Gretchen Kunz - Animal Communicator - Ask Maya Archives, page 1

Thanks for your question. It's been a little while since I've answered one, but I'm not rusty. It's like, as you humans say, "riding a bike," although even easier for me, because I'm so smart. Heh.

Anyway, I'm sorry for your loss of your dog. Even though I don't like having them around, I know dogs can be very good companions and sometimes even have a lot of wise things to say. I'm sure she loved you, because that is one thing dogs are really good at. Plus, if an animal picks you, they usually mean it. Trust me on that one.

You ask an interesting question, because it's complicated. See, I think your other dogs probably have some communication with your lost dog, but how much and how clearly is highly individual. For example, if one of the other cats in my household went missing, not only would I not really care that much, except for how upset my people got, but we probably wouldn't communicate with each other. Not only do we not get along well, but we communicate in very different ways. I am more eloquent and brainy, if I may say so, while Quan Yin is more floaty and spiritual - and whiny - and Maurice is more of an idiot - ha ha. What I mean to say is, he is very emotional and doesn't like to "talk" in a verbal-type way, very much. He's very body-oriented. So, even if we did want to communicate something like how or where we were to each other, we'd not only have to get past our personality differences, but the ways we communicate. I don't have a lot of patience for whininess or images, so it might be hard for Maurice to send them to me, even if I did want to listen to him whinge for my mothers' sake.

In addition to that, there are a couple of levels of what you humans call "the telephone game" going on in a situation like this. First off, the missing animal is probably confused and/or upset. He or she might not know the new surroundings. I know every time I get taken somewhere in my carrier I don't know where the heck I'm going, unless my mom explains it to me, step by step! The way you humans see locations is very different from the way we do, in terms of height difference, giving places names and traveling fast. We smaller quadruped-types usually move low to the ground in a smaller range and get a lot more information from smell and sound than you do. So, none of us - or very few, anyway - is going to be able to say "I'm at 32 Maple Avenue, two blocks from the park in the tool shed in the yard with the big, green swing set!" What a human is more likely to get from us is emotions like confusion or panic, images of what's near us or some things we passed, smells or sounds we encounter, and a vague sensation of time and distance, since clocks and odometers mean nothing to us.

So, imagine us, while confused or emotionally overwrought, trying to convey that information clearly, to another animal who has not been where we have, is probably upset that we are gone and our people are upset, and maybe even communicates a bit differently that we do! It's not easy. Sometimes, we animals do have close bonds with the other animals in our household, and we are all emotionally centered enough to be able to send and receive that kind of information. However, for all the above reasons, the messages can get fuzzy and distorted, or one of us can get too worried about our people or out lost friend to get them clearly. Like people, worry, fear and hope can get in the way of seeing and hearing what is really there. Do you see what I mean?

That said, there's no harm in checking in with your other dogs and seeing if they can help you, as long as you don't pressure them into thinking they'll be bad if they don't know or aren't right. They may have seen which direction your lost dog went in, or have gotten some communication from him or her as to what she's seen since. They may be able to help you a lot. On the other hand, even if they are not able to help you, it might be a good opportunity for you all to pull together and talk about what happened, and let each other know that none of you blame each other. Sometimes it really helps everyone just to "talk" things out and share feelings - even if one of the group is a whiner! After all, isn't that how we get to know and love each other?

So, by all means, if you want to, ask them what they know and think. What they answer might surprise you, or it might be what you already think. They may have some good ideas as to where your dog friend went, or they may just want to know you love them and tell you they love you. Don't set your expectations too high, but trying never hurts. After all, what have you got to lose?

I hope this answer helps. In the meantime, I will be sending you good vibes and "Cat Reiki," as my mom and I jokingly call it, for healing and help. Bless you for caring so much for your animal friends, and healing cat purrs to you.

Namaste,

- Maya The Cat
Answerer Extraordinaire

Hello Maya!!!

I have a little problem. You see, I've visited tons of websites and read a book on animal communication, but I still don't seem to be
able to do it. I know all about attuning, breathing deeply, listening, and saying thanks at the end, but I still have nothing! I feel so
bad, like all the animals are mad at me or something. I end up feeling so sad that I cry (it's wierd, but oh well). I think I have problems
with receiving and attuning the most. Do you have any advice? I mean I would go to a workshop, but I live overseas and there isn't one on
base, but I really want to do it!! I want to ask my cats what's wrong when they're feeling down (like if they want more attention or
different food or something). I love animals and really want to understand and help them! Do you have any advice?????????

-13 year old (girl) animal lover!!

P.S. I think you are really adorable!!! You also remind me of a cat I saw once.

Hello 13 year old animal lover!!!

I love that you asked me this question. I get asked this question a lot, but I always love it because it means that people really want to communicate with animals, and that's what I am all about! No kidding - if my Momma Gretchen hadn't met me, she might not be communicating with animals today - I am that good! (Hee.)

Anyway, first of all, it might help you to check out some of my other columns on how to do it. Mom and I gave lots of suggestions on books to read and internet groups to practice on and so on. A good one to start with is at http://www.animaltalker.com/maya20041.html. That
will tell you some of the things I'd recommend.

Now, on to you personally. First of all, I would like to say that you're special. I mean it! Mom is surprised that I am being so sappy about it (she gets to think I'm crusty and cranky so much of the time, but that's just a habit - I have a soft underside. Shh - don't tell!), but I think you're truly wonderful because you are so enlightened and really trying to do it, even when you get frustrated. Whatever you do, don't let the adults get you down on this - you are on the right track!

Now, I can tell that you're frustrated. A lot of humans get that way when they're first trying, so you're not alone. Believe me, we animals are getting and understanding what you put out more than you think we are, and you are getting more from us than you realize - it's just your worry and your STRAINING get in the way. Many animal communicators have trouble if they are worrying and STRAINING at it - even if they have lots of experience. Also, it's harder to do it with animals you know, sometimes, just as sometimes it's harder to listen to the people in your family than it is to others. You think you know them so well already, and then all those emotions get in the way, and you block your listening. This happens with my Mom all the time, even with me. That is why sometimes when we write columns together she is so surprised at what she gets from me for answers. See, Mom? Never take what you think you know about an animal for granted. (Also, if she stopped WORRYING that I'm mad at her because she's behind on my columns, we'd get more columns done.) ANYWAY...

I do have a few suggestions specifically for you. First of all, it's okay if you don't get it, at first, so don't be so hard on yourself! I am not saying it is not alright to cry - it's good to let your feelings out, I'm all for it. I'm just saying don't be mean to yourself or too impatient - any new skill takes a while and some doing to get right. Even if we are all born with the ability to communicate, we need to learn how to do it in different ways, you know? I was born knowing how to catch a mouse, but - as much as I hate to say it - I am probably not as good at it as a cat who lives outside and does it all the time and had her cat Mommy teach her how to do it. (Not that I want to live outside and eat mice - blech!) If I wanted to get good at it, I'd have to practice, get it?

Secondly, I am sure the animals are not mad at you. They are probably glad you are trying. They, too, might be frustrated because you can't fully "hear" each other, yet, but most of us are very happy to talk to someone once we find a human who will actually listen with an open mind and heart! You cats are probably thinking "oh, Mom - you'll get it soon."

Thirdly, try a bunch of different methods. Read some more books and practice in different ways - with others if possible, on-line or in person. Keep a journal of what you think you get and try to do communications with animals whose people are open-minded and will verify for you if you got things right. It takes many people a long time to realize and accept when they DO get things right - they dismiss them as something they "made up in my head" or "coincidences." So, keeping records will help you understand what works for you and how you feel about how it's going. What you think is just something you thought up yourself while trying to communicate may be an actual communication! And start small, with little questions like "how are you" and "what's your favourite food". That way the answers you get may be easier to translate and verify.

Finally, never forget that you may get messages differently than other people do. My Mom gets most of her messages like "talking" or conversations in her head, but she is not so good at some of the other things, like getting images, feelings or smells. (Actually, she is better at this than she thinks, but she leans much more towards the talking/listening type of communication, so she is always surprised when she gets a strong picture, feeling, odour or taste. You humans can be so self-limiting!) Other animal communicators get MOSTLY pictures or feelings. Sometimes it just comes as what seems like a passing thought - you don't know how you thought it up and it's not clear, but it's just there. Don't dismiss any of the ways of getting communications, whether it's tastes in your mouth, words, pictures, or what just seems like daydreams. Keep at it, and you may discover the way that things are most often coming in for you. Then you can concentrate on that and "fine tune" your focus onto it. Do you understand?

