Talk with your Animals

posted by Administrator on Nov 10

The Shih Tzu is one of the many pure breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which is a revered organization where purebred dogs can register and compete. Shih Tzu dogs have many defining characteristics that will be listed later in this article. The important thing to know is that the AKC only allows dogs that meet breed standards and have a pedigree or documented lineage to compete in standard dog shows. Substandard dogs, even if they are purebred, cannot compete.

Some Shih Tzu owners purposefully breed substandard Shih Tzu due to desire for a smaller version of the already “toy” dog. Miniature Shih Tzu, or Teacup Shih Tzu, do not meet the height and weight requirements of standard Shih Tzu. Though the American Kennel Club does not recognize Teacup Shih Tzu, they can compete through alternative organizations like the National Canine Association. Teacup Shih Tzu are also called Chinese Imperial Dogs.

The standard Shih Tzu (pronounced SHEET-sue) has specific characteristics (or breed standard characteristics) that are strengthened through inbreeding. The Shih Tzu also must meet specific criteria to compete with the American Kennel Club. Some of these characteristics and criteria include the weight of an adult dog must reach a minimum of nine pounds and cannot exceed sixteen pounds.

Later, they became the pets of Chinese emperors. Shih Tzu were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 and have won a record-breaking number of AKC competitions since that time. Though Teacup Shih Tzu dogs are smaller than breed standard, they are still referred to as Chinese Imperial Dogs due to their illustrious history.

Shih Tzu descended from other Chinese dog breeds, most likely the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, as much as 2,000 years ago. Shih Tzu means “lion dogs” and Shih Tzu were revered as holy dogs in China. Bred initially by Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu later became imperial dogs of various Chinese dynasties.

The Teacup Shih Tzu is referred to by many other names. Most often called the Chinese Imperial Dog (and registered as breed with the National Canine Association under this name), Teacup Shih Tzu are also called Toy or Toi Shih Tzu, Miniature Shih Tzu, Imperial Shih Tzu, and Pocket Puppies. Teacup Shih Tzu are smaller than standard Shih Tzu. They weigh only four to seven pounds as adults. Breeders use the smallest purebred Shih Tzu to create the tiny Teacups.

Teacup Shih Tzu are purebred and may have just as documented an ancestry as standard Shih Tzu. But because they are substandard in size, the American Kennel Club will not allow them to register for competition. The NCA has cleared this up by registering them as an entirely new breed.

Teacup Shih Tzu are purebred just like standard Shih Tzu. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club simply because they do not conform to the breed standard characteristics that are desirable in a Shih Tzu. Other organizations disagree and have registered the tiny Teacup Shih Tzu as the Chinese Imperial Dog.

posted by Administrator on Nov 8

Once you have decided to welcome a cat into your home, to be a member of your family, the next questions is where to get the cat from? Should you purchase a cat from a breeder? A pet store? (A reputable breeder is a much better and much safer choice than a pet store). Or maybe you should adopt a cat from a shelter, or from another family.

If your quest is to get a cat that you can show, a pedigree may be the best option, however, most organizations have a “household cat” category where you can show off your precious one.

Purchasing a cat from a breeder or pet store comes with some benefits. Many of these places offer guarantees and documentation which allows you to not submit your cat to shows and to use your cat for breeding purposes, but for some people it’s a matter of status.

Some cat owners swear by certain breeds with regards to a good temperament or healthy constitution, and the only way these folks can be guaranteed that they are getting exactly the breed of cat they want is by purchasing one that has accompanying documentation. For some people, this is the only way they would consider bringing a cat into their home.

Choosing to adopt a cat means that your options are wide open. An added advantage is also that cats waiting for a home will already have lived in one and information about their behavior will most likely be available.

Many of the cats at the shelter come witha full history. Important information as to how they deal with children or other pets, such as your dog. Adopting a cat in the shelter also mean you have given a precious feline another lease at a great life. With all the cats at shelters, millions of them are euthanized each year. Saving a cats life can be very gratifying.

