Published Articles by Wynter

Healthy Animals=Healthy Humans

Note: In my writing I use the word “humans” as apposed to “owners” with regards to our relationship with animals (they are our animals, and we are their humans)-I strongly feel that we no more own our animals than we do our friends and family. I also refer to domesticated animals as animal companions or friends as apposed to “pets”.

Time and time again I have come across an interesting phenomenon in my work as an animal communicator: Animals who people keep as companions often suffer from the same illnesses and conditions as their humans. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of animal communication or “inter-species” communication, it is a method of communicating with another species using telepathic processes, basically tapping into our intuition and “listening”, not with our ears, but with our hearts. It is a language based on feeling, emotion and mental images. It is the way all animals communicate with each other. We are all born with the ability to communicate with each other in this way; it is only when we learn the spoken word and are conditioned to think logically, rather than using our intuition that we forget this more subtle method of communication.

What we are doing when we communicate with animals on this level is we are “tuning in” or becoming aware of the energy which that animal is emitting. It has been proven through the work of people like Maseru Emoto and his experiments with water, that every thought and emotion is energy which can actually affect and change the form of water molecules. (Bear in mind that our bodies are made up of between 70 and 90% water). To me this shows that a thought is something physical that can be felt and become noticed by people sensitive enough to be aware of the subtle energy that is being emitted by all living beings. We are all affected by this energy even if we are not aware of it. Emoto’s work has shown that the power of positive thought can actually heal sick cells in the human body, as well as how negative thoughts can make healthy cells diseased.

My interest in Emoto’s work came from my work with animals. If human beings are so affected by negative thought processes, can you imagine how animals, who are so much more sensitive, are being affected? Animals are not only tuned in to the general atmospheric energy around them, but many of them are very connected to the humans with whom they have bonded. The first time I realised how stress from humans can affect their animals on a physical level was long before I started the work I’m doing now: Tinker was a little Maltese Poodle who had adopted me when she came to live with my mother and me as a companion to my mother’s Beagle pup. Tinker and I immediately bonded. Tinker started getting terribly upset tummies. She would stop eating, vomit and have bad diarrhoea. I would rush her to the vet and she would be fine. A few weeks or months later it would happen again. This was a recurring problem, the vets couldn’t work it out, and they concluded it must be something she is eating in the environment where we lived. A couple of years later, I moved down to Cape Town (from Johannesburg). I couldn’t take Tinker with me at the time and I left her with my mother for a year. She was in exactly the same environment, with exactly the same food, people and animals. The only thing missing from the equation was me. Tinker did not have one upset tummy episode while we were separated. The moment she joined me in Cape Town the upsets started again. I put two and two together: Her upsets had something to do with me! I started analysing what was going on in my life when Tinker’s upsets happened. Not surprisingly they always occurred when I was feeling very stressed, when I was literally upset. I have always held my stress in my stomach area, and when I am stressed I suffer from nausea and diarrhoea. The moment I realised the connection between my stress and Tinkers illness, I started learning how to control my stress levels a bit better. Whenever I was letting the stress get to me and reacting to it, Tinker and her tummy would be a wonderful early warning system.

It was only 12 years later when I started working as an animal communicator that I saw many incidences of this same kind of phenomena. What I have learnt since about energy and the physical effects of our thoughts and emotions has helped me to make sense of many inexplicable conditions in animals ( and their humans). For example a cat who I was working with had recurring bladder infections. The word which kept coming to me was “abuse”. I knew the cat was not being abused; she was happy and really loved her human and her home. When I asked the woman if the word made any sense to her, it turned out that she had just started dealing with the fact that she had been sexually abused as a child. I immediately asked her if she had problems with bladder infections and cystitis. She admitted she did. On an energetic level, problems with the bladder area are often connected with the emotional energy of sexual abuse. The woman’s cat was so in tune with her, that she was taking on that energy and it was manifesting physically. Once the woman had started acknowledging and recognising where the physical problems were stemming from, the symptoms eased in both herself and her cat.

Since then I have come across many cases where animals have mirrored their human’s aches and pains and even diseases. I often find that the animal will manifest the “dis-ease”, long before the human. The reason for this is that, because they are so sensitive to the energy around them, animals are affected on a physical level far faster than us humans.

