Welcome!

Animal Reiki Greetings to all!

As this issue encompasses 2 months, I have chosen to focus on two themes: Reiki in animal sanctuaries, and how Reiki supports the dying process. I am so moved by my connections with all the beautiful animal Reiki people around the world: this issue's authors span 3 countries and 2 continents! Keep up the wonderful work everyone:)

The first article is an interview with Gail Pope of Brighthaven Healing Arts Center. This article is a great testimony to the power of Reiki for senior and special needs animals. The second article focuses on Reiki at a monkey sanctuary in Chile, South America. What a wonderful idea for volunteering Reiki! The third article is a moving story from a Canadian practitioner who supported a cat's transition with Reiki. And finally, the final article is Part 2 from the last newsletter: a lovely description of the final chapter in Ronnie's life.

In this month's Readers Questions, I discuss the issue of how working with sanctuary animals may be different from working with other animals. Find out the answer below...

Also, visit the Share Your Stories section below to find out about contributing to a future newsletter. Your experiences with animals and Reiki will help and inspire others!

And finally, check out the Upcoming Classes section to see some of the new and expanded training programs at Animal Reiki Source. I'm happy to support you in your practice through these classes!

With Love and Reiki Blessings,
Kathleen

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Reiki at Brighthaven
It is my honor to present this interview with Gail Pope, Founder and President of BrightHaven, Healing Arts Center for Animals in Santa Rosa, California. For more information about how you can help BrightHaven, please visit www.brighthaven.org.

Reiki With Esperanzo the Monkey
My friend Magaly and I travel regularly to a monkey rescue rehabilitation center where we offer Reiki to the monkeys in most need. In this article, I will focus on my Reiki experiences with a Black Howler Monkey named Esperanzo. He was born in South America's forest. He is almost completely blind because of cataracts and he is also very small, 1/3 of the normal size.

The Story of Whiskers
I would like to share a story that gave me confirmation that Reiki is very beneficial in helping in the transition from this life to the next. It is a story of a cat named Whiskers. Whiskers was an amicable, easy going, long haired cat who was diagnosed with kidney and liver failure in July 2002. His sole purpose was to provide love for his person whose only company was Whiskers. I started to administer Reiki with him at that time with his permission (about two times a week). Each time I arrived I would lay on the couch and he would jump up on my chest and place his paw in my hand. The sessions were about 20 minutes at first and gradually increased to an hour.

Ronnie: The Rest of the Story
Ronnie made his transition on July 1, 2005 at 11:20am. It was smooth and peaceful.

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Question: How is working with sanctuary animals different than working with other animals?

Answer: In some ways, working with sanctuary animals is the same as working with any animal: all animals appreciate a respectful approach and choice in how to receive Reiki.

But as far as your own path with animal Reiki, treating sanctuary animals can be some of the most rewarding work that you do. Because sanctuary animals usually have so many issues, you will see the true depth of what Reiki can do to heal all kinds of conditions. This will strengthen your foundation in Reiki.

Also, sanctuary animals will be some of your greatest teachers. They will be shining examples of the possibilities of healing against all odds: their ability to move forward in pure joy, love, peace and forgiveness will stay with you for life.

So I encourage all of you to find a sanctuary in your local area: approach them and offer Reiki to their animals. The animals will thank you!

If you'd like to submit a question for our next issue, please e-mail Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com

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Build our community of Reiki for animals while sharing your knowledge and expertise in Reiki for animals and encouraging and supporting others through your experiences.

Submission Guidelines/Editorial Policy
Articles should not exceed 1,500 words in length, and should reflect the theme of the issue. Pictures are encouraged! Please include a short bio including full name, Reiki level of practice, job title, and city/state of residence. Animal Reiki Source reserves the right to edit text as required. At present, this publication will appear monthly. Articles are due on the 15th of the month preceding publication. For example, articles for the January issue will be due December 15th.

Please send submissions to Kathleen at info@animalreikisource.com

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September/October: Most Memorable Animal Reiki Treatments
November/December: Animal Teachers

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Level I Reiki Classes at Brighthaven Sanctuary:
August 20-21, 2005, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. both days.

Level II Reiki at Brighthaven Sanctuary:
Fall 2005, dates to be announced.

Animal Reiki Workshop in San Rafael:
October-November: 1 hour/week for 5 consecutive weeks. Days/times to be scheduled.

Animal Reiki Workshop by Teleclass
(Prerequisite: at least Level 1 Reiki):
Now Forming!

Animal Reiki Workshop by Correspondence Course
(Prerequisite: at least Level 1 Reiki)
Available Now!

Note: All classes will be held in San Rafael, CA