My heart instantly melted and tears sprang to my eyes when I saw this photo on Facebook today. In part, because I’m working hard on deepening my relationship with my English lab, Kylie. She has been such a good dog these past few years as my focus was on Frankie and my work with her. As that focus shifts a bit now, I’m finding more time to give to Kylie and enjoying it immensely.
I have felt some guilt with Kylie because it was my intent for her to be my therapy dog when I got her as a pup. We were working hard towards that goal for about three months before Frankie became paralyzed. As many of you know, my life took on a new path and a big goal with Frankie then. I didn’t realize at the time, but something shifted in Kylie. Though I can’t say for sure, I had felt like my focus being on Frankie, that it broke down the bond Kylie and I had established early on when she was a pup.
As it turned out, Kylie was not meant to be a therapy dog. For the past five years being so involved in my Frankie work, Kylie was such a good dog, being there, quietly standing by. As my shift changes, allowing for Frankie to enjoy her senior years, I’ve found myself able to spend more time with Kylie. WIth my new Reiki training, I’ve also been able to practice it on her as she is healing from knee surgery. It has been so very rewarding. I feel a new and deeper bond happening between us, and just writing those words now, has tears blurring my vision.
These new experiences have reminded me once again how vitally important it is to be in tune with our pets. I truly believe they take on alot of our “stuff” and we need to remind them they needn’t do that- and that we love them no matter what.
As I did a Reiki treatment for Kylie today she rested her head in my hands and went into deep breathing. It brought my heart such joy to see her trust in me and that I am able to help her heal…. and it is a magical and trans-formative place to be where human and animal connect on a level where no words are spoken.
I’m thankful for the new collars they now have, instead of the plastic “lamp shade” ones of the past. Kylie can actually use it as a pillow to rest her head when sleeping. Good dog, Kylie. Good dog.