Touching Animal Souls

The lessons are always present.  2014 taught me about looking closely at the effect I have on others.  With animals we see it superficially, and intuitively.  Sometimes in life when we understand the physiological mechanisms that are occurring, it helps us look at things from a different perspective.  I have become aware of how classical conditioned stressors are a whole lot more powerful if an animal or person is subject to them when they are not at choice.  We may think - being the scholarly animal people that we are that in our interactions we are providing choice - but this may not be the case if we are stuck in our heads.  The moment we say "they know what I want", we are probably stepping into 'my way or the highway' mentality. So, feel it.  And in that moment if you feel you are asking too much - then the choice is gone.  Back off - and doing that your relationship with the animal will be strengthened because you will be pairing his control with you.  And tru

So many wonderful animal memories in 2014.  And here is to a whole bunch more that will be created in 2015.  New Year's resolution - stay open to amazing animal souls!

So often feel the purity of this.  Is a soulmate must one being is the question.  Sent from Samsung Mobile

Every creature needs to feel as though it has control over its life.  When we train animals, or even manage our pets at home, the most common statement out of people's mouths when the plan goes awry is that 'they know what to do'.  So we stand firm and dig our heels in and actually, great stats re in favour of the fact that the animal is confused and does not know what we want.  If our relationship has more control than it should, then the animal is probably even in a state of stress trying to please us.  And yet we believe they should do as we telepathically insist - we do this in life too.  Expect all sorts of things without communicating carefully.  Much easier to go back a step and explain.  But to do that, we have to put down our need to be right.  Because it would mean that we have not communicated carefully in the first place - which is our own personal 'wrong'.  When we don't, more and more stress eventually creates an classically conditioned state

If you wish to purchase my book for someone who you think may appreciate it for Christmas, here are some links.  Happy Holidays to you all.  May the animals in your life bless you.   http://kimabooks.com/Touching-Animal-Souls   http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Animal-Souls-Gabrielle-Harris/dp/098698583X   http://www.kalahari.com/Books/Touching-Animal-Souls-Developing-Awareness-Through-the-Animal-World_p_41492843    

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  Jabu had a little growth on his rump.  The vets wanted to check it out.  The trainers did not want to put him under anaesthetic without good reason.  So he was trained to accept a local anaesthetic and the growth was cut off while he worked perfectly for his trainer Ursula.  The whole procedure was over in a matter of minutes.  Safe and rewarded with lots of fish.  The power of positive reinforcement.  So cool!

  http://www.seaworld.org.za/news/entry/protected-african-rock-python-in-quarantine-at-ushaka-sea-world

Lovely story about a horse and a woman who had to get to know each other – overcoming their fear of each other is what did the trick.  Love this.  Take a look at the link.  Picture taken by Gareth Malyon. http://saddlethehorse.com/ruth-and-jaxons-story/  

Praise song to the Rhinoceros, by Credo Mutwa (excerpt) Ubbejane , you are the thunder of the valleys You are the roar among the mountains You are the noise upon the plains And you are the horn that the moon loves to kiss! You are the Rhinoceros You are the invincible one You are the weak eye that sees into years that are yet to come You are the sharp ear that hears a lover’s whisper in the tall grass You are the great foot that tramples everything into the ground You are the delight of the woodcarvers You are the joy of the painters You are the song of those who cast in metal You are Ubbujane , the Rhinoceros! Together with the Elephant, Indlovu, many generations ago, you danced the world into existence, so that green things may grow upon this world… …You are Ubbejane , the Rhinoceros You are the darling of the waxing moon You are the thunder of the mountains You are the vibrations on the rocky ground You are the hardworking one, the labourer who laboured so that the Earth Mother mig

I encourage you to read this – some lovely insight from dear Wynter.    http://animaltalkafrica.co.za/roar-rhino/#sthash.NJeo90p0.dpbs  

I saw this on ScienceDaily: Fish just want to have fun, according to a new study that finds even fish 'play' http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141020121406.htm Biologists have documented fish playing with a bottom-weighted thermometer and other objects. Play, like much of animals' psychology including emotions, motivations, perceptions and intellect, is part of their evolutionary history and not just random, meaningless behavior.

