Pet Ownership

Lesson 3: Nurturing the Bond

Communication and Quiet Time

Whether in the face of grief or hardship, or in the throes of happiness and joy, the one thing that seems to matter most is that we have someone who understands, to share it with. As the caretakers of this world, we have the responsibility to understand our fellow creatures, and when we fully empathize with animals and understand that they are special little souls of their own, we will realize a deeper bond.

Understanding animals does not have to be difficult. Sometimes it’s as easy as interpreting those begging eyes while you’re having a bag of popcorn, but if you really want to know what goes on in that little head, you have to think like he does.

We can pay attention to their growls, barks, and whines, their meows, purrs, and hisses, their chirps, squawks, and squeals. We can watch their ears, expressions, and body language. They experience life just as we do with its joys, hopes, jealousies, pains, and fears. Some call this anthropomorphism but most of it is simply common sense. We can imagine what we would be trying to communicate if we were making that expression or that sound or that motion.

We can also take time regularly to share a pleasant walk, cuddle in front of the TV, or to just sit quietly together, gaze into our pet’s eyes and respond to his emotions. Take the time to imagine what it’s like to live behind those eyes. Imagine yourself living in his body. Walk a mile in his paws. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? How do you feel? What things are important to you? What are your favorite things to do? Where is your favorite place to be? Who do you love? What are your dreads? What are your desires?

During those special times together, pets love a good massage. Try simple circular motions over the neck, shoulders and down the back to calm a nervous pet. Spread the toes and gently massage the feet. Stroke the face gently around the eyes, massage the base of the ear, fold the ear in on itself, slide along the length of the ear, and then massage the tip between your fingers. You may want to consider learning some of the special T Touch methods at http://tteam-ttouch.com/
We can practice looking for the good in all animals. Look for the beauty in their personality. Are they carefree, silly, serious, loyal, courageous, dedicated, steady, tough? These are ways we can empathize with them and respect their feelings, and then ask ourselves how we can make their life better.

Something to Think About
Why do animals respond to positive training methods? (Hint: Check page 185 in Kindred Spirits)

In what ways can you implement what you have learned in this lesson?

Exercise: Visit your local shelter or rescue and discuss with the workers the background and personality of two pets, including what kind of home, family, and activities each would be best suited for.

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