Our dogs, our teachers.

Many holistic animals agree that the animals we attract into our lives have the very same emotional wounds that we are trying to heal from. Not only that, but many even argue that that is EXACTLY why they come into our lives: to help us heal what is broken inside us.

And I couldn’t agree more with this statement!

It’s fascinating because this intuitive animal trainer who I worked with a handful of times helped me further my insight into the dog owner/dog relationship. She said many times after getting a feel for the owners personalities and their relationships with others, she knew exactly how the animal would be suffering or rather manifesting the dysfunction of the owners. She said it was an uncanny connection between the wound of the owner and the wound of the animal. 

Truly understanding this, gave me an incredible opportunity to understand Poppy on a much deeper level. In fact it opened up our relationship to a whole new level. Understanding that she was mimicking my neurosis and personality traits helped me see her with new eyes. And while I have always had a profound sense of compassion towards animals, this information deeply softened my perspective on her and deepened my understanding as to what drove her behaviors.

It has been said that as we heal, our animals do too and I can affirm that sentiment. Many holistic health animal healers agree that as our behaviors shift, our animals behaviors do as well. And while that may be a huge paradigm shift for some of you, I would wager a guess that upon further reflection, this piece of information really hits home.

As for Poppy, she has helped me understand that so much of her reactivity was a reflection of the fear and mistrust that I still had with the world and her deep sensitivity and neediness came from the unresolved codependent behaviors that I was still carrying. Poppy has now become my barometer as to what is going on in my mind and in my heart. All I have to do is watch Poppy to know if I need a shift in perspective and more peace in my heart. And when I do this, I will see it in her too….

So how can the creature in your life help you understand YOU better?