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Selected Question - Becky D. of Portland, OR asks.... 16 year old Pickles has a problem that has been progressing gradually over time starting about 6 months ago. She's become very sensitive to being touched on her rear flanks and at the base of her tail. If I try to pet her she lets out a little squeal and flies into a frantic frenzy of licking her chest and front legs. Sometimes when she's just sitting on my lap or off by herself she'll jump up for no apparent reason and repeat this frantic licking.

My Vet is of the opinion that it may be some kind of allergy but after taking an anti-allergy supplement for a month, she only got worse, not better. I like and trust my vet but on this issue don't feel like he's on target.

I was hoping you could get a sense of what she's feeling, where, exactly, she's feeling it and if she knows what I, or her Vet, can do to alleviate her problem. My Vet doesn't want to do an x-ray to see if the cancer has returned because he says that doing an x-ray can cause cancer and Pickles had mammary cancer about two years ago.

Contacting you was a long shot that only occurred to me when I saw you were going to be in town for the Mind, Body and Soul event a few weeks ago so

I'm also really hoping you can help to give my little Pickles some relief.

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer - Working with a trusted veterinarian is always best when cases like Pickles' occur. It is also okay to seek a second opinion just to be sure nothing was missed. In this case, the vet was stumped so I did my best to help Becky with messages from Pickles.

I checked in with Pickles and she told me that it felt like her skin was on fire. She said she did not know what was causing her pain/affliction but she felt like crawling out of her skin at times

Since animals are sometimes limited on their own medical conditions, I go to 'Higher Sources" for insight and answers. I connected with Guidance (Pickles' Angels and Spirit Guides) to see if I could obtain more information on her condition.

When Guidance came through I heard it was a distortion of the brain cells, neurologically, and a glandular imbalance also came through, I heard a mutation within the skin cells. They told me that it was a neurological condition with a skin & gland issue. I heard that an anti-anxiety, or calming type of medication would be best for her.

These symptoms sound similar to Rippling Skin Disease and can be quite difficult to treat and even more difficult to cure.

Pickles told me that she would prefer to have this discomfort gone from her life and if the majority of her time was spent being afflicted by it that would not be pleasant to continue, as coming out of her skin is not very pleasant. She said she would be open to transitioning into the spirit world but she did not bring it up until I did. She explained that she still has happiness in her life and just wanted it to stop. She said it could be very painful at times, she showed me her whole body is affected, mostly the skin around her tail and hindquarters. Pickles sent her mom lots of love and thanked her for her efforts.

I explained to Pickles that her mom, Becky was doing all that she can to help alleviate her symptoms and make her more comfortable. Another vet check is set with this information in hand to hopefully bring some relief to Pickles.

Followup On Pickles Sep 07:
Hi Karen,

You were nice enough to do a reading for my cat, Pickles for the FREE QUESTION drawing. You said that your higher sources (Guidance) thought the source of her problem was neurologically based. You said it might be an ailment called Rippling Skin Disease.

excerpt: "When Guidance came through I heard it was a distortion of the brain cells, neurologically, and a glandular imbalance also came through, I heard a mutation within the skin cells. They told me that it was a neurological condition with a skin & gland issue."

I took your email to my Vet, who was quite open-minded about the whole thing, and while he didn't agree with the part about the Rippling Skin Disease, he did think Pickles' problem stemmed from something neurologically based and he recommended a couple of different supplements.

At first it didn't seem that what he prescribed for her was doing the trick but just lately, within the last couple of weeks, she's gotten much better. I can pet her again all the way to the base of her tail without causing her pain and she doesn't act like her skin is on fire any more. Also, the odd discoloration on her face, which I also suspected was related to the same problem, is fading away as well.

I wanted to thank you for your help. Without the aid of you and your Guides, I doubt Pickles would be in the better place she's in right now.

So thank you, from both of us.

Becky & Pickles

Response from Karen....

Dear Becky & Pickles,

It warms my heart to hear back such wonderful news! Thank you so much for sharing your story and most of all for being persistant with Pickles' health issues.