There are many other ways to adopt a cat than shelters. Your local newspaper will have many ads about cats looking for a loving family. The reason someone has to give their cat away is many. Allergies is a common one, as is change in living conditions, the death of the cats owner, a divorce etc.

The advantage of adopting a cat from the shelter is that the cat will have had it’s health evaluated. Adopting a cat from a family mean you have no idea if there are underlying health problems.

The choice of whether to purchase a cat or instead adopt one is easy for some people, while other folks may struggle with the decision. If you aren’t sure with which route to explore, start at your local animal shelter and take a look at the cats there. Chances are you’ll find a great cat that will fit right into your family nicely, and as a bonus you can feel good knowing you’ve saved a life.

posted by Administrator on Nov 7

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Persian Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with spectacular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Originally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the “Domestic Shorthair,” came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

For many cat breeders, it’s not only the joy of the breed, but the need to share their chosen cat breed with others that keeps them showing cats.

posted by Administrator on Oct 5

The Pug, as a puppy or an adult, is known primarily for it’s large and outgoing personality. They also have a very unique appearance due to their flat and wrinkled face. While many choose Pug puppies because of their personality it is also important to consider other factors before deciding to add one to your household.

The Pug is an excellent family pet because they get along well with children. While the Pug will get along with other animals there is always the issue of jealousy so you should consider your other pets and breeds before adding a Pug to the household.

Pugs are good watchdogs but this also means that they will bark at anything that gets close to the house, so consider this when choosing the breed. Pugs also make an excellent option for those who live in small apartments or houses because of their small size. They don’t require a lot of space and yet they are playful.

The next thing you should consider with Pug puppies is the high level of maintenance that is required. The short coat of the Pug means you won’t have to worry about trimming any fur. However, regularly brushing and nail trims are necessary since they will shed a lot and their nails will grow fast. Their face will need to be cleaned more than other breeds due to the wrinkles on their face that make them unique. So if regular grooming is an issue you may want to consider another breed.

If you want a dog that will be around most of the time then the Pug is an excellent choice. Pugs are very human friendly and often attach themselves to one person. They may even start following that person from room to room. This means a Pug will also demand your attention if you ignore them for too long. At times this can become annoying because of their strong and outgoing personality.

Before adding Pug puppies to your household you need to make sure you can give them a steady and safe indoor environment. The Pug not only prefers to be near people, but they are also prone to a variety of health related issues when they are left outside or exposed to extreme heat, cold or the outdoors in general.

The Pug is also highly prone to allergies and colds as result of their wrinkled and flat face. Another issue is excessive weight gain, which is common with Pugs, so you will have to carefully monitor your dog’s food intake.

Before deciding if the Pug is a right breed for you and your household you should carefully think over all the pros and cons of having a Pug dog. Making sure you have the right dog can make all the difference between a positive and a negative match. Never choose a breed without doing the proper research first.

posted by Administrator on Sep 5

I found a whole load of good comments hidden away in the spam catcher on my site.  Oops.  Spam catchers are great, but a little “big brother” in nature, deciding what is valid and what is not.

Where can you read more postings of the animal spirit nature?  Lots of places!!  One site is Hummingbird Shaman, with many great stories.  Another is Special Place in My Heart, dedicated to our fine animal companions, with stories of some of the wild animal encounters as well.

Yesterday I did a little garden clean-up.  It saddens me that to have a “lawn” I have to cut back some of the other beneficial plants like the clover.  No wonder I never find the four-leaf clovers in my yard!  I’ve found about 60 of them in the past couple of months, all destined to be given to children (and adults) learning about and making medicine bags.  The look on their faces when they were given this special gift!  It’s a simple idea, but anything that raises our consciousness outside of our day-to-day challenges is a good thing.  We’ll be making dreamcatchers at the upcoming Healing Drum event, but will have kits for medicine bags for those who have not made one yet.  I’m already collecting more four-leaf clovers for those who want them.

