Ask Your Pet

Dear Jennifer,

My Golden, Max, is 4 years old and usually a good boy. I’ve been working from home since March, and I’m finding myself becoming really irritated by him. Sometimes I even become angry and yell at him. He comes over and tries to play with me while I’m working, and when I tell him I’m busy he still nudges me or sulks. If I shut myself in another room he scratches at the door. I don’t like how I’m feeling towards him, and I love him. But, he’s getting on my nerves. Please help.

Paul

Dear Paul,

I think most people reading this will be able to relate to your situation in some way. Many of us have been thrown into new situations that test relationships, and there are just such strong energies of anger, discord, judgment, and despair in our collective consciousness right now, that it’s hard not to be affected. So, I do understand.

First, I think it’s very important to start the day grounding yourself and setting your intentions. Just take a few minutes every morning to breathe deeply and feel your connection to the Earth. Imagine yourself surrounded by a bubble of Divine light, and affirm that it’s going to be a good day, that you’ll remain calm, and that you will meet all situations and encounters from a place of high energy.

I spoke to Max, and asked him to respect your wishes when you tell him that you need to work. He requested that you please place his dog bed close to your desk. And, he said that he’ll try his best, but he’s used to being free to approach you when you’re home, so it’s difficult when you send him away. And, he becomes very confused when you yell at him, wondering if you still love him. He tries his best to be good, but it’s sometimes hard for him to contain his playfulness.

When Max approaches you while you’re working, please remind yourself that you love him, take a deep breath and a moment to scratch his ears, and gently tell him that you need to work, and will be happy to play with him later. When you feel angry at Max, stop yourself, take some deep breaths, ground, remind yourself of the love you share. If you’re still angry after that, ask yourself if whatever you’re angry about is worth the hurt that yelling will cause Max, and the damage that repeated yelling will ultimately do to your relationship. It’s not worth it, and it’s not you, or you wouldn’t be reading this magazine.

We’re all living in a highly-charged, volatile, uncertain world right now. It’s so important to make an extra effort to protect our own energy, and focus on what we love about our animals, our family and friends, and the world as a whole. If we stay in a place of love, the negative energies won’t impact us. Be gentle with yourselves and those around you.

Many Blessings,

Jennifer Dickman

Jennifer Dickman is an Animal Communicator, Intuitive Counselor, Reiki Master-Teacher, and Animal Reiki Specialist. She conducts sessions worldwide via phone and email. Please contact her at jennifer_dickman@ymail.com  www.jenniferdickman.com   and follow her on Instagram @jenniferdickmanone, and on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/AnimalCommunicatior /