Anyway, I hope this helps. I am rooting for you, and I'd be happy even to do some practice sessions with you, if you like. My Mom says that I and you would have to be patient, because she's so BEHIND on things and "low on time", but I say she can make this a priority for ME, so she will (she's easy like that). And thanks for saying I'm "adorable". I am regal, beautiful and incredibly wise, too, but I will accept adorable, as well. (Hee!)

I bet your cats feel very lucky to have you. Best of luck and don't hesitate to write again. Do try the suggestions in my columns and tell me what you think.

Best enegeries your way from me,

- Maya The Cat
Your Kitty Mentor

How are you? I picture you basking. I hope you get some adequate sunbeams for this purpose!

Here's a question I thought you might be able to answer, given your personal experience as a Wise Cat Who Does Not Enjoy Her Feline Roommates....

Max and I are probably going to wind up in a sublet for a few months, and part of the deal is that the two cats who normally live there will share the space with us, while their person is away.

I am trying to think of ways to make this less offensive to Max, but I have not found her particularly receptive to my ideas.

To be honest, I am pretty upset about the situation, since it means putting most of our stuff in storage, living in a town I don't want to live in, numerous other unwelcome problems, and having to move again in three months.

Nevertheless, unless something else turns up in the next few days, this appears to be our only option. Therefore, I am trying to make the best of it and hope that there will be some unexpected benefit or opportunity for growth involved. Max seems unimpressed with this attitude.

Can you think of anything, from a cat perspective, that might make the "opportunity" less offensive? She really hates other cats, so I think I will have to give her one room to be in (the bedroom) and just keep everyone from mingling. It's kind of a nightmare, but I want to turn it around as much as I can.

Do you think there is any possibility that hating other cats is a changeable thing? I can understand hating specific ones, but mightn't these turn out to be pleasant? At least maybe? And if not, how can I sweeten the deal so we don't spend three months more stressed out than we already are?

Thank you for sending me sunbeam wishes. It's been a little cold, here, actually, but I like it this way. I just wish Quan Yin weren't allowed on my bed so often.

So, speaking of which, here we get to the heart of the problem: other cats. Look kid, I can't tell you Jean-Max is gonna make it easy on you, nor do I think you can convince her it's going to be easy. Either it is, or it isn't - you'll have to cross that bridge when you come to it! Jean-Max is a tough cookie, and a smart one, and she's going to evaluate things and act her own mind, regardless. However, if you really want to help, there are probably a few things you can do.

You know all about flower essences, so certainly there's some you can give her (and yourself!) while you're moving around, such as that Rescue Remedy stuff. Also, see if she can't have some space for herself when you get there - even if it's just a closet or a part of the room you're staying in, or something. Just so she can have some quiet time, if she wants it.

Now, being nice to her and trying to soothe her is great, but the number one thing I bet Max likes getting from you in a situation like this is honesty - be honest with her, and yourself! Trust me, if you're feeling nasty about the move and worried and she is, too, she's gonna pick up on it from you and vicey-versa, no matter how soothing you try to be. So, you've gotta take care of yourSELF and your own feelings about it, if you're going to be at all reassuring to her.

If that's more than you can deal with right now, at least you can remember: you and she are partners for life. No matter what, you are in things together, so you both can take comfort in that, even if you are grumpy about something else. Maybe she'll still be cranky about it, or, maybe, remembering that, she'll step up to the plate and try to make nice or at least tolerate things if she's with cats she doesn't like. It's not like the situation is permanent.

As for being able to stop hating other cats, that depends. I mean, take me, in all my wisdom and maturity, as you note. I'm never going to be best friends with other cats! (Well, never say never, of course - we'll see when I'm old - but not in the near future, I can tell you.) However, this can be mitigated by having some of my own space (as you intend to give to Max), lots of loving and worship (heh) from my humans, and the fact that I've worked out a detente with the other cats. That is, I don't intend to make nicey-nice and snuggle up with them, and we do have our fights, but everyone's pretty much agreed not to kill each other, and worked out each other's weaknesses and strengths, so beyond a bit of bluster we usually just work around each other. I think you'll find that in situations where cats have to live together this is often that case, and it's only in rare instances that somebody decides the other one really needs some serious damage done to them. We may be stubborn and cranky, but we adjust! I have a feeling Max can work these things out for herself, when it comes to it.

So, there's my answer - I didn't think you'd need me to sugar coat it, after all. The answer is: things'll work out, because you and Max can both adjust, even if she seems miserable and pouts about it for a while. I'm not trying to belittle either of your feelings or anything, just give you both some perspective. Trust me - I've wished I could live in other circumstances (i.e., no other cats in my household) plenty of times, but, although I don't intend to change - I've carried on just fine and learned to be relatively happy, anyway, particularly when being honoured for my personable, wise guru self, as I am now.

You can officially tell Max it's okay to want to bite me for that answer, but I think inside, she'll agree with me, even if she doesn't like to admit it. It's okay for everyone to have their feelings, and you can respect them, too, even if you can't physically change the situation at that time. It's okay to be upset and angry sometimes! Just remember, things keep evolving and will most likely get better fairly soon. And if you feel like bitching about it, go ahead! You can always bitch about things TO each other and commiserate, rather than bitching AT each other. Own your own power and your own feelings - both of you! And then be nice to each other when it comes down to it, when it counts. Because you love each other, no matter what.

I hope this helps. Good luck with everything. And sorry, Mom, if this was too long. I think YOU handled it, too! Heh heh heh...

P.S.: One last thing: as I mentioned, never say never. There is a small chance that the other cats will be nice to Max and win her over, or just leave her alone. But don’t be frustrated if that’s not the case. After all, most beings don’t particularly like moving in with strangers!

I have had my cat Cody for over 3 years. I adopted him from a shelter when he was about 1 year old. For the past three months he has been randomly attacking me. One bite he drew blood real bad and it got infected and I had to get a Tetanus shot. Last night when I was in bed Cody climbed onto my back and was playing with my hair, I was half asleep and he attacked my ear with his teeth very viciously. I don't know what to do. There has been no change in diet or his environment. My family says that I need to give him away. I just can't because I love him so much, but now I am afraid of him.

I am sorry it's taken so @$%# log for my mom to answer you. She has been very busy, and slacking on my messages! I am mad at her, because your question is important. Don't worry, I will take care of her for you. In the meantime, here I am, so here we go.

[Note from GK: I was also sick for most of February - Stephanie got her answer before this went up!]

There are a number of reasons Cody could be doing this. One is, he's pissed off about something. I know I'm not afraid to get vicious when I'm p.o.'ed! But you say nothing has changed around there. There have been no upheavals in your life and his? If not, that may not be the case, so we'll move on from this option...

Another possibility is "the cat crazies," as my mother oh-so-wittily likes to call them. What this means is, sometimes we have natural chemicals flow through our bodies, or we are very sensitive to spiritual or electrical vibrations, and it can make us run around and go kind of feral. We cats walk a pretty fine line between domesticated and wild, as it is, you see, so sometimes the circuit gets tripped and we just need to get our ya-yas out. Sometimes this comes out in hunter-like ways, and sometimes it doesn't. Also, we're more nocturnal than you humans are, so it often happens at night. However, this doesn't sound like the run-of-the-mill stomp'ems on Cody's part. I would wager it's something else (although I can't surely tell, without talking with him, you understand).

So, here you've got your final options. Something's bugging him, and you don't know what it is. Let's go down a checklist.

Is he "fixed"? Cats who aren't spayed or neutered sometimes get more hormonal flows that can cause them to flip out. Cody's a but old for this to suddenly happen, but you never know, so I'm just checking.

Has he been well, otherwise? If he has developed an allergy to something or has somehow gotten into a household substance (or other, if he's been outdoors) that is bad for him, this could be part of the symptoms. Has he manifested any other things, like changes in eating, sleeping, muscle tension, scratching, pooping, vomiting or attention shifts?

Likewise, he could be ill from something naturally occuring. We cats get mental disturbances just like you humans do, sometimes. It could be a problem with his hormones (particularly thyroid issues), or - not to be too scary, here - a growth disrupting his nerve connections or his brain. Even a growth or disease elsewhere in the system can make body chemistry fluctuate, so if your animal friend ever has any sudden changes in behaviour or personality, always take him to a vet! Take him to several, if the first one seems dumb about it. They will at least want to take blood levels on thyroid, kidney and liver function, to start off. Even if that is not the answer, it is always best to be sure, just in case!

Finally, there could be some issue on his mind that you two are not communicating well about with each other. Maybe something's really bugging him, maybe he's trying to protect you (strange as that may sound), maybe there are electric/spiritual disturbances in your area that he is sensitive to. It's hard for me or my mom to know without rappin' with him (mom doesn't always like it when I use the lingo, but @#$^ her), but I bet you could find out. Have a good long talk with him. Talk with him out loud about how this is upsetting him, you love him and want to understand. If you feel that you just are not getting an answer from him, you can always ask an animal communicator to help you.

