Overcoming Fear with Canine Angels - Part 2

Continuation of Overcoming Fear with Canine Angels  by Amanda Seah and Amanda Tee.

Rover My Angel

by Amanda Seh

I could clearly remember the first time I visited the animal shelter with my friends. I went there wondering what was going to happen and was worried about how the dogs would react to me. When I realized that there was going to be more than one dog around and they were not caged and free roaming, my fear increased. It took me about 15 minutes to conquer my fear and enter the kennel. Many dogs tried to sniff me but I was afraid so I backed off and sat at one corner, trying my very best to avoid all them.

However, one golden retriever approached me and sat in front of me. Karen, one of my close friends who brought me there told me to touch him. After the first touch, I was mesmerized. I could not believe I could have such close contact with a dog and not freak out. I had loads of fun with Rover, the golden retriever when I grew close to him the few subsequent times I went. After each visit, I would go home and at night I would miss their company dearly.  The dogs are really good companions and make really good friends who plays and listens to your problems whenever you face one.

I learnt many valuable lessons from the visits through experience. Recently, I have learnt that chasing a dog is actually frightening them and learn how dogs communicate and how I can understand them and their personal stories better.  I hope that when the dogs get adopted, even though it will be saddening to see them go, I would feel happy that they have found a loving home with owners that will love and care for them like they would with their own child. To conclude, I would just like to say that spending time and caring for the dogs have added additional meaning to my life, develops character, teaches teenagers to sympathize with others and that animals have feelings too.

Overcoming My Fear for Dogs

by Amanda Tee

Since young, I have always been afraid of dogs. Whenever I see a dog, my first instincts is to run as quickly and far away as possible without attracting the dog's attention. Hence, it was an extremely new experience for me to be going to an animal shelter.

I still remember when I first visited the animal shelter; I was partially excited and nervous. What was I suppose to do at the animal shelter? How do I 'interact' with the dogs when I am really scared of it? Despite my fears, I still went in, hoping that I can slowly overcome my fear of dogs.

After opening the gate, my friends and I had to travel to the end of the path before reaching an open area whereby all the dogs are not caged. At either sides of the path, there were many dogs which were locked up. While we walked towards the end, the dogs barked at us repeatedly. As I had not expected this reaction, I hesitated a little in the middle of the path before covering my ears and picking up my pace as we quickly made our way past.

Upon reaching the end, we then entered a small area like a holding area which would lead us to the dogs. Somehow, the dogs knew of the arrival of strangers (us) and immediately started barking. When one of my friends, Karen, opened the side gate, we hurried in, fearing that the dogs would escape. As we entered, the dogs came running towards us. They swarmed around us and continuously smelling us, leaving no opportunities for us to move. Frightened, I then grabbed my friend's hand as we tried our best to make our way through to another empty room to leave our belongings.

Even after I placed my bag down and tied my hair, I refused to leave the room and play with the dogs. The past 5 minutes was too much for me, someone who has never been near a dog before, to handle. In the end, I stayed in the room for 15 minutes before finally getting persuaded to leave the room and face the dogs.

The dogs in animal shelter are very friendly. They bark, however it is only when someone new to them enters their compound.  Otherwise, they will be swarming around us after they are familiar with us. Surprisingly, the dogs in animal shelter also do not bite! Instead they will lick you and put their paws on you, which means that they love you. The dogs there also dislike water. Hence, if you sweep water towards them, it will send them running away.

It was indeed an interesting experience visiting an animal shelter. Originally, my impressions of dogs were that they would pounce and bite strangers. But, after going to the animal shelter, I saw a different side of the dogs. They are very gentle and playful.

Even though my fear towards dogs was reduced, there is still a part of me that would run away at the first sight of dogs.

Lastly, I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed myself that day and definitely would not hesitate to go visit again.  I hope that when I come back to visit, my fear towards dogs will reduce so that one day, I would be able to confidently say that I am not scared of dogs anymore. Hence, for now, that would be my goal.

The final story on Overcoming Fear with Canine Angels by Ng Yen Wen and Karen Koh to be continued on Monday, 13  Feb.

