animal human bond

Dachshund Goddesses. Say What?

Ok, so perhaps you are wondering why I’ve called these paintings, which I did a few years ago, dachshund goddesses? Clearly, they are tree goddesses.  

But it started shortly after when my mom saw the paintings I’d done that she asked if they each had a name. Huh. I’d not thought of that. And so I let it simmer. And simmer it did for all this time.

The paintings are in our lower level where I see them every day when I work out on my pilates machine. And just like that, one day it hit me what their names are!

So perhaps no surprise for those that have been here following my writing and blog for some time, and you’ve likely already guessed…but yes, each is named after my special needs dachshunds that graced my life — Frankie, Joie, and Gidget.

And this is when I sat with each of the paintings, especially drawn to the center of each of them. Who was who, I wondered?

It then occurred to me looking at the center of each goddess the color at each center near the heart, each dachshund has helped me heal some aspect of myself. This is when I thought of the Chakras – energy systems within our body – and knew immediately that the goddess with the red center is Gidget.

After looking up the other meanings of the colors representing the Chakra’s I realized that the orange was Joie and the blue, Frankie.

Blue represents the throat chakra and its emotional attributes are about communication, creativity, and healing. Frankie, being my first special needs dachshund opened a world to me of writing two children’s books and a memoir about the journey we took together with her in a wheelchair, sharing her message with many. It was never on my radar to write children’s books, and even more so to think I’d become a public speaker. The girl that was so shy all those years pushed herself out into the world sharing a message that she became passionate about.

Orange represents the sacral chakra and its emotional attributes are intimacy, emotions, boundaries, addiction, and trust. When Joie passed away just ten months after I adopted her, I just didn’t understand why she had to leave so soon. But it was a time of me learning to appreciate transitional times in one’s life, to be with the fact that I knew I wanted to slow down and go in a new direction in my life, but uncertain of what that was. It was also a time of trusting the universe would provide a new path and setting boundaries for myself to learn to just be and allow what was to unfold.

Red represents the root chakra and its emotional attributes are security, grounding, sexuality, and survival. As I shared in my latest memoir Gidget guided me to finally look at a vision of a childhood wound I’d carried with me for most of my life of being touched inappropriately as a child. This led me down the path of healing so many aspects of myself from learning to trust my intuition, that I was safe, and that I was worthy.

Realizing each goddess was one of my dachshund friends, my mom suggested writing their name somewhere on each painting. Today is the day I did just that and oh, how it has made my heart smile.

Our animal friends are always with us. What a blessing and treasured gift.

xo,

Barbara

New Offering: For Animal Lovers! When Our Pets Feel Better, We Feel Better (and vice versa!)

Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what’s missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we’re here. ― Trisha McCagh

I’m excited to share with you the new offering I now have for pets and their people!

As you likely know by now, I’ve been fascinated with and passionate about the animal-human connection for over 25 years.

Animal or human each have their own thoughts, emotions, and feelings. When we pause, tune in, and listen to each other we are given the beautiful opportunity to blossom and deepen in our relationship not only to each other but with ourselves too.

When our pets feel better, we feel better…and vice versa!

SEEKING ANIMAL LOVERS

  • Are you caring for a pet with chronic issues or a senior pet and are experiencing pet caregiver burden or compassion fatigue?
  • Are you feeling anxiety around negative behaviors from your pet?
  • Are you pre-grieving or grieving the loss of a pet?
  • Are you feeling not as connected or bonded with your pet as you’d like and would like to explore why?
  • Do you wish to explore on a deeper level the reason you and your pet are together?
  • Is there a situation/area of concern I didn’t mention that you are seeking guidance for? I’d love to explore with you to see if I can be of service.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER & SUMMARY

  • My new offering is called, Wisdom in the Paws Oracle Readings and Guidance Sessions.
  • Special introductory price of $45 per session (for a limited time).
  • One session per person/per pet.
  • You are open to complementary and alternative forms that feel therapeutic in nature. 
  • Optional: 
    • Provide a brief testimonial if you find the session helpful and beneficial.

Oracle cards are the tool I use to guide you and your pet toward a more harmonious relationship when navigating a challenging situation.

They help me see energetic patterns, tap into intuitive insight, and gain an expanded and beneficial perspective, to not only positively support the sacred relationship you share with your dear animal friend but to enhance the relationship to yourself also.

Each oracle card contains images, words, and symbolism that serve as an invitation to gently and honestly observe and witness not only your story in motion but also your pets.

As a certified oracle guide, an intuitive mentor, and a compassionate listener, I hold space for both you and your pet to be heard. I connect the links from the messages of the cards in conjunction with what unfolds in our conversation that ultimately leads to valuable insight to help you move forward with more confidence and in a mutually favorable way.

The beauty of working together as a team is that both you and your pet will feel more content and in balance, be more present for each other, and understand each other on a deeper level and in a more meaningful way.

Healing heart-to-heart and deepening our connection with animals and ourselves is something I’m excited to help people and their pets with!

To learn more about how a session works and to book a session click on the link below:

Wisdom in the Paws Oracle Reading and Guidance Session

I look forward to connecting with you and your dear animal friend soon! Or if you know of an animal-loving friend who you think may benefit, please feel free to share this with them.

xo,
Barbara

A Year Later. A Love Letter to Gidget.

There won’t be a full oracle reading today, but I did do a short message on my Instagram page if you want to check that out. Today I want to honor the one year passing of my sweet Gidget girl – she indeed was, and still is, one of the most potent oracles for me in her teaching of helping me to “know thyself.”

Dear Gidget,

A year ago – the day before Mother’s Day – I didn’t know how I was going to live my life without you. 

As I sat holding you in my arms knowing I had a very difficult decision to make, I was reminded by our dear friend, Dawn, that this wasn’t about my fear, but rather about what you wanted.

I knew in my heart it was time for you to move on, but how to let go?

While our work together was done here on the physical plane, your teaching of loving all aspects of myself remains. It always will – in honor and respect of you and in honor and respect of the love I now have for myself. Your love and devotion brought me to this new welcome space within me.

It’s been almost a full four seasons that have passed since I last hugged you. As each season has passed it has reminded me of you in some special way.

In the summertime how my heart would overflow with love as I watched you enjoy soaking up the sun lying on the deck and then in the evenings as we’d hang out by the fire in the chiminea with you snug as a bug in your bed between the Adirondack chairs.

As the leaves turned crimson shades of yellow, orange, and red, I reminisced how we’d relish in the change in the wind as I’d take you for a walk in your dog stroller. I loved watching your ears fly in the wind as you’d raise your snout to the new smells in the air.

Wintertime brought memories of the extra snuggle time on the couch or you resting in my or papa’s arms, your tiny front limbs bent in front of you in the most endearing way, snoring so very loudly for a little dog and content as could be.

As the sun moved closer to the earth this spring I was brought back to the sweet images of you and how you loved to hang out in the garden with me. As you’d close your eyes to take in the warmth of the sun I dug in the dirt planting flowers while buds were beginning to burst from the trees.

Now 365 days later I see that my life has gone on even though you are no longer here. But guess what? I still feel you with me. But you already knew that, didn’t you? It is one of my greatest comforts and treasures.

The difference is now the ache on my heart isn’t as crushing as it was – it’s a softness that has settled in – though at times a sharp ache will still shoot through my heart as a reminder that to have loved you means I must also accept the pain of loss. I do little one, I do.

But you know what my heart knows most? That to have loved you means I will never ever lose that feeling and that in essence I never had to let go. The love of you is here now and always will be.

Love you always my sweet girl…

xo,

Barbara