PART 10 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK/Health & Comfort
Kat's NOTES: Black Jack is a delightful, sweet soul, Judy. It was truly a pleasure to connect with him for you in this way. He conveys a sweetness of Love and appreciation for you, and wants you to know that he does not in any way feel he is “suffering” at this time, even though he has slowed down and does have some stiffness/soreness especially in the back end.
SUGGESTIONS:
1. Bach essence for restlessness: Agrimony; Bach for indecision, imbalance: Scleranthus. 2 drops of each in a 1 oz bottle of filtered water, shake well to blend, then give him 4 drops of this 4 or more times a day, with at least one dose before bedtime. Can give as many doses as needed throughout the day/evening, no harm is caused by numerous doses. These are vibrational essences, they work on the mental/emotional states.
2. Blue for calming – place something blue (fabric, towel, etc.) near where he likes to lay.
3. NuVet Plus for his soreness/stiffness and for general health – see http://www.katberard.com/res_supplements_nuvet.htm for information and how to order. I recommend the powder, as it’s easier to dose and you don’t have to worry about whether he’d like the wafers or not. It’s also a great antioxidant formula, which is good for everything!
Please note that I am not a veterinarian. The information provided herein is not to be construed as veterinary or medical advice. It is offered simply for your consideration. Consult with your veterinarian and trust your intuition as to what feels appropriate for Black Jack.
Thank you for asking me to talk with Black Jack, Judy. I look forward to talking with you about the session.
Many blessings and hugs and Love to you and Black Jack,
Kat
Kathleen A. Berard
Animal Communicator, Bach Flower/Wild Earth Animal Essences Practitioner
and Holistic Animal Care Consultant
Intuitive/Spiritual Guidance for People
KATALYST FOR ANIMAL WHOLENESS, INC.
San Antonio, Texas 78247
210-402-1220
kat@katberard.com
www.katberard.com

PART 9 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK-SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR JUDY

*Kat What else do you want to say to Judy, or want her to know?
**Black Jack That I Love her very very much, and we are never far apart, even though we are in separate bodies. We have a bond, a closeness, of the [soul] that is very special, and we are together for always. Please let her know that. When I am gone from my Black Jack body, I want her to remember this. That I am not far away, I am Right Here, just as I am now. I will be with her in her heart, for always, I know this. I want her to know that she will always be in my [soul-heart] as well.
** Tell her thank you, very very much, for all of the good things she has done for me over our time together, and please ask her to know that I am very happy with how our lives together have gone. I know there were times, and still are times, that she worries about me; but ask her not to do that so much, and to just enjoy being “in the moment” with me. It’s okay if she wants to sleep more, like I do; she could use more sleep! [Black Jack conveys that he thinks sometimes you do not allow yourself to rest as much as you could/should, so he is saying to take naps if that would be helpful to you, like he does.]
*I’ll tell Judy, thank you.
*Is there anything else you would like to talk about before we close, Black Jack?
** No, I feel okay with what we have done today, Kat. Tell Judy not to worry, to be happy, to enjoy life in every moment, and to be as Big as she can possibly BE!! It’s good when Judy is Big, she has her energy about her and feels very centered at those times. Ask her to seek that [space/place/energy] every day, in every moment, and to let nothing pull her out of her center. She is a strong human, and she is very deserving of all good things, Kat. There are more good things coming her way, tell her that. She should not worry, all is well.
*I will do that, I know she’ll be happy to hear that, Black Jack.
*Thank you very much for talking with me today. It has been a pleasure connecting with you, and I wish you all the very best now and in the future on your Journey, Black Jack. Take good care of yourself, and enjoy every moment.
*Blessings to you, sweet Black Jack.
** Thank you, Kat! And blessings to you. [he sends me a big wave of Love and appreciation for you, Judy, that reminds of a star streaking across the sky but trailing a rainbow of beautiful colors in its wake. Just lovely; very sweet and comforting energy from Black Jack to you/for you.]
*Thanks, Black Jack, I’ll convey that energy to Judy.
*Take care, Black Jack.
** Bye, Kat!

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY, BLACK JACK!

So far Black Jack is choosing his second favorite pastime [since he is now enjoying his very golden years] to celebrate his birthday--soundly sleeping. Here is his second--eating, which has always been a special moment in all the days of his life. Lately he has taken to falling asleep with his face in his food dish! Here the after effects!

The latest in the Black Jack saga...

New 'wrinkle' in care giving for 'ancient' dogs...
Finally having gotten a working arrangement for both of us to get some sleep I got quite a start the other night. After last call, Black Jack settles in (usually) to his comfy bed away from Mom's room because he tosses so much during the night. This bed is 1/2 a good size dog crate with the entrance blocked. For a long while he has been unable to get out of it on his own so I had no worries. As has become the habit I awoke around 2 a.m. to take him out for his mid-night relief--I really hate wet beds and I'll bet he does, too. Well HE WASN'T THERE! In my half-awake state that was pretty startling. THEN I wondered where in the entire house he might have gotten himself trapped--under a bed or behind what furniture, like he used to do when still allowed to wander. Finally I found him. He had somehow gotten back to the utility room corner to do his 'business' (both) then ended up wedged under a chair that has a bar just the right height to hang his head over. Sad sight, but he was sound asleep in this position.
Attributing human reasoning to him, he must have just wanted to avoid his discomfort and my dismay in having to change and wash his bedding again--LOL!

$$Deposit info for May!

