As animal lovers we want to help every animal in need that shows up in our lives, but sadly, we are not always able to. This can be difficult to get to terms with when we see an animal that desperately needs help and we are willing, but unable to do so.
In the society in which we live there are many written and unwritten rules, and there are time limitations, economic restrictions, as well as practical considerations. But even during those times when you want to help an animal in need, but are unable to, there is still something you can do to help the desperate animal who shows up in your life. You can make a difference on another level. As you probably know by now, everything is connected to everything else and what you do on a spiritual level has an effect on other aspects of a situation and effects your own life.
One recent example is a skinny gray cat that I happened to see outside the window one day. The gray cat was too scared to let anyone close, and he was soon chased away by one of our own cats who sees it as his job to protect his territory and chase away ‘intruder’ cats.
Afterwards, I was very concerned for the gray cat because he was obviously starving and in bad shape. But everything happened so quickly and there was not time to take steps to help him. So I did what I usually do in cases like this: I did a shamanic journey to ask for help for the cat and ask that he may be guided to someone who could help him. Unless he returned, there was nothing more I could do for him on a physical level, but on a spiritual level there was a lot I could do. The following is what happened when I journeyed for the starving gray cat:
As I start the journey, I find myself in a beautiful meadow with my power animal (spirit helper). He leads me across the meadow to the edge of a forest. In the shadows under some trees the gray cat is huddled up, looking scared and thin.
My spirit helper approaches and says with his softest voice: “Greetings and blessings, my dear friend. We are here to help you in your need. Reach out a paw to us and we shall lead you to a lighter place and provide you with food and water.”
The cat looks at my spirit helper for a moment and at me, and then he slowly and cautiously gets up and walks towards us. A tear rolls down my cheek as I see this poor kitty so close to starving to death. I squat down and the kitty walks over to me: “I’m so tired – please help”, I hear him say with a faint voice, as he collapses. I take him up in my arms and carry him out in the light in the meadow to the place my spirit helper has arranged for us. Food, water, soft blanket – everything is there. I put the cat down on the blanket and we start to slowly feed him and give him water. As he gets started, he eats more energetically and drinks too. He then looks up at us with gratitude in his eyes and says: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Then my cat Pittiput shows up. Pittiput is my precious orange cat, the Healing Pet Loss mascot, who is now deceased. He occasionally shows up in journeys to assist. He comes and just sits there, watching the grey cat and gently says: “Are you ready?” His eyes are smiling. The grey cat looks at me. I nod, explaining that Pittiput is my dearest friend, now in spirit, and if anyone can be trusted, it’s him. The grey cat nods, goes to Pittiput who greets him warmly, licking him on the head. Then they go off together. Pittiput turns around and looks at me, and the grey cat too. I wave and smile: “Be safe and happy.” I say.
Pittiput, Healing Pet Loss mascot.
“We will”, Pittiput says. “He’s in good hands now.”
I hear Pittiput saying to the gray cat as they walk off: “I will show you the magical pond. Come this way.” And then they disappear in the direction of the pond.
I ask my spirit helper: “Is he going to live or die?”
He says: “Don’t worry. He is being taken care of now. You continue to do what you do, and trust.”
I thank my spirit helper and Pittiput and end the journey.
Doing a journey or asking for help for someone like this is also an exercise in practicing faith, because most often we do not know what will happen after we have asked for help. That is where we can practice not only trust in our spirit helpers and the universe, but also learning to do something without any attachment to a specific outcome – we hold on only to our intention for the highest good for everyone involved. Our natural inclination is to want to see a result, but sometimes we need to let go of that need for seeing a result and just have faith. Simply by asking for help and the best possible outcome, and then letting go.
What you can do
Even if you do not do shamanic journeying you can still send out your heartfelt intention for the animal to receive whatever help they need. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can imagine or envision the animal in need meeting a compassionate person who will take care of the animal. Or, you can simply send out your prayer or request for help to the universe on behalf of the animal in need and instead of imagining a specific outcome, leave it to the universe to deliver whatever help in needed in the best way possible.
At first glance, this technique may not seem like much, but I can tell you from personal experience that it is definitely worth your sincere effort, and it most definitely will have an effect. Not only will you have helped the animal on a spiritual level but you will also be able to let go of some of the feelings of helplessness, guilt and worry about not being able to do more on a physical level.
If you are looking for support, comfort and guidance in connection with a beloved pet that is dying, has passed or is missing, I recommend my book “Healing Pet Loss: Practical Steps for Coping and Comforting Messages from Animals and Spirit Guides” (expanded 2nd edition with full color photos).
Available on Amazon
Review from Amazon.ca (Canada)
By Lisa Fraser June 7, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I have recently purchased Marianne’s newest book, Healing Pet Loss: Practical Steps for Coping and Comforting Messages from Animals and Spirit Guides. In her book she has a special way of reaching out to people who have lost their pets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the stories in it touched my heart. The practical steps for going through the loss of your pet really helped me put my thoughts into perspective and helped lift me out of my darkest moments. Her insight and kindness shine through this book. When you read the book you almost feel like you have had a conversation with a best friend (Marianne) and she is helping you.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is going through the loss of a pet or coping with a pet that has declining health that will result in the loss of their pet. In fact I have purchase several copies, one for myself and the others for my close friends.
Thank you Marianne so much!!! You helped me find the light and I’m so grateful!!
It is my wish that “Healing Pet Loss – Practical Steps for Coping & Comforting Messages from Animals and Spirit Guides” (Expanded 2nd edition) will bring peace to your grieving heart.
Blessings,
Marianne Soucy
Thank you, Marianne. I often see animals that are not in the best situations and my heart goes out to them. I have always felt helpless. But I will use this method now to ask for help for the animals.
Thanks for your comment, Rebecca. It seems the more we care about animals, the more we actually pay attention to them, and we especially notice those animals who are suffering or in desperate need. It is painful for compassionate souls to see animals in desperate situations and not be able to help them, and it can easily get to the point of overwhelm. Naturally, when we are frustrated and overwhelmed ourselves, we can easily miss an opportunity (even a small one) to help. When there is nothing you can do (or if you can’t do enough), this technique is not only invaluable, but a real lifesaver for compassionate animal lovers.
Peace and blessings, Marianne