We rescued our dog Oreo from the Santa Barbara Humane Society five years ago. My husband convinced me to foster a dog as part of a Decompression Program (for dogs who had been in the system for a few years that needed to be reintroduced to living in a home). I initially balked at the idea because we had only been in Santa Barbara a few months after traveling for a year. As far as I was concerned, we were a flight risk. Per the formal agreement with the Santa Barbara Humane Society, we were to foster Oreo for only ninety days. Yet it was me, whom within two days of fostering, decided we had to keep her. We were meant to. I knew it in every part of my being - that deep knowingness - that this is what was to be. While it seemed illogical for us at the time, it was a wise choice. We’re proud to be foster failures. Oreo is the first reason Santa Barbara became home. She turned my husband and I from a couple into a family and has been a grounding presence every day.

Oreo is a bodacious beauty. People assume by the size of her muscle-mass-form that she must be a male. Oreo was in the shelter for two years due to her size, color and breed; large, mostly black and being a pit bull mix. Yes, sadly, people can and generally do transpose their prejudices upon animals too. Oreo seems to overcome what life tosses at her. She has won over many people with her genuine generous smile and an excitement that makes you feel like she’s been waiting to meet you…forever.

Here’s what I’ve learned from her:

Strength is both feminine and masculine.
Make a bee line for someone with a humongous smile and it will make them feel loved.
Play with all your might and you will forge deep friendships.
A generous smile is a wonderful hello.
Play hard and sleep well.
Sometimes, simple actions say a million words that words cannot say.
Staying mad is a choice.
Enjoy every meal.
Daily treats are important.
Having friends is vital.
Affection is a healthy action.
Nap often.
Another’s grouchiness can be shrugged off.
When others cross your boundaries it is important to speak up and stand up for yourself.
Extend a paw and open one’s heart.
Cocooning on cold, cloudy days is a necessity.
Gazing off into the distance and simply listening to the world around you is an essential part of every day.
So is soaking up some sunshine everyday.
It’s important to let someone know you missed them.
Don’t impress upon someone your idea of them; you’ll constantly be disappointed.

In my interactions with Oreo, I spend a great deal of time observing her and intuitively listening to her. I provide this offering for people and their pets in what I call Pet Communication. While I am grateful to be gifted and able to share this with people and their furry (or feathery) loved ones, everyone has the potential to practice this intuitive communication. It’s sort of like speaking another language, but rather than using another part of your brain, you use your heart. In order to connect with animals, we have to move beyond our individual ego and simply. be. present. We need to listen with our hearts.