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!!!

I TRUST THAT YOU’RE CREATING YOUR OWN HUGE ‘DEPOSITS’ IN THIS WONDERFUL AND PROSPEROUS 2010!!!!!!!!!

Recently I mentioned to a friend that I’m not sure what’s next in my life after my beloved 19 year old dog decides to leave his body. He suggested the book by Lynn Grabhorn, Excuse Me, Your LIFE Is Waiting.

Well, I had decided NO MORE ‘self help’ books but because he’s such a like-minded friend I checked it out online. Looked good, so I ordered one, then another (that I’ve already given to a friend).

It’s based on the LAW OF ATTRACTION of which Abraham long ago made us aware. While those readings through the Hicks family seemed logical and simple to me even then, they felt just too vast for me to become a serious student.

Well, Lynn, in her humorous and down to earth style has blended them with her own life experiences into this palatable (even enjoyable) book.

She claims (and I think we’d all agree) this simple ‘key’ is the “greatest missing link [from all the other ‘self-help’ literature out there] to life and living ever known to mankind!”

How could I NOT share with you all?!

Today I just happened to be reading about how we really CAN help turn the economy and world situation around—which of course includes our individual financial circumstances as well!!

Here’s part of what she writes (paraphrased in part)…

I absolutely know you’ve noticed like I have, that in bad times all we seem to hear, everywhere we go, is how bad, bad, bad things are. Even in good times we humans tend to enjoy complaining, don’t we—prices too high, corporations too greedy, government incompetent, etc.? EVERY NEGATIVE WORD OUT OF OUR MOUTHS IS “MAKING IT BIGGER, STRONGER, AND MORE DANGEROUS THAN IT WAS BEFORE [WE] STARTED BAD-MOUTHING IT”!

We may feel we had nothing to do with the condition it appears the world is in right now, but THAT’S NOT TRUE. Each of us is a part of the mass consciousness flow—everything we think and feel has had and continues to have a monumental impact whether we believe it or not.

As difficult as it may seem we MUST ‘flow some Feel Good energy’ to the situation—simply seeing things as we know they are meant to be.

This very simple key works 100% of the time whether for: The economy,

Global conflicts & gang wars,

Moral issues,

Mass killings,

AND our own financial situation,

As well as all else ‘bad’ personal or world wide that appears to be true!

Of course I highly recommend this book if it ‘speaks’ to you.

From The Quartus Report, Charlene Bradshaw (whose husband served in the military, willing to give his life for our freedom) reinforces this formula (again paraphrased in part)…

She says, “Our role in all of this from the human standpoint is nothing…until disagreements are resolved within the consciousness that created them, each situation will continue toward its just end or until there is the spiritual awakening of the collective mind.”

“While all this ‘drama’ continues”, she goes on, “we are not to pray for good to overcome evil, as this thought places us in the framework of duality. We are to rise above duality, come together in mind and heart with one another…go within and up to that highest frequency in consciousness, release the Light, Love and Energy...” and see only what we know CAN be.

TIME TO TURN THINGS AROUND in 2010—

simply by FEELING GOOD!!!!!!!!!

I’m also still having a blast ‘cheer leading’ and enjoying our now very large group of pet lovers on Facebook (search for judysjrny@gmail.com and I’ll gladly be your friend!). If you’re on you can join in the fun AND good resources/work at the group (search for) PET LOVERS.

Black Jack on Mom's SLEEPING solutions!

I'm thinking my days of sleeping in Mom's bedroom may be OVER. I remember a very long time ago that I was able to jump up on the bed and make myself at home (along side Katie Lou). Because she feared I'd try to jump down and seriously hurt myself, Mom began making me sleep in my bed beside hers. Then when I kept getting lost wandering the house in my darkness, she 'closed' my bed so I'd stay there. Sometimes I long for those freedoms, but in the bigger picture I know it's for the best. I’m less confused and I love that it helps Mom have a less stressful life.

And now if I can manage to pee near bedtime for Mom, she sleeps more soundly. However she is so very vigilant that she has been awakening at my every move in order to be there for me should I struggle to change positions or need to relieve myself again during the night. Recently, due to lack of sleep for so long, continuing to maintain her health has been in question--along with her sanity. I've tried to tell her in many ways not to worry or fuss so much over me. If I fall I can usually get up myself even if it takes some effort.

So I'm pleased to report that night before last, seeing this night headed in the same direction, she put me in my 'kitchen bed' so she wouldn't hear me toss and turn. It worked--then when Mom gets up at about 1:30 for her own ‘potty break’, she gets me up and I’m ready to go again, too. Then we can both go back to sleep soundly again until morning—nice we’re so ‘bonded’ that we’re on the same schedule, isn’t it? Not sure I like being awakened from a very sound sleep but the timing is perfect. This could be the perfect solution for this phase of our life together since the same routine worked perfectly last night, too.