1. Take a deep breath and try to be calm with him. Give both of you some Bach's Rescue Remedy flower essence and talk it out.

2. Take him to the vet, if you haven't done so. Tell him you're going to do it and why, give him the Rescue Remedy, bundle him up all comfy and take him in. Tell the doctor everything that's happened. He or she might have some ideas or answers for you.

3. Talk with an animal communicator, like my mom or someone else who feels "right" to you, and find out how he's doing from his end. This may help you both to have some insight on the situation and each other.

I hope this helps you. I understand your frustration, but try not to give up on Cody, yet. Some of us cats are just more troublesome - or more wonderful - than others. Some of us are both! I'm sure he knows he loves you, and is just going through something. Hang in there!

Our cat, Yoda, has taken to spraying in the house. He never used to do this and it is a great concern for my wife and I. We both love Yoda very much but we would like him to stop this annoying new habit. Any suggestions?

That is gross. Seriously, I say it over and over again - why do other cats do that? I never would. It has always been obvious that I am exceptional, however, though, so there you go. Sigh. It just burns me up that other cats besmirch our reputations this way! But I'll move on from that. Grumblegrumble.

OK, the first thing you should always do is get Yoda checked by a vet. Yuck. I mean, I don't like getting checked by a vet, either, but you have to rule out that he's doing this due to some kind of medical problem. He could have an infection or crystals in his urine, which can be very painful. It also could be that he is experiencing hormonal fluctuations that are making him want to mark his territory. This can happen with cats who are neutered later in life, have some of the parts that are supposed to be removed by vets left in or are just randy types, in general. So, check with your veterinarian first, to make sure Yoda is well.

After that, you have to rule out other disturbances that might be causing Yoda to act out. Is his litter clean? No changes made in the litter? No changes in diet or environment? No new people or animals around the house? The simple act of moving the litter pan, feeding him too much fish or introducing a new animal or baby to the mix can throw a cat off of his usual habits. Some of us cats like adventure, in some ways, but when it comes to keeping our homes and routines in order like we like 'em, we are rather staid.

Next comes evaluating more subtle changes that could be distressing him. Has there been tension in the house? Moving of furniture, arguments between people, stress of a family member he loves due to some outside situation (job, parents, illness, etc.)? We cats are very sensitive to various energies, and that includes the moods and feelings our humans go through. When my people are upset or stressed out, I can feel it. Normally, I just try to be nice to them, but some cats - and other animals - get so upset about this that they take some of their peoples' stress on and it makes them feel sick or act out.

This is where a good animal communicator especially comes in handy. She or he might be able to find out from Yoda just what it is that's bothering him, and give you some suggestions for remedying the situation. If you are sensitive to your cat friend, too, you might be able to figure it out and just reassure him out loud that everything is going to be okay. However, generally if it's gotten to the point where he's misbehaving regularly, you're going to have to make some changes or accommodations, at least temporarily, to get him back on track again.

This is not just because peeing out of the box becomes a habit rather quickly, but because the smell of the pee can linger - even if your human nose can't detect it - and give him the urge to pee there again. To make sure that you really remove the subtle pee pheromones, check out my mom's articles on pee stain removal in the December and January newsletters.

And remember, in the wild, we cats generally will relieve ourselves in two ways: to mark our territory and the regular way. If we are trying to mark our territory it is because we are defending it from intruders, so if Yoda is doing this you have to figure out what is qualifying as an "intruder" - basically anything that makes him feel unsafe. If we are doing it the regular way, we usually try to keep it secret, so just any old predator can't amble up and figure out where we were. This is why we bury our poop and pee. However, in an indoor environment, the smell of the poop and pee can become very strong to us very fast, and a too-used spot can be offensive and feel unsafe. So, make sure you clean Yoda's litter every day, so it will be more attractive to him. To make it clear: it should be clean enough that he can use it without having to get older poop or pee on his paws, but you can put the paper towel or whatever you used to soak up the pee he left where he shouldn't into the litter, so he gets the right idea.

I hope all this helps. Mom gets this question all the time, as peeing or pooping around the house is the way a lot of animals express themselves if they are upset over something or just confused. Heck, Maurice (my annoying roommate) used to do it, until Mom figured out what he was upset about and they worked it out, and Quan Yin, the other cat in my house, does it sometimes - mostly because she's a goofball, but also because she's very emotional and particular about the litter (and did I mention dumb, compared to me? But I digress). In her case, Mom has to make sure the litter is super clean all the time, and that Quan Yin gets to be in her own quiet space every day, because she was feral. Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, she can be in her own quiet space FAR, FAR AWAY as long as possible, but that's not your problem. My point is that sometimes these basic tips can help, and I hope they do for you and Yoda. Otherwise, you will have to find out more specifically what Yoda is thinking and work with that in terms of accommodation and/or further training. Get it? Got it? Good.

Alright, that's my column for the day. It's time I got something to eat around here. Good luck to you and Yoda and feel free to ask me more esoteric questions sometime. I have a lot of opinions on life as we know it, etc. Did I mention I am a guru?

My name is Stacy Goodman. I live in NJ with my husband and our 3 pets, Tushie (21 months) a jack Russell mix, big boy (21 months) a min-pin, and punkin (8 years) a short hair domestic saved stray cat. The problem is Tushie, she is very very smart, and we know she does not have a discipline problem, she is angry and is acting out. Our dogs have a fenced in back yard, and a dog door. They go in and out all day, we are very confident that they know they are to "pee pee and poo poo" outside, and until recently have been very good and never went inside. I am a flight attendant and I fly 2-3 days a week 4-5 times a month. The problem started when I started going to night school from 5:00pm to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday, right after I started Tushie started pooping in our upstairs hall. We know this is not an accident...she will poop in the hall and then go down stairs and outside to pee. She does this when I'm home as well as away, and weather my husband is home or not doesn't make a difference either. It is very clear to us that she does not want me to leave her...ever. She follows me around constantly, she does not let me out of her sight. We have tried discipline, attention, threats, limiting her space, these methods only work for a few days and then she goes back to her pooping. I've tried everything to get through to her many conversations, nothing is working. It breaks my heart because she loves me so much if I didn't have to leave her I wouldn't, I take her everywhere I can. The other thing is I am newly pregnant with our first baby, and I'm so worried that Tushie is going to be even more hurt when I pay attention to the baby. I don't want to crate her because she has never been crated, and this is an act of discipline she is not a bad dog she is a sad and angry dog and I don't want to punish her. The other bad thing is that Big Boy is now pooping in the hall, I think, because of the smell, so I think I can get him to stop once the smell is gone. I would love to get through to her and make her understand that I don't want to leave her, but I have to, and that I will always come back as soon as I can. I would like to get her to understand this so she is not angry. If there is anything you can do or if you have suggestions I would really appreciate it.Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

Hello, there. I am sorry this is happening to you. I have to say, I'm with you, sister - I don't understand why some animals poop or pee all over the place where they shouldn't. I've never done it, and I never will, if I can help it, but my Momma G says she gets calls about this all the time as an animal communicator, maybe more on this subject than anything else! Go figure. I think you are on the right track here, however, in saying that Tushie is doing it because she's upset. Most of the time, we animals resort to that sort of physical acting out in one of three cases: 1) we are upset or confused, 2) we are sick or 3) we are stupid. If you've eliminated (heh, there's a pun there) the second two, then you're probably looking at number one as your answer. We can't talk out loud in the language that humans use, and if you can't "hear" what we're thinking at you or acting out in subtler ways - or just don't respond in the way we'd like you to - some of us will resort to expressing ourselves through making a mess.

OK, so my Mom wants to remind you that it's always a good idea to get your animal friend checked by a vet to make sure the problem isn't physical, just in case. But, moving ahead, here's what she and I think (we're collaborating on this one).

There will have to be some changes around the house. Tushie should, of course, be praised when she does the right thing, and not given any attention when she does the wrong thing. For someone who craves attention, sometimes even mad or upset attention is good enough! Mom says Jack Russells and their kin are often smart, very energetic and need a lot of attention and stimulation. I'm not sure I'll second the motion of dogs being smart (heh), but if that's the case, you can see why Tushie is determined to get some face time, even if it means having to cause a scene to do so.

Secondly, you'll want to make sure that the areas Tushie messes up get cleaned thoroughly to take away the smell completely. This is because the smells in pee and poo can linger - even so subtly that only your animal friends can detect them - and stimulate them to be pee or poop again in the same place. It just so happens that my Mom's December newsletter featured a review on cleaning products for just such instances, and she says she's planning a follow-up with more products she's received letters about, so check it out.

