Reiki and Veterinary Care

Bubba had an earache, Twister had sand colic, Comet has bulging disks, Duchess had an inoperable blockage in her digestive system, Max has struggled keeping weight on, and Caje has a sprained ankle. These are just a few of the animals I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the past weeks. Their symptoms ranged from uncomfortable to life threatening. They were each treated in a variety of spaces from the comfort of a couch, to a stall, to an animal hospital.

When is the best time to give a sick or uncomfortable animal Reiki? Reiki will do no harm and is always a good option for a sick or injured animal. However, Reiki is never a substitute for proper care or veterinarian expertise.

If an animal needs the medical expertise of a veterinarian that is the first call that should be made. Then follow up with Reiki. It’s common for me to treat an animal at the veterinarian’s office or animal hospital, depending on the circumstance.

Fortunately each animal mentioned was seen by a veterinarian if needed before I was contacted for Reiki. How are they doing now?

Bubba’s ear cleared up and he’s back to his happy, carefree self. Twister began eating and pooping (very important with colic) and is back out with her buddies. She’s receiving continued check-ups from the vet and extra care from her owner to help move the sand out of her gut. Comet and his family are exploring options for his back. Duchess’ blockage dissolved and passed through her system and she was out of the hospital in a couple of days. Max is on a special diet to put weight on. And Caje is on house rest if we can keep him quiet.

While Reiki miracles happen every day, first-aid or critical care needs should be addressed first. Reiki can be given in conjunction with any treatment. If you, or your animal Reiki practitioner, practice distant healing it’s an excellent option and can be given immediately, even if you don’t have physical access to the animal.

What will your veterinarian say about Reiki? Some know what it is and some don’t. This may be an opportunity to introduce it to them. It’s common for me to meet the veterinarian in critical cases where ongoing Reiki is requested. Some are open to it, some aren’t. I’ve never been asked to leave by a veterinarian regardless of their personal beliefs.

So again, when is the best time to give an animal Reiki? It’s always a good time. Remember to keep the animal’s best interest in mind and seek proper medical help and advice when needed. Reiki will support any medical treatment, as well as work on the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the animal at the same time. It truly is a win-win for everyone!

A Horse, A Horse Trailer, and a Peppermint Candy

Smarty Who is now a retired racehorse from Turf Paradise here in Phoenix. She and her stable mate, Thinkin' Bout Blake, had finished their racing careers and their owner was ready to send them down the road, most likely the slaughter road to Mexico. Fortunately their trainer couldn't bear the thought of this and through a series of contacts these two Thoroughbreds found their way to Luv Shack Horse Rescue. And better yet, they've found a great place to rest and recover from their racing injuries in southern Arizona.

Everything from the human side had been planned and the pick up date was at hand. Thinkin' Bout Blake loaded first into the trailer, ready to leave his racing career behind. However, Smarty Who was unsure and put up a fuss about loading. Now, Joey from Luv Shack has loaded many a wild horse, and after a few tries was afraid of Smarty Who hurting herself. So the decision was made to come back with a larger trailer that would be a better fit for this big, beautiful mare.

I was asked to send distance Reiki to Smarty Who to help her load into the trailer when they went back for her. She easily accepted my invitation and we had a good session. During my connection with her I explained what was happening, where she was going, and why we would like her to load up and go with Joey. As we neared the end of the session I kept getting the message that she wanted a treat. Not just any treat, but specifically a peppermint. I let her know I would pass her request on. When I told Joey about her request, she smiled and said that when they were trying to load her the trainer mentioned she liked candy. ;)

When the day came to go back and pick her up I had some extra time and asked to ride along. I wanted to meet this beautiful spirit in person. We arrived at the track and Smarty Who was brought out by her trainer. Her eyes were big and her head held high as she spotted the crowd of various people from the track that had gathered to load her into the trailer anyway they could. Not the optimal energy this already scared horse needed. As her nervous and wary energy met the forceful and "do whatever it takes" energy of the gathered "helpers" she of course began to resist. All the pushing, yelling, and arm waving that came at her from behind did anything but calm her. Standing off to the side I again offered Reiki to her and the entire situation at hand. It seemed to be the calm spot in this whirlwind of drama.

When Smarty Who finally loaded into the trailer I think she was grateful that the trailer door shut behind her. It safely separated her from that group of loud, pushy people. As the group finished patting each other on the back and final arrangements were being made to take her I went to the side of the trailer where I could see and talk to her. With peppermint in hand I told her what a brave horse she was and again re-affirmed that she was going to a wonderful place to heal. A place where she could simply relax and be a horse. The peppermint was gingerly nibbled from my hand and she eagerly smacked her lips together as she savored the treat. It was as if this was the reassurance she needed that all was going to be well.

The rest of the trip to her new home was peaceful and uneventful. We delivered both horses to a facility near Tucson where they waited a few hours to be picked up by their new owner. Smarty Who easily unloaded from our trailer and we were told smoothly loaded into the trailer of her new owner. I can sense the happiness and gratitude in her heart as she begins life anew.

I always find myself in a place of wonderment and thankfulness for the flexibility and adaptive nature of Reiki. Sometimes the situation is critical, like so many in the world of animal rescue, or simply an animal seeking peace, love or comfort. Regardless the energy always flows for the highest good of all. Whether my path with these animals is a few peaceful moments sharing Reiki or one that we walk together for a time, I've learned much from Reiki and the amazing animals I'm honored to work with. And in Smarty Who's case, I'm thankful for peppermints!