So, there I am with the weed-eater, chopping away, and suddenly there is movement in the grasses.  There was a beautiful snake sunning himself on a slope, and I nearly hit him.  Snakes are amazing reminders to shed our past, and let go of those things that no longer fit.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, this last weekend we created about 100 medicine bags, and one person was kind enough to share a snake skin she had found.  One boy went bonkers over the idea of snake skin.  His timing was perfect to be there when this woman brought out the skin, and he was able to see the head and the length of the snake as well.  What a wonderful addition to the other items!

I stopped my work long enough to corral the live snake away from my trimming area.  The weeds in the yard don’t bother me, for I know that this is a friendly zone for the frogs and snakes (lucky for the frogs they are not there at the same time), and as I finish typing this posting I see the hummingbird on my lilac bush, grooming himself in the morning sun.

posted by Administrator on May 31

During a recent trip to the desert country of Eastern Oregon, I was thrilled to find that I was staying within viewing range of a roosting tree for a family of vultures.  Vultures have been known by many cultures as spiritual connections or divine communicators.  They remind us of grace in change, and to allow our transitions in life.  They are an unusual totem spirit indeed!

Each evening I watched these large birds glide toward their tree.  At times they seemed to float without movement.  This made my photo session much easier, for with the delay between ‘click to capture’ in my older digital camera, it was sometimes futile photographing any moving target.

One bird drifted to and fro, in an apparent dance to entertain the watchers standing below.  We shared our gratitude with the entire crew, and returned to our porch roost.

posted by Administrator on May 27

One June weekend, many years ago, I was invited to a family campout with a friend and his extended family.  We packed up my little saturn wagon with our camp gear and took to the road.  Unfortunately the camping site did not offer much entertainment for the boys, so we decided to venture to the lake.

It was maybe a 20 minute drive, and when we arrived we found an unfriendly beach loaded with jet-skiers. This was not a good place for the boys to swim.  I remembered seeing a sign for a waterfall half way back toward the camping area, so we decided to follow this lead.  We turned at the sign for the waterfall.  This road continued on, and on.  Six miles later we were still enroute on a heavily wooded road with no sign of houses.  Then I noticed two puppies on the side of the road, and slowed.  “Don’t stop”. my friend commented.  We continued on to the end of the road.  The dirt access road was closed, with no indication of how far a walk it would be to the falls.  We decided to skip the falls, and turned back.  I slowed as we neared the puppies, still waiting on the side of the road.  Then I stopped, glanced at my friend, and opened the car door.

One puppy came up to me quickly, happy for the company. The other would not approach.  We checked the dogs for collars, they could not have been older than a few months.  There were no houses anywhere in the area.  Then a car approached and slowed.  “You okay?”, the driver asked.  He thought we had car trouble.  “No, we found these dogs out here”, I replied.  “This isn’t the usual dumping place”, he said, and continued on his way.  We picked up the one dog, with little room for the other.  We brought the one puppy back to our camp, and then two of us returned to find the other dog.  He was no longer there.  We assumed the driver we saw earlier had returned and brought him home.

So here I am, with a puppy on a make-shift leash.  She made the rounds at dinner time, cheerfully visiting each plate, oh, I mean each person.   I offered the group a few ideas for a name, and everyone agreed on one of them: Shadow.  Her beautiful black coat was soft and wavy.  The little white patches gave a good contract.  Then reality knocked on my door: where would we keep her tonight?

An offer came from my friends mom, offering the back of their truck with a closing canopy.  “There’s nothing back there, so she can’t do any damage”.  Great!  “No”, my son said, “I’m not letting her sleep alone”.  He gathered his sleeping bag and the two retired to their sleeping space.

