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?