PART 8 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK-MORE ON JUDY

*Okay, that’s a great idea, Black Jack. I’ll let her know. What other things do you want Judy to know?

** That she should not stop doing what she Loves to do, no matter what. To always keep expressing her creativity, her energy, her Love for all things, through her work. Because her Work is really Who She Is. She is a bright Light, Kat, and she needs to know that. She is a Light for many many many humans, and she should please keep doing what brings her the pleasure in her heart and mind and soul for the beauty that she shares with the world. It is not enough to simply do it, it is important to keep sharing it with others, because it [evokes] many things in many humans, seeing a beautiful expression of Love the way Judy does her Work.

** And remind her, that as a big bright Light, she is “bigger” than the day-to-day worries of being human. Ask her to always stand in her [soul]-Light, to always come from that place in her Self in all she does, whether that is how she takes care of her Self, or how she shares her Self with others, or how she helps others, or how she engages with the world. Always from the [soul]-Light. She is a very bright Light, Kat, and I do not want her to make her Self small, in any way, ever. She has worked very hard to come to the place of expression of Who She Is, in a big way, and I want to ask her not to let go of that, for any reason, for any person or way of thinking or way of being or place of living.

** Let other Lights come to her, and engage with her, as much as she seeks out the Lights to engage with. There are many on Earth who are doing this, Kat, and she is in good company. Tell her not to worry, there are more coming her way, there will be many more grand adventures to engage in and to enjoy most fully! [Black Jack “smiles” – he has great great Love and appreciation for Who You Are, what you do, how you express your talents, how you share your Love of others with others, and he is very proud of you being Who You Are now, that you do not hide and make yourself small. He wants you to continue to expand that Light, to keep expressing your Self through your Work and to also do Work for your own pleasure, not just for others.]

*I’ll let her know, thank you.

PET PEOPLE

If you are on Facebook, check out the group PET PEOPLE--where animal lovers share the words of or about their beloved pets--any species!

If you agree it's about time we had a place to come together and share with other pet lovers world-wide, JOIN US.

Seems to me we animal lovers feel something special down deep and we love to talk about it.

www.facebook.com/group.php

PART 7 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON JUDY

Black Jack** Judy’s heart is very big, and very full of Love, for me and for others. Ask her to deepen and strengthen the Love she has for her Self. She has greatly improved that over our time together, but it is important that she allow even more Love and appreciation into her life from others and for her Self. [Black Jack conveys to me that he feels you have greatly advanced over the years in being kinder and gentler with your Self, Judy, and he wants you to continue to expand that and open to it. Not only what you can do for you in that regard, but also opening even further to what others offer you in the way of Love, friendship, appreciation, support, etc.]
Kat* I will convey that to Judy, Black Jack. What else do you want Judy to know?
** That her talents, her gifts, are not just in what she conveys with her hands [he shows me the meticulous work that you do, he is very aware of what you do for others and how much pleasure it gives you to do that], but also what she conveys from her heart. Ask her to let others know what she receives about them and from their animal friends through the Love-work that she does. This is important, humans want to know that others understand the beauty and richness and uniqueness of those they Love. It reflects back to the human that what they feel for their Loves is shared and enjoyed by another, such as Judy, with her talent and ability to engage with others of all kinds [animal and human].
*So for example, you are saying you want her to convey with words [in writing] about what she experiences when she does a piece of work for someone? And also if she does that work for her Self?
** Yes, exactly! That is it. I want her to put her feelings and experiences with her work into words for others to enjoy and appreciate. This allows her to not only have the pleasure of those feelings and experiences, but she also conveys to others the richness and beauty of who a particular [soul, being, spirit] is. This would mean a great deal to those receiving the information. And it would also be helpful if she were to include that information for others to know about as well. [note: he is aware you “talk with many” – i.e. through your newsletter/mailings and website – and is conveying the idea that you (with the human’s permission) share your insights and experience of doing a particular piece of work in a shortened version when you include that piece of work in your newsletter. Perhaps this could also be included on your website, with their permission of course.]

PART 6 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON BOREDOM AND CONFUSION

