Fiona is a beautiful miniature horse recently taken in by Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue. She seemed a bit down as if something was bothering her, so on my regular visit I stopped by to offer her Reiki.
I make it a practice to ask permission of anyone I’m offering Reiki too. I made a connection with Fiona and asked. I didn’t seem to get a response, so asked again. This time I heard “No” in a quiet, timid way. Just to make sure, I shared with her what Reiki was and even offered a distance treatment. Again I heard a soft “No” and this time she turned and walked away. I thanked her for the connection and let her be. This does not happen very often so I found myself reflecting upon the situation, grateful that I had asked before assuming she wanted Reiki.
We easily recognize when a person does not want Reiki, they will speak to us or move away. While animals will do the same, sometimes we aren’t in tune with their response. Here are a few suggestions when working with animals.
- Animals often have things done to them or forced on them. Reiki should not be one of those things. Allowing the animal freedom of choice will build a trusting partnership for healing.
- Always ask permission. This can be done verbally, silently within your mind, through a heart connections, or however you wish to connect with the animal.
If they do not wish to participate in a Reiki session there are many signs they may give. You may simply receive through intuition a “No”. Body language is often the first and best indicator that an animal does not want a treatment. Here are just a few physical signs:
• Walking away
• Stomping feet
• Swishing Tail
• Growling
• Signs of irritation
• Pacing
If you receive such signals adjust how you are offering the Reiki (hands-on, hands-off, short distance, further distance, etc.) If the signs persist and you do not feel Reiki flowing simply thank the animal and do not force Reiki upon them.
In my work with horse rescues I see many cases of severe abuse and neglect. Stories that leave one wondering how anyone could think it right to treat any living thing the way they do. This week I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful, resilient mare named Valora. Her story is now a well publicized case in Phoenix, Arizona. The short version is that her original owner, who was also neglectful in her physical, mental and emotional care, was losing her home, couldn’t care for her, and gave her to a man. The man’s intent was to load her in his trailer, shoot her, and take her to a meat rendering plant for money. The mare refused to load and the man proceeded to beat her. Neighbors saw what was happening and called the police. They eventually contacted Luv Shack Horse Rescue who eagerly took her in. Unfortunately Valora took the brunt of his beating and will lose her right eye, has a severe concussion, several skull fractures, many bruises, and 20+ stitches in various places on her body. She will likely need surgery to repair some of her injuries.
I realized after working with her and reading the comments on Luv Shack’s Facebook page and the forums on the local TV stations covering the story, not only does she have much healing to do….but so do we. Much anger, disbelief, sadness, bewilderment, fear, and harsh judgment has been expressed in these outlets as well as personal conversations people have had as they hear of Valora’s story. I too am as guilty as some.