Sometimes it takes another perspective to see what is going on and in this case Guidance came through with just the right words of wisdom.

Love & Light, Karen

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Selected Question - Nicole S. of Salem, OR asks.... I accidently killed the love of my life, Peepster. I gave my cat Ibuprofen after a friend told me it was ok. I can't deal with this awful messed up fact every single day of my life. Peepster was a beautiful gray, fluffy manx with green eyes, I found him late at night in the snow when he was about a month old and he has been my best friend ever since. Can you please ask him if he forgives me? Is he ok now?

Answer - I connected to Peepster in the spirit world and his energy came through right away with an urgent message....

Tell my mom I love her very much and I harbor no bad feelings toward her, mom, you followed your heart on what you thought was the right thing to do, you need to always follow your heart, it was not your intention to cause any harm, I can see the intention in your heart and you only meant to help me not to harm me...I know you are aching and are sorrowful with pain in your heart but I hold no bad feelings at all, (felt a tremendous feeling of love for Nicole here)

I had a very good life, (showed me on his back) loved lying on my back and having you scratch/pet me, I would very much like for these bad feelings to be put behind you so you can move forward with your grief, you never set out to harm me, you would never harm me or anyone else, you are a good person with only love in your heart, I will always be connected to you.

I'm here with Sugar, Sweetie Or something like this, someone who is either very sweet to him or very loving to him and he is there with them, or has a name that sounds like this......) I have a very large playground here, I get to lounge around or play as much as I want .......and I will return to you someday mom, I send you all my love.

Nicole replies.. It really did sound like him, just days before you sent these words from Peepster to me I was remembering and talking about the way he used to lay on his back on my lap and fall asleep while I rubbed and pet his belly... it was the cutest thing, he'd just lay there stretched out as longggg as he could get with his arms up above his head. It was one of my favorite ways to spend time with him. He was also very fond of laying "upside down and backwards" on his back with his head upside down and his one arm stretched out as he watched everything going on around the room, me included. He loved this, and I loved watching him. I'd often scratch his belly and under his arms when he was like this, too. I'm thinking this is probably what you saw - it was when he seemed his most happy.

As far as someone named Sweety or Sugar, I've been trying to think about it and I'm just not sure. He did have a sister cat that lived down the street, she died a few years before him. I don't know what her name was but I'm wondering if it was her? My grandmother also passed away and she loved cats so it could be her as well. I'm so happy to hear he's content and OK and getting a chance to just play and lounge around and be his sweet little self and that's he's not alone. I know he hated being alone...

And it's hard for me to get into right now as it just brings up so many emotions, but it's really nice to hear he knows I would never purposely hurt him. And that I loved and love him as much as I did and do. It means the world to me. This has been a nightmare for me for the past year(+) so really, thank you so much Karen for sharing his comforting words with me.

Thank you so much for all of this... really... from the bottom of my heart... this will really start to help give me some closure on all of this, I can feel it already. And for that I truly can't thank you enough.

Take care, Endless thank-yous...
Nicole

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Selected Question - Anna D. of Portland, OR asks.... Why does Dali, a 6 year old, Chihuahua/Italian Greyhound mix, insist on going potty in the house?

Answer - Anna's frustrating situation effects many of us who have animals in our home. There are many factors to consider when you are experiencing a situation like Anna's. First, make sure there are no medical reasons for the improper urination or defecation. A complete check-up by your trusted veterinarian should eliminate any type of health problem such as a bladder infection, impacted anal glands, or any other issue. In Dali's case, some of her improper behavior is stemming from a surprising source. The humans in her life.

Let me explain.

Knowing only her name and age, I connected with Dali and right away she said, "This is not about my mom, this is about me, it's all about me." Dali was showing me her stubborn side right from the start. I asked Dali to tell me more about why she does her business inside the house and she quickly rattled off a number of reasons, "It's a respect thing, the grass is too long out there, it's messier than going inside."

