Saturday, August 28, 2010

Reiki for our Animals



by Ruby Fayed

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) comes from the Japanese Rei and Ki meaning spiritually guided life energy. Reiki for dogs is a form of spiritual healing that helps harmonize the mind, body, and soul of your pet. It can be used as a treatment for relaxation as well as a tool for releasing negative emotions and limitations.

Reiki for dogs can treat many ailments that may be currently inhibiting your dog, whether noticeable to you or not. It can reduce stress, relieve pain, headaches, stomach upsets, asthma, back problems, sinus, respiratory problems, canine hip dysplasia, anxiety and many more. After performing your first session with your pet, you will see instant results of using Reiki for your dog.

Reiki for dogs is performed with a fixed set of hand positions. Each position is formed to create a specific desired energy outcome to ultimately bring your dog into balance. To understand how to use Reiki for your dog it is important to know the different charkas that are connected to the physical organs of the body as well as the aura.

There are seven centers of energy in your pet. Reiki for dogs focuses on changing the energy from one center to another to bring about balance. The hand positions control the Chi and ultimately free your dog’s aura while allowing for a continual energy flow. The seven centers consist of the Root chakra, Navel chakra, Solar Plexus chakra, Heart chakra, Throat chakra, Third eye, and the Crown chakra. These charkas are specifically connected to different glands in your dog. Reiki for your dog will make the glands release hormones directly into the blood stream and control all aspects of your dogs daily activities and healthy thinking.

Freeing the aura is a major part of using Reiki for dogs. Before Reiki, your dog’s aura might only extend a few decimeters outside the body. After performing Reiki on your dog its aura will resonate about 2-3 meters. There are several different layers of body in the aura that Reiki will expose for your dog.

Physical Body: the most tangible part of your dog’s body. Here, Reiki for your dog will ease some of the most common fears about the physical body-sickness, aging and death.

Etheric Body: connected to the Root chakra, it is made up of a thin invisible layer that is only 2 cm thick that surrounds your dog’s body. This is where the energy is reflected when Reiki for your dog gets it flowing from chakra to chakra. Many of your dog’s dreams are found here.

Emotional Body: connected to the Navel chakra it serves as an egg shaped emotion reflector that contains the other two bodies. Emotions like hope, happiness, love, anger, and sorrow are all found here. Reiki for your dog can release these emotions from past problems your dog has suppressed and create an empty canvas for your dog to express freely.

Mental Body: connected to the Solar Plexus chakra, reflects logic, mind, and intelligent thinking. Reiki for dogs helps shape their reality.

Astral Body: the bridge between the spiritual realm and the physical world. Reiki for dogs will help them express unconditional love.

Etheric Template Body: connected to the Throat chakra, this is where your dog has its thought processes. Reiki for your dog will connect its past, and present to its future.

Celestial Body: connected to the third eye chakra, mirrors the subconscious mind. It uses your dog’s intuition to bring about higher feelings. Reiki for your dog will allow your pet to have a love that goes beyond individual to universal.

Casual Body: connected to the Crown chakra, is the last body where the initial creative impulses begin. Reiki for your dog will have your dog’s soul communicating with its conscious mind and mental body.

Reiki for your dog is a gentle but powerful healer. It will balance your dog’s energy, organs, and glands. Reiki for dogs has proven to strengthen immune systems, relieve pain, clears toxins, and enhances personal awareness while relaxing your dog.


Author: Ruby Fayed

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Former Vick Dog Heals Hearts


Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall. -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

By Randi Bildner

Words are tools that wield incredible power; used effectively they can make a positive contribution to society. Unfortunately, sensationalism and the promise of the sale can skew reality and turn innocent statements into dangerous rhetoric.

Such is the case for the sad situation facing many pit bulls in this country and around the globe.

Leo is the name Certified Dog Trainer Marthina McClay chose for the American Pit Bull Terrier who made his way into her loving arms on December 16, 2007. McClay rehabilitated the animal,and then, in just five short weeks, turned him into a therapy dog. His name (a reference to “Leo the Cowardly Lion”) was chosen as a testament to his meek demeanor—a sharp contrast to the public perception of the pit bull.

McClay’s accomplishments would be impressive for any dog or any trainer for that matter— but Leo is not your average canine.

In April 2007, Leo, along with 50 other pit bulls, made worldwide news when he was confiscated from suspended NFL player Michael Vick’s home in Smithfield, Virginia. Evidence indicated that Vick was running a full fledged dog fighting ring under the guise Bad Newz Kennels.