Now for facing the emotional issues. You say you have spoken to Tushie and she's not accepting it. Maybe she detects the guilty or frustrated feelings you have when you talk to her about this, and hopes she's making headway. The first thing you can do is always imagine her and talk to her about doing the right thing, and spend as little time as possible concentrating on when she poops inside when you're around her. It may also help to have an animal communicator mediate and translate between you two. Here's where my Mom gets embarrassed because she's afraid I'm pushing her services, and I think "whatever" and tell you it's fine to hire no-one or someone else if you want to, blah blah blah, so she can get over herself. There, I did my job. Hee!

Anyway, we both think it might be a good idea to get Tushie into some other activity or social interaction that will distract her from missing the attention that you have to direct elsewhere now. Is there a neighbourhood kid or pet sitter who might spend time with her on a regular basis? Could she be enrolled in some kind of fun or interesting dog class with other dogs, where she will be stimulated and get attention from others? Classes, in particular, can help dogs that are smart but get bored and lonely without their people around. It gives them something new and exciting to do, and what's more, it wears them out, so when they're at home, they aren't so restless! Training can also reinforce good behaviour, too. You may want to look into it. Even a half an hour a couple times a week might be enough to get her feeling more stimulated and independent.

Finally, Mom has some suggestions for some Bach flower essences that might help. They are Chestnut Bud, which is for changing bad habits, Chicory, which is for possessiveness, and Walnut, which is for adapting to changes. Since Tushie has to adapt to not having you around all the time and is very attached to you, these three may help her to detach a bit and adjust to learning new ways to deal with her feelings. Mom also says that you could consider Rescue Remedy during this period of change, as it is a mix generally used for big changes or trauma. Oh, and she says that a tincture of chamomile, or even a chamomile tea, put in Tushie's water might help to relax her a bit, too - but that's not a Bach essence, just something you can find in health food stores. Is that it, Mom? If you have any questions about how to work with these essences, ask my Mom, or check it out on that crazy human Internet (sometimes you people have really good ideas, I must say).

Anyway, I hope that helps. Best of luck with Tushie and the others, and please pay my respects to Punkin, for whom I have great sympathy (heh). Best of luck and tell us how it goes,

Why does my cat Winky not show affection - she is a rescued cat and has gone from a kennel home to a warm, loving home with toys, good food and lots of pampering? Am I doing something wrong?

Hello, there! My, I have not answered any questions in a while. My Mom's been out of sorts, a bit. But I'm back!

Well, there, I don't know your a Winky's situation, exactly, but I
could give you a few ideas. See, the thing is, we cats, like you
humans - and any other animal, really - learn a lot about life and who we think we're supposed to be from a very young age. So, if we live indoors and get a lot of affection from the get-go, we're used to it. But, if we're outside a lot and have to fend for ourselves and watch out for possible predators or mean humans, we're going to be a little more on our guard. My moms took in a stray cat a few years ago, and I can tell you it bothers me - not that she's just alive and IN MY SPACE, thank you very much, but that she can't seem to get it through her head that she is safe here and her situation is different. Actually, that doesn't bother me so much, as it means she stays in her room most of the time and out of my way, which is a good thing, but it bothers me that she's STUPID about it (and life in general) and it bothers my moms that she's not that affectionate. Although I don't care. She just bothers me, okay?

Anyway, my point is, she was feral and uncared for by people when she was young, so when she came in here, she was afraid of humans - even though my moms are about the most tender-hearted humans you ever will see, you know? In fact, one of the things that really got my Momma G into doing animal communication (besides a few other things, especially me encouraging her and telling her to) was her desire to want to soothe The Other One and get her more integrated into the family. To this end, she had a lot of patience (more than I would have, obviously) and was as nice to The Other One as she could be. Did it make a difference? Yes. Is The Other One a perfect cat, like I am, as a result of it? No. But here's how it pans out.

Mom and I suggest you treat Winky with complete gentleness and respect. Even if a cat is not a guru like me, they need respect to feel comfortable (or, in Maurice's case, a lot of attention, but that's another story). Learning to feel trust takes an animal or person who has had a hard life a lot of time and a sort of re-wiring of the thinking process through repeated good experience. This means that, for example, he or she may be used to never having enough food, and it could take a long time of having enough before they understand that they don't have to gulp it down or horde it. It also may mean that Winky is used to keeping her distance from humans because they can be big, mean and scary - or just strange to her - and it may take her a while to learn that you are OK.

Here are some basic tips. Don't stare into Winky's eyes too much, but if you do look at her, speak to her in very gentle tones and give her the cat smile. This is where you slowly close your eyes and squeeze them at her while sending her happy, loving thoughts. We cats don't move our mouths in the way you do, so our purposeful eye blinks are often a symbol of feeling safe and a smile. It means I'm not a threat to you and you're not a threat to me - get it? (And naturally, there are "fake" smiles we use, just like humans, but don't worry about that right now.)

Also, give Winky space. Don't grab her without warning, or too much at
all, really. Instead, find out where she is and settle down yourself not too close to her - within sight and, if possible, close down to her level, so you're not towering over her (we cats like to be on top of things, and do you have any idea how frustrating and scary it can be to have this BIG FACE looking down at you from waaaaaay above? I am used to it, but she might not be). Then you can speak to her gently or just do something quiet yourself, like read a paper or a book or something. You'd be surprised at how fascinating watching a human being reading a newspaper can be for us cats. All that crinkly paper, and it captures the human's attention and makes her think deep thoughts! At any rate, what this means is that you will be close to her and showing her you're not threatening, so she gets used to you being nearby as an okay thing.

Also, never underestimate the power of treats! Find something she really likes to snack on, and give it to her now and then. If she will come close to you, you may be able to pet her gently, then (always on the top of the head and shoulders to start with, especially around the ears and, if she lets you, the chin - watch out for the belly and tail, these areas feel vulnerable!). If not, just speak to her in kind tones, and make a little routine of it, so she knows that at X time of day, say right before your breakfast or bed-time, she will get a special treat. And, if she gets more friendly, give her another one! In the case of many cats, bribery will get you everywhere (although it depends on our personal space and interest in food, of course).

Similarly, you can make a daily routine of other things she finds fun, like playing with a string or red dot generator (that's laser pointer to you) or toy she likes. Again, this will just get her into the habit of noticing that being near you can be a fun thing, not weird or scary. Mom says she got way far with The Other One this way.

And remember, if she tries to get away from you, let her! Chasing after her or trying to restrain her will just make her more nervous. She has to make the decision to come to you. But, if you are patient and just keep sending her love vibes and warm, friendly thoughts, rather than frustration that she is not closer, it may make a difference. Remember - when you are thinking "she is not going to get close to me" you are picturing it, and she may pick up on those thoughts or pictures from you and think that's what she's supposed to do. Seriously! So do what I say - and try not to get too impatient. Sometimes it takes years for a cat to get friendly, but it's always
worth it when you win our trust, trust me. Oh, and often cats get more relaxed as we get older, so that's a plus, too.

Wait - one other thing. This is not a problem for me, but it is for other animals who are not "deaf", like I am. No loud noises! They can be very surprising or frightening to some folks, just like being snuck up on can be discomforting to me. Mom wanted to make sure I threw that in.

Finally, Mom has some ideas for flower essences that might help Winky,
and I have an idea, too. Mom says that Aspen and Mimulus are good essences for working with fear issues that a newly homed cat might have, and Walnut is good for helping her to adapt to new circumstances. If you do a search for Bach Flower Essances on the Internet, you should be able to find more information on this.

And my final advice is, give her love, love, unconditional love - and think about getting an animal communicator to translate between you two so you understand each other better. I'm not going to say my Mom, because she hates it when I "shill" for her, but you know what I'm thinking. Wink, wink. But any good animal communicator will do, as long as you both feel comfortable with him or her - the idea is to get the lines of communication open.

I hope this helped, and feel free to send me any other questions, sometime. Also, best of luck to you and to Winky, who is probably still finding her own way around there. You know, not all of us wear our hearts on our sleeves or like to be petted and held a lot, but even those of us who are feisty gurus can learn to like the affection now and then over time as we get comfortable. Keep your heart open, and maybe she will, too.

- The Maya, Who Does Not Get Sloppy with Affection, Herself, and Only
Loves It with Certain People, Now and Then

Hello, hello - long time no see! Mom has been very busy lately, and not able to do our columns. I get a little annoyed by it sometimes, but I know she's doing all she can. We'll make it different for the new year, right Mom?

