How to Use This Book

This book is about the metaphysical art of connecting human beings to their animals by using various forms of energy and about reconnecting the human being to his or herself. It describes my energy work with dogs and their human companions, and via that energy and my Spirit and Animal Guides, healing and redirection are provided to both the dog and human. It asks two important questions: How can an animal, your dog, guide and assist you without actual verbal communication? And, what do humans need to do to reconnect to their dogs and become open to receiving that communication? The answers emerge through explanation and education, and through stories and examples of actual sessions with clients. One of this book's goals is to bring much needed attention to the value and appreciation of the wisdom of animals, how they live in the moment, and by connecting to them energetically, how they can guide us to a higher level of understanding who and what we are.

In this book, I use a variety of terms and phrases that are part of my everyday language when doing energy work with my clients, but that may not be a part of your vocabulary—yet. Because many of you come from wide and diverse backgrounds related to knowing and understanding what energy is and how it is received and transmitted, and knowing where there is a block in the flow of energy and how that block is removed during the healing process, the explanation of these terms in the Glossary section of Chapter Eleven will help you develop a better and deeper understanding of the energetic process. I have defined the most often used terms that will provide you with the basics.

I am often asked if there are a few simple steps that allow us to connect on our own to our animals, and by that means to ourselves. To that I say: (1) we all have the capability to connect on a much higher plane; (2) it requires effort, time, patience and diligence; and (3) we must continually stay open, aware, and conscious. For the specific techniques and instructions to connect to your animals on your own, I have included a section in Chapter Eleven called “Steps to Connect” as a guide for your reference. All of the steps make up the “basic approach” you will always use to work energetically with your dog. To work on any specific subject mentioned in the chapters and stories, use the basic approach from Steps to Connect but make your focus and intention the subject matter of the chapter or story.