I let her keep talking about it and I could tell I was finally getting to the root of the problem when Dali said, "There are some issues going on in the house and I feel like I have no control over them." Then Dali proceeded to mention some 'changes in the household'.

Dali's frustrated mom, Anna explained to me in an email after the session that Dali is a stubborn and particular little girl indeed! Anna said that she and her boyfriend have recently added a new foster dog to the household which would explain the changes in the household Dali mentioned. Dali sees herself as the top dog or alpha dog of the house. They are looking for a new home for their foster dog but in the meantime this behavior is upsetting everyone in the household.

When I asked Dali to tell me more she said, "I like to have things my way," which certainly makes it a bit tougher for Anna. I finally hit the source with Dali when she told me that mom, "Makes a big deal about it when she does this in the house and it makes her feel special getting all this attention."

"She gets a HUGE response when she does this inside," Anna reports. "I put her in her crate...which she loves." Anna said.

They have also tried to give the dogs positive reinforcement for going outside and Anna says that Dali will sometimes "freeze in place" in the house and make a mess right there, or at times "hold it while she is outside".

Very stubborn indeed!

Here is what I recommend for Anna and Dali:

1. Keep your emotions neutral when confronting an accident in the house. Yelling or scolding is often the first thing we do. This can have the opposite effect you are looking for. Even a negative response, like anger, will come across to some animals as attention. They don't care that it's negative attention, they just like the attention.

2. Remove the animal from the soiled area before cleaning it up.

3. Never rub an animal's nose or face in the soiled spot. This actually creates more confusion with the animal and they find it very upsetting. They don't relate it to the act. They just know that you are upset and they don't understand why you would do that.

4. Review your schedule and your animal's physical needs. Are you taking them outside often enough? A Great Dane will be able to hold it longer than a toy poodle. Make sure you are taking them for timely breaks outside.

5. Try to stand outside with them while they do their thing. Praise, praise, praise them for good behavior!

6. Be careful of rewarding the naughty behavior. Saying an animal's name when you find an accident, for example, is a sign of attention and affection to animals. Or another example is putting Dali in her crate as a form of punishment. This won't work if she likes being in her crate. Positive reinforcement is always a better option than any type of punishment.

7. Make it fun to go potty outside! Make it something they look forward to. Make sure all the other humans in the house are doing the same positive rewards.

8. Be consistent. Be patient. Above all, it comes down to us. It may not fit your schedule right now but it will make your life easier in the long run.

9. Socializing the two animals (even if fostering) will decrease the anxiety in the household. Walking both dogs together will allow them to travel together as a pack. They will be more likely to get along with each other when they learn to walk side by side.

Most behavior problems like Dali's can be improved and corrected. Animals are creatures of habit. It is best to start them off right by spending extra time with them and developing good, proper habits.

Remember, they don't do these things out of spite or to anger us, they do it because they can and it is up to us to alter or change our own behaviors or patterns before they will change theirs. Good luck Anna! Please let us know how things are going.

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Selected Question - Roxanne J. of Florida asks.... Stormy (1 1/2 year old female rabbit) disappeared from our bunny garden which has kept many rabbits safe for approximately 5 years. Can you tell me what happened to her? She was really sweet, and I fear something got to her. Send her my love and tell her I miss her.

Answer - Locating a lost animal is a difficult endeavor in the best of cases. Most lost animals are found from fliers and lots of footwork by their humans. With a lost bunny, there are many obstacles stacked against the search. Their natural instinct to hide makes it very hard to find them. In this case, Stormy assured me she is alive and well.

I contacted Stormy and her energy immediately came through. Knowing only the information Roxanne provided above, I heard a very scary scenario from Stormy. Something did get to Stormy on the night she disappeared but she was able to get away from it. The images she gave me were very blurry and unclear and I felt as though I was being lifted up. Stormy also said that she blocked a lot of what happened out of her mind as it was just too much for her to deal with. I always honor and respect the animal's wishes so I let her continue to talk about other things. She said she has been 'found' and talks about a very comfortable home. She showed me humans but they looked more like children than adults. Stormy says she has a 'very nice lodge' and that there is a master bunny there that kind of runs things.