Anyway, it's time for our yearly holiday message, and this time it's all about ME. I mean, Maurice (feh) and the Other One say hi, and all - and I suppose the turtles, too - but season of sharing, shmaring, I want this column all to myself! It's important, because I have a special holiday message for YOU.

Okay, here it is - love yourselves! You are wonderful! I know this time of the year can be hard - my Moms get so busy and sick and run around, and it's cold outside, but nobody takes the time to appreciate the warmth of being INside and watching the chilly stillness of it all. You should be happy! Not because somebody or some fake "calendar" tells you when to do what or whose birthday it is or what lights lasted however long, but because you are YOU, and you are loved, and the Earth is good, and you should take a moment to appreciate it!

Let me give you an example. My Mama G has been running all around doing "Christmas errands" and has gotten herself all stressed out. The other night she brought this... oh, goodness!... this BEAUTIFUL tree INSIDE THE HOUSE and stood it up! Wow! And then - get this - she put the most, oh, the brightest and most multi-coloured lights ALL OVER IT! I was TRANSFIXED! She let me watch her and she smiled and we shared a moment as she appreciated me appreciating the magic - the MAGIC! - of it all, but then, what did she do? She sat down and got all depressed because she wasn't doing "enough" and didn't have "enough" done! What was THAT all about? I mean, here we are, on a cold Winter's night, snug and warm as can be (magical!), sharing some time together, looking at a TREE IN THE HOUSE (magical!) with gorgeous, gorgeous LIGHTS all over it (MA-GI-CAL!). What's not to appreciate, if you take the time to do it? Did everyone, throughout all time, get to have a nice, warm house, with a cat such as myself in it, with a tree on the inside, covered in things that light up when you attach them to some electrical current in the wall? I THINK NOT!

And even without the tree and the lights, do we not have each other on Winter nights, where a cat such as myself, who is, of course, a guru, but has always been extremely uncertain that she would like anyone close to her physically on a regular basis, is able through the power of LOVE and TRUST to snuggle up with not one but TWO other beings and feel perfectly warm and content and LOVED and LOVING all over? And those beings SHARE the LOVE and feel good and warm and content with me in their faces, too, even though I am a creature who could just as easily be wild and dangerous, if I had a mind to, but instead have learned to LOVE and TRUST them as they have me? Isn't that wonderful? Isn't it PURE MAGIC?

So, you see, whereas it's great to celebrate your religious or seasonal holidays and have traditions and so on and so forth, the best thing is to take time and look around you at the good stuff and be happy - not feel you have to live up to something because of the time of year that it is. Humans tend to take a day or two a year to make a fuss over togetherness and love and peace on Earth and whatnot, and they forget the other 364 or 365! The Earth IS good, and you ARE loved, and peace CAN be on Earth any one of those days, and you know it. All you have to do is take a moment, and breathe, and let it all be and come to you. You will find out.

Anyway, on behalf of me and all the Cat Council, I wish you a happy season, and a happy year, and some good, happy, loving, peace-making, peace-ful lifetimes. Why this time of year? Because this time you'll listen to it. But I think you should save this message for any time of year you feel down or stressed out, and take it out - read it again. Any day can be a holiday, if you just love others, and yourself.

How may I tap in to communicate with my horse Robbie? Really need to know what he thinks about me, and what I can do to put to rest any fears he has....Thanx in advance. I want very much to be a "good friend" to him.

Good morning (or afternoon or evening, wherever you may be)! I tell ya, it's times like these it's great for a cat to be alive. I'm really feeling my sauce this morning, so lay it on me with the questions.

[Not sure what that was about, but I think Maya is happy she's been answering a lot of question lately. - GK]

Now, let me tell you, I think it's great that you want to get to know and get along with your horse Robbie. The most important things in learning about and getting to be friends with an animal - even of the human type! - are LOVE, RESPECT and INTENT. If you can be open and loving and come to the other being with good intentions, patience and respect, you can crack even the hardest shells and assuage the deepest fears, over time. Even animals who have been through a lot will soften up, over time, if you take good care of them and respect their opinions.

As for how to learn more about how to communicate with your horse friend, heck, there's lots of different ways! There are lots of books, instructional DVDs and CDs out there, as well as workshops you can go to to learn from professional communicators (my mom isn't having any of these soon, but I'm being patient). Also, there are Websites where you can talk to others about animal communication and get advice, and even practice with other animals. Here's a short list of ideas from me and my mom:

1. The books by Dawn Baumann Brunke, Animal Voices and Awakening to Animal Voices. Animal Voices is a beautiful exploration of animal communication and animals' thoughts straight from ACers and the animals themselves. Awakening to Animal Voices is a guide for teenagers and others who want to learn more about AC and techniques they can use to do it themselves. And the second one has the added benefit of being edited and contributed to by yours truly! Ha-HA!

5. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/animalcommunication/ is an Internet group for people at all levels of interest and skill in AC. They have ongoing discussions and lists of suggested readings, etc. Mom really likes this one. I like it, too, because a lot of my questions come from folks on there.

6. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ACPractice2/ is an Internet group where people post photos of their animal friends and practice communicating with each other's animals. I've gotten questions from people through this before and it was lots of fun!

7. Workshops - if you can get to one, these often can get you started doing AC really quickly. Mom took some great ones with Dawn Hayman at Spring Farm Cares. Try checking Animal Communicator Directory and list of events on Penelope Smith's site at http://www.animaltalk.net/consultlist.htm, or ask the folks on the Yahoo! animalcommunication group if they know if any workshops in your area.

You can always do some Internet searches for more information and sources on your own. The good news is, if you really want to communicate with Robbie, you can easily start by talking with him aloud and just calmly feeling what his answer might be. This is a great start that doesn't require anything but you being open, honest and patient!

Lastly, in the meantime, you can always hire a professional communicator to talk with Robbie for you as you're learning. Frankly, I think my mom's terrific, but she gets embarrassed when I recommend her. Why, I'd like to know, when this is her site, and MY column? Humans. You never can tell.

Anyway, I hope that helps, Bobbie. Good luck, good on you, and have a great day!

Hi, Maya.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I am lucky to have several companion, cats, dogs and birds, and wish that I was open enough to receive an answer to my question without having to ask. I'm glad that I found you.

One of my companions is a wonderful 7 year old Doberman, Leah. She is the neighborhood ambassador for the breed, as she greets people and other dogs with gentleness and eagerness. Neighborhood cats tend to tease her, but that's another story. The one complaint that I have with Leah, and we've discussed it numerous times, is that she insists on pulling me (never mind the classes on how to properly walk on a leash!) to the point that it hurts---and I've actually fallen twice due to a sudden tug. I have talked with her, explaining how it hurts my arm and back, and have unfortunately had to resort to serious leash corrections. I know that this hurts her neck, and her feelings. I know that she wants to do well and please me. Regardless, she insists on pulling ahead.

Please help. Neither of us enjoy our walks as much as we could because of this. I'm tired of being the "bad guy" with the corrections, but I don't know what else to do. Any and all advice is more than appreciated.

Thank you from both of us,
Sherry

Boy, have you come to the WRONG place! Ha ha ha ha HA! Heh. Sorry, I just cracked myself up with that one. See, I'm not a big fan of dogs - although I recognize some of them are very intelligent and spiritual beings - and I've certainly never understood what this "walking" thing is about. To me, it seems just one of the many disadvantages people have to put up with having dogs around. But then, I'd like to have my people take me outside more often, and they don't, so I can see how it would be a good thing for everyone involved, too. Hmm.

Dogs are so messy, though. Can you imagine? Not pooping and peeing in the box?! Of course, there are some cats around here who do this, but they are infidels ["infidels"...? -GK]. We shall not speak of them.

Now then, the way I see it, this is a potentially dangerous situation for you. You tell me Leah means well, and maybe she does, but she's a lot stronger than she may realize. Now, I can't tell you if she's stupid or just forgetful in the excitement of the moment or just being a pain in the ass [Maya! - GK]... what? Anyway, I can't tell that, but I can tell you that if training isn't working, you'd better come up with some alternatives.

Mom is getting all annoyed with me here, because I'm not being very encouraging. She knows what I mean, but she says I'm coming at it from the wrong perspective because I'm not a big dog fan and I don't particularly like to be trained. So, I'm gonna let her take it away for a few moments if she's so smart, because she has some details to lay on you I can't be bothered with.

[GK: Sorry about that, Sherry. You didn't mention what kind of training you've used or what kind of collar. Sometimes dogs, just like people, can get excited about something and forget their best manners for a moment. It sounds like talking to Leah has helped, but there might be some other methods you could use to refresh her memory when she gets that "I'm gonna bolt" look in her eye. One would be clicker training, which involves using a device that makes a clicking sound as positive reinforcement. The beauty of this method is, it's gentle, and you can carry a clicker with you on your walks. For more information, check out http://www.clickertraining.com/home/.

