Lessons on Pet Aging

GVU's Trisha Moore recently published an article on handling an aging pet.  I liked it so much I asked for permission to share here, which she generously gave:

I recently did a reading for a lovely golden retriever. His name is Cedar and I have talked with him a few times over the last few years.  Cedar is one of the most amazing dogs that I have met. His spark and character are simply divine.  He is a true lover of life and of his family. Each time I have talked with him, he has shared his wishes openly, with compassion and has touched my heart deeply. As happens to all of us, Cedar has reached the point in his life where he is developing some aging issues.

You may know some people that are completely at peace with the aging process. They embrace it as if it is the most normal aspect of life.  Then there are those who just can't seem to make peace with growing older. They are restless and always trying to find ways to stop it.  It is often the same with animals.  Cedar happens to fall into the latter category. He is having a bit of a rough go accepting that his body is failing him.  He wants to have things as they were when he felt 100%. In fact, Cedar shared with me that he honestly thought he would live forever!

Don't we all wish we could live forever? The most important thing that Cedar wanted me to tell his owners was to see him as he was prior to his health issues, even if he looks different physically. I talked him through his anxiety about aging and we were able to help him have a greater sense of peace around the subject. In his case, he was very sensitive to how his owners were viewing him.  It was of the utmost importance that his owners continue to maintain a sense of lightness and joy around his aging. 

Cedar also showed me a picture of a large open field with him running after a red ball with wild abandonment. When I told Cedar's owners about this, they said he is not interested in chasing balls but that there is a large grassy area near their home that they pass by while taking Cedar for his daily walks.  They shared with me that Cedar will stop and watch other dogs chase balls. Cedar then shared with me that he has always wanted to have that feeling of chasing a ball with wild abandonment. What he shared made perfect sense because Cedar used to be a service dog and grew up not being allowed to play with toys, chase balls etc.  So, just like people, animals have feelings and sometimes regrets about their past.

After the reading, Cedar and his owners felt more at peace with one another and had a fresh perspective on how to move through Cedar's aging process.  Having our pets suffer is so hard, but we can make it better by doing a few simple things. After talking with Cedar, he and I came up with a list of things to keep in mind if your pet is in the process of aging or dealing with an illness.

1) Work closely with a qualified veterinarian and seek out alternative therapies that both you and your pet are comfortable with. My advice to clients when choosing a practitioner is to follow your intuition!  If the person you choose or the advice you get feels good and your pet seems comfortable (some mild anxiety is normal for animals) then it is most likely the right person/advice.  However, if it is not sitting well with you or your pet is extremely distraught, it may be time to change practitioners or get a 2nd opinion.

2) Tune-in to your pet on a daily basis. Whether or not your pet has an illness or is in the aging process, it is imperative to listen to them.  Again, follow your gut, nine times out of ten your first thought is the right thought.  If you need help clarifying your pet's wishes, find a animal communicator that resonates with you and your pets needs.

3) Choose wisely.  Just like people, each animal is different. What works for one animal, may not work for another.  Thankfully, there are many options to choose from to accommodate all types of animals. Get recommendations from friends, do some research online and again, follow your intuition as best as you can when making decisions.

4) Stay Present and Positive. Do your best not to be over-consumed with your pets struggles as that only adds to the struggle. Be sure to enjoy them fully in the present moment.

Advice from Cedar: "What we want most from you is your love and hugs."

So.....go hug your pets, right NOW!  Thank you Cedar for your wonderful words of wisdom!

Trisha Moore offers Intuitive Consulting sessions for spiritually minded people and their pets. Trisha will assist you in releasing blocks that keep you from living the life you were meant to live. She will motivate and inspire you with her enthusiasm, expansive intuitive abilities along with a healthy dose of fun and humor!  She is best known for her ability to help clients feel at safe and at ease with the process of discovering their intuitive voice.  www.trishamoore.com