Now serving much-deserved time in prison for the atrocities committed on his property, the former football star is also digging deep (by court order) into his well-padded pockets to pay to rehabilitate this once-fighting dog Leo along with the 47 other remaining dogs who have been sent to trainers and sanctuaries around the country.

It is important to note: of the 50 dogs confiscated at Vick’s property only one was deemed too aggressive for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, one additional dog was euthanized when it was discovered he was suffering from cancer.

Well aware of the media’s uncanny ability to misrepresent facts about pit bulls to create sensational headlines, McClay is extremely protective of Leo’s reputation. It became her mission to make it impossible to misread Leo’s intentions. McClay cleverly dresses Leo in a clown collar when he is “on the job,” visiting oncology wards and other medical institutions.

Leo’s intentions are undeniably clear as he places his huge head on the lap of a distressed patient. With deep, soulful eyes he peers directly into their hearts, causing them to muster a smile. For a few moments, all is well with the world—as Leo brings light to someone facing a dark day.

Each time the media puts a negative spin on a story to grab a headline; it is a tacit endorsement of the people who are part of this unsavory sub-culture. McClay points out, “With each misstatement these dogs are being pushed further underground and away from society.”

McClay is the founder of Ourpack.org, a San Francisco-based organization that rehabilitates pit bulls— including “fight bust dogs” like Leo. McClay credits these dogs in particular for teaching her much about the world of dog fighting.

What McClay learned is contrary to what most people believe and would be very surprised to hear: these dogs do not want to fight. McClay states, “The fear in their eyes clearly tells the story,” saying, “The dogs are shoved and pushed into the ring or pit leaving them no place to go.” According to McClay, dog fighting is something dogs are forced to do by horrible means and do not enjoy.

The understanding gained from fight bust dogs supported what McClay observed throughout her years of experience, confirming her theory: insecurity, fear and in some cases lack of socialization were often incorrectly interpreted as aggression.

Ironically, McClay believes that Leo is the most balanced American Pit Bull Terrier she has ever known, saying, “He is extremely confident with people; his behavior clearly showed that he did not want to fight.” Leo shows his love for his fellow canines too. He now resides with McClay along with two additional pit bulls and a Chihuahua Pug mix.

Calling pit bulls “biddable”—willing to do what is asked and very obedient—they are actually loyal to a fault, which it the very tendency that can lead to trouble when placed in the wrong hands.

With proper assessment and training many pit bulls can thrive as therapy dogs.

McClay states, “One thing you can’t teach a dog is to want to love; this is simply in their nature; you can’t just make a therapy dog.” Unlike fighting, love is innate; it is something that cannot be taught.

Leo’s work is a multi-faceted service. Not only does he bring joy to those in difficult situations, he is showing the world what he is all about. He clearly demonstrates the fact that when nurtured and loved, pit bulls can make an incredible contribution to the world.

Additional credentials:
Marthina McClay, CPDT
AKC Certified CGC Evaluator
Certified Tester/Observer
for Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer

www.ourpack.org
www.dogtrainingforpeople.com

Visit Randi Bildner's wonderful website The Bully Beat http://thebullybeat.org/

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Lam of Our Pack

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Governor Doyle Proclaims 2nd Annual Wisconsin Week for the Animals August 14-22, 2010


During this extraordinary week, community leaders and humane organizations across Wisconsin will be hosting wonderful animal-related events. Educators, students, businesses and caring citizens everywhere will be joining to celebrate and help animals!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Madison, Wisconsin) Animal World USA is pleased to announce Governor Jim Doyle has officially proclaimed 2nd Wisconsin Week for the Animals August 14-22, 2010. During the exciting week, animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane organizations across the state will be hosting wonderful animal-related special events which will be saving lives, building relationships, helping animals and strengthening communities throughout the state.

Educators, students, businesses and caring citizens across the state will be joining in to celebrate and help animals. National Homeless Animals Day falls on the 3rd Saturday of every August which means it will be celebrated on August 21 during Wisconsin Week!

Events will include adoption events across the state, spay/neuter events, R.E.A.D. dog programs in libraries, doggie swims/dips, puppy mill awareness activities, book donations and author signings, animal communication presentations, BINGO for homeless animals, feral cat education, horse events, pet food donations, critter camps, wildlife activities, bird tours/activities, donation drives, dog washes to benefit shelters and therapy animals visiting hospitals.