Another thing that might help you is to be sure you are using the right type of collar. Regular neck and choke collars do not do a great job at helping you to control your dog or cue them as to how they should behave. Moreover, they are relatively uncomfortable for dogs and can be dangerous if they catch on something and tighten. Harness type leads can be more effective, as they are more comfortable for the dog and give them larger body cues (I've had a huskie insist to me that this was the only kind she wanted to use, as it made her feel as though she was harnessed to a sled!). However, the type of leads I've heard are most successful are the Halti and Gentle Leader collars. These look something like thin muzzles, in that they wrap around the dog's head and jaws - comfortably - rather than the neck or chest. The advantage to this is that a small movement on your part can cue the dog by turning her head in the direction she should go in, which leads to a more natural follow-through on her part. I wish these had been around when I was a kid getting dragged around by our black labrador retriever! For more information, check out http://www.allourpets.com/htmls/halticollar.shtml. I hope this helps!]

Thanks, Mom. See? I can trust her to fill in on things I'm not knowledgeable about (so I don't have to go and interview some dogs, or anything), just like I fill her in on things she doesn't get. It's a win-win kind of relationship.

So, I hope my column helped you, with my Mom's subtle assistance. Hee! Overall, it sounds like you and Leah have a good relationship, too, with a few power struggles thrown in (Mom and I have them, too, but don't tell anyone! Ha!). I appreciate what you said about my wisdom (it's so true, isn't it?) and I'm glad we can be around to help you. And just as the name of the game with Mom and me writing these columns together is cooperation, I bet you and Leah can work out this problem with a bit of cooperation, too. I kid about dogs, but I bet Leah understands the situation - she just has to break a bad habit.

... hey, Mom! You forgot to tell her about the flower essence for breaking bad habits, too!

[GK: Oh, sorry! Try the Bach flower essence Chesnut Bud, for learning
new behaviours and stopping repeated bad ones and mistakes. A few
drops in her water for a couple weeks while you are training her might
help. And don't worry about the other animals getting into it - it is
very gentle and should not hurt them. Thanks, Maya.]

Best of luck, Sherry, and feel free to ask me for more answers
anytime. I'm glad to help.

Dear Maya:

Could you please tell me what happens when a cat dies. Do they go directly
to the other side or do they stay with their guardians for awhile?

Thank you!

That's an interesting question! My mom is a little uncomfortable with answering it, because she's always afraid we'll step on some toes of someone's religion or mess with their spirutality, or something, but I tell it like it is, in my point of view! Plus, you can take me or leave me, as I see it. It's up to you.

Now then, once again I'm going to answer you in the way I answer most of my questions. Are you ready? Wait for it... it depends! Yes, it all depends on what that cat's spirit is up to, what it's been through, etc. However, I can give you some ideas, both in general and particluars.

First off, we all go through a sort of "transformation" stage. Makes sense, doesn't it? After all, we are going from being connected to the physical realm through our bodies to being pure spirit energy. So, there's generally a little lag time, or "flicker" while the spirit adjusts. A lot of what happens here is private, and specific for each individual. For some it takes a few hours, for others, longer. But there's a sort of adjusting period. In my experience, this is where you sort of "check in at" or "transfer to" the other side, relax, and get your orders (not necessarily from your higher ups, it's more of a review by the spirit and the rest of All That Is to see where you're going, what your next step is). Think of it as a waiting room for the soul - but much nicer - or that place where a diver or miner adjusts from the pressure of one place to another. You see what I'm getting at?

OK, now here's where things get more complicated. Here, and individual spirit can choose all different ways to be and express themselves. Want to remain in a sort of ideal, "Eden"-like garden? No problem. Want to sign up for another trip on the Earth or elsewhere? Got it. Want to spread out further into the greater energy and become less of an individualized "personality"? Can do. See, spirit and energy are everywhere at everyonce - they're mutable. So, a cat who's passed on can choose to remain more or less "intact" as the cat they were and hang around for a while, or he or she can move onto something else. Also, the choices remain open, so you can say "I'm going to remain Maya for awhile, hang out here, help out my Moms on the other side with a couple things and show some new arrivals here the ropes, then I'll convene with the Cat Council and work on a few universal energy matters, and then in about 6 months (human Earth time) I'll see about reincarnating as something... possibly an empress." Who knows?

Now, none of this precludes there remaining an active connection between this cat spirit and the humans they love. Love is energy and so is spirit, yes? So, even if the cat spirit decides to become engaged with something else or place parts of him or herself in several individuals/areas so as to learn more, there is still a resonant vibrational connection, an "oversoul," if you will, that remains able to communicate with the Earth side when needed.

Generally, I'd say a pretty good portion of spirits decide to watch out for or remain somewhat involved with their loved ones' lives in the physical world for some time, at least. I tend to move on pretty quickly, but that's me - always after the next experience! Their level of involvement or interaction varies, but they'll generally be reachable if you try to contact them (and may contact you themselves, if you're open).

Oh, and my mom says: "don't forget to tell her that we are reunited with other spirits we missed, too!" So, yes, that. In other words, those people who have "near death" experiences and describe meeting up with long-dead friends and relatives ain't just whistlin' Dixie. We all get a greeting party, is what that means. And, in coming home to the All That Is, we are reunited with the One that is Everything.

Not that we can't be on Earth, but it's a little harder with all the distractions, and everything. But you can do it, with spirit journeying and meditation, and what some of you people like to call "astral travelling" or "projection." But that's another story.

OK, my mom's telling me I'm rattling on again (no respect for a guru, I tell ya), so I hope that answers your question. Take care and feel free to send me any follow-ups.

I want to know how the elephants feel about being a symbol for the
Republican party! And, in a larger sense, how do animals in general feel
about being used as mascots? Also, do any animals have "human" for their
power animal? Or is the whole concept of "power animals" a human thing?

Now let me say first that there is a big difference between having an animal as a "power animal" or totem and as a "mascot". A power animal is an energy or spirit that connects with you and you connect with, and it helps to symbolize some of your traits or what's going on in your life. It can also help you to understand or deal with certain situations. For example, my Mom went through a period in her life where she was getting all het up about stuff and overanxious (not that that doesn't happen to her a lot, but she's improving! Heh). At that time, the power animal that she connected with was a moose. She wasn't sure entirely what this meant, but it began to be clear that the energy of Moose for her was connected with the Earth, grounded, calm but powerful, patient and observant, noble even if some might think it looked a little funny from the outside. These were all qualities she had in herself that she was not cultivating, and thus contacting Moose to help her get in touch with them allowed her to feel these qualities in herself and understand and get through why she had been so ungrounded and anxious.

One of my power animals, for another instance, has been a large white bird. This is partially because I have been a large bird before. This also symbolizes my etheric qualities, my enjoyment of travel and freedom, my wide powers of observation, my focus and my hunting instincts.

Now, these power animals can be connected with their person or animal for a long time or a little, and what power animal you come up with can depend on if you are accessing energies that are with you in the long run or are just applicable to a certain immediate situation. And yes, animals can have humans as power animals, too! Of course, I prefer having a human as my assistant and proxy, instead. Hee hee hee! But seriously, the qualities that the energy of "human" can have can be applicable to certain traits of an animal or what they're going through, too. Likewise, certain plants' and places' energies can be associated with a being, its traits and experiences. We are all, after all, One Energy - parts of All That Is, the Great Whole.

Okay, so when humans take on certain animals as power animals or symbolic references in a respectful way, that's all well and good. It's when you get into a less respectful application that things get a little thorny.

The symbolism of mascots is a whole 'nother thing. Now, for example, you can use an animal as a mascot for a sports team, and it can be an honest homage or a bit of ridiculousness. That is, the person using the term can name their team the Bears, Eagles or Jaguars because they want their team to be associated with some of the traits of those animals: strength, fierceness, speed, etc. If the team respects the energies of those animals and tries to emulate them, that's great. However, if the team does NOT respect the animals, or comports themselves in an obnoxious manner, that does not exactly reflect well on the animals they've named themselves after.

So, my answer to you on the theme of mascot would be: it depends. It depends on the respect shown to the animals whose names you've taken, how serious that representation is, and how the individual animal of that name interprets it. Now, a lot of elephants may think, at first, that it's nice that a group is using them as a symbol of itself, because it is, in a way, honoring the elephants by trying to associate with their good qualities. Other elephants may roll their eyes and think "there go those humans again, making a symbolic connection with us that's completely frivolous and doesn't mean anything, because they just DO these things." And still some other elephants might think "OK, if you're going to use us as a symbol, it should MEAN something, and you should RESPECT us, and comport yourselves in a way we elephants would be proud of and shows our good qualities. Otherwise, you dishonour us."

