Adopting From The Shelter

Nothing is more fun than bringing home a new dog- especially one rescued from the shelter. We felt the time was right to add one more to our pack, so we took the plunge, and found Xena.

Sadly, the shelters are clueless about homeopathy, Sai Sanjeevini, paper doctor, or really any natural remedies to help dogs both physically or emotionally- especially traumatized shelter dogs. They are all about bark collars and vaccinations and such. I found 2 very receptive and eager-to-learn kennel techs, who were fascinated by some of our healing stories and perhaps will pave the way for trying Rescue Remedy and Aconite on traumatized dogs.

Let me pass on a few tips for making your adoption successful. All of these tips can be used at shelters and animal rescue facilities alike;

• Trust first, obedience second. Getting your dog to trust you and come to you is often difficult at first. Carry training treats on you, and reward your pup each time he comes. Within a short period of time the dog will come to you even when you don’t call! After trust is established, and the dog is acclimated, you may begin basic obedience training- a must for all good people/doggie relationships.

• Frequent pottie trips- Take pup outside to the bathroom every 2 hours, regardless if the dog is pottie trained. You may taper down as the dog shows to be reliable and settling in to the household routines.

• Establish a bed or den- Every dog likes to have his own spot. Dogs like a small, tight, den-like area, and a corner wall will work.

• Daily walk- The walk is such a cure all. It reduces chewing, barking, and anxiety, and makes your dog more relaxed throughout the day, and is a pack bonding experience.

• Play with your dog before starting a training session. Throw the ball or frizby about 30 times!! I have had several high energy dogs, and it was once recommended to me that we tire Libby out before attending obedience class, and she will behave calmer and be more attentive. It was very good advise.

• As mentioned earlier, both Rescue Remedy (Bach flower) and Aconite (homeopathic) can turn a frightened animal into a calm one. Every shelter worker should carry some on them, especially for transporting strays and such.

• Sai Sanjeevini healing cards- this amazing complete healing system addresses animal conditions such as beak and feather disease, mange, fleas and ticks, not to mention every emotional condition a dog could have. Charge up their water, and let the healing begin. Good for at home or the shelters, alike.

Doggie sick, and you don’t know what do give him?  Trust your higher self and dowse for the remedy that will most benefit your pet. Then read to see if your dog’s symptoms match up to the remedy.  You might be very surprised.