Also to be included are a salute to our working K-9 and handlers, pet first aid, care & safety seminars, feral cat initiatives, vegetarian meetups, low cost vaccinations, blessing for the animals, educational & tabling events and full-filled festivals for families to enjoy friendship, food, music on behalf of the always amazing animals and there is so much more is being planned! Scores of precious lives will be saved and exciting new relationships will be built during the exciting week.

For more info or to schedule an event, call 877-454-0807 or email info@animalworldusa.org Please read the proclamation on official website and learn how to become involved at http://wisconsinanimals.org/

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About Animal World USA: Inspiring, educating and empowering communities to understand, love and protect the amazing animals of our world.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage


Passionate about wildlife and aware that education in environment preservation is a real need, and Ian and Michele Merrifield created this new initiative in conservation awareness with Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage.

The mission of Daktari is to inspire, motivate, develop and educate underprivileged children to care for the environment through the medium of a wildlife orphanage.

Firstly, Daktari is a refuge for the orphaned and injured animals from the local game reserves. These animals are examined by a specialised vet and can recover at Daktari before being rehabilitated in their natural habitat. However, if their health condition does not make it possible, they are then kept at Daktari where they will be looked after and will play an essential role in education of the local underprivileged children and many other people.

Then, Daktari is an environmental educational centre. It targets underprivileged children. Most of the local children have never seen a giraffe or a lion, and have not developed any emotion towards animal welfare. They live in rural areas where wildlife has been removed many many years ago, and although they live near the Kruger National Park and many private nature game reserves, access to these places is out of their reach.

The wildlife is their heritage too! Poaching and habitat destruction are a reality and have a far-reaching detrimental impact on the environment. It is essential for conservation that the future generations be educated in the economic and spiritual necessity for compassion, care and protection of the environment.

Every Monday Daktari welcomes a new group of 8 local underprivileged children and 1 youth for a week and give them the opportunity to discover, learn and become passionate about wildlife and conservation, their heritage. Michele says, "We also supplement their school curriculum in English, maths, sciences, geography, life skills and social issues."

Michele continues, "Our goal is to enable today’s local underprivileged children to eventually be able to secure good employment in nature reserves, thereby improving their future quality of life."

Daktari welcomes international volunteers to help with the education and the care of the animals. Their financial participation for their stay goes toward the running cost of the project and Daktari receive private and corporate donation.

If you would like to support the cause or become a volunteer, please contact Ian and Michele at info@daktaribushschool.or or visit their website www.daktaribushschool.org

The non-profit organisation is registered as such under Section 21 (incorporated the 21/06/2002, registration number 2002/015279/08). It is situated on a 700 hectare private game reserve not far from the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Animal World USA-International says, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Daktari for celebrating the 1st Africa Weeks for the Animals August 2-15, 2010!"

Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
Bona Ingwe Farm, Harmony 81 Hoedspruit 1380
South Africa
Tel: +27826562969
Email info@daktaribushschool.org
Website: daktaribushschool.org

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Lilongwe SPCA Rabies Vaccination Campaign August 9th



Lilongwe SPCA Rabies Vaccination Campaign on Monday 9th August
Lilongwe City
Malawi
S.E. Africa

LSPCA is running Join Rabies Vaccination campaign in the whole of Lilongwe City 9th of August. Be ready to bring your Companion Animals for Rabies Vaccination on 9th August 2010. Remember to bring your last year vaccination Certificates. For those who can help with a financial donation to help Lilongwe SPCA carry out this campaign, please do so. They are helping so many suffering and needy animals.

See their facebook page which can be accessed off their wonderful website
(see about us page).
http://www.lilongwespca.org/about.html

Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals
Private Bag 151, Lilongwe Malawi
General information: noplacelikehome@lilongwespca.org
To adopt or rehome: adopt@lilongwespca.org
Volunteering: volunteer@lilongwespca.org
Telephone: (+265)01762555 Mobile: (+265)995550560

LILONGWE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF ANIMALS, VET DEPARTMENT still maintain the price of K150.00 per dog/cat.

LSPCA was started in August 2008 by a group of local Malawians and ex-pats concerned about the poor conditions for some animals in Malawi. RSPCA International, based in the UK, helped us with the initial costs to enable us to start our veterinary clinics and education programme. We also developed strong partnerships with the government who continue to support our work.

The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi.

1st Africa Week for the Animals August 2-15, 2010
http://www.africaanimals.org/