Preparation

Before a consultation, it is helpful for you to prepare a list of the main questions that you would like to ask your animal companion. However, bear in mind that answering your questions might not be what your animal friend wants to talk about! During one consultation, a guardian wanted to know why her horse wasn’t performing well during competitions. But this was not what the horse wanted to talk about at all. He was much more concerned about the man in his guardian’s life. Be open. Let the conversation happen. We are all equal partners.

At the beginning of a session, I will ask you a few basic questions about your animal companion such as name, species, age and what your animal companion looks like. Then, it is helpful if you tell me a bit about your animal companion’s health and behaviour. This helps me to put the information I am receiving from your animal companion into context, so that it is of more value to you.

It is also helpful if you ask specific questions. For example, if you ask your dog companion a general question like, “How are you doing?”, he or she might answer, “Great!” because right now he or she is resting on your couch with all four feet in the air. However, if you specifically ask about the limping you noticed earlier that day, your dog companion can focus on that issue in particular. You can then proceed to ask any question you want, or tell your animal companion anything you want.

Some of the most common reasons why people want to get in touch with their animal friends are to discover likes or dislikes, what they think, what they need or want, why they do what they do, if they have a message to relay, or to find out how their animal friends are feeling emotionally and physically, i.e. if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort, any questions they have, the effects of life changes, and many more. (For other reasons, please check out the (Frequently Asked Questions section.)

The most important point to remember is that a consultation will help you to understand each other better, and therefore improve and deepen your relationship with each other.

During the consultation your animal companion doesn’t have to be awake, on the phone, or even in the same room with you. Let your animal companion do what he or she wants to do.

It is best to have an open mind since this will help your animal companion to communicate better, and will enhance the whole experience. This is a very special time for you and your animal friend, so relax and enjoy this wonderful new experience.