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Rescue Case Studies

Sadly none of us live for ever

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When visiting the Hope Pastures Horse and Donkey Rescue centre, we have offered Reiki to a number of the donkeys, ponies and horses in their care. Some are more receptive to Reiki and it is natural to form an emotional connection with those who become regulars for a dose of healing energy. Best buddies, Sandy and Nosey were 2 such donkeys, typically welcoming Reiki when it was offered. 

We were informed of a deteriorating issue with Sandy’s feet and its impact on her movement, walking and general comfort. Veterinary and other supporting care were provided to help her optimally, including new shoes. Reiki was offered in-person and also sent in-between visits to her and to her best friend Nosey, perhaps more accurately described as her soulmate, who must have also been concerned about his beloved friend.

On seeing us outside their fence, they came to say hello and positioned their body towards ‘Reiki offering hands’ just where the comfort was sought, or stood from a distance clearly soaking up the energy heading their way. ‘Reiki did what Reiki does’ and they entered a calm, still, relaxed and content state. On recent visits we were acutely aware of Nosey approaching to take a little Reiki, followed by Sandy who pushed her hind quarters into the Reiki Practitioners hands, positioning herself for the healing energy to most benefit her rear legs. Nosey stood back and approached for additional Reiki afterwards but he appeared to be more concerned about ensuring that Sandy had the most, such a loving and caring gesture .. bless him! 

Sometimes the best love, care and vet treatment and supporting therapy isn’t enough. Sandy improved briefly but then deteriorated and the kindest action taken by the Hope Pastures was to say farewell to her forever.

On our first visit after her passing, Nosey came over a couple of times but mainly stood at a distance. He shared a feeling of really not knowing what to do with himself. So, in a few words of Animal Communication he was lovingly advised that the other donkeys were there for him, and it was ok to stand alone if that’s what he needed but to also let the others help him when he was ready. It was also mentally communicated to him that Sandy was out of pain now and would want him to be happy.

In the way that humans become attached to one another, animals do likewise. The emotional tie between bonded pairs of donkeys can be so strong that when one passes away, the other can tragically follow shortly afterwards as a result of a broken heart. All efforts must hence be made to find another close friend for the grieving donkey.  

Several weeks before Sandy’s passing a new donkey arrived at Hope Pastures. We had offered Reiki to him in his isolation quarters and although donkeys coats are not waterproof, he chose to stand in the rain taking Reiki from 3 of us, moving around when he wanted the energy in different areas but especially towards his rear end. This relates to his root chakra (for emotional security and basic needs) which is expected when in new surroundings and settling in.

He was asked if he wanted to go inside as he was getting wet but he seemed rather despondent and the returning feeling indicated that he felt wouldn’t make much difference. It came across as though he wanted more than anything to feel loved. He was told how much he was loved here and that he would be very well cared for. It was explained why he had been necessary for him to move from his prior home and to be in isolation, and that he’d soon be able to go into a field and see other donkeys and/or ponies. He appeared to enjoy having our company albeit from 10 feet+ 2 gates away and was added to our weekly distant healing list too.

Latest update: Nosey is coping better than expected and it is suspected that he has been spent a night under cover lying next to the new donkey – maybe they will comfort one another and form a new friendship. We hope so, for both of them and look forward to our next Reiki visit.

By Mike, Sue & Sue.

Distant Reiki supports horses, ponies and donkeys at Hope Pastures

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No matter what the type of animal, situation or location, Reiki is most well known for its relaxation properties but from years of experience, we know that it can do much more.

Reiki has recently been offered to a number of horses, ponies and donkeys at Hope Pastures. It a joy to practice this compassionate therapy and the added pleasure of receiving great feedback makes it especially worthwhile.

This therapy is often added as a support to other care or veterinary treatments and the cases below are no exception. The Hope Pastures staff, volunteers, vets, other care providers and new owners all do a wonderful job but it’s lovely to know that Reiki is also contributing to the improvement in the physical, emotional and mental well-being of these beautiful souls. Animals only take Reiki should they wish to do so, and we certainly feel the energy flow when it is offered.

Due to COVID-19, Reiki has been sent distantly by Friends Of Baxter Animal Care’s distant healing group in recent months and Hope Pastures’ senior Welfare Co-ordinator welcomed the opportunity for Reiki to be sent to seven equines in their care suffering from stress, fear, medical conditions or recovering from surgery.  For various reasons, Covid related and otherwise it was a few weeks before we managed to discuss the feedback and we were delighted to receive the updates below.

