The healing power of animals and pets

Do you resonate with a certain animal and experience a greater sense of connection when that animal appears? Do you ever feel sad, lost, lonely or simply miserable and then your pet arrives? All animals appear to have the innate ability to sit close by, and without any words, validate and acknowledge a human’s sadness or pain. Almost as if they have the capacity to gain insight into our consciousness and access our thoughts.

Have you ever contemplated why our children’s toys are quite often replicated animals? These toys can become a child’s best friend and comfort while they fall asleep, and can help to keep them feel loved when they are feeling sad. Animals characteristically represent safety and security. Some people admit they enthusiastically spend additional money feeding and caring for their animals in comparison to the amount they spend on themselves.

Animals and humans regularly share deeply personal connections and as such experience honest relationships, free from any form of judgement. These relationships offer both a sense of respect, unconditional love and healthy regard. Once people win the trust of an animal, unless something serious is done to breach that trust, the bond lasts forever. Animals are forgiving, while people may be less so.

Why do so many people share love willingly with their pet yet withhold the same love from their partner? Is it because there is no fear? Fear that they could be abandoned, that they could be criticised, that they be easily replaced or worse, no longer worth loving?

Animals will never leave us for somebody else. They will not discount our feelings, say hurtful things or walk away when the going gets tough. Our pets are there for the long haul, through the good times and the bad. They join our lives joyfully and passionately, believing the journey is endless. They willingly do this yet their wishes are small, to be treated with dignity and respect and live a peaceful life by their companion’s side. Our pets give us permission to be our genuine self, to be real without the need for falseness or masks; permission to be simply authentic. A truly amazing gift.

An animal’s presence can help people to heal a broken spirit and overcome the pain of a harsh emotional cut-off. Their ability to nurture and connect with the elderly is well evidenced in nursing homes throughout every community. Childcare centres also enjoy the positive effects on children participating and learning about the healing powers of animals. Many people confide in their pets and share secrets they are fearful of telling others. Other loving pet owners demonstrate extreme compassion and use respectful language and gestures towards their pets. Frequently, expressions to animals can be more endearing and tender than messages selected for significant others in their lives.

Do you see admirable characteristics in your pet that if applied to your own life would have the potential to see your relationships grow and flourish? If your pet could communicate verbally, what advice might they share? Could their ideas empower your communication ability and help to heal personal acquaintances that have become damaged or strained over time? What might change in your life if you were willing to use kind language and adopt one animal characteristic today?

Animals clearly demonstrate that it is possible to experience a happier, harmonious and more peaceful life. If we looked to the kindness of animals, employed their traits and selflessly gave to others as animals give to us… the world would be a better place. We would then be well on the way to finding our peaceful heart.