Not every case is caused by the humans’ emotional state affecting the animal (and the human themselves), it can also be a stress in the environment caused by other factors which the animal is picking up. It can be a place which is exposed to a high level of electrical currents, or underlying earth energy (ley-lines). It can be the stagnant energy of a place where distressing events have occurred. If the human and animal are living in that same stressed environment they will both be affected.

In cases like these our animal friends can really tell us when there is a problem in our lives or in our environment. They can alert us if we just become a little bit more aware of what is going on around us, as well as within us. When our animals fall ill, or hurt themselves it is always a good idea to examine what is going on in our own lives: Can you find anything that may relate to the illness on an emotional or environmental level?

Through our animal friends we are able to become more aware of the way we live our lives, they can help us to be kinder to ourselves and live in a healthier environment. www.animaltalk.org.uk

SA Journal of Natural Medicine, Feb/Mar 2007

Conversations with Dog

I have always had a great bond with my four legged friends, always felt I understood them and had no doubt that they knew exactly what I was thinking. When I came across a book called "Straight from the horses mouth" by animal communicator, Amelia Kinkade, I realised that I could develop this ability and really "talk" with the animals. Through Amelia’s book and a subsequent workshop which I attended in England, I’ve learnt how to tune in to what the animals are saying to us humans.

To clearly communicate with our animal companions, we need to change the way we think. Animals’ thoughts are in the form of pictures, not words. Actually we also think in pictures without even realising it. Before the words are formed we already have a picture in our mind of what we want to say. That picture is what the animal picks up. Unfortunately we confuse them terribly- we tell our cat not to scratch the couch, the picture we have in our mind is of them doing exactly that-scratching the couch! We need to visually send them a positive message – one of them scratching their scratching pole (always give them an alternative). They’ll pick up that image and understand immediately what we want them to do. We need to start visualising and being more aware of our thought forms.

That’s the easy part.. the hard part is picking up the pictures that they are sending to us. This takes a great deal of focussing, meditation and getting in touch with your higher self. The effort is worth it, the rewards of really, truly being able to understand and give our animal friends what they need, are enormous.

Let me tell you about my experience with a Daschund named Dixie. Dixie’s mother, Angie, phoned me in an absolute state one day. She was at her wit’s end… Dixie was eating her tail, had literally eaten about two inches off the end. Her vet had put her on Prozac, she had a bucket collar on, the next step was amputation of the tail. Angie had just had a baby girl, Sage. Before Sage came along, Dixie was Angie’s "child". Things had changed and Dixie had no idea what was going on.

Using a photograph of Dixie, I tuned into her energy to get a feel for what she was going through. I felt absolute hopelessness. Dixie felt completely worthless, she didn’t know where she fitted in anymore. She always used to bark to tell her mom when someone was coming- now she got shouted at when she barked. She always went out with her mom, now she got left behind. Her mom used to talk to her, now she got ignored. It was literally eating her up. She started destroying herself.

I spoke to Angie about what Dixie was going through… she admitted that she had been struggling with the new baby, and had been ignoring Dixie, although not intentionally. She had been telling herself that her baby was more important now, and Dixie was just a dog. She’d been feeling very guilty about it. I told her to start talking to Dixie, treating her as part of the family again, and to visualise her being calm, and happy.

I focussed on Dixie and communicated with her that her role in the family was even more important now than before. Her mom needed her help, with this change in her life. I sent her warm, loving thoughts and visualised her curled up in her basket, chewing on a bone. I discussed this all with Angie, and asked her to explain the change to Dixie, and let her know how much she is still loved.

All too often, we as egotistical, intellectual beings forget how important our animals are. We don’t realise how our problems affect them. They pick up on everything that happens in our lives. They know when we’re sad, or happy.. when we are sick they will often help heal us.

The most important thing I’ve learnt since working with animals in this way, is that they all need to have a purpose, and they need their humans to acknowledge that purpose, and be appreciated for their contribution to our lives.

The moment Angie acknowledged what was happening with Dixie and started treating her with the respect and love she was so badly missing, Dixie stopped chewing herself. She calmed down and felt secure and happy again.

It all sounds so simple… but it really works. Remember to visualise positive images. See in your mind what you want to communicate to your friend. Trust your intuition when you feel they are trying to tell you something. Most important of all, be aware of how you treat your four-legged friend. Respect and love is the key.