*Judy says, “As I've been observing his behaviors another question comes to mind out of curiosity... When he wanders and/or goes in circles, what does he need from me? I could speculate, but would rather know if there is something he is trying to communicate to me when he does this.” *Please tell me what is happening for you or with you or in you when you wander or go in circles, Black Jack. **I am sometimes not so sure where I am, or what I am supposed to be doing, Kat. Sometimes my mind seems to be . . . . [fuzzy, unfocused] . . . and I do not know what to do. Sometimes I am just a bit at a loss for something to do. And sometimes, well, I need something to do that is fun and interesting. [note: he then conveys that sometimes he is trying to get your attention to focus on him so that you will take a break from whatever you are doing, that you need the break at those times. So notice when he does this, as to what you are doing at the time and for how long you’ve been doing it.] *Do you do then when you need to go outside to go to the bathroom? **Yes, sometimes. But mostly she knows when I need to go out, that’s not a problem for us. *Okay. Is there anything else Judy can do to help you at those times? **Engage with me at those times, stop what she is doing and focus on me, on us, and what we can do that is fun or interesting or even just spending time together enjoying the touch of hand to body, or head to hand, or whatever. I would like her to be “in the moment” with me at those times, not thinking about whatever she was doing, or still needs to do, but just stopping and being in the moment, really enjoying the time, the minute, the second, the breath we each take over and over again, the feeling of simplicity that our lives are about, the feeling of deep Love and companionship that we share. **I know Judy cannot do all the things with me that we used to do, because I am rather slow now in my body. But I still love to be touched and held (as is comfortable) and I love to be [caressed] gently and loving, as she is so good at doing. I really enjoy those quiet moments together, I am happy with the simple things, Kat. I don’t need a lot to be happy. I really [cherish] our simple time together, and how Loving we are with one another.

Black Jack says...

Monday Day was just here to give Mom another awesome massage and spoke with me as she usually does. They both seemed to get a chuckle out of my saying that yes my guides have reassured me there is nothing to fear going to the other side and that it can be peaceful. When they explained that I can even then still... be with Mom, I simply couldn't understand why I would want to do that when I'm already doing it here! I'm perfectly content, in no pain and understand my limitations, dealing with them accordingly. Only thing I'd feel better about is if Mom would be more content like I am and stop worrying and fussing over me as much as she feels she needs to.

Today with Mom!

Today after Mom put me outside in the cold, stiff wind, she seemed to think I didn’t need to refuel as soon as I thought I should. So this is how I got the message across—it worked! (Who says we don't communicate with our humans?!)

Spring is here!

The wearing of my Hawaiian shirts instead of my winter jackets is a sure pronouncement that spring has finally arrived!

PART 5 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON COMFORT & MAINTENANCE REQUESTS

3/20/10 Black Jack: I had a day yesterday that was slower than usual. I was thinking about finally moving on. But decided to bounce back bigger and better than usual. I had Mom even take me for my walk today--and eating, you should see!! So I reminded Mom that it would be a good idea to post the rest of my talk with Kat to remind her what I want her to know--AND to be sure you enjoy my wise words. She respects me so much that here is PART 5 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON COMFORT & MAINTENANCE REQUESTS:

*Kat asks: Is there anything more Judy can do to make your final days better?

** Even though moving around is not so easy for me now, I would still like to move around as much as possible. [he conveys to me shorter walks, possibly more often (twice or three times a day for 5-10 minutes); and then being carried around outside; and then in the car, going some place enjoyable, whether to visit friends or an interesting place or a favorite location. He does not want to become housebound if possible.]

*I understand, and I will let her know. What else?

** Can she rub me? [he conveys massaging especially his back legs, rump and low back, but overall would be appreciated, 2-3 times a day for a few minutes. It helps with the stiffness and soreness and maintains good circulation.]

*I’ll certainly let her know that is your wish, Black Jack. What else?

[he sends me the feeling that his food is not as easy for him to chew – I’m not sure what you’re feeding, but if it is kibble, it would help to soak it for 10-15 minutes in water, see if he will eat it that way. If canned, then can’t do much about that. If raw, it should be lightly cooked instead as raw would not sit well with his “older” digestive system. If homecooked, or raw, it should be warmed (room temperature) to make it more palatable. His sense of taste and smell are a bit dulled with age. Don’t make any sudden changes in food, other than soaking kibble if that is what he eats.

I scanned his mouth and it feels like he may have an issue with the molar or tooth in front of it on the upper right side of his mouth. Or the gum may be inflamed; just that there is some issue going on in that area. You might take a look to see if you notice anything; or next time he’s in to the vet, have them check his mouth thoroughly.]

*I’ll let her know that, thank you. What else?

[He conveys that he often feels cool/cold, so he would enjoy being covered whenever he’s sleeping with something lightweight, like a hand towel; and if it is a cool day outside (below 60 degrees F is cool to him), a lightweight coat/sweater would be appreciated.]

*Thank you; what else?

[are his nails long? He shows me his nails and the feeling that they are a bit on the long side, he does not like the feeling that gives him when he walks.]

*Okay, I’ll ask Judy to make sure your nails are kept trimmed. Is there anything else you want her to know, to do for you, to help you feel comfortable?

** No, Kat. Those are many things, and she already does so many things for me, that I do not need to ask for more. She takes very very good care of me, I do not worry that I will be forgotten or not treated very well. Judy Loves me, I know this; and it makes me happy that she takes such good care of me. So tell her not to worry, I am not miserable, or complaining here. Just if she can do these things more often, that would be helpful to me.

*I know she’ll be happy to do whatever she can for you, Black Jack.

Spring with Mom!