Early the next morning, just past sunrise, the owner of the vehicle peaked in on the pair.  The puppy acted distant, growling at the intrusion.  Then my son woke up, and the puppy did a turn-around, becoming social and happy again.  Even at this early age she was responsive to her duties as a herding animal.  She was protecting her family, and not even 12 hours had passed since joining our clan.   To be continued…

Visit SpecialPlaceInMyHeart for intuitive animal sessions.

posted by Administrator on May 23

Relationships are amazingly complex and interactively exciting, all at the same time. I recently provided a reading session for a woman with four whippets. This family started with one dog, a female, and were so pleased with the results they adopted another. Then the fun really began when the second dog had pups. We all know, life changes when there are puppies in the house!

Nowadays most of the puppies have been sent away to new homes, with two puppies, one male and one female, remaining. Things have changed, though. The eldest dog is distant, and wanders now when they go to the off leash park. At home she isolates herself for hours at a time. This worries her owner, and a session was scheduled to find if the real issue could be found.

During the session I looked at how each dog serves the group. In addition we looked at the roles each was trying to perform, and brought in a few modifications to help build a more harmonic relationship between everyone. “Talk with your Animals” came was a strong message in this reading session.

Here’s what was shared with me in the weeks after the session:

“Estee assisted me and my pack of dogs (2 adults and 2 puppies) to have a breakthrough in understanding with more harmony in the pack after the intervention. I was able to see each dog in a new light and modify my behavior as well. My oldest and dearest dog and I were able to have a heart to heart after that really helped both of us break though an emotional stuck-point.”

That “heart to heart” can really make a difference. In my own interaction with my oldest dog, Shadow, we have special times for bonding and renewing our relationship. This is no different than one-to-one time between two people. Shadow had been abandoned as a puppy, and has always been a little over confident yet needy at the same time. A little reassurance of her role in the family as well as her responsibilities helps in her ability to accept change within the household.

Estee Taschereau is an intuitive counselor for both animals and their human’s. Topic-related sessions can focus on career, relationships, life roles, interactivity, personal growth and professional presence. Sessions are available in-person or by phone.

posted by Administrator on May 22

Tucker is a 20 year old quarter horse with a great history of competitive show and a symphony of connectivity with his owner.  This is truly a love story, and a message of what love can accomplish.

I met these wonderful people one winter day when a friend introduced us by bringing me to their house for a session with Tucker.  What I understood of his situation was an injury to his leg that was not improving, and the prognosis was poor.  I spent about an hour with this wonderful horse, sharing my perceptions and intuitive images with his owner.  When I described what I saw within his leg his owner was amazed, for I had described the surgery with great detail.

I moved on to their relationship, and the synergy between horse and rider.  This reading helped me to understand how important it is to stay focused on a dream, or in this case the routines these two had so many times performed together.  This image was one of grace, love, and harmony.  What a wonderful gift to me, to have the opportunity to see such a harmonious relationship.

What surprised me later in the reading is the draw toward Tucker’s hooves.  There was something wrong, I said, and his owner confirmed that he had a little problem, and he would pack dirt within this hoof.  I told her of cleaning his hoof more often, and using some cleansing treatment to help clear up the irritation so we would stop trying to scratch it.  Over the next few months Tucker’s leg improved, and his owner is able to ride him again.

Since this reading we’ve even talked about his hoof care schedule.  This beautiful horse likes his hooves trimmed a little sooner than the typical schedule.  Given all this information, and a compassionate reiki healing session or two, Tucker’s poor prognosis made as skillful a turn as this champion had made in so many of his earlier competitions.

Owner’s Note: Tucker is a AQHYA 2001 Reserve World Champion in Working Cow Horse.   His registered name is Hollies Tucker Bar.

Estee Taschereau is an intuitive counselor for both animals and their human’s. Topic-related sessions can focus on career, relationships, life roles, interactivity, personal growth and professional presence. Sessions are available in-person or by phone.