Stormy insists she is still in her physical body and still on this earth. In fact, when I asked, "Are you sure you are still in your body?"

She answered, "Yes, I'm sure!"

She continued to show me a low meadow or a place that opens up below a field or a park, some kind of open space. She talks about it being 'tempered weather' so I had to assume she lives in a moderate climate.

Stormy also described a place where 'people run out of gas' not too far from her and she also provided me with a military reference. Stormy came through as a very bright girl. Stormy sends lots of love to her mom and when I told Stormy her mom misses her she said, "I'll never forget her, send my love bak to her and tell her she will always be my best mom."

Feedback from Roxanne: The bunny garden is enclosed with a privacy fence and hardware cloth, the trees provide cover but sometimes the leaves fall and they are exposed. With very few predators in our Florida neighborhood, the dog and cat patrol the yard. There is a park about a quarter of a mile from a gas station so that might be the 'running out of gas' clue. The military reference is still a mystery so I will check out the street names, etc and get back with you. Roxanne

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Selected Question - Mary Jane C. of Deptford, NJ asks.... Does Chloe like being a therapy dog and if so does she need more rest when she gets home? (Chloe - 3 yr old female border collie mix)

Answer - I connected with Chloe and here is what she said:

“Tell my mom I love, love, love her!” Chloe announced! Her sweet, loving energy came bounding through to me, happy and glowing! Chloe tells me she is very excited about her job as a therapy dog. However sometimes she feels overwhelmed because she wants to give everyone a part of herself then there’s nothing left when she gets home.

“Rest will be good its as if I can’t turn it off, I can’t stop thinking about them, I can’t stop hurting for others.” She explained.

Chloe was very insistent that she continue her important work asking, “ could I please do more?”

I felt Chloe’s energy and she appeared very sensitive, taking a lot upon herself. I told Chloe that she needs to be sure to take care of herself and to take time to rest and just be a normal dog. I reminded her that she is only working when she has her therapy ‘uniform’ on and that she does not have to bring worries home with her.

Chloe was still so excited about her work she asked if she could ‘go to doggie college and continue her education’! Doggie college!? How cute!

As I was finishing my conversation with Chloe she showed me a human tooth, making me feel like there was something wrong with it. I would have to ask Chloe’s mom about this later.

After this session, Mary Jane, Chloe’s mom shared with me that Chloe is a rescue dog, and both of them have had extensive training for their work in therapy dog training. Chloe has passed all of her tests and now awaits her new therapy dog schedule.

In the meantime, Chloe visits elderly neighbors and family members bringing much needed joy and laughter to everyone she meets.

Chloe has also suffered from an intestinal problem and Mary Jane needs to make sure Chloe gets the rest she needs as it will be Chloe’s tendency to do too much.

Mary Jane said she is currently going to workshops to continue her own education and Chloe has to stay behind. When Mary Jane returns she finds her things moved around and out of place! Chloe is telling her she wants to go too (to doggie college) and continue her education!

And about the tooth, Mary Jane recently broke her own tooth and had to see her dentist to repair it! Oh the things our animals know!

Thank you Mary Jane for sharing your beautiful girl Chloe with us! She is truly a joy!

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Selected Question - Kathleen S. of Helena, MT asks.... My 16 year old Anglo-Arab (half Arabian and half Thoroughbred) gelding, Mojo has developed a new physical problem that has two vets here stumped. His problem and/or only symptom is that he itches all over his body.

It started a couple of months ago, mainly around and under his tail. I got that stopped with medicated powder. But since then I see him rubbing himself all over, neck, back, sides of his belly, constantly biting at himself for relief. (Even in December! No bumps, flakes, welts or other skin eruptions are visible)

The first vet suggested I worm him, which I do every 3 months. He seemed a little better for a few days but returned to biting himself and rubbing on anything standing. You can put your hand on him anywhere and he will lean into you for a scratch.

