Jodie’s dog Storm (now Lucky)
When Jodie approached me, she had tried everything she could think of to help her fear aggressive dog Storm (now Lucky) but nothing really seemed to help Storm. As I write this Jodie and Lucky has so far had 3 sessions of shamanic journeying which included intensive healing work and animal communication. Below you can read a few excerpts from the healing journeys and the response Jodie (and Lucky) had to them (shared with permission from Jodie). They experienced some very positive results, and Jodie now has hope for a future for her and Lucky together. I want to underline that it is not just the journeys that helped them but also Jodie’s great love for Lucky combined with an openness and determination to do whatever it takes, including healing work on herself.
When Jodie first contacted me, she said:
“I have a fear aggressive dog. I have not been able to help him, I am working on me. He has attacked 6 times and he seems to want to go after men, women who come into our home, or if I bring him to try to meet someone at another home? I was told by trainers (seen so many, tried YL oils, Reiki, Herbs) Storm resource guards me. Also due to past rescue from Indian Reservation, Storm hates all dogs. I have gone from unconditional love to e collars and back to strong love? I am at a loss as how to continue. I can not make Storm live like this. Can you help us please? Love and light.”
And Jodie goes on to explain some more about Storm’s story:
Storm (now Lucky) as a puppy
“Storm is a rescue from an Indian Reservation outside of Calgary, Alberta Canada. One story says he was born by a lake, feral dogs came in and killed mom and some litter. He and survived with a couple of others. I did not know this until I started having aggression and fear issues with him. It took me just over 2 years to get him to drink from a lake. He was terrified of water. I have done a DNA test on him, came back great pyrenees, dalmatian and borsia? Called them back and they said yes there are Great pyrenees on the land. No Dalmatians or the other russian breed. Perhaps wolf or coyote mixed in? Lived on a mountain with very few people around. Storm had never been socialized properly. Any Storm saw he did not like. On our walks when he was under the age of 2 he was allowed to run free. On day we encountered a small group of ladies walking their dogs off leash. He went after one dog and had in pinned by the throat. I had not let him run off leash again. He started puppy school at 6 months and he ran under a chair after he sprayed and would not come out. He was dragged out finally and we went home. Next time he had to be carried inside and he stood like a statute. He continued to do many training courses. He would never play with any other dog. If one came near he would be so fast and snap at them. I was told by several trainers we were not welcome to continue on. I have gone as far as California to get him seen by Caesar’s people. I found out he would shut down by the dominance and as soon as we were in the car going back to the hotel he would explode. In the car he sees someone looking at him he will explode, scratching the car, growling trying to get at them. Storm knows all commands and will listen to me. But given a distraction of a person, dog he does what he wants. Storm was mothered by Katie, my beautiful rescue mix. She did a good job taking care of him and trying to teach him. One time a friend (male) came over and he was walking toward me, Storm went to bite my friend, Katie at her senior years came out of no where and took Storm down by the neck. That was great, he left my friend alone after this. Katie passed at 14. Rest her beautiful soul. She is with Shade my soul dog. If you see him send them especially Shade my heart. I Loved Shade beyond words. I have never been the same since I helped him at 12.5 transcend. He had a growth and he told me no more surgery. He had many over the years. So I honoured his request. He kissed me goodbye as the vet did his job and I held him for a while. That was almost 7 years ago. I feel it like it just happened. Also in the home was Nic a rescue from the Vet’s a samode. They started fighting after Storm turned 2. (All dogs are neutered and spayed) Had 4 horrible fights. Then it calmed down. Storm was pack leader to me and Nic. I failed Storm terrible. I tried but I must have done something so wrong to have him this way. With me he is an angel, so loving and calm. When he sees, hears other dogs kids, people he wants to go after them. He has gotten much better. I still can not have him with anyone else in the home. He must be in a crate? I muzzle him for walks as well. It has come to this after the unprovoked bites. Yes I am afraid for us, I fear that I do not trust him now if someone were to come over. I try not to let this come through. It seems to matter not he still goes after people in the home. The last trainer was able after the second visit and lots of treats to pet him. I know long walks and treat help bond Storm to people. But with out Katie he seems to be lost? I have really tried everything I can think of. I am working on healing myself, positive no fear thoughts when around people. I am in control of Storm. Still things happen.”
The healing begins
The two first journeys I did consisted of some deep healing work, and below is a very small excerpt of the first shamanic journey. Here we are on our way to meet Storm. [Shade and Katie are Jodie’s angel dogs]
….
Katie (left) and Shade (right)
We stand by the sea on the beach. I see a dog approaching. “Shade” flashes through my mind. He smiles – calm and confident. “I’m here to guide you to Katie and Storm. Come with me.”
M: “How do we get to Katie?”
A ray or bridge of light and colors appear – a beautiful rainbow; and Shade leads us up that rainbow.
He says, “The rainbow represents a harmonizing and a healing. As all the chakras have colors, so does walking this rainbow help harmonize the colors – the energy – within.”
“Then I better come too”, I hear Jodie saying as she comes running up the rainbow to us, “because I can probably use some healing too. I’m aware that it’s not just about healing Storm – I’m part of the equation too, so to speak.”
As we come up to the top of the rainbow, Katie is standing waiting for us. Jodie and Katie greet each other warmly, and Shade goes and stands by Jodie. She puts a hand on him and smiles while a tear rolls down her cheek. “I missed you, my friend.”
