Do you eat meat?

Are You A Vegetarian Or Vegan?

As an Animal Communicator and animal advocate I am frequently asked this question.

Montague the rooster

The psychic fairs that I attended for the last 5 years allowed me to lecture in front of hundreds of people. At the end of the lecture I would always take a few questions from the crowd. It never failed…that question always came up.

Many of us are becoming aware of the health advantages of a vegetarian or vegan diet. For a definition click here

Is going Veg right for you?

I will admit that I changed my dietary habits after I communicated with the animals that were going to be used for consumption. It was heartbreaking to hear their thoughts and fears.

Here is a site that I love GoVeg.com. Lots of great recipes and resources. Be aware that the video section is difficult to watch. So if you are sensitive beware.

Looking back, I’m actually glad I watched the videos. Although it made me ill and I was disgusted afterward, it really helped me take the leap to a different type of lifestyle that did not include animal products.

Wild turkeys outside my kitchen window

I think this decision is a personal one that you make based on your specific dietary needs, requirements, belief system and your doctor’s recommendations.

I work with the following professionals to ensure optimum health: A naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, acupressure therapist as well as my regular MD.

What should you do?

My diet does not include consuming the meat of animals. I am also eliminating dairy products and leaning toward a vegan diet now that I know how much animals suffer in factory farms and dairies.

Not to imply that all farmers or ranchers mistreat their animals.  This is specifically geared toward large factory farms.

Do what feels right to you…

If you have a moral issue with consuming animal products there are many sites and groups that support a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Click here to learn how to become a vegetarian or vegan.

The Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free Shopping site is also a great place to start.

For a Compassionate Shopping Guide click here.

After much research and investigation I can no longer tolerate the brutal treatment of farm or dairy animals used for human consumption.

What goes on behind the scenes can be seen here.

As Sir Paul McCartney says…” If slaughterhouses had glass walls… ”

**Extremely graphic footage**Viewer discretion advised**

The bottom line is we all have to make the decision that is best for us.

It is a moral, ethical and nutritional decision.

On behalf of the animals I ask you to consider making the leap to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Oh get serious! There really isn’t such a thing as a psychic vampire is there?

You decide after reading the details below.  You may even know someone who fits the description.

When I was a deputy sheriff in Colorado I would never start my shift without wearing my bullet-proof vest as seen in the photo below.

Why? Because I had to protect myself against criminals or those who had the intention to cause injury or harm.

Besides, it’s just plain old common sense right?

The same rules apply with my work now only the criminals aren’t lurking in alleyways or dark corners.  The criminal aspect I work with now are what I call dark or negative energies.

Just like there are good and bad people in the world, there are good and bad energies that we can attract.

What kind of energies do you attract?

Have you ever met someone for the first time and instantly felt like you have known them forever and you immediately feel good about them?  You know you have never met before but it just feels like an instant friend.

What about the opposite case.  Have you ever met someone and instantly felt an overwhelming dislike for them.  Even though there is no apparent reason why?

Each scenario I’ve mentioned actually describes how we feel about that person’s energy.  For the most part we are attracted to people who have the same vibrational energy as we do.  In contrast, we are often repelled from those who have a lower vibration or negative vibration.

Our vibration is similar to the blades of a fan…Higher levels of consciousness vibrate at a higher rate…

In the photo my mom stands on her deck with a ghostly white mist or aura (energy field) all around her.  All the other photos taken that day were clear.

Vibration is simply the rate our energy field rotates.  A faster vibration is a higher level of energy output than a lower speed or lower vibration.

Dark energies vibrate at the lowest levels…

Dark energies, or those who vibrate at the lowest levels are who I protect myself from on a daily basis.  Negative and dark energies feed off human fear or instability.  They are basically draining you of your energy and use your energy as fuel. Sometimes called ‘Energy Vampires’ or ‘Psychic Vampires’ because they literally suck the energy right out of you.

There are some people that can literally drain our energy just by talking to them on the phone.  Perhaps you know someone like this.  As soon as the phone rings and you hear their voice you cringe and then feel totally exhausted when you hang up.  They did all the talking and yet you feel completely exhausted.

Common traits of a Psychic Vampire:

• Constantly seeks out drama or creates drama
• Rumor mongers
• Needs constant reassurance or feedback
• Inability to make good choices
• Has the ‘grass is always greener’ mentality, never satisfied
• Jealous, unstable and needy

These energy vampires are not consciously aware of what they are doing but they seek out drama or create turmoil and seem to thrive off all that negative energy.  It’s very similar to a parasite that lives off a host.

Not all psychic vampires are bad people…

It is just as easy for a good friend or loved one who is a good person to be a psychic vampire and not even know it.  You need to be aware of your energy and give it to no one.  Consider your energy like your own personal fuel tank.  Reserve it only for yourself.

Can I be harmed in a psychic attack?