At my panel beaters while they installing a new window.  And he has some company here that I am enjoying while I wait.  Where animals are is where there is a better more real vibe.  This is how it should be.  No more 'no dogs allowed' signs. Just tolerant compassionate society.  Filed with unconditional Animal love.   Sent from Samsung Mobile

Sharing space with animals.  Keeping centered.  Away from futility that is the money race.  Funny that its called the rat race  because rays are nothing like us.  They care about the moment.  Just like dogs.  And all animals.  When I have been stressed I have been advised by a wise man to touch the v world around me and fully experience the tactile sensation.  I find that touching animals with this attention is an instant therapeutic healer.   Sent from Samsung Mobile

Vets nowadays are hesitant to make a diagnosis without technological proof.  They have been questioned too much, and rely on technology to assist them so much that they no longer use their intuition.  In days gone by doctors and vets had to really look at an animal or person.  Discuss what was going on in their lives.  Their diets, relationships, living areas.  Then they would feel around.  If a broken limb, they would sense how to set it using their hands and sense of touch.    So technology does help.  But is it robbing us of our ability to sense what is truly going on.  Do we spend more time in front of screen than in front of people.  If the answer is yes, perhaps we need to look at that.  When last did you sit and lose yourself while stroking the animal in your life, without thinking about what you should be doing - without answering your phone - without 'getting bored'.    I think that 'boredom' is sometimes a sense of needing to prove ourselves.  Rath

It is crazy that we don't all think alike.  For one Snowflake may be a pest.  For another, pet reptile feed.  For some there is no opinion, and for the lucky ones, Snowflake inspires love.  Imagine living in my world - where there is just love.  It must be hard for those of you who do not relate.  Just as it is hard for me to imagine feeling the way you do.  I recognise the macho snake handlers who pretend they don't really care.  I have met real men who show that they do care.  Who are respectful in relationship with their duties.  I suppose it is a little like the story of our ancient ancestors who would thank the planet for her bounty.  What happened to that respect.  When did the functioning of the electrics in our appliances become more important than life.  Big breath.  I invite you into my bubble.  Look closely at Snowflake.  See her little paws.  See how she sits on her haunches and eats delicately holding her food.  See her little digits - the miracle of her tiny fo

        Love your black cat today J  

  The question - what is true respect.  If I truly respect a human being I will let them choose in relationship with me.  True respect is love.  It is not domination.  I cannot command respect from another.  I have to earn it.  And I earn it from a human being by becoming a trustworthy presence in their lives.  It is funny to think that there are so many of us that feel we have to demand respect.  Most parents of teenagers will have become frustrated when they felt their child was 'disrespectful'.  And needed 'discipline' to ensure it was taught to respect.  But respect is a feeling.  It cannot be forced.  Fear can be forced.  Do I want my teenager or an animal in relationship with me to 'fear' me - NO! When an animal is learning, it is choosing.  If it enters into flight, freeze of fight mode, it is reacting.  At this point there is no choice.  It may learn something,  but the learning is a stress response and will continue to be a stress response in t

Today I have spent half my life with you. You have enriched my experience beyond measure. uou are rated amongst very few things for which I am most grateful. Thank you Jula. Beautiful generous soul. You make the world a better place. Love you!!!!@@ Sent from Samsung Mobile

Sent from Samsung Mobile

We are celebrating Gambit's 43rd year this weekend.  What an honour to know this incredible gentleman.  It is true to say that he has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life and I know I don't speak only for myself when I say this.  Conservation action - as a result of the privilege of knowing him.  Thank you Gambit!

THE CARING OWL.   Submitted by Chris Pretorius . Updated 2012-10-07 Created 2011-09-02 I am from South Africa and about 4 years ago made friends with a spotted eagle owl that showed up on our farm (most probably it was rehabilitated by someone). The owl got injured and I kept it inside for a couple of months until it was well again. During this time our one old cat found out that no other cats are allowed in my study where I kept the owl and she moved in. I allowed this because she has never in her life caught a bird or mouse and was not interested in the owl at all. During this period the owl got used to her and they regularly ate steak out of my hand together . Once the owl was OK again I let it out, but it now comes and sleeps inside during the day, hunting freely at night . At the moment I have another injured owl that he adopted and feeds regularly (about 2 rats an evening). The other night I was working late in my study when the owl came in with a rat. I presumed that he were

6 seminars. In 7 days. I must be a nerd because I could literally talk animal training and nothing else. Which is what I did. Feel do fortunate to spend time with Czech people. Caring for animals is a way of life. Dogs go where people go for instance. Off to work with their people. Gandi said you can tell what people ate like by the way they treat their animals.  Sent from Samsung Mobile

If you had to choose to be on this planet with one or the other what would it be? Cannot imagine a planet that would be bearable without animals. Recognise this may be an insufficiency in me.  See, I dont need permission to feel when I am with animals. Not so with people.  Temper my emotions with people. An area in my personality t h at has been highlighted by my animal friends. Thank you for another lesson. In the likeness of God(-; Sent from Samsung Mobile

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Working with a rehab seal. Teaching Gru to eat. Nothing better than working consciously and seeing the results. Teaching him to eat in 4 sessions. With an awesome team of people who are all as excited as each other. And because we see the power of working to get him to understand what we want rather than let our fear and overwhelming love for him get in the way. Yay!!!! Sent from Samsung Mobile

