Recently a client contacted me about Zoe, the service dog, who was going to her possible new home. Nancy trained Zoe to help a person live a better life with Zoe’s skills. Nancy was so proud of Zoe. Here is part of our animal communication:

E:      Good. Nancy wants you to know you will be leaving her soon – I think you are leaving this weekend to go to your new person. Nancy wants you to know that you are going to this person because of all the hard work you have done. You are so good helping people and this is the perfect place for you.

Z:      I understand. Nancy is so good to me. She has taught me so much. She found me the perfect home and person. I am very, very excited. I know this will be great.

Then we discussed Zoe’s concern about the person’s cane:

E:      Wonderful. I am so happy you are excited. As part of helping your new person, you will need to bring her the cane.

Z:      I know. Sometimes it hits me and makes noises. I’m a little nervous about that.

E:      Okay. Let’s talk about it. You will need to go and find the cane when you are asked. It is okay if the cane falls and makes a loud noise. It is just the cane hitting the floor or whatever it hits. The cane is light and won’t hurt you.

Z:      Okay. So the noise is okay?

E:      Yes, the noise is okay. You are doing everything right. Also you may need to get the cane off a counter or the table. It is okay. This is your job and you are to get the cane wherever she left it. You have permission to do this always. It is part of your new job. What do you think of this new responsibility?

Z:      It is very different. I don’t like when it hits me. It surprises me.

E:      I can understand the surprise when the cane hits you. Remember you are doing a wonderful job and need to get the cane for her. Sometimes it will fall. Sometimes it will hit the floor with a loud noise. Sometimes it may hit you. It is okay and people expect it to happen. You are doing a great job when you get the cane. Does this help?

Z:      Yes, yes it does help. Why do people need canes? It is just a piece of wood.

E:      The cane is a piece of wood or sometimes it is metal. It is a very important (sigh) tool. When people are not steady on their feet, they use a cane to help them be stable on their feet. With the cane, it gives them another “leg” to help them stand and walk. With the support of the cane, they are more stable.

Z:      Oh, now it makes sense. I was concerned it was used to hit people. Okay, now it makes sense. I understand my job with the cane now. It is her helper just like I’m her helper. The cane can’t hear her ask for it. So she asks me and I go and get it. Now it all makes sense. Thank you for telling me about the cane.

E:      Are you more comfortable with the cane?

Z:      Yes!

E:      Do you understand how important it is for you to find the cane and bring it to her?

Z:      Yes! It may hit me or make a loud noise but that is okay. It is my job to bring her the cane. I understand now. Thanks!

Zoe spent the weekend with her new person.  Zoe’s person sat down and laid the cane down next to her. Zoe jumped up, grabbed the cane and gave it to her!  The visit went so well that Zoe is now a service dog and settled into her new home.

Recently Zoe’s person fell and Zoe immediately went and got the cane and brought it to her. She is doing an awesome job! Zoe, you are awesome!