From a very young age, I have felt a deep affinity with animals. From my third-grade science fair project on training my cat with Pavlovian methods, to my adventures meeting with animals "backstage" at nationally acclaimed zoos and in the forests and seas of Costa Rica and Hawaii, I have always found a delight in communing with nature and her creatures. Although I originally decided to pursue arts and communications skills rather than veterinary medicine and ended up spending most of my adult life in New York City, I've still been able to keep in contact with animals as a shelter volunteer and a well-established "crazy cat lady".

Becoming an animal communicator (or "pet psychic" as some like to call it), however, was something I never expected to do. Although I felt that animals did communicate with human beings wordlessly and had intelligence and feelings far deeper than many recognized, I admit that I listened to the messages society gives us, which is that the idea of truly "talking" with animals is ridiculous. The truth is, I was deeply cynical!

All this changed when Ellie, my dear cat companion of many years, became gravely ill. After weeks of special treatments, finding her condition suddenly and drastically improving only to fail again, I became desperate. And that's when I finally listened to my friend who had been suggesting I contact an animal communicator. "Even if it's not real," I reasoned, "I haven't got much to lose."

Well, after several sessions with the communicator and Ellie not only was I able to realize that it was time for her to pass over, but that she didn't want me to feel guilty and was sending me these messages with love and wisdom. I still wasn't fully convinced, but I did feel comforted.

Over time, new cats came into my life and I had more consultations with them. I realized that they really did listen and changed their behavior after such sessions. Lucky for me, one very smart and special cat, Maya, also agreed to be my animal communication teacher. Two other, very sensitive cats, Maurice and Quan Yin, aid me with emotional balance and caring energy when I do my consultations, as well. (My turtle Edamame observes - she's not as outgoing.)

Finally, after viewing the documentary "Animal Attraction," which profiles the amazing Dawn Hayman and Spring Farm Cares, I decided that I was interested in pursuing animal communication much further. I began to devour books and practice under the tutelage of my sage, if sometimes grumpy, cat teachers. Through gifts from my family I was able to attend Dawn Hayman's workshops and realize that I have a talent for animal communication. What's more, the many creatures there reinforced my feelings that translating for and doing healing work with animals is my calling.

Since then, I have spent my time practicing this wonderful art and learning as much as I can. I have been certified as a level II Reiki practitioner and have studied flower essence therapy so that I may better help animals and their human companions. I have undertaken studies in shamanic work with animals. I also went back to school and earned my license as a veterinary technician, so I may better understand and help animals with their physical ailments and the emotions that accompany them. Mostly, I have been privileged to be taught by the animals I communicate with themselves, along with their people and the animal communication community.

I truly love animals and am enthusiastic about bettering their lives, as well as those of the people who love them. I also plan to continue to expand my knowledge in order to be able to provide more services to the animals and humans who seek my help. I know that, in discovering and learning animal communication, I have found my "labor of love," and I hope that I can share it and use it to help alleviate suffering, spread love and broaden the understanding between animals and people like you.