Many of the clients I see often comment on how they wish they could "hear" their animals. When I tell them they already do I sometimes get the look like I have 2 heads! But the fact is you already do "hear" them. Having said that I have an assignment for you.

This is the perfect time of year to take time to relax and really feel all of life that surrounds you. I would like for you to find a minimum of 5 minutes to just sit and "be". The saying that we have become human "doings" and not human "beings" is so true.  Animals are about "being".  In order to "hear" our companions we must have a quiet mind. In a quiet moment sit with your animal, close your eyes, and begin to feel that connection between the two of you. Ask questions of your pet that you would like answers to. Be quiet and listen for the answer. Take the first thing you get and don't discount it as something you made up.  In negating what you are getting you have cut off that communication.

After your 5 minutes of just "being" with your animal, take a notebook and write down what came to you during this time. You will be amazed at some of the messages you will receive from them! If you begin to do this on a consistent basis you will be opening yourself up to much more of life around you. Also, by allowing them to share you will take your relationship with your companion to a whole new level.  Most of all HAVE FUN!           

I wanted to follow up from the last issue with more information about feeding a raw diet.  What better way to start your new kitten or puppy off in life? Although there is some controversy over what kind of raw diet to feed most agree that a raw diet is much better for our animal companions than processed food. Did you know that the dry dog or cat food we feed, kibble", was created specifically for humans. It was created by people strictly for convenience.

Good nutrition is the foundation for good health, and in the long run, feeding the best food (raw) will mean lower veterinary bills. Besides maintaining good health it also helps your pet live a much longer life.  I can't tell you how many clients I have that have had animals pass away say, "I would done anything to have kept them here longer". I am saying you can just by changing a few things.  Our pets really should be living between 20 and 27 years old, who wouldn't want that?

Money is often an obstacle when it comes to the better food. If your pet will not switch over to a raw diet then at least look for a food that is 95% real meat. The food is less processed and is easily absorbed into the pet's system. Older dogs and cats have a harder time digesting dry food so try providing top quality wet food for them. There is less "ouput" when using higher grade foods. With my 2 Aussies I used to fill one of those blue plastic bags from the grocery store every 5 days. Now since switching to a better food the waste is cut in half. The better the food the more it gets absorbed directly into their system.

I have folks look at it from this perspective, if you gave a kid fast food every day of their lives how well do you think their body and mind would function? It is the same thing with the lower or middle grade foods.  Also the mere fact that it comes from a veterinarian office does not mean it is a high quality food. Read the labels and educate yourself or ask someone who has experience with animal nutrition to help you.

I want to you to spend as many quality moments with your healthy pet for a very long time.  By feeding a raw diet or better food we can eliminate or at least lessen the need for dental care, vet visits, allergies and behavior issues. Some of the raw foods to check out are Nature's Variety, Bravo, Primal, and Aunt Jeni's.