BLACK JACK: Well, Mom enjoyed her walk so much earlier that she found the time to take me for a walk, too. Even though I may not be able to see the blossoming trees, blooming flowers or hear the birds singing about Spring's arrival, I definitely get to feel the warmth of the sun, the Autumn breeze and smell the earth. It felt so good I even did a bit of my 'bunny hop' run. THANKS, Mom!

PART 4 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON ACCEPTING EACH MOMENT

**KAT: So no unfinished business between you two?
***BLACK JACK No, I am just enjoying my time with her, most importantly I am enjoying the Love we feel for each other and show to each other every day. It is very necessary for me to be here for a little while yet, because Judy is getting used to the idea of my not being here in my body some day. She is quite ready but I think her heart is still adjusting a bit. So I am here for a while, I do not want her to have big big grief when I let go of my body. I want her to feel comfort and peace, and to trust and know that I am okay, that she is okay, that it is ALL okay.
Judy has learned about letting go and releasing many things over the time we have spent together in these bodies. She has learned so much, and it’s good learning, very good learning. She has been helpful to many others in them learning to do the same thing, by seeing her as an example of how to keep shifting and moving forward with life. Humans sometimes struggle with change, with adjusting to what is rather than what one wants it to be. That’s okay; they need to do that, to learn to be stronger in themselves, to learn to more graciously accept the change, and to realize that the change is a good thing! It’s always a good thing, there is always benefit to it. Maybe not recognizable at first, but it’s there, it’s in there for them.
Judy doesn’t struggle so much with change now, she is very good about going forward with what is before her. I am very proud of her for this! And she also has gotten very good at taking care of her heart, and her body, and her well-being. This pleases me, greatly, and I know I do not need to help her so much with all of that, she is doing well for her Self in those areas. So please tell her I am happy for her, that she is taking good care of her, as much as she takes good care of me.
** I will do that, Black Jack.

PART 3 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON LEARNING NOT TO STRUGGLE

***Black Jack: I know she is wondering if I will let go soon; tell her I will be here for a while yet, I am not quite ready to let go. I like my body, even if it is a bit tired and not so strong as it used to be. I like being in it, it is a good body. It’s small, it can go places [he shows me going under furniture, under bushes, under your legs when you’re sitting down, etc.], and I’m close to the ground so I can really, really smell the dirt! I like the Earth smell, it’s very strong and rich [he conveys the smell to me, and how different things – plants, trees, bushes, grass, weeds, etc. – each have their own particular smell. He can parcel out each smell from the other, even at his advanced age. He likes the Earth smell, and the smell of nature.]
**I will let her know that, thank you. Is there completion needed between you two so that you can move on out of your body?
***No, not completion; just a sense of enjoyment of these last days, however long they may be, Kat. I don’t have any rush or hurry in me to let go; I am enjoying my time as Black Jack [i.e. in that body] for as long as I am able. I don’t want her to think that she should allow me to dwindle to nothing, for that is not to my style or liking. But it would be okay for me to go on my own when I am ready, or if she thinks it is time to help me because I am struggling or suffering – especially suffering – then I ask that she help me. I don’t want to struggle, I am rather tired much of the time and so it would be a big effort for me to get out of my body on my own, I think. [I then conveyed to him the idea of him slipping from his body during sleep, just letting go if that is to his liking]
[He thinks on that] But, then again! I may just be able to do that, I could go quietly, I see it does not need to be a struggle.
**No, no struggle at all, Black Jack. You can go in your sleep, you can go when you’re awake, you can go whenever you like. It is up to you. And of course, if you need assistance, I think Judy would be okay with helping you with that. I have not talked with her about that, but I will let her know that you are open to that, should you seem to be suffering or struggling to get out of your body. Is that acceptable to you?
***Yes, Kat, of course, very much so. [he conveys that he would like to be able to let go on his own, but definitely if you sense he is struggling or more importantly suffering in his body, he would like the assistance. That is up to you, however, as to whether you feel comfortable with making that decision.]
**I’ll let Judy know.

Living with Mom!

2/27/10 Good morning, everyone! Mom’s been really busy this week but I finally got her to share my picture and some thoughts. What do you think of my latest fashion statement? Pretty sophisticated looking, eh?! ABOUT this new outfit: My coats and bedding were so nasty yesterday I just had to get Mom to wash them, so she found this sweater to put on me in the meantime. I think it’s sorta manly looking, don’t you? Don’t know if you can see the metallic red threads in it but that touch makes me edge on feeling ‘dressed up’! BUT I never really wore it before for several reasons—first, it was my AUNT, Sootei’s! Second, it’s kinda hard to get on and most of all it always bothered my ‘private parts’. Well age and its gravity apparently have kicked in there, too, since it doesn’t seems to no longer give me any problems.
Now I just have to get Mom to post the rest of the thoughts I shared with Kat…
Oh yes, and Mom's the BEST--she actually pureed my bedtime cookies last night since I have such a tough time chewing!