Overcoming Fear with Canine Angels

On 7 January, a group of girls from CHIJ St. Nicholas  Girls School (Secondary) got to know about Zeus Residence through their friends Clara and Clarice, who volunteered to help out during their school holidays in December 2011.

When the girls first visited Zeus Residence, they did not know what to expect. And from their expression on their faces at the first sight, it was an expression of shock and awe. "Oh My God! These dogs are roaming free - will they bite me? What are we suppose to do?".  These were the questions that ran through their minds at the sight of a pack of dogs free running and upon seeing them, began barking and charging towards the gate. As this is their first visit, they stood rooted in fear, screaming and locking themselves in the kennel to prevent the dogs from going near them.

Most of the girls were non dog owners and we salute them for their bravery and for overcoming their fear.  It took them some time to understand that the dogs are ok and the dogs will do no harm - we shared with them that our youngest volunteer is Kaelyn a 4 yr old kid - and whenever she visits the shelter, she would always had such a fun time with the dogs that she doesn't want to go home. So this would mean that our dogs are harmless and they are ok with kids.

We explained to the girls to stay calm, focus on positive thoughts and the dogs would feel at ease with presence.  But when you are fearful, you would emit negative energy and when the dogs senses it, they will approach you and tease you continuously. 

By the end of the day - you can see that the girls were so comfortable and they started playing with the dogs. 

Indeed, Positive Energy at its Best.


Mental Wellness
Dogs make good theraphists - when you are with them - you forget about your problems for the day - the dogs will entertain you and make you laugh - better than watching TV.

We must thank our mascotts especially Angel and Rover for giving the girls confidence and for believing in themselves. Since then, the girls have been visiting the shelter regularly to socialise with the dogs which is what the dogs need.  We are pleased to see that students are putting their positive energy and time to help animals.

To read about their first encounter Emmalin Chong, Karen Koh, Ellysya Lee, Ng Yen Wen, Amanda Seh and Amanda Tee have written about their reflections with our Canine Angels.

Connecting with Animals Helps Builds Relationships

by Emmalin Chong

Dogs are man's best friend, sometimes better than other human friends as animals judge you by their level of comfort and the trust they have for their partner and not otherwise (though I'm not saying that humans are horrible hahaha). And to be honest, I have seen relationships between people improve because of animals (like dogs and cats) or we can even say that it is a supplement to any relationship between two or more, like how vitamins act as a supplement to the already healthy body.

To date, I visited the dogs on two separate occasions and dogs being dogs, sometimes they can't contain their excitement and they would run towards you barking, pawing and whatnot but I have to say that I enjoyed being with them because animals are just so indescribably awesome!!! Not to mention animals look so adorable.
 
Anyway, I am sure that these dogs need our help to survive and sometimes I rage at the thought that some owners still choose to abandon these poor little helpless creatures that once depended on their owners to provide their needs. Nonetheless, as people keep abandoning millions, we can definitely try our very best to cater to the simple rights of all animals and make their stay on earth a good one by donating and caring. By the end of the whole race that we are just beginning to run, i hope that we succeed in conveying the message about animal rights or even soften their hearts towards the animals in whichever way we can and try our best to let the number of people know what the issues we face be more than just a drop in a bucket!
 
Always loving animals.

Super Action Heros at Zeus Residence

by Ellysya Lee

“$60 a month to sponsor a bag of dog food for a dog? Seriously?”

That was my first thought when I heard about this project. But being a dog-lover, I decided to give it a go. Having to leave two dogs back home in Malaysia, I figured that this may be a chance for me to work with dogs again.

Before setting foot into the animal shelter, I saw the picture of 3 sibling puppies, Spiderman, Batman and Robin, and I was determine to see them. It turns out that the three of them were inseparable.  Somehow or rather, when I looked into their eyes, it made me think of what they’ve been through and how rough life has been for them. So I decided there and then that I’ll try my best to communicate with the three dogs.

When I took my first step into the kennel, I was greeted delightfully by a pack of dogs, sniffing and jumping all over me.  Fed them with treats and knowing that by visiting I can bring so much joy to the dogs, it made my day. 

