Support for Senior Animals

Senior Animal Care

As animal lovers, we bring our animals into our homes, our lives, and our families. We know that we will experience much joy, many memories, some challenges, and a whole lot of unconditional love. Our animals join our lives in a deep and profound way, creating memories that last a lifetime. We often share the stories of our animal’s antics, tricks and unexpected happenings with much happiness and laughter. Our animals bring so much to our experiences and adventures. We also know that at some point, their life cycles will bring their physical life here on earth to a place of transition.

Our animals are thankfully still very connected to Mother nature and know that life IS a cycle.  They fully understand that their passing is part of their life; they have no concern as their physical bodies begin to transition. Many years ago, I was at a client’s house, and she asked me to work with her senior dog. I began to offer energy, and in those days, I had the intention of healing. Her dog would not lay still and kept fidgeting. I sat back for a moment and re-evaluated the situation. As I asked the dog for guidance it became clear the dog was in transition. This dog was not looking for a healing. Once I realized the lesson in front of me, I asked the dog if she would receive Reiki for pain relief and support. She lay down and fell asleep while I offered a guided Reiki session.

They are quite content within their process and may simply require Reiki for pain relief, for finding peace, or for helping their person to find peace. They wish to transition with dignity.

We are fortunate that when it is appropriate, we can intervene and assist in this process of release from a physical body that is impeding their soul to be all it can continue to be. Some people know without a doubt when this time should be, and the passing is usually quiet and peaceful. This brings a sense of relief to both the animal and the person. There is no question or concern as to whether they made the right decision at the right time. This allows for complete closure between the animal and their life with their person. Their transition is complete, and their Soul continues its onward journey.

Through the intuitive connection, you can gain insight into your animal’s process: what they may need for support, nutrition, and lifestyle.  Many animals have asked for their owners to live in the present moment rather than the what if’s and how’s and when’s of transition. This can be challenging when we know the end is near. However, from the animal’s perspective, they live in the moment and each moment becomes so precious that we can miss out on quality time with them if we are focused on what, where, if and when! Our animals have a compassionate way of letting us know when the time is right, and we can connect with them along the way. This brings relief and a purpose, even at such a challenging time.

For others, the decision to allow their animals to leave their body is a much harder choice. Our animals will support us in our learning process around transition. And there is always a shift in their being, personality, and body functioning that will be the signs to look out for. The difficulty can be for many reasons. I have met people who several years later question their decisions. We discuss it together so I may show them how the process looked from their animal’s viewpoint. This often enables them to find their own healing around the loss of their animal. Our animals do not wish us to carry guilt and questioning. They may appear in an intuitive spiritual connection simply to let us know they are fine and hold nothing but deep love for us.

For the last few years, I have been blessed to work with people whose animals are in a transitional phase of their life.  They invite me to connect with their animal to find out where the animal is in their life cycle and what they need to be comfortable and content. Some animals don’t want to be seen as senior and want life to simply continue as it always has until the time of transition arrives. Others need more medical care, or reiki support to facilitate their process. My connection with the animal provides information for the person, which clears the worry and concern and allows for each day to be one of joy and the best care that can be offered.

As the time draws near, many animals have shared with me what I can only describe as a ‘Will.’ A desire, wish or request for their person; a parting gift, words of wisdom, how they would like to be returned to the earth, where and who they would like to be present, or whether they will require assistance (sedation and euthanasia). I have experienced estranged families being brought back together through this process. Our animals only wish for us to be at peace. As this ‘Will’ is heard and understood, the animal is now aware that there will truly be closure for all. Often this ‘Will’ gives the family a focused role which also helps with the physical loss and void.

The grieving process is quite different for everyone who goes through this experience. There is no regret or concern over decisions, no fears. There is a deep knowing that the timing was right, and their animal will in some way confirm that with them. Following the animal’s passing, there is grieving as would be expected with the loss, and a time for the heart to heal. Following the recent transition of my very dear companion, Dasher, I found a wonderful support and deeper understanding of grief through an online workshop with David Kessler called “Help for the Hurting Heart.”  It opened my understanding of grief, of my own process, and provided tools to support me along the way.

When the time is right for the next animal to join the family, it becomes an easy and joyful experience. Many families have rescued wonderful animals that bring a different kind of love and joy to the dynamic. It has been a blessing to work with these families.

These are very caring and compassionate sessions with the best interest of you and your animal at heart.

If you are living with a senior animal and would like to know more about how your animal is feeling and any communication they would like to share with you, please contact Michele by calling 603 833 8085 (US Eastern Standard Time) OR email nikoetherapies@proton.me

Michele works with all animals, from dogs, cats, horses and barn animals to rabbits, birds, frogs, and fish.

Our Palliative Care Package ensures the utmost of care and attention to your animals needs and any support they ask for.  The package consists of 2 appointments – the first, a consultation of 90 minutes and the follow up is 60 minutes.   These two appointments would be scheduled to provide the best level of support.  This also includes 3 months ongoing text messages as needed to offer guidance along the journey and offer continued support through choices and decisions being guided by your animal companion.

Palliative Care Package Fee:

In Person or Remote: $500

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Learn more from Jasmine and her journey.

Communication with animal family members who have already transitioned is also available on request.

contact Michele by calling 603 833 8085 (US Eastern Standard Time) OR email nikoetherapies@proton.me