Coco was suffering from recurring hoof abscess, requiring him to be stabled and a minor operation for Sarcoids

UPDATE: “No more abscesses 😊. Coco is much better”.

Fly was very nervous and scared of being confined in small spaces

UPDATE: “Fly is absolutely fine now and happily going into a stable every day, he is a much calmer pony in all ways!”

Logan had left his Hope Pastures family for a new home and was described as ‘stressed out’, shaking his lips repetitively (a stereotypical behaviour).

UPDATE: “Logan is much less stressed and happier now. He’s in a field with other horses”.

Piper had been rescued recently rehomed from Hope Pastures. Having been through a lot of change this final move was suspected to add more short-term stress although in his best long-term interest.

UPDATE: “After initial Reiki, Piper was settling in but challenged a field mate, especially over hay, and received a kick that required Vet treatment, antibiotics and painkillers. Following further Reiki, he is now much better, he has settled in his home and he fits in the herd better too”.

Hercules arrived at Hope Pastures bursting with excitement. Acting this way all the time would be too much for other horses to cope with. Consequently, he was struggling to find a new home

UPDATE: “Hercules is more settled but he is just back from the hospital after an operation on his legs and needs to spend 3 weeks in his stable which will be hard for him as he is such an active pony. More Reiki would be lovely to help his rehabilitation”.

Freddie an ageing Shetland pony was struggling with his weight, stiff in his hindquarters and on medication for Cushing’s disease.

UPDATE: “Please can you continue to send Reiki to Freddie”.

With these positive updates came a request from Hope Pastures:

“Instead of those that are now better, we would love Reiki to be sent to 4 more ponies and horses with issues ranging from food aggression, fear of being restrained, malnourishment & lethargy and adaptation after being abandoned by prior owners. I’ll send you the details. I’m even thinking about learning Reiki myself”

For more information about Hope Pastures see https://www.hopepastures.org

By Friends Of Baxter Animal Care Distant Reiki Group

Seeing is Believing For Electra and Her kittens

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Electra was a stressed mum of 5 young, fit, healthy, extremely active and playful kittens. She just wanted some rest but her babies were constantly jumping about, playing, play-biting her tail and seeking loving, as they were with each other. Her pupils were almost as big as her eyes and she looked exhausted.

We sat a few feet away with some gentle soothing music playing quietly and offered Reiki to all six. Mum started to relax and although the kittens carried on initially, they were clearly slowing down. After a few minutes one kitten jumped up onto their shared bed, another followed, the third lay down next to mum and the fourth moved into the adjacent compartment to lie down in peace. Within no time at all, the two on the bed were unable to keep their eyes open and the final kitten jumped up to join them.

Soon, they were all so relaxed that they lay content and asleep. We continued to let the Reiki flow for a little while. Silence pervaded and not just in this pen, but throughout the Kitten House. Three quarters of an hour later, when we took a peek they hadn’t moved.

Staff popping into the Kitten House described the effects of the Reiki as a miracle, unable to believe that these little livewires were fast asleep and mum too.

We understood that all 5 kittens and mum were off to a foster home that afternoon, where the kittens could have more space to grow and develop. This should also enable mum to find a quiet place for her to have restful naps. This sleep should have relaxed them nicely to also help with their adaptation into their new environment but most importantly it gave mum the desperate rest she had been craving.

This is just one of many ways in which Reiki can benefit animals.

To adopt a cat, see https://yorkshirecatrescue.org

Sue Malcolm and Julie Ackroyd

Donkey’s Taking Some Time For Rest & Relaxation

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At The Wonkey Donkey Sanctuary we have found that the donkeys are really receptive of the Reiki energy and it is a joy to see these beautiful animals showing their appreciation in various ways such as laying down relaxing, standing up in a relaxed state and even pressing their head or body against our hands. Amongst the family groups, there is one group of 8 donkeys in particular to mention and they are…The lovely little ‘Angel’ (her name is well suited) and her equally lovely family, Starlight, Topaz, Magic, Millie, Tippi, Poppy and the only boy Toby. They are a very happy and friendly group of donkeys that have been blessed with a nice life which they continue to have at the Sanctuary.

On our very first visit to the Sanctuary they each took turns to come out into their stable yard to receive some Reiki. This was also repeated on our second visit.