In the beginning, Spiderman was the easiest to recognise because he was the only white dog with brown patches.  It took me quite a while to recognise Batman and Robin because they both looked similar to the other dogs and I had to find something special about them so that I can differentiate them. Robin has a brown coat mixed with a little bit of black and he has black ‘fingers’ and Batman has a black coat with streaks of brown down his legs and chest.  Spiderman has a thing with the dog house and Robin is forever extending out his front paw to ‘shake hands’ while Batman just… acts cute.

Playing and getting to know the Super Heros on my first visit to the animal shelter made me feel so refreshed and alive. To know that these dogs were homeless for one reason and it really broke my heart. What happened to humanity?

Right after we left the animal shelter, I couldn’t resist asking, “So, when’s our next visit?”

Going there for a second time made me realise that I didn’t choose the dogs, they chose me. When they feel that there’s a connection, they’ll automatically approach you. We were able to bring the dogs out for a walk this time round and I got Candy. She’s a very obedient girl and I felt that she could really understand me and what I expected from her so she tried her best to meet my expectations and she really did which “wow-ed” me. And whenever I praised her, she would wag her tail real hard and just seem to bask in the moment of me praising her. There was also a puppy which was so spoilt that she just climbed all over me when I was carrying her. So I guess it’s partially my fault that she’s so spoilt. Oops, my bad. And she’s such an adorable ball of fluff.

Now, here I am saying that I need and will be committed to my weekly dose of doggie cuteness overload. Through this project, I sincerely want the dogs to realise that not all humans will abandon and disown them. I want them to feel loved and hence able to trust humans more by slowly regaining their trust through interacting with them as often as I can.

$60 is not a huge amount to sponsor a bag of food for a man’s best friend and it’s for a very good cause.  I hope that you will be so kind to sponsor food for the shelter dogs.

Sponsorship of Dog Food

For $60 a month, you will help to buy a bag of 15kg of ANF dry dog food for Spiderman.  To contribute towards dog food, you may issue a cheque to “Noble Advance Pte Ltd” and mail to 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-04 The Esplanade, Singapore 039802.

To be continued on Friday, 10 Feb  - please stay tune for the girls' reflections on our Canine Angels.

Energy Healing Workshop For Pet Owners

For the first time in Singapore - The Energy Healing Workshop

The Energy Healing workshop allows you to bring balance and harmony to your pets' physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, addressing issues such as fear, separation anxiety, depression, aggression, surgical recovery, and more.

Learn the basic core principles and theories of several energetic healing modalities which can be used for animals. Begin to understand how animal companions can benefit these holistic modalities for animal wellness. We will teach you how to heal your pets through Animal Rejuvenation Healing and Water Healing for Animals.

Animals are certainly more aware of the surroundings than people think they are, and definitely much more intelligent than many people assume, just that they express their intelligence in completely different ways from humans.

Animals have always been known to enjoy healing sessions; be it Reiki, or other forms of Energy Healing and best of all, animals are not skeptics, so they can’t spoil their own healing while imagining the worst!

Pets are deeply connected with people, they are members of the family, and they respond strongly and emotionally to good or bad vibes in the family where they live. Often, their health condition stems from some emotional or existing problem or tension caused by their human companions. If there are negative emotions or lack of harmony in the family, pets can also develop various health problems because of exposure to constant stress they cannot understand or cope with. The intensity and complexity of human problems and emotions are certainly different from the ones they face in the animal kingdom and these stresses can affect the health of pets, especially the ones who are very close to the family members.

Pets who can go out freely to the garden or various parts of the house, and have a part of life on their own, coupled with much more freedom, seem to be less affected by human behavior and because of that, are usually healthier than ones who cannot go out.

Health problems that usually occur as a result of a stressful life with people can result in;

•nervousness and oversensitivity

•various levels of fear

•various behavioural problems

•aggressiveness

•various autoimmune disorders

 •various hormonal problems

 •some pets develop even tumors / cancers if they are constantly exposed to human negative emotions and our human traumas....etc.


