Anyone of us who have ever owned a pet, whether it be a cat, dog, rabbit or hamster knows the amazing love and therapeutic benefits we can receive from them.

It is a wonderful thing to be an animal lover. It shows us how we are as humans. Pets bring out our sentimental, emotional, inner selves and we can feel the warmth, love and safety when they are there.

Animal Communication is telepathic communication between us and our pets. The satisfaction that we can get from our animals is overwhelming and the bond between both owner and pet is a true blessing. The communication has many applications and benefits. By talking to our pet we can almost know what they want or need, and they will understand the same of us.

Having a pet for a long period of time can be the most wonderful thing. Both owner and pet have utter respect for each other. When we are not ourselves emotionally and physically, our pets will pick up on our moods. I had Benjy, my Jack Russell for 12 years. Every time I came in the door from work he would hare out to the hall and greet me with hyper barking and excitement.

If I had a long, hard day at the office, to come home and be met with this hysteria was just superb. He cheered me up immediately, and when he eventually calmed down, and sat on my lap, to look into his little brown eyes was just heart warming.

I felt absolutely loved with no conditions whatsoever. Our pets are not demanding. It is our responsibility to mind them as they are dependent on us to care for them and nurture them.

If one is living alone and the family have grown up and moved on, to have a pet is wonderful company. It doesn’t mean we are bonkers if we sit and chat to them. They understand what we are saying. They are more intelligent than we know.

Recently, a friend of mine was in a Residential Rehabilitation Programme for 4 months. On the premises and in the back garden was ‘Molly’. She was a two year old black Labrador. She was extremely placid and every week one of the residents in Rehab was assigned as a duty to bring her for leisurely strolls each day, and make sure her bowls were topped up with plenty of food and water. She was the most placid dog. Everyone who came in to therapy with inner demons and addictions warmed to her.

She got the most amazing attention and especially love. The clients in return were distracted and focused on a lovely dog that gave them a chance to recover from their addictions and bring them out of themselves if suffering from depression or anxiety.

When it came the time for Benjy to leave this world, both my mum and I were devastated. I knew I had to bring him to the vet and leave fate in his capable hands. To bring Benjy to the clinic, and return with an empty lead in my hand left us distraught for a long time. In the end, we knew he couldn’t suffer any longer and it was the only choice left for us to make. A lot of us have been through this scenario. It’s not an easy one.

Just only a few weeks ago, my friend was minding ‘Snoopy’ a gorgeous little sausage dachshund for her mum as she was away on holidays. He is a really shy, furtive dog and when my friend left him with me he was extremely wary of me and sniffing and dirty looks continued for a while. Eventually, he came around and within a few hours was snuggled up on my lap staring at me lovingly with droopy ears.

Animals are wonderful creatures sent from God. I will always respect and love the affinity we have for each other. Let’s always keep it like this!

The Animal Foundation provides a safe haven for abused and neglected animals. Website: www.animalfoundation.ie