3 minute read
THE CRITTER DOC (Andrea
Sobotka) ABOUT ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
By Penny Lex
Advertisement
THE WAG magazine: Do dogs and other animals feel frustration because they cannot speak or have a dialogue with humans?
The Critter Doc: They don’t expect to have a two way “dialogue.” They are always communicating with us on a soft level. But because we don’t understand them, sometimes messages get crossed. They read our body language and “see” our thoughts. Their only frustration would be when something is being asked of them but the “thought” they see is contrary.
TWM: So it’s basically like we’re giving them mixed messages?
TCD: Absolutely! People can think and say five different things at once. Dogs are more succinct in their communication and defer to the mental image over what people verbalize. That’s their stronger form of communication.
TWM: When you spend time with an animal, is it always just one-on-one? Do you prefer the owner not be present (in case the animal wants to say something they don’t want the owner to hear)?
TCD: I prefer the pet parent to be present. My goal is to help the human understand the dog. Dogs don’t hide their feelings.
TWM: Do animals ever tend to “vent” when you’re communicating with them? Like complain about their haircut, food or say “finally, someone that gets me!”
TCD: I’ve never known an animal to “vent.” They may express sadness, displeasure or even embarrassment, but they don’t complain like people do.
TWM: Are there some things that the animal prefers not to talk about?
TCD: Sometimes when the pet parent is telling me about something the dog did, like stealing food or digging holes, the dog might be embarrassed. He will make it clear by body language that he doesn’t want to talk about it. In fact, he may even roll his eyes and turn his back.
TWM: Do you ever get information that you don’t reveal?
TCD: Occasionally. Primarily if I pick up sensitive info from a critter but I have not been asked to be an interpreter by its human.
TWM: What is the biggest misconception you think people have about animal communication?
TCD: Well, there are two big misconceptions. One is that animals do not have busy conversation like humans do. And two is that they are not petty and judgmental. They are not concerned with politics or the color of your nail polish.
TWM: Can anyone learn to communicate with animals?
TCD: I believe anyone can learn some of the aspects of communication and, a few can learn all. But everyone can learn enough to make a difference if they really want to.
TWM: Is there any one thing that you hear most from dogs?
TCD: Yes, how much they love their humans. Unconditionally.
TWM: Is your communication done by speaking out loud or is it all through mind and energy?
TCD: It is mostly by mind, energy and body language. Speaking out loud is mostly for the benefit of the pet parents.
TWM: Is there an animal gender that is more open to communicating with humans?
TCD: Ha, ha, ha. Only the human animal seems to have that issue. Animals, male or female, are equally as communicative. I find that women tend to be more open and sensitive to communication with animals.
TWM: Who determines what will be discussed—you or the animal?
TCD: Well, since it’s primarily done in a professional setting, the pet parent provides the agenda, then I address the specific issues or questions.
TWM: What is the most common reason people want you to communicate with their pet? Is it because the pet had passed and the owner has unanswered questions? Or, is it because the owner just wants to know stuff?
TCD: I certainly have my fair share of people that want closure after a pet dies. But most of the time folks are seeking to understand their pet better. It’s a lot like counseling.
TWM: So do you find it rather sad or unfortunate that most dog owners (myself included) are so involved with their pet’s behavioral attributes (sit, stay, learning tricks, etc.) but don’t consider cultivating true communication with their animal?
TCD: No, because doing those things is actually the first step toward communication. Unfortunately our society thinks of it as “giving commands.” But it is really a level of communication. It’s just that it could go further.
TWM: Do you need to physically be with the animal in order to communicate?
TCD: I don’t. But that is because I can connect at the nonphysical level. It might be considered the telepathic level but I think it is at the soul level. Having a photo of the animal definitely helps.
TWM: Hmmm. Telepathic. OK, so like what am I thinking about right now?
TCD: You’re wondering if I’m going to get the right answer.
TWM: Dang…you ARE good!
THE WAG Welcomes New Advertisers
Ms. Natural’s New Home Marketplace
The CBD Source
We hope you patronize ALL of our advertisers! And when you do, please mention THE WAG magazine! Check out a full list of advertisers on page 28.