My other three horses are fine and are not affected with this symptom/problem. A month ago one vet said to add a cup of veg/corn oil to his grain. Another vet said I needed to brush him out better after we ride. Which I will do of course, but we haven't been able to ride for a month, due to the weather. The only change in his life/diet is we did get a couple of tons of hay from a different grower but I haven't fed that hay for three weeks now and no real change. He is uncomfortable and I want to help him.

Answer - There are times when the animals can describe their symptoms to me or show me where they feel pain or discomfort but they are unable to ‘prescribe’ the best remedy for their illness or injury.

It is in cases like these that I call upon ‘Higher Sources’ for information. These ‘Higher Sources’ are my Angels and Spirit Guides, some of which are actual medical doctors, veterinarians and experts on the Other Side, who come forward with their support, advise and expertise. This information can be invaluable especially in a case like Mojo’s where two veterinarians were baffled as to what to do with Mojo.

When I checked in with Mojo he immediately told me he was “hurting all over” …“the discomfort is building,” he said, not a painful feeling but very uncomfortable for him. Mojo told me that this “came to me in pieces,“ so this didn’t all happen to him at once.

Mojo sent me the level of discomfort and it was very unpleasant. My entire face neck and back started to itch as I spoke to him. I immediately asked healing Angels to surround him to give him some relief. I called upon my Angels and Spirit Guides to help with Mojo’s condition. They told me about some kind of sugar and balm, and that he needs something steeped, like a hot tea bag.

My Angels informed me that this has to take time to go thru his system, but you need to cleanse the liver and kidneys, they are imbalanced right now and that his immune system has an imbalance.

They also told me that he needs some kind of root to be steeped, like golden hair, golden root, golden seal, something like this, and he needs it steeped like hot tea and put on his food, no grains, to improve his immune system.

I work closely with many different holistic experts including naturopaths, homeopaths and holistic veterinarians as well as my trusted DVM, and often call upon them for their insight and experience.

The herbal expert I work with had just the blend for Mojo. Together we quickly determined the herbal remedy that Mojo’s overloaded system needed, which contains Golden Seal and a liver/kidney detoxification blend that is steeped like a tea and poured over the feed. (Like an equine senior or pellet)

As with many immune system imbalances, these conditions take time to work their way through the body. Have patience and allow these gentle, natural methods to take affect. Mojo should be feeling better soon!

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Selected Question - Brenda S. of Spokane, WA asks.... We "lost" our shepherd mix awhile back (who passed away) after 16 years and have now decided we are ready to welcome a new member into our family. I have been walking a special dog, "Jake", at the Humane Society where I volunteer, for about 9 months. He has been there for nearly a year. I am afraid, due to his age and not being so cute (ok, people say he's an ugly dog), that he may not be adopted. We would love to adopt him. I am concerned about how Evo (6 yr old, male Husky mix) feels about this dog.

Jake       Evo
They have met. There was no fighting or bad behavior, but Evo seemed aloof, maybe a little afraid. I feel my first commitment is to Evo and don't want to do anything to stress him or get him hurt. I would like to be sure that adopting Jake would be in everyone's best interest. I know Jake would love a home, we would love to have him, but Evo needs a voice, too. We will continue to "borrow" Jake for outings until the end of the year, when we feel we have time to be home everyday and supervise the new relationship. I would like to ask Evo if Jake could happily become part of our family.