So, to turn it around here, my question for you is, how would you feel if a group called themselves "the humans"? How about "the women"? "The women living in Massachusetts"? "The Jodis"?

But, I would venture to say, that in my quick connection with a few elephants and some of their energies, they are, in general, pretty pissed by it. I mean, it's nice to be honoured, and all, but what do the Republicans have to do with elephants? And if you're going to use them as a symbol, shouldn't you be doing something nice for them, like protecting their habitat, or at least giving them food, or something? And, as Mom has explained the current Republican platform to me (in her biased way, admittedly), a lot of it is pretty antithetical to most elephants' values, as a whole. Of course, that's all subject to interpretation. But I can tell you that elephants are very connected with the Earth, and they don't really appreciate humans of any political party or affiliation using them as a symbol unless they're really doing it with respect and trying to preserve the Earth.

So, there's my answer, which boils down to: respectful usage good, disrespectful or ignorant, bad.

I hope this helps you. And if you want to start a group of awesome people called the Mayas, just let me know. As long as I am in charge and consulted with respect, of course! Hee.

Hi! My name is Laura, and I have a pet budgie named Violet. Violet was
hand-tamed, but now she seems to hate us. I kind of know why she isn't
that trusting because her mate died a couple of years ago, and sometimes my
sister grabs at her.

Also, sometimes when she's flying, our dog chases after her. We usually
try to grab Mushu, our dog, so she can get safely back to her cage, but one
or twice he got her.

Now she tries to bite us whenever we have to go in the cage, and we, my
sister and I, want to tame her again.

Could you please give me some tips on trying to earn her trust again?
Thank you!

Hello! Sorry for the delay. My Mom's been all busy and "on vacation" and stuff. Her vacation was cool, in that although she wasn't there she did send me pictures and tell me all about what she was seeing, which was exciting, but I still think it might have been a lot better if she took me along! She could leave the other cats behind, though. Sounds good, don't you agree?

Anyway, although my usual relations with birds would involve thinking about chasing and eating them, I do have quite a few conversations with birds during the day, when they are outside my window. So, I think I can help you by giving you both a general-animal and an overall-bird perspective that might help you with Violet.

First of all, birds, like anybody, want respect and need to feel safe. It's not easy feeling safe when you're a very small bird in this world, without even any claws to defend yourself! Small birds have one major defense: they can fly. But inside a house, this is severely limited. That's why it's up to you and your family to help her feel safe.

That means: if you want her to feel safe, you cannot let the dog chase her. I know it was an accident that she got caught, but I bet she figures that if it can happen once or twice, it can happen again. This does not make her necessarily hate you, but it does make her nervous. When she's nervous, she's self-protective, which I can understand. So, what you'll need to do is help her to feel completely safe (at least as much as possible), and respect her need to protect herself. She trusted you and your family to protect her, but she got grabbed by your sister (who may not have known better) and caught by the dog.

So, your assignment should be to spend quiet time with Violet, just near her, telling her you love her and she's safe, without trying to handle her very much for a while. Just talking in a calm voice may soothe her - you can tell her about your day, or whatever, just like you would tell a human friend. You can also try to explain to your sister what happened and how grabbing Violet can upset her, just like it might upset a human to be grabbed by a huge giant, even if she meant well. I'm sure Violet doesn't hate you, but you do have to earn her trust back. Just be calm, kind and reassuring with her, and make sure that Mushu is never out free where and when she is. I'm sure Mushu can't help chasing her - heck, I bet I couldn't help it! - so, unless you're willing to go through some training with him not to chase her, which also would take patience and practice, it's best to keep them separated.

Also, keep in mind that Violet is mourning and probably feels sort of lonely. She had another bird who was her mate and friend, and now that friend is gone and she is the only bird there. Even though her mate died a while ago, it can be hard for her to get used to, and birds are very sociable animals. So, you will have to be patient and kind with her, and remember it's harder for her to be trusting when she still misses her friend. You may also want to consider adopting another bird friend for her at some point, as long as you can keep the second bird safe and healthy, too.

It may take some time of being very quiet, patient and gentle with Violet before she trusts you again. You can always use incentives, like treats, to encourage her to come near you and know that you are nice. Be careful not to grab her too much, if possible, though. You will want to work up to her trusting you enough to be close to you and touch you herself, first. I know she used to be hand-tamed, but now that she's been through some frights she may have to be hand-tamed over again. But, with patience and love, I am sure you can bring her around!

For more information, my Mom has looked up a couple budgie Web sites. One basic one is http://www.budgies.org/, although if you follow the training instructions, we suggest you use the gentle method. Another one with all kinds of information about birds is http://www.birdsnways.com/. They even have links about how to clicker train your bird, which is a good way to train animals that are not deaf (and stubborn - heh!) like me. Just remember, budgies are a type of parrot, and are also called parakeets, so sometimes you will find information under those names, instead.

I hope this helps you, Laura. You seem like a good person who loves Violet and wants to win her over again. And with three very important things - patience, love and respect, I bet you can.

I am on the animal communication list though I haven't seen a post from
Gretchen for a while now.

My husband and I have a question about cats. Our cats switch or flick
their tails back and forth quickly just before they attack a toy or
prey. We think this would warn their prey and make it harder to get
food in the wild. Why do cats do this?

Hello! Did I mention recently how I love my Mom a lot? Well, I do. I love both of them, my human Moms. Sometimes when I am being snarky with them, they just have to hear that!

Okay, a very fine question we have today - let's get started. First of all, my Momma G asked me if maybe we cats do that to distract the prey, or entice them, or hypnotize them with our tails by convincing there's something else moving behind us so they don't see us. To which I replied "Um, duh - NO." Hee hee hee!

The truth is, what you see there is excitement. A cat who's excited can't help moving sometimes, and even if the rest of him is still, that tail might have to bust out. Now, this may seem to be a problem when hunting, but let me clear up a few points.

Cats do this less when they are hunting real prey they really need to eat. Your average house cat who is used to getting bowls of food and has not been raised in the wild isn't as experienced with hunting, nor does he or she care that much if that mouse, bird or cricket gets away this once. Necessity breeds finer skills, and whereas you may think that by survival of the fittest only very sneaky cats would live, the fact that we have chosen humans to be our caretakers and companions nips that little theory right in the bud, so to speak. Actually, in some cats' cases, being exceptionally stupid but downright cute elicits sympathy from humans, making it more likely for them to be cared for and survive. I will name no names.

Now then, suppose you see a cat who's very good at stalking her prey and she does that. Let me ask you a question - how often does the prey see that tail flicking and run away? For your good hunters, not very often. This is because, although they can't always completely quell their excitement (and their tails), these cats know to move downwind and out of view of the prey they're hunting. Cats sneak up so close, and usually under cover, that the prey animal won't see that tail flicking until it's too late, usually. I mean, think about it: that tail flicking you see while your cat friend's on the carpet? Not going to show up so much in the grass, or the shadows, or from behind some bushes. So, whereas the cat might need to flick her tail a little to gear up for that final spring or tweak off come excitement, nine times out of ten it's done in a place and time that's not going to be noticed by the thing she's stalking. Unless, of course, she's not very good at hunting, or doesn't mind being seen, such as in play.

I hope this clears things up for you. I can't account for all cats' instincts, skills and motives, but I will say we're pretty much built for this sort of hunting. It's really life on the inside that makes us soft and dulls our skills. Not that I mind, mind you - I like being an inside cat and getting fed and petted! And air conditioning! But we all make our sacrifices and trade-offs, etc. Personally, I would like to travel more and smell things and see my public, but I enjoy being taken care of and not having to strive in the wild, especially since I am deaf. In fact, I arranged for it, and a good arrangement it's turned out to be!

Dear Maya,

You're a beautiful cat! And you look really smart, too... Of course, that's all based on your picture from the website, but people always say that pictures tell a thousand words.

Anyway, I was hoping that you might be able to help me. I have always been an animal lover, and recently, I decided to try animal communication. I borrowed two books from the library: Awakening to Animal Voices by Dawn Brunke and What the Animals Tell Me by Sonya Fitzpatrick. I have been trying to communicate with my pets (two horses, three cats, four fish, one rabbit, and a turtle) but so far I have gotten nothing. However, Charles, one of my cats, seems to know that I'm trying because he's been following me around more than he ever has before.

I think that part of my problem is that I make up answers to all my questions. I try not to, but I can't help it. I'll ask a question in my head and then "hear" an answer, but I can tell that it's just my own thoughts creating what I assume the animal might say and putting it into words. I've heard and read that animals all talk in their own unique voices, and that's how I know for sure that the answers are not from them. All my answers are in my own mind's "voice." And I can feel myself creating them. So, I'm so busy creating answers and then scolding myself for doing so, that even if an animal was "screaming" at me, there'd be no way I could "hear" it.

