Our companion animals made an agreement on soul level to be our
mirrors, besides being companions, teachers, friends, protectors, and
loved ones. It took me a great while to “get this” fact. Of course it was
one of my own companion animals that taught me. In the previous
writing I mentioned Boomie. He has been my greatest challenge and one
great animal teacher.
In his younger days, he was aggressive. He allowed the family to pet
him, but putting hands on him for training, restraint, medical
examinations and even cuddling was met with snarls and much
resistance. Except for small children who, much to my amazement,
could do anything to him. They could pull his tail, hang on his ears, and
even attempt to ride him and he seemed to glow with the attention and
beg for more. He did not like to be touched by adults. He had to learn
to trust. He came into my life as a young pup so there was no history of
abuse or mistreatment. I couldn’t understand why he was like this until
he taught me why.
I had grown up in an abusive family and married an abusive man. My
past had trained me well to believe touch was “not a good thing.”
There were certain forms of touch that I allowed, a handshake, or hug
from a child, but anything else set my teeth on edge. I hid this from
people as best as I could but I avoided situations where I knew touch
would be involved. When touch did happen, I endured it with a grin that
was hiding a grimace. (How close is that to a snarl?) OK, so I never
tried to bite anyone, but I did pull back at light speed. Animals on the
other hand posed no threat to me. Sure they had teeth and claws and
could do some damage if they wanted to but I felt totally safe around
them.
To make a long story short, we left the abusive husband and I forgave
the abusive parents. We made our new home a place of peace, and love.
At first I had fears that someone could come and hurt this family.
Boomie’s aggressive tendencies helped me feel safe. I thought," who
would possibly try to come into this house with a 90 pound snarling
beast bellowing at the door." Slowly but surly I began to feel safe in our
new home and the healing began. Not only did I change, Boomie
changed also.
With the many conversations about his behavior and my changing
attitude, things started to turn around for both of us. Now when friends
come to the house I tell Boomie, “Mary and John are coming to see us.
You need to be a good boy.” When they arrive, everyone receives a
friendly hug, (no more teeth clenching on my part) and Boomie
demands his turn also. He barks until he is petted and loved. Snarling
and posturing has been replaced with a loud welcome and much tail
wagging.
Some may read this and think, “I have an aggressive dog but there is no
abuse in my history.” I ask you to think, how are you in your business
dealing? ruthless? aggressive? untrustworthy? If the animal in your life
demands attention, how do you seek your attention? If Fluffy pees on
your carpet for spite, how spiteful are you really. If Abby hides behind
the couch, what are you hiding from? your mother-in-law? finding a
better job? commitment? yourself? Dig deep and find your truth. With
our companion animals the truth is staring us in the face. (Kinda like
that dressing room mirror at the start of swimsuit season after a winter
of comfort food.) So, what do you see in the mirror and what needs to
be changed?
I would love to hear your comments, stories and opinions. You can
contact me at dogstarenergycenter@yahoo.com. Thank you, Vyolet.
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| Boomie with Bella |
| Look In The Mirror |