Donkey and goat photos by Annie Marie Musselman
{UNLEASHED} PEOPLE AND POOCHES OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
HEALING
TOUCH
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE OLSON
Every pet owner wonders what their pets are thinking. You might be struggling with adding another pet, and don’t know how your dog or cat may feel about it. Or, you may be wondering what’s the next step in your pet’s life. Now you don’t have to wonder anymore, thanks to animal communicators. Also known as “pet psychics,” they are gifted with the ability to read animal psyches in a way that can answer common owner questions, help with ailments, and much more. Rose De Dan, of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing in Seattle, Wash., has been an animal communicator, Reiki and shamanic energy healer for over 20 years. She got her start in animal communication after taking a class on Reiki energy healing. “I registered for the class because I was at a point in my life where I felt my life lacked meaning and purpose, and this was one thing that called to my heart even though I really did not know why I was taking the class or what I would do with what I learned,” De Dan said. “While experiencing the Reiki energy I had a profound moment of clarity. All of a sudden I knew—to the core of my being—that all my life I had wanted to be a healer, and that I would work with animals. For me it was like coming home and receiving a gift I had never thought possible.” De Dan sees many different animals in her practice. Her main clients are dogs and cats, but, “because the animals recognize the healing energy I carry, I have been approached by many different species while walking around in the world or when in ceremony with zoo animal ambassadors and rescued wildlife such as butterflies, birds, geese, horses, wolves, mountain lions, etc.,” she said.
Top, left and top, next page: As part of her practice, Rose has worked with animals at New Moon Farm Goat Rescue in Arlington, Wash. Since 1998, New Moon Farm has taken in, rehabilitated and found homes for over 1,500 animals. Top right: One of Rose’s clients, Emma. Above: Viggo, a 21-year-old barn cat now in spirit, enjoying some personal healing. 34 • CityDog Magazine
Her advice to people who may be skeptical of her abilities? Be openminded. “You have to be willing to consider that the world may be more than what you can touch, and I cannot convince anyone of that by telling them it is so. Most people need to have a personal experience to make that shift.” Most of De Dan’s clients come to her due to aging issues, chronic illnesses, integrating new animals, litter box issues, etc. She even helps owners with palliative, end-of-life care.