Pet Friendly Feng Shui? Are we going too far?
Years ago some consultants started speaking of an environment that their PETS are comfortable in. While some thought the idea was ridiculous, I had to think that to me, my pets are part of my FAMILY. They're my other children I have running around and I'd spend hours looking for just the right bed or treats I knew they would really like. So what is wrong with trying to harmonize THEIR world?
I've had many pets through the years as I was the one always bringing home they stray I'd find wandering around or a puppy someone was giving away. My mother would SWEAR she wasn't going to keep another pet but we always did-she fell in love faster then we did.
Pets, in Feng Shui, add the element of FIRE. When they are well taken care of, they add activity and energy to a space. And they are more like humans then we might even think. They like to be cozy and warm, loved and feel secure. And like many of us, they need their alone time! Yep, Pets are People Too.
I was thrilled to see on AR many pet-friendly sites. With a staggering 85 % of all homeowners owning at least one pet, you can bet their shopping for a new home not only for themselves and their family but for Fido as well. The first thing I did upon purchasing this house was to put a fence up so my dogs could have the whole back yard to play in.
What DO your pets want? And what do they not want? Like children, they need to be raised with love AND discipline. That means, hopefully, they stay off the furniture and won't jump on your guests. When seeing how an animal sees their environment, get down to their eye level. Feel the energy. Is it cold or uninviting, or do they have a special place all their own to feel warm and embraced? Pet beds should be large enough for your animal to be comfortable in but not cramped, just cozy. In some homes there a multiple beds for a dog, perhaps one in a family room and one in a bedroom.
And what about cats? If you can fit it, they absolutely acclimate quickly to that new climb on addition so they can see higher or a window sill they can enjoy the warmth and catch some rays-who wouldn't? A good scratching post can save some of your best furniture. Too often I see drab colors and while there was some controversy over color blindness in pets, they do realize now that they CAN See color; not as vividly as humans, perhaps but they can see it and FEEL it. Have a nervous animal? Choose colors of soothing blues or greens to relax them.
As with anything, safety first. Check the quality of the toys that are brought into your home by others and make sure that the squeakers are secure as well as the plastic if you are going to use plastic at all. All natural bones for dogs are the best although they are not always preferred by your pet. And get them outside, even if it's just for a short time each day. They need to connect with nature as well. The energy of open windows and blinds or lights on if it is dark affects them a great deal.
Remember as well that pets are very intuitive. If your pets avoid a certain area of your home or yard, go there and take a look around-from Their perspective. See if you sense anything that FEELS uncomfortable or uninviting.
One other thing to mention is to always check the new plants you are bringing into your home to make sure they are not poisonous to animals. I have also heard countless stories of poor kitty getting into some pretty bad trouble with a Christmas tree and ornaments. Make sure your home is not only Feng Shui friendly for your pets, but safe as well. Your reward for taking such good care of them? Unconditional love.
Great post, Carole!
In this house the animals rule. LOL I have one vertically challenged, mildly obese, very hirsute boy - a a very demanding feline that is way too intuitive and a tank full of fish that can recognise the difference between my hubby and me when it's timie to et! LOL
My poochie Neisa rules our house. Of course, Hubby and I are the alphas, but she has us wrapped around her tiny little paws!
You can see above that she has her own bed but hse really prefers to sleep under the covers with us!!!
Carole: My black cocker spaniel named Boopi has given me far more than I could have ever expected. She's 13 years old now and if I had the power to giver her her youth back, I surely would. What a loyal companion this beautiful girl has been. I've loved each and every pet that I've had and each one of them had their own distinct personality. I can't believe there are people who think animals do not have personalities or feelings. If they only knew my Boopi ! I was having health problems this time last year which was something very new to me. I've always been healthy, thankfully, but had a tough go last year. My cocker never left my side, not once. She knew there was something very wrong and I have to tell you as truthfully as I can, I know she is the primary reason I cam through my problem. She is priceless to me. I only hope I've given to her half as much as she's given to me. What great pictures others have included. Here's mine:
I get weepy reading this. We lost our beloved family dog a few years ago just days before Christmas. We had her cremated and on Christmas morning we walked over to the beach and scattered her ashes on the beach where she had spent many happy hours.
I LOVE that so many of you shared your terrific pictures! Time for me to take some updates...
Carol, I have always felt my pets were other family members myself. When we had an outdoor pond, those fish came to greet me every morning and night--I loved them and miss that wonderful pond!
Gayle, It's funny that all my other dogs loved their crates--except the ones I have now. They won't go in--not without bacon, anyway!