Reiki Helps Munroe’s Anxiety

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“During the practice of
Reiki when a strong and
compassionate
connection exists
between the Practitioner
and an animal, it is
possible for animals to
share their feelings and
for us to experience a
two-way mental
communication”

Munroe had come from a home with a very large number
of cats, so many cats in fact that the owner was sadly
unable to give them the care and attention they required.
She came into Yorkshire Cat Rescue very frightened and
anxious and Reiki was requested for her.

Munroe lay in her ‘safe place’, turning around and moving towards the Reiki on offer and disappearing out of sight again after enough Reiki had been received for her first session. The following week, she was less receptive and didn’t move from her bed. This could have been influenced by the two cats in the next pen just, brought in together, who took Reiki with gusto even when it was not being offered directly to them. They clearly wanted attention and perhaps Munroe may also have not been in the mood for some therapy that day.

On my third visit, although not moving from her bed and looking tense throughout, Munroe choose to draw a greater quantity of Reiki energy than previously. However, it was the fourth session where the breakthrough occurred.

After Munroe had shown her openness to healing, Reiki was offered from inside her pen and at a closer distance, just three feet away from her.  Using animal communication, she was informed that that she was safe, and that Reiki was being offered to help her be more settled and comfortable with people she didn’t know so that she could be found a new home, explaining what that meant.

Reiki was directed to help with her past too and she was advised that it was safe to close her eyes if she wanted; the existing distance from her would be maintained. Straight away she closed her eyes and she completely relaxed with her body open and front legs out-stretched. The staff commented upon not having seen her relax like this before. It felt wonderful. She had turned a corner and a week later someone came to re-home her.

 

Only Reiki Calmed Miffy

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“Being very sensitive to
energy, many animals
naturally seem to
understand that Reiki
will be kind and gentle
and offer them some
soothing relaxation to
benefit them in times
of stress or distress”

What was first notable about Miffy was that she could be heard
before she was seen. She hadn’t had the best start in life. After a
number of years in a rescue centre in the Middle East, she was
brought over here and homed in the UK, then transferred to a
cattery but neither of the latter two worked out. So that’s when
she came into Yorkshire Cat Rescue.

Her loud attention-seeking Miaows attracted anyone near her pen, or even in the building. We learned that her miaowing continued spasmodically when she had human company and certainly when anyone with her moved in readiness to leave her pen. Poor, adorable Miffy. She must have experienced fearful times wondering ‘what next’. She wanted to feel safe, secure, loved and cared for.

We were asked to offer her some Reiki and what happened surprised us all. In the first session she miaowed for a little while and wandered around, not seeking hands-on fussing but appreciating the company.

The Reiki and accompanying music we played very quietly seemed to calm her but miaows clearly indicated her disapproval of being left alone after half an hour. In the second session Miffy miaowed just a few times and brushed against my leg. After receiving the head fussing she requested, she climbed into her soft grey bed on the floor. Feeling safe and content . she made herself comfy and cosy. The Reiki and music provided much contentment and before long she closed her eyes. Expectations to quietly slip away were met with a ‘don’t go’ Miaow.

However, offering Reiki for a few minutes outside her pen resulted in the delightful sounds of a faint but ever so sweet snoring. There was nothing wrong with Miffy’s memory! As soon as her pen
was entered the following week and the music was switched on she knew it was Reiki time. Miffy went straight to her bed and rested her head, facing outwards, waiting for her Reiki to . commence. Relaxing energy flowed and she drifted into a nice doze with no miaowing. The
staff commented on never seeing her like this normally. She felt more settled and content. Within days this wonderful cat was happily.

Reiki reduced Tiggy’s Distress

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“Reiki offers direct
benefits but it also helps
people and animals to
relax and this can be
beneficial to support
veterinary or medical
treatments.”

Tiggy was a small 12-week-old kitten with the end of one
of her rear legs missing, presumed to be the unfortunate . result of an accident caused by her mum in her early days. She was not very well and on pain killing medication, requiring her temperature to be taken regularly. We were advised that when the thermometer was gently inserted into her rear end she screamed, squirmed and scratched, fighting against this procedure which she clearly disliked. I asked if we might offer Reiki to her for a few minutes before her next temperature reading.

After just a few minutes of receiving Reiki, Tiggy was yawning and showing early signs of relaxation. She was picked up by the care staff and as they took her temperature Reiki continued to be offered to her from a short distance away so as to maintain the energy flow. The staff were amazed – and so were we!