The only real harm is a feeling of exhaustion.  The attacker gets a blast of energy and you are left feeling depleted.  There has only been one time that I have had this kind of attack and I will never forget it.  I learned the hard way to be sure to always protect myself.

In the photo above, a client’s cat sits peacefully on the bed as a ghostly white image appears in front. Most animals can sense the presence of energies.

Symptoms of a psychic attack…

• Nausea
• Cold or clammy hands
• Sudden onset of sweat or cold
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion

How do I protect myself from negative energies?

Protection for me is prayer and meditation. I work closely with my spirit guides and angels to ensure that I am surrounded and protected in White Light before I begin sessions. Simple affirmations like this one can help:

“I call upon my angels and spirit guides (or whomever you pray to) to surround me in the White Light, Divine Light, Holy Light, God’s Light “(whatever you want to call the Light).

Imagine white light all around you.  Ask your angels to protect your energy field and say to yourself,

“I receive my energy each day naturally from the Earth, the universe and from God only… I will give my energy only in the healthiest way to benefit my needs first.”

I am often asked if I am ever afraid of dealing with negative energies. The answer is easy for me. Absolutely not! After being in law enforcement there is very little that can scare me.

Be aware of the negative energies and psychic vampires in your life.  Take inventory of your relationships and ask yourself if you have anyone who is draining your energy.

Are you draining others of their energy?

Sometimes it is best to end a toxic relationship and surround yourself with energetically balanced, life-giving people.

Protect yourself every day and your energy will always be safe.

Happy Halloween!

Recently a client named Sandra contacted me after she inadvertently poisoned her cat, Slinky by giving her Tylenol which contains Acetaminophen.  Acetaminophen is highly toxic to cats and should never be administered.

Needless to say, Sandra was riddled with guilt over Slinky’s death.

Please don’t make the same mistake Sandra made.

A quick call to the veterinarian’s office could have prevented this tragedy from occurring…

Never give your animals any over the counter medication without consulting with your veterinarian.  Below are some medications that have been known to be safe for either cats or dogs but read carefully. Some are not safe for cats.

Tylenol- NOT SAFE FOR CATS                   

SAFE FOR DOGS - Under veterinarian care only

This seemingly safe drug used in humans for headaches and fever, can actually be deadly to your cat.

Why?

Cats have an unusual metabolism in their liver. When Tylenol is eaten, it is taken by the bloodstream to the liver.  In the cat, the liver metabolizes or breaks down Tylenol into separate components which are actually toxic to the cat.  In other species these components are further broken down by the liver into non-toxic substances.

But the cat lacks the necessary enzymes to continue this breakdown process.  These end products of Tylenol breakdown are so toxic to the cat that death is the typical outcome.

Source: ASPCA,  Dr. Jon

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).  Ibuprofen goes by several brand names, such as Advil and Motrin. 

Ibuprofen should be used only as directed by your veterinarian for dogs.

Avoid administering Ibuprofen to cats. Source: VMA, Dr Jon

Aspirin - CAN BE SAFE FOR CATS AND DOGS

Check with your vet first!

These are the most commonly used drugs today classified as NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and are used for pain relief, and sometimes relief of inflammation in both dogs and cats.  Once again, cats tend to metabolize (or break down) the aspirin products more slowly than dogs or humans, so dosage is usually done on an every other day basis in the cat.  As with any NSAID, stomach upset can be a commonly seen side effect, so discontinuing the drug if vomiting occurs is recommended.

Typically, your veterinarian may recommend buffered aspirin, or more effective, Ascriptin.  This form of aspirin contains Maalox, which helps to coat the stomach lining, and prevent irritation associated with aspirin products.  Long term usage of aspirin, may also result in complications with the normal clotting of blood.  Therefore, discontinuation of all aspirin products prior to any surgery is highly recommended.

Pepto Bismol - NOT SAFE FOR CATS                                     

SAFE FOR DOGS

Commonly recommended for our pets for stomach upset or diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol should only be used in the dog, as it can not be given daily to the cat.  Perhaps the one benefit of Pepto-Bismol, is that of coating the stomach, and perhaps alleviating some symptoms of nausea.  As for diarrhea, there seems to be little Pepto-Bismol can do.

Kaopectate - NOT SAFE FOR CATS

SAFE FOR DOGS

This too has been used in our pets for stomach upset or diarrhea.  Some veterinarians swear by its effect, yet to date, little has been shown to its effectiveness in clinical studies.  Recommended only for use in the dog.

Imodium AD - SAFE FOR CATS & SAFE FOR DOGS

This anti-diarrhea medication is useful in both dogs and cats.  It seems to work better with small intestinal diarrhea and is available in both tablet and liquid form.  Check with your veterinarian if your pet could take this drug, and at what dosage.