Candace, Your babies are adorable. My mother's dog tries to speak to her, we can all tell--we just can't understand the little guy. I don't doubt they try to communicate with us the best they can.
Nancy, Neisa is just beautiful...and SO happy in her surroundings. Clearly a sign of good Feng Shui and lots of love in that home of yours.
Kris, I believe they do as well. I also find it very interesting when they are both staring at something that I don't see---I totally believe pets are very intuitive about many things.
Donna, I am grateful that you shared your story and it's very similar to one of mine. I have no doubt your Boopie knew you weren't well and had no intention of leaving you. My father years ago had rescued a dog from the streets, she apparently had been badly abused because she was very mean and went to bite us---until my father got sick. She became his protector, slept by his bed and spent every moment right by his side. I know some people don't believe in their intuition or feelings but they are very strong.
Teri, I agree with you. I believe they like their own cozy little spaces and need their alone time, just like we do. Putting up the fence was the first thing I thought of when looking at the house...and I've seen it on HGTV many times where they've turned down a home because it wasn't appropriate for their animals.
Diane, I have always wanted a cat but I'm allergic to them sadly. I know they are independant and I would love that, they also like to be spoiled. It's adorable how yours pair off--or stay to themselves. It's what makes them comfortable and happy.
Cynthia, I'm so sorry, I do know the agonizing decision and having to take my beloved pets in and say good bye to them. When you are ready, another pet will appear out of nowhere for you. Mine did. I was distraught as they both became ill about the same time and they both had to be put to sleep within three months of each other. And I just never think they're far away. Your beloved pet is closer then you think.
Missy, I know they are intuitive, I don't think people believe me. I can SEE it in them, they know when we're sick or sad or even happy! It doesn't surprise me, we are connected with them and 'read' each others energy.
They are spoiled rotten, sleep on the furniture, and on our bed (on my feet to be exact). Their favorite spot is to both get in my chair the minute I leave it!
Katerina, It's funny, I always believe they are seeing my other pets....Even though they're not "here" anymore, I always feel them around me as well.
Joan, They're both BEAUTIFUL and you may not believe this but I had a ShihTzu named Tiki and a Maltese named TIDBIT. Wow, I loved seeing and reading that, it brought me a flood of wonderful memories! Give your pets a kiss for me tonight....
Wow, we chose some great names, huh?? :)
I miss having pets around a LOT. Living where I do and having the schedule I have is not really conducive to having a pet live with me.
I especially miss Neeka my coyote best friend. She lived 16 years and was my best friend of all times...
Jo
That is a wonderful post, Miss Carole. And my cat, the Feng Shui of Dallas, Mr. Ethyl, thanks you for bring this matter to our attention. -- Billycherry
Jo, Neeka is just beautiful, I am sure you miss her terribly. They do become best friends and they always love you. I've never had a coyote, I imagine they are very warm and loving! (Btw, Laura can't put that book down! She's quoting it all the time as well :)
Bill, Now Mr. Ethyl is definitely a Feng Shuied Cat if I ever saw one! That's being in peace and harmony for sure, he's just beautiful!
Terry, I think most people look at property with their pets in mind. When I moved in the house did not have a heating system (if you can believe it) but the fence came first :) My "little" one has managed to chew apart every bed I've given him....no matter how indestructible it looks. He's getting one more chance this Christmas (although that's what I said last year) :)
Joan, They are other family members to most of us. My kids laugh when I call the doctor to ask if my "son" is ready to come home! Thank you for your kind comment and Happy Holidays to you as well!
Carole this is my Pasha
Your dog is beautiful. they become family
I'm so glad I've come across this post. Thanks.
I am still grieving for my doggie.
I left him in a bathroom as usual yesterday morning, when I had to start to work with some others in decluttering the house. When I went to check back on him during lunchtime, I found him hanging there at the doorknob by his collar. Apparently, he was trying to get out, jumping at the door, then by some chance, his collar caught on. It's a training collar, so it can get rather loose.
I still can't believe how this can happen.
Since we've just started the Chinese New Year, this makes me wonder if bad feng shui has anything to do with it. Anyway, I plan to pay more attention to how my future pets like or dislike individual rooms.
Hi, I am SO sorry about your puppy. And very sad to hear what happened. I hope that you don't blame yourself and I actually thank you for writing about it to advise other pet owners so it doesn't happen to them as well. I use a harness for my dogs most of the time but I wouldn't have known this could have happened either.
It is not at all 'bad' Feng Shui, it is just a sad accident.