PART 2 of Intuitive reading--BLACK JACK ON LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER

Kat speaking to BJ:
***"Judy has this message for you: “My beloved Black Jack, please know how precious you are to me and how very much you are a part of me, in my heart forever! I know without any doubt that you have always tried to please me even now when your body doesn’t respond; I recognize and appreciate that more than you know.”
***Kat, please tell Judy I feel the same way about her! I am very, very pleased and grateful that we are friends, that we are good, close, exceptional friends, and that we have mutual respect for one another. I know not all animals are treated with the respect such as I am, and I am [very blessed] to have this human, to have Judy, to be my friend and companion and partner of the heart. She is a very loving, big hearted human, and I am very happy to be here with her!
***I will tell her. She says, “Thank you for choosing to be my loving companion and allowing me to learn from you. My life would not be as rich without having had you in it. My desire now is that you be as comfortable and happy as possible in your final days. Most importantly I want to be sure you know that I want you to move on and be free of your feeble body as soon as you are ready—I will be okay since we’ve had so much respectful loving, learning and growing time together, just the two of us. I’ll be very sad, but I will also feel a blessed freedom for both of us. Your loving human, Judy.”
***I have learned from Judy too! I have learned to be patient, I have learned to have more trust in my Self and in humans, I have learned that it’s okay to not be the strong one all the time, it’s okay to be Me. To be ME! [he “smiles” – he appreciates that you accept and respect him for Who He Is, as much as for how he is]

Part 1-BLACK JACK on APPRECIATION AND CONTENTMENT

BLACK JACK speaks of APPRECIATION AND CONTENTMENT
Here is the first part in which I speak of APPRECIATION AND CONTENTMENT:
“Good morning, Black Jack. This is Kat the Animal Communicator, talking with you at Judy’s request today.
Judy sends you her Love and great appreciation for Who You Are, and for the many years of wonderful companionship you have brought to her life. You are a Love, Black Jack, and she loves you very much. She has a message and some questions for you, but first, how are you doing today?
**Kat, I’m doing . . . well, pretty okay for Who I Am. [meaning, he’s slowed down, he’s stiff and he doesn’t move as well as he used to, but he’s okay with this. He is enjoying the slowness of the days, the slowness of time passing, and the quietness of his world with you. He conveys to me that he takes quiet pleasure/comfort in the stillness of his world, and great comfort in knowing he can trust you in all things, whether that is his care, or his activities, or anticipating his needs. He is a very very sweet dog/soul, one who has a deep sense of appreciation for the world he lives in, for you, and for Who He Is. He also greatly appreciates his body continuing to “hold him” and he is enjoying his twilight time with you.]
**That’s good to hear, Black Jack. Very good to hear. It feels like you’re doing okay in your quiet world?
**Yes, it is okay to be like this [i.e., he does not hear very well at all, as you noted; he does convey to me, though, that he “senses” sound at times, and he uses his other senses to compensate for the loss of hearing. He conveys, for example, how he feels the wind ruffle his coat and he remembers the sound of wind, so he still enjoys his hearing sense, just on a psychic level, if you will.]
**Okay, thank you. “

2/19/10 INTUITIVE READING with BLACK JACK

INTUITIVE READING with BLACK JACK:
On Friday, February 19 our long distance friend Kat agreed to use her magnificent gift to do a reading with me for Mom. I'm dividing the resulting reading from our 'conversation' into several postings so it's not too long for one reading. So DO come back to get the 'whole story'!
First she asked ABOUT me (Black Jack):
So I told her: I am a Lhasa Apso mix, born 5/25/91 (almost 19 years old). I have lived with Judy my entire life even during conception. I weigh 12 to 15 lbs., height about 12" at the shoulder, black body with some white markings with the typical brown eyes. Mom keeps my sadly thinning hair short and covered for warmth and protection from the sun when I’m outside. My duties used to be to alert Mom to any movement, sound or stranger, but are now relegated to being Mom’s companion and simply ‘being’ with her.
I live indoors, mostly sleeping in either my daytime or nighttime bed beside Mom’s in our home in a small community subdivision.
I have no companion other than Mom now as Katie Lou passed almost 3 years ago.
I was bred for a client of Mom’s when she had a kennel, I am told my dad Benji was a Silky mix, mother Sassi a full Lhasa Apso. The intended human wasn't able to take me after all, for which I'm grateful! I was a playful puppy--loved to eat, which I still do. At some point in my puppy hood, I seemed to change from playful and outgoing to fearful. I WAS afraid of noises but now I can no longer hear except for certain pitches—so life is now very solitary and quiet since Katie left. I can also see only movement & shadows. Because I now have a difficult time walking my cherished daily walks are dwindling.
Our new friend’s name and information is: Kathleen A. Berard
Animal Communicator, Bach Flower/Wild Earth Animal Essences Practitioner
and Holistic Animal Care Consultant-Intuitive/Spiritual Guidance for People
KATALYST FOR ANIMAL WHOLENESS, INC. www.katberard.com

More days with Mom!

2/1/10 Sometimes I wander away from my food bowl and get my head stuck in the pillows surrounding my kitchen area. Mom always helps me find my way back so I can finish my food. Lately I've not been getting the hang of 'containing myself' during the day like I can overnight--not sure what's up with that. Initially Mom is peeved, but then remembers that I would never, never do anything to displease her and ends up giving me her loves.

