The Caregiver

When it comes to multiple pets in a household, when one is sick or ailing -  one or more is in a caregiver role. When that role can be spread out amongst the pack members, it is less stressful than when there are just two in the home. 

Our animal friends are very connected with each other even when they do not always get along. They can feel, sense or smell when something is changing or off. When things start shifting physically or when one no longer is able to adhere to the rules of the house (i.e., having accidents) or experiencing shifts in personality or behaviors that we may or may not be aware of, this can be draining for all. When this is the case, the caregiver in the pack may appear needy in a variety of ways. 

When I go into a household where this is the situation, I am offering love, music therapy and Reiki to all beings. Often those in the caregiver role need it as much or more than the other as they are in the role 24/7 unless someone steps in to fill the space for a period of time. That’s where I come in for them, I take over the care-giving for the time I am there to make sure the other pets get a break from the duties.

We all want to support our loved ones as much as possible - and if you have ever been around a person in the role of a caregiver, you know how hard they work and how difficult it is for them to often ask for what they need. Sometimes they just need a day when they have 30 minutes with their own thoughts. Often they do not know they need it, but it is recognizable to everyone around them. Animals have a similar thread running through them when they step into this job.

Giving them both what they need physically and emotionally is key during these times.