I was sent a fascinating story from Linda G., a commenter on my blog, about a touching story about an amazing girl and her ability to talk to animals. Read this little girl’s story and how she was able to communicate with dogs with a simple touch that reached her heart, mind and soul.
I related to this story on different levels. Do I think I’m a dog whisperer? No. But I have strong instincts and those instincts have been instrumental when my dogs have chosen me to be their adopted “mom” over the years.
Let me tell you a story about my dog Prince. Prince was not a “people dog”. My dad and I were the only ones he played with and were able to connect with. I guess looking back, I must have thought I did have the potential to be a dog whisperer. I was six years old and I felt Prince was trying to tell me something. So I took him up to my bedroom and closed the door. As I sat on the floor with him, I leaned into his ear and whispered so quietly so as not to be heard and said to him ~ “Prince, here’s your chance to actually speak to me. It will be between us. I know you want to tell me something….please feel free to talk.” I waited……..and waited………unfortunately , Prince never did speak to me. Yes, you may all have a good laugh! Remember I was a young girl with an active imagination.
As I stated earlier, my instincts have served me well when my dogs have chosen me. Take for instance my dog, Lady. When I had operated a camera at BCTV, one of the shows I enjoyed immensely was the Humane Society’s program. When this white dog with a red sweater appeared into my camera’s view, I was dumb-struck. I listened to her story but felt such a strong connection to her. In an instant, I knew instinctively that she belonged with me. I wasn’t able to touch her, get close to her nor pet her until after the program. When I did pet her it confirmed what I already knew. She belonged with me. And I was right. She fit in as if she always lived in my home.
My dogs, Shadow and Jazz, both picked me. I met Shadow when I began as a volunteer at the ARL in the year 2000. It was only my first week and out of all of the dogs in the room, he was the one who wouldn’t look at me. His small body covered in long, matted fur trembled in fear unlike the others. I knew I had to help him so he could find a home. When I took him out for a walk, I held him in my arms. And the strangest feeling came over me. I knew he belonged with me in my home. And I was right. As soon as I brought him home, I opened up my car door and he ran. He darted directly to my backyard. He wanted to be there. He didn’t attempt to run away from me. He waited for me. And it’s been that way ever since.
I met Jazz when I worked for the ARL. Listen, I fell in love with many animals and wish I could have saved every animal. That was an impossibility. Certain animals were drawn to me and vica versa. But Jazz was different. As I observed Jazz in his kennel, I was completely mesmerized by him. I stood there and I thought, what’s going on here? I had to take him out of his kennel and spend quiet time with him. The moment we were alone, I knew he belonged with me. And once again, I was right. Shadow and Jazz are best friends and act like long-lost brothers.
Have you ever felt that way about a pet of yours? I do have strong instincts and they have proven to be extremely helpful and have guided me to choose the right dogs for me. No, I am not a dog whisperer like the little girl in the story, but my instincts have served me well. Perhaps it would all serve us better to listen to our instincts.