Found yet another sleeping position. For whatever reason I didn’t want to stay in my cozy bed, so chose to wander into the pillows where Mom put the blanket over me. My bottom side was a bit cool, but this was comfortable for a pretty long while.

2/6/20 I actually got a walk during this time, but since I don't have the energy or eyesight to go very far, very long, very straight anymore, they get shorter and shorter. Was thinking that when I see Katie again I'll have to tell her she ought to have stuck around a while longer. Although Mom did her best with Katie's irrationality to make her as happy and comfortable as possible, this individualized 'royal treatment' in my last years has been "to die for". Besides the best canned food on the market, blended for easy consumption, just check out the latest addition to my comforts--an even softer, cozier place to take my daytime naps. Mom loves me so much (as she did Katie, too).

These days with Mom!

1/30/10 For about a week now, especially since the sun has been shining more, Mom and I have done really well. Recently, however, Mom hit a rocky patch since just the other day she got to scrub my little area of the kitchen three times. Seems that pushed her almost to tears. During this week, Mom has seemed so busy I've not asked her to help me with the blog, but now I need to get her to do so mostly in order to remind her once again how much I appreciate all that she does for me. At night I'm having some troubles finding that perfect position for sound sleeping. This keeps Mom awake way more than is humanly healthy. So she's trying different things to see what can help me sleep better, thus making for a healthier life for herself. Since it seems almost like I'm getting my days and nights mixed up, I'm finding myself being gently awakened now earlier than usual and spending more time outside during the days. We haven't taken a walk for a while since the last few didn't seem very much fun for me. Carla mentioned when I last was groomed that a bit of an aspirin before bedtime might help my aches and pains so I could be more comfortable. And the last two nights it really seems to have helped.
As usual I'm so happy, so enjoying the beautiful purple, blue, green with a bit or orange/rose and silver of the confident self when Mom is experiencing 'now' as I do and learning to love herself as much as she loves me.

Weathering the storm with Mom!

1/20/10 Guess what! The rain let up just in time right after lights out for me to go outside to pee. Then in the wee hours of the morning I didn't have to get wet either. Mom was ready, though, she found jackets with hoods for both of us--boy did we both look ridiculous. But we wouldn't have gotten wet, nor will we when the bigger storm comes later this week. We both took the window of sunshine opportunity today to get our walks. And at bedtime there was no rain yet, so good day all around.
1/21/10 I sure didn't care for the cold, white wet stuff I had to wade through to pee this morning. In fact I made a U-turn immediately and Mom brought me back in until later. On these dark days I feel more like sleeping than even eating. Mom had to go through some serious stress, concern, worry over the predictions of wind and flooding from the snow melting in the high country. It didn't take her too long to calm down though, after she remembered Who is really in charge. She may be okay to go on without me soon after all. As her 'reward' the winds seemed to let up around midnight.
1/22/10 This night I simply could not find a comfortable position. I must have tossed and turned for hours. Mom was patient but I know it takes a toll on her 'good' sleep.
1/23/10 The days sure do whiz by quickly--in spite of the fact that they sometimes feel like they're 'dragging'! Looks like the storms might be over and I'm really happy about that, but it seems lots colder today.

These days with Mom!

Black Jack: Really hard to do my business in the pouring rain!
1/17/10 I may need to begin blogging more often, as Mom wasn't too happy about another floor scrubbing even though the area is smaller. I think when urine goes under the woodwork is when she really loses it. At bedtime Mom knew I hadn't relieved myself for a very long time, but I just didn't feel like going at bedtime. Therefore, Mom felt she had to listen for me to have to go out in the night. I think in the wee hours when I finally did, she got some real sleep.
1/18/10 Today was a dreary, drizzly day and all I felt like doing was sleeping--not eating or certainly going outside to potty. The rain was, like one of Mom's Facebook friends said a 'grandmother' rain (gentle and nurturing) rather than the forceful 'grandfather' rains that Arizona so often gets but I still don't like getting wet. As my care becomes more demanding, Mom adapts as usual--I only hope she can quit feeling badly that other household chores take a back seat to my care. Now she has found a larger crate in which she fed me tonight since she had taken me outside a dozen times or more with no success. This worked well, but I DID have to go--maybe a self-fulfilling prophecy for Mom... At least this helps her not scrub the floor, but sure makes a mess of ME unless she catches it quickly. And as for my bedtime vitamin, teeth cleaning cookie, Mom has saved all the crumbs and gives me a handful hoping I can get one piece to chew. The cookie situation defies description really.
1/19/10 The sun tried to come out today, so Mom took her walk--and then I got mine too. However would someone tell me how I'm supposed to enjoy going out at night to 'do my business' when it's pouring down rain? Just don't seem to be able to find the good in that...

This Week with Mom!

