Mindful Partners

Being mindful with our pets

I believe being mindful with our pets is therapeutic and important in a world that seems to be constantly distracting us. In fact, I wonder if a lack of mindfulness with our pets is contributing to the increase in anxiety we see in them today. Last year I started a journey with a one year old horse which brought me in touch with a trainer called Warwick Schiller. His method is all about creating connection and I began to think about how I could apply this concept to my patients.

How often are we interacting with our pets while distracted? Are we looking at our phones while walking them? Are we thinking of a dozen things while we interact with them? Is their well-being and happiness affected by this? Could our well-being improve by becoming more attuned with them?

I began with my senior dog, Pickles, who I felt was becoming more withdrawn as she aged. I started to take deep breaths, clear my mind, and focus on her when I went to pet her. I immediately felt a change in her focus and connection with me as she recognized that I was mindfully in the moment with her. I then realized that after my more mindful time with her, I felt more calm and relaxed.

I believe being mindful and fully aware of the moment when interacting with our pets will lead to healthier and happier animals. I also believe that training ourselves to interact with our pets in this manner will be therapeutic for us. With Connected Veterinary Care I hope that by being mindful and not distracted by a heavy schedule of appointments, I can connect with your pet and let them know that I am focused and aware of their feelings and be a trusted partner in their care.