How Our Relationships with Animals Transform Us

Have you ever observed the natural connection between young children and animals? Infants, toddlers, and animals engage with the world similarly—through emotions, body language, intuition, and energetic expression rather than words. It's an innate quality that both children and animals possess, forming the foundation of their natural bond. These connections show us that we all have an inherent capacity to communicate beyond words, to share understanding and affection through the energy we emit and our emotions. This innate ability is the root of our connection.

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Lean In: Opening Your Heart In Challenging Times

Anticipatory grief is a profound and often misunderstood emotional experience that can arise when you're caring for an aging, ill, or newly diagnosed pet. This grief, which emerges before the actual loss, can be triggered by various milestones and events throughout your pets lifetime—such as birthdays, if they injure themselves, knowing someone who’s pet has passed or is on their end of life journey, the onset of a new illness, or the visible signs of aging.

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The Importance of Attunement in Building True Connections  

Mothering is an act of love and care that extends beyond the boundaries of giving birth. It is a relationship built on attunement and understanding between the caregiver and the receiver. Attunement is the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others, to respond with empathy and compassion, and to create a safe and secure space for them. When we look at nature, we can see the natural attunement between mother animals and their babies. Mother animals are attuned to their offspring's needs from birth, providing them warmth, nourishment, and protection. They respond to their babies' cries and movements, knowing what they need to feel safe and secure. This natural attunement is a reminder that we, too, are part of nature and that we have the innate ability to tune into the needs of others. 

It is a reminder that attunement is not just a human skill but a universal one we can learn from the natural world. Attunement is the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others, to respond with empathy and compassion, and to create a safe and secure space for them. As an animal communicator and end-of-life grief specialist, I have seen how attunement is crucial in building genuine connections with both humans and animals. It is essential in creating a bond that goes beyond words and actions, a connection that touches the heart and soul. Attunement becomes even more important in our pets' aging and senior years. It is a time when our pets need us the most, and we need to be there for them. Attunement allows us to understand their needs, provide comfort and support, and strengthen the bond between us.

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From Guilt to Growth: Unpacking Your Guilt

Why do some pet parents feel guilty about their pet's end-of-life (EOL) journey and loss? Pets are active members of your family, and you often have a profound sense of responsibility for them and the choices that you make for them. Sometimes, you feel you may have failed them in that depth of love and caring.

What influences the feelings of guilt? How your beloved pet's EOL journey went, medical care choices and the circumstances leading up to and around their death can all influence the level of guilt you may feel.

When caring for an ailing or aging pet, you may feel regret and guilt if you had any moments of anger, yelled, or felt frustrated with them in their final days. This is due to caregiver tiredness from all the extra assistance/care required, coupled with the high emotions of an EOL journey and the day of your pet’s transition.

Feelings of guilt are common and often present in the early days following their loss as you look back at the care you gave and question whether it was enough, the right thing to do.

In a decade of communicating with animals, I have come to a profound realization:

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The Art of Being Present: Enhancing Your Bond with Your Pet

In the realm of animal communication, where understanding and connection transcend spoken words, my journey took an unexpected turn. As an animal communicator, I've guided countless pet parents through the emotional labyrinth of responsible rehoming. Little did I know that one day, I'd find myself standing at the crossroads of this challenging decision, faced with the heart-wrenching choice to rehome my own cherished companion.

Soulstice, my dog of love and lessons. Our paths intertwined during the messiest chapter of my life—post-divorce, navigating the care and eventual loss of my mom. Soulstice came into my life when I faced my darkest corners of grief and loneliness. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.

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Love: The Language and Energy of the Heart

In the realm of animal communication, where understanding and connection transcend spoken words, my journey took an unexpected turn. As an animal communicator, I've guided countless pet parents through the emotional labyrinth of responsible rehoming. Little did I know that one day, I'd find myself standing at the crossroads of this challenging decision, faced with the heart-wrenching choice to rehome my own cherished companion.

Soulstice, my dog of love and lessons. Our paths intertwined during the messiest chapter of my life—post-divorce, navigating the care and eventual loss of my mom. Soulstice came into my life when I faced my darkest corners of grief and loneliness. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.

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Pet Loss & Grief, Animal Communication Tips Hana Mäkinen Pet Loss & Grief, Animal Communication Tips Hana Mäkinen

Soulful Crossroads: My Unanticipated Journey into Responsible Rehoming

In the realm of animal communication, where understanding and connection transcend spoken words, my journey took an unexpected turn. As an animal communicator, I've guided countless pet parents through the emotional labyrinth of responsible rehoming. Little did I know that one day, I'd find myself standing at the crossroads of this challenging decision, faced with the heart-wrenching choice to rehome my own cherished companion.

Soulstice, my dog of love and lessons. Our paths intertwined during the messiest chapter of my life—post-divorce, navigating the care and eventual loss of my mom. Soulstice came into my life when I faced my darkest corners of grief and loneliness. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.

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Pet Loss & Grief, Animal Communication Tips Hana Mäkinen Pet Loss & Grief, Animal Communication Tips Hana Mäkinen

Navigating Responsible Rehoming

Grief surrounding our bonds with pets transcends the final moments; it intertwines with life-altering events like injuries, diagnoses, and the challenging decision to rehome a beloved companion responsibly. In this blog, I aim to unravel the delicate layers of responsible rehoming, where guilt, shame, and grief often converge. This form of grief is often disenfranchised, as pet parents hide their pain, fearing societal judgment.

We all envision a lifetime commitment when we bring a pet into our lives. However, unforeseen circumstances and life challenges can lead to heart-wrenching decisions. As an animal communicator, I've witnessed the multifaceted nature of these choices and their impact on both pet parents and their animal companions.

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Preserving Precious Moments: Healing Through Captured Snapshots with Your Beloved Pet

In life, the importance of cherishing the present moment is immeasurable. It allows us to create enduring memories that leave an indelible mark on our hearts. These memories are like snapshots in time, capturing the essence of our joy and love for our cherished animal companions. These snapshots become invaluable medicine for our broken hearts when the inevitable day comes when our pets are no longer by our side.

Each precious moment we spend with our pets is filled with unique emotions, making it a treasure worth preserving. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words," and these words tell a powerful story. They narrate the beautiful journey of your bond with your animal, offering comfort and meaning, especially in times of loss.

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