*Complimenting them lavishly helps them feel safe, loved, and treasured. Telling a rescued or formerly feral animal that they are a good boy or girl helps them overcome all the times that another human may have told them otherwise (or made them feel like garbage about themselves in another way.) Conversely, PLEASE NEVER say your animal friend is stupid, dumb, an asshole, or anything that you wouldn’t call a human friend, in front of them. They understand way more of what we say than what you could ever guess. Even if they aren’t picking up the English, they are definitely understanding the vibration behind the words. They feel hurt and confused by critical remarks. 

*Animals crave variety in their food. We don’t want to eat the same thing daily, and they don’t either. It isn’t “spoiling” your pet to give them some broth on their kibble, or cottage cheese, or whatever they may enjoy. Some animals have to eat the same daily diet because of health conditions, and frequently these animals can at least have a few vegetables here and there. Consider asking your vet about that. Also ensure you consult a list of foods that are poisonous to your cat or dog before giving them human food. 

*I think the thing that has surprised me most is how our stress can be highly detrimental to our animals. I wish it weren’t this way, but there ya have it—your own self-care is critical not only to you, but to your pet. They are happier and healthier when you take good care of all of you, or at least physically and emotionally. Burning sage in your home in order to clear energy is a frequent animal request because it helps clear and lighten the energy of your home, especially when you are extra distraught. 

*Put up the phone when you are spending time with your furry love. We  feel ignored when our companions pay more attention to the phone than they do us, and that is exactly what animals experience too. They will sometimes tell me their human hasn’t been home much lately, and the human says they haven’t been gone any more than usual. What the animal means is your body is there, but your brain is occupied elsewhere (usually, the phone or tv). Working at home doesn’t fulfill that need for your affection, play time, or walks. You are occupied when you are working, and they aren’t getting your attention. 

*They understand more of what you are saying to them than what you think. Some of them comprehend the meaning of the words you are using—ALL the words—and others may only sense the vibration of what is being said. They also feel you read their energy better than you think. This is especially true when it comes time for them to transition into the Spirit realm. 

*Animals are fantastic advisors. Trust me, they know all the details of your life since observing you/spending time with you is one of their favorite activities! Now, not all animals want to give advice. I asked my cat, Beatrice, what she thought of a situation I was experiencing. Her response was that she is my cat, not my counselor, and she didn’t want to discuss my issues. I can understand that.  Conversely, I have a client with a cat in the Spirit realm named Tilly, and that cat won’t keep quiet about anything happening in my client’s life! She is always chock full of more advice for my client than you can shake a stick at! And it is always wise, useful, and funny. I can easily facilitate a conversation among you and your animals if you want to ask them for guidance.

To sum this all up, apply the Golden Rule to how you treat your pets. Don’t do anything to them that you wouldn’t want done to you. They already love you so much, but following this guidance will deepen your relationship further.