Many pets are also so energetically connected with people, that they "pick up" the exact same health problems as their human companions.

In the process of healing, pets, as well as people need love, tenderness and as much attention they ask for although sometimes they prefer to be left alone on some quiet place where they can regenerate in peace. Because they are so sensitive and respond on human emotions, try to be as positive as you can. With the various modalities of Energy Healing you will learn from this workshop, your pets will benefit from this holistic and non-invasive treatment.

Hurry and sign up quick! Our Animal Communication workshops are FULL, don't miss this opportunity as well.

Energy Healing Workshop

Date: Tuesday, 22 Mar 2011


Time: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm


Investment: $300


Venue: Basic Essence, 501 Bukit Timah Road, #04-04, Cluny Court

To register, please provide us with the following details;


Participant's Details


Name:


Age:


Email:


Address:

Contact Nos:


Do you own a pet/pets?


If yes, what type of pet/pets? (Breed of Dog/Cat, Rabbit, Bird, Fish)


Please print this page and issue your cheque to "Zeus Communications LLP" and mail it to 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-04, The Esplanade, S(039802) to confirm your place for the workshop.

Certificates of Attendance will be awarded upon completion of the course.

For more information please send your queries to dogs_ink@singnet.com.sg 

Animal Reiki

Understanding Reiki - It's All About ENERGY!

Sometimes controversial, Reiki is a Japanese art of healing. It is the channelling of the universe's life-force energy to heal and strengthen. Reiki is a spiritual technique that communicates with bodies, whether human or animal, at the deepest level. The technique used in Reiki is commonly called palm healing. The practitioner of Reiki places his or her hands on the recipient’s body, transferring healing energy. Reiki works in conjunction with the chakras, or energy centres, of a body.

Rosina and Lynda performing Reiki on a bunny

Animals love Reiki and always accept it willingly

Reiki for Animals

Reiki healing for animals is basically the same as that for humans, except for the different placement of the chakras in animals. Reiki works well with pets because they respond well to loving touches and intentions. Often, animals tend to be more receptive to Reiki than humans, and can show positive responses very quickly. We’ve yet to meet an animal that doesn’t like Reiki. When we work with sick or injured strays, they somehow sense the positive energy and will turn their most painful part of the body to us, to take in the healing energy.

Reiki seeks to restore health by balancing the body's energy field. In this context, "energy" has nothing to do with the level of vigor an animal feels. Instead, what it draws from the idea that everything around us is made up of energy vibrating at different levels. Every dog / cat that is born has a unique energy field, an actual vibrational pattern and Reiki serves to rebalance the dog / cat, very much like tuning a musical instrument that is out of tune.

Reiki healing is not stressful, and doesn’t cause any discomfort or pain. It can be used for any problems or illnesses in conjunction with your pet’s usual medication. If your pet is stressed or you just want him / her to relax, Reiki can be performed too. In fact, Reiki can be given to animals with literally any problems; ear infections, hot spots, separation anxiety, neurological disorders, post surgery care, etc

Deep healing and working on your pet's energy imbalance does not happen overnight. To determine if it works, keep a journal of your pet's symptoms and observe for positive changes in areas such as appetite, activity level and emotional well-being.

What Reiki can do for your pets

Reiki is a great, safe complement to both Western and Chinese medicine for pets. Not only does it promote healing and recovery when your pet is ill, but it also reduces possible side effects from medication.

Reiki can be a great help with emotional and behavioural problems in pets. If your pet suffers from emotional problems, especially if they have suffered abuse or neglect in the past, Reiki can help your pet to heal and release negative emotions. Reiki can also help pets that display behavioural problems, such as anxiety and nervousness, to relax. As a complement to Reiki, we suggest you try Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for your pet too.

Reiki has the ability to soothe and calm an animal. It can provide comfort and relieve suffering for dying animals, and help ease their passing. This also alleviates the owner’s fear and grief. Reiki can help to make a possibly traumatic experience more peaceful.


For more information and Reiki session bookings, please contact Fiona at dogs_ink@singnet.com.sg

Animal Reiki, together with music for your pets, would make them really relaxed and comfortable.