“I’m right here”, he says. “We’re all here for you.”….
(Later in the journey we meet up with Storm’s family that he lost in a tragic way when he was small:)
…Then the sky opens and his family comes out and approach him. “We’re okay now, my dear”, his mother says. “We’re at peace in the light. It’s your time now to heal your little heart and live the life in peace and joy you were meant to – and that you have an opportunity to do. Do it for our sake – and your own. Let go of your fear and embrace the love you have been given so abundantly by Jodie. You’re the lucky one. Live and love and we’ll rejoice as we watch you from the beyond. Fear no more and take back the trust you once had.”…..
Synchronicities after the first healing journey:
A couple of interesting synchronicities occurred on the day I did this journey. I did the journey before lunch on Sunday, and a couple of hours later my husband and I went for a walk by a lake and saw four dogs; two of them came running happily in our direction. (We don’t often go there, and don’t usually see so many dogs when we’re there). Later in the day I saw a rainbow mentioned in the paper (“Over the rainbow” it said – it was a program about Judy Garland). Just thought I’d mention it… These synchronicities are significant and give a feeling of corroboration.
The second journey involves healing work too, and towards the end of this journey my power animal says to Jodie and Storm:
“Don’t give up hope. With enough healing and support you can both pull through. Storm is like someone who has been traumatized and keeps returning to the traumatic events, getting stuck in the place of suffering. As he gets support to learn to step out of that place, he’ll see he’s no longer in that place physically and that he doesn’t need to stay there emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s a process, though, so he might need continuous support on his way to healing.”
Jodie’s response after the first two journeys:
“Marianne, I was bawling while I tried to read about your magnificent journey. When you saw Shade I lost it. Katie was never very cuddle. She is so proud and a caretaker. I loved her deeply as well. I re read and I can tell you yesterday Storm was exceptionally well behaved. I had a man commented to me while I was walking him. Normally I would not stop to chat (man was a safe distance from us). I was so happy with Storm’s behaviour. Today started off with a bit more alertness and running outside to bark and the front door to bark, he even growled, which I do not hear from him. He is like a stealth, very quiet and then bang. I sense he is more guarded today. Yesterday was a blessed day for us both. Thank you from every part of me. You are a brave woman and I respect you. I know you did a lot for us and I am so grateful, as you said and I feel the same it is not complete. Would Storm tell you his name? I tried to ask, I get nothing from him. This is the 3rd time it has been suggested. I am open to a new name but have be unsuccessful in finding one that Storm will respond to or show that it makes a difference? Can you help with this. I love what you have done. I am so very glad you saw my Shade and Katie. If I saw them I would have never left them I would stay. I have been so blessed with my dogs and I am very blessed to have connected with you. Thank you, thank you. I am in gratitude and appreciate your vision. Angel hugs, Jodie”
Lucky
The question whether his current name Storm was the right one popped into my mind during the journeys, and as Jodie mentioned above she hasn’t been able to find the “right” name. So I did a third journey to find out what Storm thought about his name and if there’s another name he would prefer to be called. I’ll share the full journey about the name below:
As I start the grounding the roots grow out quickly and easily, deep down in the ground, making a huge network of roots in the soil. I feel how I pull up strength and nourishment from the earth and how I grow to become a tall tree with a big crown. I focus on my heart and a door opens – my power animal comes out. He shows me one of the small funny-shaped ‘fruits’ (‘beechnuts’), so I know it’s a beech tree.
He says: “To announce and represent new life and a new beginning. Spring.”
I step out of the tree and see Storm come galloping towards me. He and Jodie come out from behind some birch trees. He runs to me, smiles to me, and wants to be petted. I touch his head. “It’s good to see you. You look great – and you seem happy.”
Storm says: “I am happy. I realized how lucky I am – like Katie said the other day – so I’ve decided I’d like to be called Lucky – as a reminder to myself and to the world. It’s also a way for me to show my gratitude to all who has been there for me, helped me and never given up on me. I’m the lucky one.”
He turns his head to look at Jodie. She seems to contemplate the word a little, then she says tentatively: “Lucky”. As a response he goes to her and lovingly rubs his head against her, showing her deep affection.
“I’m lucky too”, she says, “lucky to have you in my life. Whatever names we choose, we both know that our souls are connected.”
It’s time for them to leave and as they walk off I see a deer peeking out from behind a tree, watching them as they go. They turn and wave to me. I wave back to them. “Let me know how it goes with your new name, Lucky.” I feel his heart jumping in his chest as he hears his name. It comes with a new-found lightness and joy – spring is truly here.
Responses from Jodie after the third journey for Lucky:
Lucky
Marianne, “Lucky” is such a lovely name for my beloved boy. We are really both very lucky. Survived a lot the both of us. I had lost Lucky (Storm) in another sense of the word. Fearing for his life. Now, we can be alive and experience this bond together I really can not thank you enough for the great help you have been for us both. I love you, respect your work. You truly make me believe that all is possible and never give up.
… I will call on you again, I am sure with Lucky or another pet. We both adore you and so very glad to have crossed paths in this world.
… Wow my Lucky had a lot of pent up energy. Just in from our bike/walk. He ran faster than ever.
Jodie and Lucky continue their healing journey, and Jodie now has hope for a future together with her beloved Lucky.
Wow this is amazing very touching