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Animal Voices: Telepathic
Communication in the Web of Life
By Dawn Baumann Brunke (Bear & Company, 2002, softcover, $15.00)
 Animal
Voices is a journey in a book. Dawn Brunke begins an exploration
of animal communication and takes you with her down a long and winding
path, leaving nothing out - not even her own doubts and fears. This is
what makes her work unique.
Dawn shares her initiation into the world of interspecies
communication, describing how she "got out of her own way"
and opened herself to the consciousness of other creatures. The wisdom
of the species represented in this book are not identical, though
similar themes prevail. A common message from many animals, for
example, is that we are all truly one. By deepening ourselves to
accept all aspects of life - even (or perhaps especially) those parts
of others or ourselves we think are ugly, strange or frightening - we
open to a more conscious and responsible view of the interconnected
web of life.
Many prominent animal communicators are interviewed in Animal
Voices and their varied experiences communicating with horses, dogs,
whales, dolphins, llamas, elephants, birds and many others, including
smaller creatures like spiders and mosquitoes, help Dawn to appreciate
and fine tune her own gift. This also gives the reader additional
perspectives about the world of animal consciousness.
Some of the information Dawn received was so out of the ordinary
that she was hesitant to include it in the book. However, her
determination to accurately record the information she and other
communicators received gives us an unusual glimpse into the lives of
many animals - even the ordinary goldfish in her living room, who,
surprisingly enough, liked being in their tank and enjoyed watching
television. This was not at all what she expected them to communicate,
but including the odd and sometimes unbelievable comments keeps her
work genuine.
While reading Animal Voices, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the
change in yourself the next time you encounter an animal. Nothing is
ever quite as it seems, and any animal - from your dog or cat to a fox
in the bushes or even the smallest creature buzzing by - may have an
important message for you to hear.
~Review by Sherry Stultz
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Blessing
the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond
By Rita M. Reynolds (NewSage Press, 2001, softcover, $13.95)
 Those who are
dying are often the best equipped to teach us about the mysteries of
death and the wonder of living. This is no exception with animals.
Rita Reynolds has worked with sick and dying animals for over 20 years
at her animal sanctuary in Virginia. Not only has she comforted a wide
variety of animals in their final hours, helping them to die with
peace, grace and dignity, but she has listened to them and learned.
The day before Rita's beloved dog Oliver died, he communicated to
her the importance of sharing such moments rather than drowning in
grief. "Everything is as it is meant to be," reassured
Oliver. "And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments
to come." As Rita was to learn in all matters of life and death,
there is only the moment - and, "love given and received, moment
by moment, is all that really matters."
Reynolds' book is both a spiritual and practical guide. Including
her personal story of creating a hospice as well as the stories of
many animals who have shared their wisdom and insights, Rita also
suggests a variety of tools for helping sick, old or dying animals -
from prayers and flower essences to massage, chants and healing music.
As we help our animals to be comfortable, to lose fear and transition
effortlessly, gracefully (or, as each body needs to do - sometimes
with noise and fanfare) across the bridge called death, we lessen the
fear within ourselves.
Rita covers some difficult topics as well: how to know when
euthanasia is appropriate; how to let go of a beloved animal
companion; what to do once an animal has passed; and how to open to
the larger understanding that death can be beautiful and that each
being, human and animal alike, brings us a unique gift. In all cases,
Rita offers many ways to deepen our connection, not only with the
dying but with the living, and with the deeper aspects of ourselves.
~Review by Dawn Brunke
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Conversations
with Dog: An Uncommon Dogalog of Canine Wisdom
By Kate Solisti-Mattelon (Beyond Words, 2000, softcover, $13.95)
"Lying at our feet, curled up
at the foot of our beds, are beings capable of teaching us everything
we are seeking. We have only to learn how to listen," writes Kate
Solisti-Mattelon.
This small, lovely book features
the "Frequently Asked Questions" that the human race might
most like to ask our canine friends - from why do you bark, why do you
chase cats and what do you think about fleas to do you believe in
angels, can you visit me once you are spirit and can you really come
to me in my dreams?
The answers are short (usually
less than a page), sometimes funny, sometimes surprising, and the gist
of the communication is distilled in a sentence or two above the
answer. In all cases, it is obvious that Solisti-Mattelon's many years
of professional animal communication skills help her to commune with
the core consciousness of the canine species. Kate notes upfront that
the answers are not definitive, nor necessarily true for each
individual dog. Rather, she is tuning into the group consciousness of
canines. This book is designed to be a tool for deeper understanding,
to introduce readers to the inherent spiritual consciousness of
canines, and an invitation to open our hearts and minds to the amazing
beings we call dogs.
~Review by Dawn Brunke
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Cycle
of Power: Animal Totems
By Sandra Sayahda Viola (1999, softcover, $9.95 including postage; see
www.sayahda.com)
In this handy softcover reference, Douglas resident Sayahda
explores the physiology, habits, teachings and symbolic/spiritual
meanings of over 100 animal totems. In a style similar to Ted Andrews'
Animal Speak, the author looks at the qualities that various animal
species contribute to the world at large, and how each of us can
become an apprentice to that wisdom.
As Sayahda notes, "Animals serve as a bridge between heaven
and earth, the known and the unknown. They understand both worlds and
hold the secrets of creation. They have keen senses and respond to
their inner instincts. They live in harmony with mother earth and
father sky and teach us how to do the same."
In addition to familiar animals -- ducks to jellyfish, butterflies
to spiders -- Sayahda investigates animals less well known to humans:
dugongs, echidnas and kinkajous. Different types of totemic
relationships are also included, such as life totems (those animal
guides that stay with us throughout our life), message totems (those
that appear unexpectedly to carry a specific message or blessing) and
shadow totems (those animals that test us by igniting our fears).
A lot of valuable material is packed inside this slim booklet of
116 pages. Presented in an easy-to-read format, the information is
intriguing and concise, and particularly useful for those who work
with animals and totems.
~ Review by Dawn Brunke
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The Complete Holistic Dog Book ~ Home
Health Care for our Canine Companions
Jan Allegretti & Katy Sommers, D.V.M. (Celestial Arts, 2003,
$24.95)
 This is
definitely one of the best books I’ve seen on holistic care for
dogs. The authors are a holistic health animal care consultant/teacher
and a Veterinarian who is also a certified acupuncturist specializing
in combining alternative therapies with conventional medicine. The
result of their collaboration is enlightening, educational and easy to
read.
Part one covers everything from a wholesome diet (with some
practical guidelines to incorporating fresh foods and home-cooked
meals along with a very handy chart of what those label ingredients on
dry dog food really mean) to the basics of a holistic medicine chest
– from herbs and homeopathy to acupressure, bodywork, energy
medicine and more. What’s best is that everything is explained in a
very engaging and informative style.
Part two focuses on how to treat injury and illness. This is
generally arranged by body area, and each section includes how to
maintain health, signs of trouble, followed by a variety of ways to
treat the problem – including first aid, nutritional support, herbs,
specific acupressure points, and more. Some great diagrams present
clear, basic information. In fact, that is what I like most about this
book: it is so easy to follow and so well arranged that it is a snap
to find what you need to know.
Part three addresses more serious
illnesses and looks at a variety of choices for supplementing
veterinarian care with holistic support. Also included are homeopathic
and herbal material medicas. All in all, this is a most excellent
reference book with some extensive (and interesting) information for
you, in caring for your best furry friend.
~Review by Dawn Brunke
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