I really believe that it is possible to speak to animals telepathically, but even I'm starting to get skeptical. People are telling me it's impossible and since I'm not getting anywhere, I'm starting to wonder if they're right.

Is there anything else that I should try? I've tried closing my eyes, relaxing, clearing my mind, and asking a question. (both touching the animal and not) I don't really even know what I'm listening for. Reading the stories from these books made it sound so easy. For example, the woman who had never communicated with animals saw a fly land on her book, said "hello" and had a full conversation. Am I trying too hard?

Is there any way I could talk to you? I've read that telepathic communication over distances really isn't any harder than having the animal in front of you... None of my animals have ever talked to a human before, and you're very practiced at it. It might give me more of an idea of what I'm looking for... I know it's a lot to ask, and if you don't want to I would completely understand.

PS. I really enjoyed reading your words of wisdom in Awakening to Animal Voices!

Hello! And a hearty purr to you on this fine morning. Don't you love it when the wind ruffles your fur (or hair, as the case may be) just so? I do.

Yes, I am beautiful and yes, I am smart. Good on you for being so perceptive. Heh. It just shows that you're getting the hang of reading animals, already! Hee.

Excuse me, Maurice is being a stinker at this moment and I have to INTIMIDATE him... okay. There. I'm back.

Where was I? Oh, yes. Well, you are in luck, my friend (and student), because Mom and I just wrote a whole column about different way to try animal communication in the last "Ask Maya" column. On there, you'll find lots of tips from both of us, as well as links to another book Mom likes and a place where you can practice on other people's animals on a computer (cool, huhn?). But, let me address your specific problems you relate, too, as I am, of course, interested and it's what I do as a guru/teacher.

First of all, you are doing one thing that I actually recommend to some people, which is "faking it until you make it." It's a human term for basically pretending you are getting an AC reply, even if you're not sure if it's coming from you or the animal. This is not something for you to be mad at yourself about! Often, you have to do that for a while to get yourself "warmed up" and open to the messages from the outside. I believe you are getting there. I'm sure your cat, Charles, is following you because he's picked up on that, and trust me, cats are best at this sort of thing (even boy cats). Mom says that's being species-ist, but whatever.

Anyway, it seems to me one problem is, you're getting mad at yourself about it, as I stated, which is one way to close yourself off. You have to be patient! [GK: Right, like YOUR'E patient all the time, Maya. Maya: Shut up. I was very patient with YOU while you were learning. O-KAY?] Anyway, patient. AND, you have to realize that getting words like talking in your head is not the only way to get messages. For my Mom, it usually comes in like that, but for others it's more pictures or feelings, even sounds, tastes and smells. Sometimes it could even be metaphorical, like a dream image. Like, if and animal shows you the image or feeling of running a lot, it could mean running in fear, or a feeling of freedom. I know - sounds more complicated, right? But really it's all about experimenting and interpreting. Your job (should you choose to accept it) is to find out the best way for you to get messages and understand them.

Oh, my Mom is interrupting to ask, was the woman with the fly in the book her? Because she tells a story about a fly in that book, and she had done communication before. Okay, Mom, I passed on the message.

Anyway, back to you practicing. Now, as I said in my previous column, it is often harder to start with your own animals, because you have emotions and preconceptions tied up with them, anyway. So, you're on the right track, there, with wanting to try it with other animals. You could try the practice group I linked to in that column. However, since you asked so nicely, I would be happy to have a little practice with you. You go ahead and ask me some questions, and I will answer them. Then you can write to my Mom and she can tell you what you got right or not. You can look at my picture, and if you need to know, I'm living in Brooklyn, NY and I am sixish years old, although age does not matter to me. I love being a guru, and I love fresh minds to infiltrate, uh, open... so, whenever you want, just get started - don't be afraid. Oh, and my Mom may be a little slow on the uptake about getting back to you, particularly around her "vacation" (feh), but I'll try to get on her about it.

Finally, you may want to ask your cat Charles to help you. If he has latched onto you since your stabs and animal communication, he is probably getting that you're trying to do it, and wants to be involved. Now is your opportunity to ask him, "hey, I'm very new at this, Charles, but I'm trying. I love you and I want to know more about you and how we can communicate together. Can you help me and be as OBVIOUS as you can be when I do or don't get it, even if it seems evident to you?" Then spend some quiet time with him just appreciating him and being open and not screwing up your head to get some big message. It couldn't hurt!

Oh, and Mom wants to tell you: it took her a long time before she believed in AC and felt she could do it herself (you're telling me! Boy, did I have to be OBVIOUS and stroke her ego!). It wasn't until she went to a long workshop and began to get her answers from animals verified by people that she even BEGAN to think she could really do it. After that, it even took her quite some time and lots of strong reinforcing evidence to be confident that she was getting messages and not "just making them up." She also says that the voice you might "hear" in your head when the animals talk may sound a lot like your inner voice, too, because it's how your mind interprets what they're beaming to you, not an actual physical voice with sound waves and stuff. So, it takes some time to differentiate (especially if you're not deaf). Like I said, be patient. Although I said it a lot more succinctly. But she thinks this might help, as she's been through the same thing and is now a "professional". Hey, I can tell you a lot of people go through that!

Anyway, that's it for today - I have some serious sun-basking to do. (I won't hold my breath on the new catnip from my Moms, but thanks for the suggestion.) Thanks for contacting me and hang in there. I send you purrs and look forward to "hearing" from you in my own head! Ha!

Dear Maya,

Hi! My question is how can I communicate with my cat?

My family and I are moving to a new city later this summer, but my cat knows nothing about it! I didn't want it to become a shock to him when we move, so I bought a book called "Awakening to Animal Voices" by Dawn Baumann Brunke. (I've read some of your advice in the book.)
The book is great, but I can't seem to get it at ALL. I don't feel anything. If you could give me just a few more tips or pointers, I would be ever so grateful!!!

Thanks!!

- Becca

Hi! Purr, purr, purr. I like answering questions, and I like your enthusiasm! So, purr at you.

First of all, I bet you are getting more than you think you are, and your cat is getting more from you than you think. After all, telepathy is a "silent language," so you're not necessarily going to be consciously aware all the time when a message comes in. It's more of a feeling you get, a knowing, and it may be subtle at first, so you don't even notice it. It's noticing it, and bringing it to your conscious, "talking" mind that may be trouble you're experiencing.

So, lesson one: take it easy on yourself! Sometimes if you are trying too hard, or not believing in it or yourself, you may not even realize it when you're getting a message. You may tell yourself "it's just a coincidence that my cat came when I thought of him," or "I just could tell what my animal friend wanted because of his body language." Be sure to give yourself some credit, okay?

Also, make sure you are as willing to LISTEN as to TALK. Many animals will respond better to a nice "hello, it's me, how are you? I want to be able to understand and communicate with you better - can you help me?" than an immediate statement like "we're moving soon, so I don't want you to freak out!" It's best to keep a calm, friendly, open vibe about you, appreciating your friend while you do it, to tune in the best.

Now, in terms of communicating, practice always makes perfect, so that's the main thing I'd advise, but my Mom and I have discussed some of the things that helps her to tune in, so we'll list some of them. (I don't need to do these things because, hey, I'm a cat. I can communicate fine, already.)

First of all, relax. If you've ever done meditation, try that, otherwise, it's as simple as sitting comfortably with your spine straight, breathing deeply and just concentrating on your breath until your worries recede. My Momma G also does an exercise she learned in a book called Straight from the Horse's Mouth, by Amelia Kinkade. She's not in the book, nor has she even spoken with Amelia, so she wants me to tell you this is not a shameless plug! Hee. She's just passing on this information because there are a lot of exercises in that book that helped her a lot. All exercises aren't for everybody, but it seems to have helped my Mom, so go for it and check it out, if you can.

[Note from GK: The major one I like is the one where you envision all your chakras spinning in their individual colours and tones, and clear them out.]

Mom also has some other practices she encourages:

These are all good ideas, but here's one I can really get behind. Don't rule out the idea of simply talking to your cat in human language! I am deaf, but if my Moms talk to me with clear intentions, even if I don't get the words they're speaking, I often get an idea of what they're trying to convey to me (unless I'm not in the mood to pay attention at the time - heh).

Oh, one other thing - it's often harder to speak with animals you are close with to start off, because your emotions or pre-conceptions might get in the way. That's okay! Mom and I recommend practicing with other animals, too. You can do this with friend's animals, at workshops with all so