Listening to the Animals
Susan Scott-Downs

Discovering that I had the ability to receive visual communication from animals began at a fund-raiser for rescued greyhounds. I was there to offer a blessing for these elegant and energetic dogs and their guardians (owners). When I had prayed for the group as a whole, I thought I had fulfilled what I was expected to do. However, the “MC” announced that, if folks wanted a special, individual blessing for their pets, they could come to where I was sitting and I would do that. Suddenly I was face to face with both hopeful people and happy greyhounds looking to me for an encounter at a deeper level. I honestly had no idea what to do!

I began to quietly talk to the dogs, caress them and put my face next to theirs. To my surprise I began to connect intuitively with these animals and see what they were thinking. Without any hesitation, the dogs allowed me to see details of where they lived, played and slept. I also received pictures of the foods they liked and did not like. I was told how much they enjoyed riding in a car, running in a field, napping on the couch, or having visitors pay attention to them. Each dog clearly had definite preferences about who were his favorite people and animal friends.

Most of the picture-messages I received were about happy lives. However, some of the dogs directed my attention to particular parts of their bodies that were being harmed by an unseen disease or injury. They sensed danger and wanted help from their protective guardians and devoted doctors. My task was to communicate the specific problems and the degree of urgency that the animals (and I!) felt about resolving them. I have found in my ongoing work with animals that they are accurate about the exact type of physical symptoms they are experiencing. They will sound the alarm if we are listening.

I have often been asked to determine the cause of a pet’s behavioral problems. I can usually access very specific reasons why he is being destructive of property, picky about eating, resistant to confinement, irritable with other pets, or why he attempts to bite family members. Usually I find that the animal feels rejected or threatened by some person, another animal or some part of his physical environment. He may even be confused about a change in his daily routine. When I “read” such concerns in the pet’s mind, I make sure that this animal’s guardians understand that their pet will not be the one who needs to make the necessary change!

My intuitive gift is to receive communication from animals, who cannot speak in human language, and to interpret these to their guardians on their behalf. My work does not include conveying messages or instructions to the animals on behalf of the humans in their life. My heartfelt belief is that the human world needs to change so that we will consciously accommodate the animals who grace us with their presence and bless us with their attention and loyalty. Kind and appropriate training of our pets is one thing; an expectation that they change their genuine needs and natural self-expression is another!  Animals simply react to elements in their world that do not contribute to their good health, safety, comfort, and congenial companionship. We, as their best friends, need to change for them.

What can we learn about our souls and our relationships from having intuitive encounters with domestic, tamed or wild animals? We can learn that simplicity is the foremost ingredient in our expression of honesty, that our truth needs no embellishment. When we choose, like the animals, to be direct and undefended in the communication of our personal reality, we will be giving ourselves the best possible opportunity to be heard and understood by others. Candidly and consciously conveying our perceptions and needs to the significant people in our lives can bring us a sense of freedom and inner peace that no other activity will accomplish. In-depth analysis of our motivations and expectations is essential to our evolution to true maturity, but it is not the avenue to attract nurturing friendships. We can learn from our pets how to communicate in a style that creates joyful and helpful connections with those who care about us. Animals are certainly and forever a resource of wisdom for all of us.

If you are interested in my working with your pet, I will be meeting with you in your home environment, where I can gain a comprehensive understanding of the animal’s usual surroundings and experiences. I begin by connecting calmly with your pet so that he can trust me and give me access to his thoughts, observations and emotions. What I am doing is “reading” the visual images he projects from his mind to mine. I then communicate these messages to you, so that you can change his food, medicine, play activities, sleep area, and the type of contact he has with family members and other animals to enhance your pet’s wellbeing. On the other hand, I will share exactly what he needs for you to continue doing to nurture, protect, exercise, entertain, soothe, and heal him.

Rev. Susan Scott-Downs has over thirty years in inspiring and teaching various congregations as an ordained minister. Susan has been an intuitive “reader” for the Greyhound Rescue in Greensboro for the past four years. Because her faith tradition encourages the development of one’s intuition and healing powers, she brings a natural and deep spirituality to her sessions with you and your pet. Her calling and mission is to assist people in communicating with the animals in their lives so that they can provide the best care and companionship possible. Susan can be reached to schedule a session in your home at 336-621-3226.