1/8/10 Well, I spiced life up a bit, deciding I don't want to sleep in my warm cushy beds. Instead I've found a pillow on the kitchen floor. Mom put a long pillow in the corner behind it (sort of like a padded wall!) so this is my new 'haunt'. May go back to the beds though as the bare kitchen floor is a bit cold around my edges.
1/12/10 Hey, guys, haven't wanted to bore you with what on the surface looks like a very mundane existence--eating, pottying, sleeping, pottying, eating, you get the picture. However as we dogs do I find a certain good or joy in every moment that presents itself. And if my life has a gift to give, I believe that is a biggie.
1/14/10 On this day Mom noticed that my hair has thinned even more under the sweater she has me wearing ever single day. So she lovingly put lotion on me and removed the sweater for my skin to breathe for a while. It did feel good, not only the lotion but the loving strokes. And I also loved it when she held me for 2 hrs in her lap, all wrapped in a cozy blanket. How could anyone ask for better care?
1/17/10 Have you wondered where I've been? Well when all is smooth sailing there really isn't too much to write for you--don't want to be boring afterall. Lately however Mom & I have hit some rough patches. That's when I feel it's most important to blog, to remind Mom that no matter how difficult my care seems, she is awesome!

This Week with Mom!

1/3/10 Mom was a bit melancholy today. Seems it's not easy for our humans to watch us drift away in our golden years. Add to that the care and upkeep and maybe I can understand why it's not always to be totally celebratory. She did take her walk and do some computer work and after my making suggestive overtures, she got it that I wanted to get out in that warm, embracing sunshine, too. Although the walk was about 1/2 its usual length because I seem to disoriented and Mom can't quite tell how far I really do want to walk, that warmth even soothed me. I sure wish Mom would put her chair outside and spend more time outside like she used to.
1/7/10 There really hasn't been too much to report. My blogging, reminding Mom of my love and gratitude for her special care hasn't seemed quite as needed lately. Mom seems to be taking the task of my care in stride a bit better lately. This no doubt has something to do with my slowing down more and more. We have our good days and our not so good days, an accident here and there, a walk upon occasion, lots of great eats--or should I say drinks (like the yams Mom gave me today) and many, many hours of sleeping.
Of course we dogs pay no attention to time, but Mom sure seems to notice that each day is just sliding right into the next. I've made sure Mom will let you know when I decide it's time to go on to that even bigger buffet table and of course I'll keep reporting from time to time.

Beginning 2010 with Mom!

I'm sure glad we dogs don't really spend time dreaming of what once was...
1/1/10 This year's first walk was even better than the last of 2009! But I think Mom has finally gotten the idea that our walks should be shorter--she had to carry me a bit longer today. But my ole 'sniffer' was able to "read" some really hot news items for the first time in a while. Good stuff!
LOTS of sleepin' today and another good night.
1/2/10 Mom decided to treat herself to a movie--something she loves to do. This always means she has to be gone for about 4 hours. She made sure I'd done my business outside and was eating before she left. But the urge just hat again while she was gone. So she returned to me skating in the urine puddle in my confined area. She didn't make too much to-do about it and I got to spend some really quality time outside taking in the 'shirt sleeve' weather. Later she took her walk but guess she figured I'd had plenty of exercise 'skating' and enough sunshine and fresh air because I didn't get my walk. I think maybe she wasn't feeling quite up to taking me.
Had a night that would have best been left in 2009...

Year End with Mom!

"What dreams may come"--again...
12/31/09 What a great way to end yet another year...with Mom getting her brisk walk in the sunshine and my warmer walk later in the day. I know Mom takes me on my slow walks for me (especially since my confined area has shrunk), but I believe they are also for her--especially since I was restless, tossing in my crate virtually all night long last night. Mom let me just do it, but I know it keeps her awake. Today I began to balk during my walk, and so Mom carried me part of the way home...talk about communicating and a great partnership. Just as in any long term close relationship, Mom sees the kid I used to be when I do my version of running on my walks. After a refreshing nap, I enjoyed once more my blended food. Boy, oh boy, it would be great to CHEW again... s'pose that's what's waiting when I'm ready to go...?
Blew my perfect 'no pee' record of almost 10 days...not sure what happened, either, since Mom had me outside for a very long time. Guess the urge just came too late to go outside.
We ended the year with a near perfect sleep...

Wednesday with Mom!

Black Jack: Nothing like snuggling into my soft warm blankets on these cold mornings...
12/30/09 It has taken both of us some time to get re-acclimated to the old routine but think we're getting' there. Mom got her walk yesterday during a brief sunny spell.
Since I was so very good in a more confined space during our time at Robyn's, Mom got this brilliant idea that an even smaller 'wandering area' here at home might be helpful to me. Just like all her other 'experiments' I didn't much like it at first, but in the long run it seems to be making life easier for both of us.
Man, it was a cold dreary day. Mom got to go out for coffee with her friend even though she had just switched me to a different bed and I'd not gone out since the wee hours. Even so, I slept the whole time she was gone. I love just lying around snuggled up in my blankets these days. No accidents--I'm getting the hang of being as good about going as soon as Mom puts me out like I did when we were gone