Rennaisance Magazine, Aug/Sep 2002

Travelling Cats

I have recently made a move to the other side of the world, and as animals are my life’s work and passion, managed to make this move with my beloved cats. So many of us have been considering or have actually planned to leave our beautiful South Africa, for many different reasons. The most tragic part are the animals that are left behind. When I was presented with the opportunity to study and work in England, I immediately thought it would be impossible, as I would have to give up my cats- or put them through 7 months of quarantine, which is incredibly expensive and also a rather harsh thing to put any animal through. I started doing some investigating. - Europe has no quarantine laws, although animals from South Africa have to be there for 7months before entering the United Kingdom on the Pet Passport Scheme. So…France (always wanted to learn French!)… here I come!

It has been a long haul, but here I am with four very happy cats, and seven months of the peaceful French countryside ahead of me, with regular trips to Oxford. It is amazing how, if you have faith in what you are doing, everything falls into place (in it’s own time, of course!) Luckily I am able to work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a telephone.

I would like to share with you how to make a move such as I have done as stress free as possible for your animals (and yourself)

Always explain to your animals what is going on, treat them as part of the family, with respect and love. (Those who have read my article "Conversations with Dog" in Aug. Issue will know what I am talking about.) When I go out, I tell my cats where I am going, what time I’ll be back… if I don’t they worry. Animals can tell time, and understand our every intention. Its our "human logic" that interferes with the messages we give them.

I started preparing my four cats for their "incredible journey" weeks before we left. I planned to stay in England for 3 weeks before I arrived in France. During that time, the cats would stay in a wonderful cattery in Noordhoek, where they had been before and I knew they would be well cared for. I sent them mental images of their whole trip. -Of them going to the cattery and then travelling in their special cat boxes, being handled by strange people (the pet travel company). I tried to imagine and communicated to them the dark baggage hold of the aeroplane with the noise of take-off. All the while telling them that it would be quite safe and they must not be scared. I sent them a mental picture of me meeting them on the other side. I told them the exact date and time they would be leaving Cape Town, and arriving in France.

I spoke to a homeopathic vet about giving them something to relax them for their trip. Some of the pet travel companies insist on tranquillising the animals with ACP. I feel very strongly about not drugging animals while travelling. It makes them feel completely out of control, which adds to their stress levels and often they (cats in particular) will try and fight the effects of the drug and end up hurting themselves. They also get a "hangover" headache which may last for some time afterwards. My vet made me up some special homeopathic drops, which would take the edge off, but leave them fully aware, and would not make them feel woozy or nauseous. My cats also told me that it would not have a bad affect on them (they instinctively know these things)

While I was in England, I connected with them everyday- sending them light and healing energy. The images I got back from them were very calm and relaxed. "Fred" was feeling a bit nauseous, but nothing serious. Of course I also checked in with Sue on a more earthly level (via telephone). My intuition was correct, all was fine- but Fred wasn’t eating as much as the others… Nausea!!

The time came to meet them in Paris. I tried to keep calm all the way (Rescue Remedy nearby!) knowing they could pick up my energy even a thousand miles away. We finally arrived and they were all safe and sound. We were all so happy and relieved to see eachother again. It was still a four hour drive to the little place I had rented, but the worst was now over.

My cats handled the trip beautifully- their fur was a bit ruffled, but otherwise they were quite relaxed - were even washing themselves on the car trip down - a sign of a relaxed cat! When we arrived at our new little home, they all flopped down, exhausted. Things could not have been more perfect.. it was if they had come home. They started exploring almost immediately, wandering in and out as they pleased- they knew that the worst part of their journey was over.

You will find that once you start connecting with your animals on this level, communicating with them and trusting that they understand you, that the most stressful situations become really easy. Moving home, moving countries!! Introducing new animals, or people into your home…All these things needn’t be stressful for your animals or yourself. Just trust in your intuition, and the universal energy of light and all will be well. Most important, remember not to stress! Your animals will pick up your stress and "If mom or dad are worried, there must be something to worry about!"