Spent 2 days without distraction in the company of these angels. It is where my heart sings. No boredom. Just awe and awe. Thats when we know that our souls are in syn with where we should be. Surely! Sent from Samsung Mobile

There are legends that deserved to be celebrated. Nellie passed away at 61 years old yesterday. http://www.georgiaaquariumblog.org/georgia-aquarium-blog/2014/5/1/celebrating-the-legacy-of-nellie.html?utm_source=20140501_nellie&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_content=facebook&utm_campaign=20140501_nellie

Sent from Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- From: Gabby Harris <gabby@seaworld.org.za> Date: 02/05/2014 06:46 (GMT+02:00) To: gabbysea@gmail.com Subject: thinking horses - the only way! Training methods for horses: habituation to a frightening stimulus J.W.Christensen, M.Rundgren & K.Olsson (Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences) Equine Vet J. (2006) 38: 439-443 Summary Reasons for performing study: Responses of horses in frightening situations are important for both equine and human safety. Considerable scientific interest has been shown in development of reactivity tests, but little effort has been dedicated to the development of appropriate training methods for reducing fearfulness. Objectives: To inestigate which of 3 different training methods (habituation, desensitisation and counter-conditioning) was most effective in teaching horses to react calmly in a potentially frightening situation. Hypotheses: 1) Horses are able to generalise about the tes

One of our 3 horses is out for a ride. I am in the paddock with thw remaining two. Evertime I go to leave they whinny. So many people have written about how they strive to get their horses to ride out solo.  Don't forget about the ones left behind.  So sad how horses are moved about all the time. Their hearts must get burt a lot. They deserve stable social groupings.  Sent from Samsung Mobile

So easy to love animals.  Draco is the sweetest baby ever. Named after a dragon. Not a bad wizard.  A dragon with an unconditional forgiving heart. That sounds about right.  How lucky am I   Sent from Samsung Mobile

I spent an hour yesterday trying to win the confidence of this little mite. Eventually she ate out of my hand. She is so thin. Apparently people have tried to catch her. I will go back today and hopefully succeed.  Send healing to her. Sent from Samsung Mobile

Charlie and Hermione. Hermione is older. A female.  Came to us as a pregnant wild very young stray. We kept one of her kittens and named him Max. He was such a joy. Loving gentle and he and Hermione were inseperable. She is a nrtvpus cat with strangers. When Max died tragically he left a void in our lives, but Hermione was very lost without her boy. A year later a stray kitten arrived. Charlie.  Sometimes I think he is Max reincarnated.  I have mistakenly called him Max once or twice. And Hermione is whole again.  As humans we so often move animals around without giving a thought to how it affects them. Horses in particular are moved to suit humans very often. Here is a prayer to consider their souls when you make these decisions. Like Max, they may be more attached than you think.  Sent from Samsung Mobile

see more about penguin promises on www.penguinpromises.com .  or like penguin promises page on facebook - or follow @penguinpromises on twitter

Its been almost 5 years since I shared an idea. Penguin Promises! And this week I am waddling for a week for the 4th year in a row with a bunch of amazing humans. What an honour. And how hopeful that so many people care enough to take part, sponsor, say Yes, and keep doing it over and over. And this week is incredible! Surrounded by positive vibes. Beautiful energy and scenery. And of course the penguins!!!! Sent from Samsung Mobile

They got out this morning and went gallavanting to a grassy patch they know near their dairy cow friends. Somehow they knew that Zac needed some fresh air and a walk to collect them. Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!

40 years ago. And still real. Loving animals first. I am in the conservation business now. And when I have to answer why I have to think hard. Because there is no real answer. Until I think of love. And consider that love is what is left when I put preconceptions, dreams, judgement and rationality down. Love may be about being conscious in every moment. About living consciously. Without justifying actions. Just doing what I can in every moment so that my conscience is clear. Frig its hard sometimes. But when I am clear it is glorious. Its got nothing to do with what anybody else thinks. It is just being. Truly and without hope, disappointment, yesterday or tomorrow. Nothing to do with anything but humble gratitude for NOW. Thank you! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!

I am so fortunate that I was involved with a seal called Selso who was rescued and released after a 7 month rehabilitation at uShaka Sea World.  We taught him to eat from us and her learned fast.  When he arrived he was about 100kilograms underweight and only weighed 75kilograms.  When he left he weighed nearly 200kilograms, and stolen all our hearts and been fitted with a satellite tag so we could monitor his progress on his way back to the sub-antarctic islands where these animals are found.  We took him on a cruise ship to Port Elizabeth, and then released him off the continental shelf.  He is already more than halfway to his destination and scientists believe he is presently fishing in a place in the ocean where food is plentiful.  So amazing to watch his progress.  I take my hat off to the management of Sea World for funding this exercise and doing it for the individual and the species and of course our oceans at large.