Did you know that your rescue pet has a past as much as you do? This is why many may have behavioral or trauma issues that we may find difficult to handle. But to understand your pet, you may want to imagine what their journey may have been like up until they came into your loving home. Let’s go through what that journey may have looked like.
Imagine your pet as a youngling exploring the world. Seeing the sights, hearing new sounds, and taking in all the smells of their new world. Along the way, they may have run into a bee that stung them on the nose. “Bugs that fly hurt, stay away from flying things. Got it.”
They may wander over to a pool of water and accidentally fall in. “Wait, I don’t think I know how to swim.” Someone comes along and scoops them out. “Don’t like water.”
They have been surrendered or abandoned at the local shelter, confused, not understanding why they are there; scared because of all the other animals and noise; alone and broken-hearted. “Nobody loves me.”
A lot of people are coming over for a party. But they keep getting stepped on, some kid pulls their tail, another kid pulls their ears. “Don’t like kids that are smaller than the big people. Don’t like crowds. I believe I’ll hide under the bed each time someone small shows up.”
Someone comes into the yard with another animal that looks like them, but they're much bigger. They play until the other animal bites their ear and makes it bleed. “Don’t like other animals. They bite.”
One day their owner takes them for a ride, lets them out of the car but then takes off without them. “Now I’m here all by myself dealing with dodging cars, and other animals, and fighting for food. Don’t trust people.”
As you can see, little things can turn into big behavior problems that we simply don’t understand because we don’t know their story. However, there are ways for you to help your rescue pet learn to trust and know that you are here to love and care for them. Here a just a few that will help your pet feel safe and loved.
Create a safe place for them with a bed or dog crate (cats famously love cardboard boxes, too) in a quiet area of your home where they feel safe.
Be calm and approach them with calm slow movements and a calm voice.
Give them treats to reinforce their good behavior.
Spend time with them by bringing their bed into your home office and working while they are nearby.
Having a routine in place, feeding time, bedtime, walking schedule, and playtime, will give them a sense of safety.
If your pet seems nervous or upset give them their space.
Realize that they may be picking up on your reactions or anxiety about them.
Connect with them via an animal communicator to better understand their emotional distress.
If you need some extra help you may want to check into Energy Medicine Healing. This technique is used to help your pet and pet owners release past emotional trauma, memories, beliefs, and create a healthier bond and experience between you both. If you are interested in knowing more, get in touch with Carolyn Osborn of Chiron Energy Medicine.
Here’s to helping your rescue pet feel loved and safe.
Carolyn Osborn
Discover a Natural Well-Being and Oneness within the Body, Mind and Spirit, that awaits you and your animal.
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P.S. Our newest program is featured right on our website homepage or in our sessions menu: Chiron Mirror Sessions • Tandem Energy Healing for You and Your Animal. It is designed to help you discover a natural well-being and oneness within the body, mind and spirit that awaits you and your animal— when you are guided to release unwanted behaviors and unconscious memories and patterns of suppressed vitality and difficult energy blocks that may trigger dis-ease or imbalances if left unattended.
See or learn more about our sessions and packages for people or animals here and view our equine and performance sessions or packages here.