One of the hardest things I had to do before I left, the hardest I’ve had to do for a very long time, is have my very dear "Oliver", a beautiful silver tabby cat, put to sleep. He was tested positive for the FIV virus, and had started getting quite ill. He would not have survived the trip. He had also told me, when I was first considering going, that he did not want to go to England- he was an "African Cat!" He had had the FIV for quite a while, and it was almost as if he chose to start showing signs of his illness before I left… so that I would know in no uncertain terms that I had to let him go. But that is another story, for a another time.

Renaissance Magazine, Nov/Dec 2002

Itchy Animals

In my workings with animals, I’ve come across many, many cases of skin irritations and eczema. I’d say about 1 in every 3 dogs, and perhaps 1 in very 5 cats, I work with suffer from the itches. Sometimes it’s because of a flea allergy, othertimes it’s diet or even stress related. The standard treatment for any itching is a Cortisone injection and then a course of Cortisone tablets, with Anti-biotics to clear any secondary infection caused by the animal’s chewing . Cortisone is very fast acting and does bring relief- so it gives the skin a chance to heal. But, the moment the Cortisone treatment is stopped, the animals tend to start scratching again. The cause of the problem is not treated, only the symptom. Unfortunately the long term affects of Cortisone on the animals system and general health are horrendous. It affects their immune system, increases their appetite, and can even cause internal bleeding. Dogs who I have worked with, "tell" me they feel continually bloated and uncomfortable whilst being treated with Cortisone, it can also make them feel quite depressed.

There is hope… there is a natural remedy on the market- Rooibos Anti-itch for animals. It has been developed by Aromatherapist, Lalage van der Vyver- who lives in Noordhoek. With the help of her aged cat, Gingerbits, Lalage discovered the amazing healing qualities of the Rooibos Oil. This is a wonderful story of how by "listening" to a cat, a product was discovered which has helped hundreds of animals:

Gingerbits had developed a severe skin condition, which the vet had said was hormonal. She was being treated with a product called Ovarid, which contains a very high percentage of cortisone (I believe it is generally not prescribed anymore, because of the terrible side affects).

Lalage has a range of Aromatherapy blends on the market, one of which is a Tissue Oil which she developed to treat Eczema and Psoriasis in humans. The base of this oil is an infusion of Rooibos and Camomile . Gingerbits took great interest whenever Lalage started brewing her Rooibos Oil, so much so that Lalage offered her some to taste- she loved it. Every day, Lalage would give Gingerbits a spoonful of the oil as a treat. After a week of Rooibos "treats", Gingerbits stopped scratching and chewing herself to bits….. Her fur grew back over the bare patches, her coat became as thick and glossy as it was when she was young. Gingerbits knew the healing qualities of this oil, intuitively she knew that the Rooibos would heal her skin.

Lalage was so impressed with Gingerbits’ improvement, that she started trying her oil out on other animals with skin conditions- it proved to be affective on all the animals that it was given to. It has since helped animals with such severe skin conditions that they were about to be put to sleep.

Whenever I come across an itchy animal, the first thing I do is advise the owners to give them Rooibos Anti-Itch Remedy- After all, who can argue with a cat? If Lalage had just ignored Gingerbits, and not allowed her to taste the oil, she would never have discovered this remedy! We must "listen" to our animals- they really do have so much to teach us.

One of the things that affects skin condition the most is diet. So many of my animal "clients" tell me they want more fresh food in their diets. Most of the commercial petfoods are full of additives - preservatives and colourants. I can hear many of you say "my cat is so fussy, she’ll only eat X"….. Gradually introduce the fresh food into your friend’s diet. Choose a dry food, that has no artificial additives - there are one or two about. Supplement the dry with some fresh cooked chicken or meat and vegetables. Surf the net for some natural pet food recipes. Your animals will really appreciate the extra attention given to their dinner!

Stress can also be a major reason for itching. Animals that have been abused and neglected often develop skin conditions long after they have been rescued and placed in a loving home. I’ve also seen cases where animals start itching when their humans are going through a stressful time. They pick up on those stressful "irritating" energies and it manifests in them physically. If you are going through a stressful time, be aware of how your fourlegged friend reacts to it. Try explaining to them how you are feeling and why things are stressful for you. They do understand and so often they want to help- and they can, we just need to acknowledge that and let their healing energies do their work.

Renaissance Magazine, May/June 2003

Listen with your soul!

Renaissance Magazine, Nov/Dec 2003

Animals and our "dis-ease"

Renaissance Magazine, Jan/Feb 2004