Tiggy made one small sound but no screeching, hardly any movement and no attempt to scratch. She was notably less distressed and all it took was less than 5 minutes of some gentle and non-invasive Reiki.

Animals may not always be quite so responsive, but this reaction reinforced our reason for wanting therapies like Reiki to become commonplace to support veterinary care.

How Reiki Helped Gloria

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During the practice of Reiki pain felt by the person or animal being treated can often be physically felt by the practitioner enabling the Reiki energy to be concentrated in the specific area(s) where it is most needed.

When Gloria came into the Yorkshire Cat Rescue a vet’s visit
confirmed the need for surgery as mummified kittens were found in her abdomen. She must have been in much discomfort and emotionally affected too, hence it was suggested that she may benefit from Reiki. Reiki was offered to Gloria as she lay in her enclosed bed space where cats are not to be disturbed by any staff or volunteers. Within a few minutes she emerged and lay on a knitted blanket with her abdomen facing outwards.

She soon dozed off giving out a feeling that she was content – and safe – the latter being very important to her. After an extremely relaxed half hour she had received as much Reiki as she wanted and returned to her ‘safe place’. I fed back to the manager that whilst offering
Reiki to Gloria a right lower abdomen pain had been felt within me.

The following day we learned that Gloria was sick. The vet diagnosed an infection where the surgery had taken place in her right lower abdominal area – where I had felt discomfort – and she was treated accordingly. A week after her first Reiki session, Gloria was lying in a green covered dome. After circling, and clawing at the blanket inside she curled up.

She actively chose to take Reiki energy when offered and she purred, yet she wasn’t totally relaxed. Gloria held her head up. She shared a feeling that she loved the Reiki but was frightened of being sick again.

It was explained using animal communication that the sickness
occurred to help her body rid itself of the infection which had been treated by the vet, so it was ok, she could relax. Immediately she snuggled her head in the blanket, purred and cosily fell asleep.

Reiki was sent to Gloria the following week as she was at the vets for some dental treatment however the week afterwards when Reiki was offered to her she gave the impression that she was relaxed and happy and didn’t really need it any more. Our work with her was done. Staff commented on how much she had changed since coming in to the Rescue. She was now a much happier, friendly cat. Within a further week she had been chosen for adoption and was in her new home for Christmas, happy, well, and a different cat to the one she had been just weeks earlier.

Reiki supports Baybee’s Low Moods

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During the practice of Reiki when a compassionate and strong connection exists between the Practitioner and an animal, it is possible for animals to share their physical health and emotional feelings and for us to experience a two-way mental communication.

Shortly after BayBee found herself at Yorkshire Cat Rescue, she gladly accepted the Reiki offered to her. The Reiki Practitioner working with her soon became aware of an itchy feeling, representative of such a feeling across BayBee’s body but it was her ‘heavy’ and emotionally low mood that really stood out.

Baybee had been lying down when we first met her but by her second Reiki session she had been diagnosed with an auto immune skin condition for which she was prescribed medication. Her legs and feet were swollen and every step appeared to cause discomfort, being accompanied with a little squeal. Poor Baybee! She soaked up the Reiki offered to her for 40 mins and would have taken more and from a very vocal start to the session, had settled, appearing relaxed and more
comfortable.

Baybee had just returned from the vets before her next Reiki session. After a medicated wash, cleaning of her paws and the prescription of further treatment. Her legs and feet were a darker shade and sore, one paw had been bleeding and she hardly wanted to them to touch the floor when pottering about in obvious discomfort. Every time a paw touched down, she uttered a noise that sounded as though it would equate to a human ‘ouch’. Reiki was offered to Baybee and for over an hour. She calmed down, relaxed and appeared to really appreciate it. Neither I nor Baybee wanted the session to end, she would have happily enjoyed it all day but there were more cats waiting for their turn.

Distant Reiki was sent to Baybee on three occasions before our next visit and upon seeing her 2 weeks later, the difference was incredible. Baybee was like a new cat – she no longer showed signs of suffering and distress but instead nearly tried to escape as the pen door was opened eager to be free and enjoy life as a healthy cat. Baybee had been transformed – the veterinary treatments had significantly benefited her physical condition and Reiki had provided emotional support and comfort to aid her healing and recovery, whilst being well cared for at Yorkshire Cat Rescue. She was then very soon adopted. This is just one of many examples to show how Reiki can support conventional medicine.