minute she laughed and said, no, she wanted to be acknowledged because she knew I was there with Skye. She just wanted to say hello.

Keep us posted. It will be interesting to see if the more you expect the more you will get now that she knows she doesn't have to be the baby.

Awesome! I really need to get a reading done on Risa some day.

Yes, I've got to say I'm blown away by it. It was a real eye opener for me. Kris knows me, I am a bit of a screwball, I really tend to go overboard when it comes to my dogs.

But back to Shoshi I never realized it before but I'd say a good 50% of the time my voice changes when I talk to Shoshona (edit. its likely more like 80-90%). It rarely changes when I talk to the boys, but with her its like she's this precious little angel and I want everything in her world to be soft and gentle. I guess its a bit hard to explain on line but I can see where I'd be putting out signals that she's picking up on.

I'm really looking forward to working on these issues and then doing another communication.

Gotta run, hope everythings having a great weekend and thanks for your interest. I def would recommend this-at least once.

wow

Amazing info., wish I would have tried this when we adopted Sean and he had terrible separation anxiety. He's always been fearful when we pick something up to swat a bug which we interpreted meant he had been hit and/or abused by someone. Wish we knew what happened. We've been extra gentle and it sounds like I talk to him in the same tone of voice that you talk to Shoshi. BTW, love the story about her Hebrew name.

I am so glad to hear that it went so well. I would like to try it one day with my two.

Oh, your in good company Jan!

It was really amazing. I always thought the way I talked to Shoshi was just me spoiling her...giving her that extra love, attention and sweet talk that would been fitting for a Queen. But the more I've thought about that this weekend the more I've realized I haven't been doing her any favors. I'm working hard to change this. She'll always be my precious angel and yes, the Queen, but I'm begining to talk to her the same way I talk to the boys and she seems to be responding.

This weekend I did my housework as usual but without the babytalk and my running into the bedroom to check on her and let her know everything was ok, etc... no, this time I actually just did the work and guess what? She stayed in the Living room!!!

I'm working on encourging her when she acts 'normal'. But I think a lot of this will be my tone and how I react.

Amazing the subliminal training that goes on, good and bad.

You might want to keep a few treats in your pocket or a couple of fun toys near by. As you do your housework, just stop once in awhile and call your dogs, give a treat, or play a little tug, then back to work with no extra comments.

I am so glad to hear of the progress already.

Good job!

Treats in my pocket I'd never get anything done if I had treats in my pocket

But your right, having a toy around...like with her a ball will do just fine and tossing that around here and there while I do my housework is a great idea.

I'm really excited to be able to make such a difference in her life and change things so that she can enjoy life more.

Sounds like a great experience.

Just thought I would update everyone on our progress. As you may recall Shoshi has fear issues which have results from my coddling her.

At first I was determined to change but without me even recognizing I was back to my old habits in no time. One day I described a fight that had broke out the morning before to one of my co-workers. I explained that Shoshi and Shiloh were actually fighting at the food bowl which is so unusual. Well I went on to explain that I broke it up and how I told 'poor little Shoshi that it was going to be alright, it must be hard being wee little bity,'etc. All the while I held her ever so carefully in my arms (just imagine her thinking she would have to fight for her food). Of course I'm describing this to my co-worker and she points out right away that I haven't changed one bit-she thought I was suppose to be working on this! Well, I was busted and I'm glad I was because it really made me think.

Now I'm sure I'm not perfect but from that point on I've really worked on me and making sure I don't continue as I have. Even yesterday it was windy outside and normally Shoshi gets scared of the wind so I hold her. I didn't do it! I simply said it was just the wind and went on playing with them. Amazingly, she did fine. There have been a few other times when I've stopped myself and just went about my day instead of babying her.

OMG, one day (I have to tell ya about this), it was windy and I was trying to get to the kitchen sink. She positioned herself between me and the sink like she aways did before so I had to stop and hold her. Well this time I actually made her move! Its true! Now that was huge progress on my part I told her everything was ok and to get out of my way...can you imagine But she listened and did ok with that.

We're making progress....well, I'm making progress. I do know all this is for her own good and I so want her to be happy.

yeah!! sounds great.

You're lucky your co-worker picked up on your behavior so quickly and mentioned it to you.

IMHO it's really difficult to stop cuddling them, reinforcing their behavior, when they're acting goofy. It was one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn when Echo and I were modifying his behavior (he had heridtary shyness).

This is wonderful that you've gotten this insight and that it is helping Shoshi (and you!).

Thank you all for your support. Yes, I'm really happy that she pointed it out.

It is hard isn't it Gayle? I just really have to be aware of my reactions and keep reminding myself this is for her!

Our habits are hard to break too! Glad to hear you're making some progress catching yourself.

Oh you guys are going to love this. Shoshi was just laying on the sofa while I was giving her a foot and leg message. She gave me that look and I realized she wanted a pillow under her head...but then I stopped myself and said no, I'm not going to pamper her! If she wants a pillow she will just have to lay where theres a pillow. Tough love sure is hard.

You sound like you are doing really well! I love the pillow story

You sound like you are doing really well! I love the pillow story

I got a good laugh at myself last night. I'm sure Shoshi was thinking 'What kind of a spa treatment is this??? I'm getting a kink in my neck lady!!! lol.

I'm enjoying watching your progress!! though I confess, I probably would have given in to the pillo

So would I.

Aodhán used to have a thing for pillows and always liked to lay on one given the opportunity.

Yeah, I guess I didn't need a Pet Communicator afterall... I knew exactly what Shoshi was thinking the other night when she gave me 'that look'...

Love this topic! Me and the FurKids tried this once and would *really* like to do it again when money permits. I found it very interesting and there was some dead-on right info she provided without having a history of my dogs. But some of it was so general it could have applied to any dog, too.

When we do it again, I want it to be with a different communicator. I kept good notes from the first gal and I'd like to see how a second one would answer the same questions. One of the main one's being "How did Riley wind up in rescue?" because that is something we'll never know - unless at least two communicators have the same answer. I have more questions and of course new and different things.

I'm on the "believe it or not" fence. I certainly don't disbelieve, but not quite sure I totally believe either.

What I do have a problem believing is that they're supposed to be able to do this by phone and I'm still more or less stuck on a need to be in the same room with my dogs. The first one we had was by phone. I'd like to have a personal one on one if I could arrange/afford that.

Thanks for the link, Jean!