Pepcid AC- NOT SAFE FOR CATS

SAFE FOR DOGS

Is a useful drug for vomiting in the dog.  Designed as an antacid, Pepcid AC decreases the acid secretion in the stomach, thereby alleviating associated discomfort and nausea.  Check with your veterinarian if you pet could take this drug and at what dosage.
If you suspect your animal has ingested something it shouldn’t contact your veterinarian immediately and/or the Animal Poison Control Center

In these troubling times it’s hard to remember all of the blessings we have in our lives.

I hope after watching this video you hug your mom, your children, your spouse and all your other loved ones and tell them how much you love them.

The video is about a woman named Lis’ Kristof who fought breast cancer for 8 years. Lis’ was given three weeks to live on this earth, so she decided to leave the hospital to run her Chinese Crested, Diva just one more time.

Against impossible odds, not only did she stay on her feet for the whole run, but also she got the last qualification necessary to win Diva’s Agility Dog Championship title!

When you watch it keep in mind that Lis’ had been given 3 weeks to live. It will move you.

Update: on the evening of May 6, 2008, Lis’ Kristof left this “wonderful earth” surrounded by her mother, dearest friends, and beloved Chinese Crested dogs.

Breast cancer can be treated and lives can be saved if it is caught early enough.

My own mother, Ursula,  is now a 13 year breast cancer survivor.

We celebrated that victory on March 13th, 2009.  My husband and I are flying to Los Angeles in May to spend Mother’s Day with my mom.

Please remind the loved ones in your life to check regularly for breast cancer and get regular mammograms.

For more info on how to prevent this preventable disease to go the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer website

This Mother’s Day I pay tribute to my mom, Ursula and all the others who have suffered from or conquered this disease.  Mary A… you are in my heart always.  May God bless you and your family.

Mom you are an inspiration to me.

I also want to send love to both my grandmothers who have passed on, Henny and Jean.  I love you and miss you both very much. Thank you for being a constant supporting, loving presence in my life.

For last month’s Free Book Contest,  I asked my newsletter subscribers to submit their story of what they learned from the loss of their animal companion.

Over 350 entries were submitted and hours were spent reading through each of their amazing, personal stories.

There were so many wonderful stories deciding on a winner was very difficult.  Ultimately, it was a story submitted by Kit Jagoda from Spokane, Washington that captured the essence of losing an animal.

What I Learned From The Loss Of My Animal

“Dear Karen,

There is nothing that compares to losing a beloved animal who has given unconditional love.

After I lost my dog River in 1999, I told myself I would never let myself feel that close or attached to another animal again.  He had been my constant companion across state moves and he had been there during my ups and downs.

It was the hardest loss I had ever gone through.  But just three months after River had crossed over I had a great blessing in my life.

River

While at the Mind, Spirit and Body Exposition in Spokane I  had a reading by John Edward at which time he communicated with my grandmother who was with River.  River was thanking me for wearing a piece of jewelry that my husband, Peter made that was holding some of his cremated remains.  River also communicated that he was happy.

The communication was so clear and left me with a deep sense of peace knowing that River’s spirit was very much alive and happy and that I would see him again someday.

About a year later, we adopted an 8 week old puppy from the shelter and to this day we feel River’s presence in him.  They share remarkable characteristics. We named him Cisco and he brings us so much joy.

I find myself feeling as close to Cisco, but in a different way.  Maybe because of my reading from John Edward I am reassured that there is an afterlife and the fear of not knowing or uncertainty is replaced by some inner peace.  I feel lucky to have Cisco as a part of our family and knowing that he would be here on earth anyway, how much more fortunate that makes me.

Being involved in rescue we have said goodbye to many animals over the years as they have crossed over or been adopted out.  It is never easy.  But knowing how many thousands of animals in our own community are put down at shelters due to lack of homes it becomes easier to let go of our fears of loss  a little bit more.

By providing a home for an otherwise homeless animal makes the focus more about giving them a second chance.  There is a delicate balance between attachment and acceptance of what their lives offer us.

When I hear people say that they don’t want to have another animal in their life because it is too painful to lose them it makes me sad.  I think of what a wonderful home they could offer for an animal waiting in a shelter or at the end of a chain or in a backyard hutch.

So in answer to your question:
Yes, I would go through all the pain again and hope that others will too, for the sake of the animals.”

Kit Jagoda

Thank you Kit for your beautiful story and the gentle reminder that even though losing an animal companion is one of the hardest things we have to do there are so many others that need a home and someone to love them.  We need to open our hearts and homes to love again so that other animals may find their Forever Home.

I admire your devotion to all animals and taking the steps to start your own animal sanctuary.  You are an inspiration to all animal lovers and animal rescuers.

Kit and her husband Pete founded the non-profit 501(c)3 Animal Rescue in honor of River

River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary

I think we may have all had an experience where someone comes into our life and we wonder what the lesson is.

The same is true for animals.  Some are here for a reason, some for a season and some for a lifetime.

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