A husky on my stoep

Phoenix arrived unexpected, as big moments tend to happen in one’s life. He taught me the essential lesson, once again, of simply trusting “the voice” within. To trust even when it means extending beyond the rational thoughts of “my life is too busy, I don’t have the energy, time, money …” Sound familiar to anyone?
 
One evening my dogs showed me we needed to walk at Sunset beach on the wild side of Muizenberg, Cape Town. I happily obliged, opening to what was needed that day. I had learnt that when they specifically ask to go somewhere at a certain time there is always a synchronicity to be experienced. We generally either run into old friends or help a lost doggie.  
 
As we were walking down the beach and enjoying the evening breeze a plaintive howl echoed from the dunes. I turned and silhouetted in the fading light a husky sat alone howling. In my mind I heard the words “I’m coming home with you” and he started walking towards us.
 
Now, I was in no position to take on another dog at that stage of my life and I rather desperately looked around for an owner instead of graciously trusting the communication. No-one appeared. Another dog walker came past and told us he had been dumped at the beach the previous day. He had been let out of a cage on the back of a bakkie (pick-up truck) and the car guard was given a mince pie to give the dog as the vehicle drove off. Welfare and numerous good citizens was trying to catch him but he was evading everyone’s best attempts
 
As a professional animal communicator, for all of 2 years at that stage, I thought I had learnt enough by then to always trust “the voice” within as a deeper truth speaking, but in this circumstance I defaulted to the old “I’m too busy” narrative. I told the universe every reason why this could not happen, dammit, I had a lot going on. I had just moved house and still had workmen on site, my own big dog had developed fear aggression a few months earlier after an illness which we were slowly working through and this request was really pushing my boundaries. I spoke to the husky saying I would do everything I could to help him, including finding him a good foster and home.
 
I found myself going back twice a day with treats and my small dog, Trust befriended him. By the end of day 3, a big storm was approaching and boy did I pray hard that today would be the day we gained his trust to touch him. The universe, fate and Phoenix obliged and he slowly let me stroke his fur with the back of my hand. Within another 20minutes I slipped a loose loop of a leash over his head. He trotted behind me like horses do in join up peacefully. There was no struggle and no fear. And of course there were no other fosters available that day. He came home with me.
 
I learnt so many lessons from Phoenix over the 3 months he lived on my front stoep (veranda). It brought together everything I believed in about combining animal communication with consistent practical care and positive training. He strengthened my faith in myself as I put mind, body and soul into an unknown wonderful outcome for him which I believed in.  
 
Throughout gaining his trust on the beach and his rehab I communicated to him each step of the way about what we were doing and why in simple, calm and clear images, thoughts and feelings. Trusting my sense and logic of what was needed every day with him. Extending myself by caring for him actually did me the world of good as I focused less on stressing about my own stress and more about getting on with helping another living being. I met wonderful people along way and learnt a lot about fostering.
 
Phoenix will always have an extremely special place in my heart. He found an amazing home with a doggie friend, kids and a large garden. His new proud trail running mum fell head over heels in love with him.
 
When you hear the soft voice of an animal within speak, listen, it is calling you home to yourself. When we speak with animals we share a language that is soul to soul which goes beyond you or me and into a greater connection of pure spirit. “The voice” may ask you to change, this is an invitation to stop and listen even more carefully. It often an opportunity to let go a little of what we think possible and to rather live in what we dream possible. It’s a beautiful journey and trusting truly is actually something we do in steps everyday again and again and again.
 

ACTIVITY

Reflect on your own moments of deep trust with animals. What were they, what was going on in your life at the time, how did they help you grow? How did it feel inside, was it a sense, a knowing or maybe a voice? We all have these moments in our lives. Remembering them and cherishing them helps us grow more of them.

Wishing you deep and joyful connection with your animal friends.