Gail Thackray, Animal Communicator
Problems Introducing a New Pet When any new animal is introduced into the home and the current occupant is not expecting a “new friend,” there can be problems. Many times it’s the existing pet who has the problem and this could be expressed as jealousy, fear, ripping up the furniture, marking their territory, or generally acting out to show their disapproval. Common reactions are peeing and pooping, as they mark their territory simply to exert their authority onto the new pet. The existing pet can act jealous or aggressive, snarling or striking out, and this can be out of fear for themselves or fear that the new pet may hurt their human family. Sometimes they will just rip up your new shoes or poop on your best bathrobe just because they want to show you how much they disapprove. Occasionally, they may get depressed or ill and refuse to eat. So, if you are bringing a new addition to the family, how do you ease the transition and keep a peaceful home? Talk to meBelieve it or not, your animals can understand you very well. Most of the time we just don’t talk to them because we presume they can’t understand us. Animals are always more comfortable when they are prepared for what is going to happen. So go ahead and explain to your current loved one what you are planning. You can talk out loud to them, but it is actually your inner thoughts, emotions, and visions that they are reading. You are actually communicating telepathically. You can even send them a message when you’re not actually home and they can hear you. Listening back is a little more difficult, as you need to quiet your mind and trust your thoughts, which can take a little practice. Roles in the FamilyAnimals like to be useful and feel a lot better when they have a role in the family. This might be the greeter, the love provider, the protector, or the comic relief. Many times they have multiple roles. Almost all problems are due to the roles in the family and how the introduction of a new animal impacts these roles. Consider, for example, that your pet thinks he’s your healer and protector. Then a new pet comes along and tries to give you some loving and healing. Your current pet says, “Wait a minute that’s my job!” Think about what the role of your current pet is, and then tell them how much you appreciate them for that. For example, “You are my protector dog and I know you look out for me, so you don’t need to be aggressive with other animals. I know you are taking care of me.” Or perhaps, “You are my healing cat and when you sit on my lap and ask me to pet you, I feel so much better. You’re the best healing cat!” If they feel reassured and appreciated in their roles, then they are not as likely to be upset and confused by your relationship with another animal. Cats and Dogs MixingYes, cats and dogs can be very different. Often cats feel they are superior to dogs, considering themselves to be your partner and the dog simply a pet. However, dogs and cats can also be best friends if they are introduced correctly, and they are clear about their respective roles. The same issues can occur between cats and dogs as can occur between two dogs or two cats. In fact, this is the case with any types of pets. What’s more important is their personality. An older dog can be bothered by a younger animal who like to play and irritates them. You may think they will get along fine, but then are surprised to find out otherwise. So make sure everyone is clear on what to expect. Be Sensitive About Their NeedsSome animals can share the same food bowls and others may hate this. Make sure you are sensitive at mealtimes. Also, two cats may be ok sharing a litter box, but they may also be very fussy and want their own space. Be sensitive about where they like to sleep, their special toys, and any things they consider only “theirs.” Act Calm So They Can Be CalmAnimals react to how we react. If you are worried about how a new animal is going to get along with the established pets and you are anticipating a fight, then that’s what you are going to get. Remember, animals read your thoughts and visual images and not what you say. So, if you are saying, “Good dog, good cat, now you guys are going to get along great” but really in your mind you are bracing yourself for claws a flying, that’s what they read and that’s what you’ll get. Trust and visualize that everything is going to go well and it is much more likely that this will be the case. Sometimes They Just Don’t Match UpTalk to your current pet and tell them you are thinking about bringing home another critter. Describe in your mind, what you know about the new animal. Then try quiet your mind and see if a thought comes back to you. Most animals prefer company and love to have a friend. However, this is not always the case and not all animals get along. Sometimes their personalities just clash. When you talk to your pet, ask them to try to give it a go and to be open, but let them know that if it just doesn’t work out, you are not going to force it. Reassure them that, ultimately, they are number one. British-born clairvoyant Gail Thackray was already a sought after medium connecting to people on the other side when she discovered her additional talent as an animal communicator. Gail uses both of these abilities to help people and their pets and has received hundreds of glowing testimonials from pet owners, resolving health and behavior issues as well as locating lost pets. Gail now travels the world teaching others how to communicate and has appeared on TV and radio. Gail is the author of How to Talk to Your Pets: Animal Communication for Dogs, Cats, & Other Critters, available on Amazon and BN.com.