Answer - Introducing a new dog to your home brings up some very important factors. While it’s exciting to bring a new animal companion into our home, the existing animals may not like the idea of a ‘new addition’. Some animals prefer to be the only dog or only cat. Each animal is different. When I checked in with Evo and asked him how he feels about Jake coming to live with all of you, Evo was quite honest and open with me and said that as long as it doesn't take you or the time you spend with him away, that he is ok with it. Evo was very clear on telling me that he is the top dog and this is his home, his yard and his family and that as long as Jake doesn't challenge that things will be ok. This is why it will be important for you to show Evo and Jake that you are in charge. The most important factor to remember is that your nervousness or anxiety will affect how Evo and Jake react to each other. They can pick up on your emotions and feelings very easily. Be confident in your own mind that Jake will fit nicely into your family setting. Imagine Evo and Jake getting along and becoming pack-members. You should also be the ‘Top Dog’ and set the rules from the beginning. Then stick to them! Always be their pack leader. This can be done very effectively with your attitude and energy. Dogs communicate with their body language and eye contact. Taking a leadership role with your head up, shoulders back and a calm, assertive energy will let them know you mean business. With you in charge, the transition should be smooth. Many times we make the mistake of thinking, “They aren’t going to get along………… what if they fight………… what do I do?” These types of nervous thoughts will make the dogs feel uneasy, insecure and most likely do exactly what you don’t want them to do. Staying calm, confident and relaxed will help the transition progress smoothly. I also checked in with Jake and he told me that he is ok with the move just that he has a few 'stubborn spots' in his personality that need to be kept in check. He also said that he needs a lot of exercise and challenges and doesn't want to be idle...he says he needs lots to do mom, lots to do! I also recommend walking both of the dogs together on a regular basis. This helps build mutual respect and is great exercise for all of you! Thank you Brenda for adopting Jake and volunteering at the humane society, you set a great example for the rest of us! Oh and by the way Brenda, I happen to think Jake is a very handsome dog!

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Selected Question - Justin D. of Pasadena, CA asks.... My 8 year old female lab mix, Coco just died suddenly from a ruptured spleen. It was too late to do surgery as her entire abdomen was swollen from internal bleeding.... can you please ask her if there was something I could have done to prevent this from happening, I feel awful, full of guilt. I love her so much and just can't bear the pain.

Answer - Justin, losing a beloved animal friend is one of the most difficult and sorrowful times we can experience. My deepest sympathies to you for your loss. When I connected with Coco she told me that she was doing just fine in the Spirit World and had reunited with your other animal companions, Jessie and Moose, who were waiting for her as she crossed over. Coco said that although her time with you in this lifetime was somewhat brief, she was filled with love for you and focused on the special times you shared. She showed me a big park with a lake that you would take her to and how much fun she had here....she thanks you for all of those moments and wanted me to talk about her 'slobbery kisses'. Coco said her time with you was complete and that she needed to continue her journey into the Spirit World. Coco told me that it was her time to go, she has no regrets and doesn't want you to have any either. She said not to worry, she will eventually come back to you, and you will know her by her 'slobbery kisses'.

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Selected Question - Donna L of Bellingham, WA asks... My 2 yr old female cat, Sabrina has suddenly stopped using her litter box, can you find out why? The vet can't find any medical issues.

Answer - Checking with a trusted veterinarian is always recommended to rule out any medical issues Sabrina may be experiencing. When I contacted Sabrina, she told me that there have been many changes going on in your household lately, including a schedule change with your work. She feels frustrated by the new routine and doesn't know how else to tell you. She also advised me that your other cat, a male, is bothering her during litter box use. Setting up an extra box will help alleviate future problems and providing your male cat with some other distractions will take his focus off of Sabrina.

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Selected Question - Emily B. of Henderson, NV asks... Our 9 yr old male, Maltese, Sherman has recently nipped at visitors to our home and is displaying an anxious behavior. He has always been a little shy but now we are worried about his nipping turning into something worse, can you help?

Answer - Emily, when I contacted Sherman he came through very nervous and stressed out. I asked him about his anxious behavior and he told me he can't see very well and this is making him feel uncomfortable. His way of dealing with it is to put up an aggressive front and then flee for cover and then he showed me how you and family members immediately pick him up to remove him from the situation. To Sherman, picking him up is a sign of affection and affirmation so he continues his behavior. To correct this, make sure he isn't approached too quickly and immediately correct his behavior when he acts out, that means no affection...don't pick him up! When you see Sherman starting to get anxious, get his attention focused on you. You will accomplish two things, he won't accelerate to a higher stressed out level and you can show him with your energy how to be calm in any situation.