Category: Pet Sitting

julie heskins from Cairns pet sitting some dogs and doing pet reiki

The Healing Power of Pet Sitting and Reiki

by Julie Heskins, posted in Pet Sitting, Reiki
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I love pet sitting. It gives me the wonderful opportunity to spend time with different animals in homes located across a variety of areas in Cairns. I have cared for lots of pets including cats and dogs as well as chickens and turtles!

Pet sitting helps others and gives people the chance to get away from their busy lives with peace of mind. While some pets adapt straight away and are simply grateful for being fed and cuddled, many are highly sensitive. Having their family away can be difficult for them initially.

Whether the pets are yours or you are caring for them, meditating together or doing a hands-on Reiki treatment helps them feel safe, secure and relaxed.

Healing Pet Stories

Two of my favourite pets to sit for are Snouzie and Mitzi, two Schnauzers with very different personalities. The first time I looked after them was during the wet season. Mitzi was terrified of storms, and her owner had left a special jacket to help calm her. One night, there was a terrific storm, and Mitzi hid in the wardrobe shaking like a leaf. I sat in the wardrobe with her and offered her some Reiki. She calmed down quickly and was soon comfortable enough to get back onto the bed and go to sleep.

A few weeks after her owner came home, she asked what I had done with Mitzi. Since the Reiki session, she was able to walk outside with both the dogs under the covered verandah during a storm, and Mitzi was no longer scared. I think this beautifully illustrates the power of Reiki. While not every animal may be open to it, much like humans, many truly are.

Snouzie and Mitzi are two of my regular customers. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Recently, Snouzie got sick. I sat with her and did Reiki for a while. She also responded well and was feeling much better afterwards. Naturally, I kept in close touch with her owner throughout the process.

Dogs aren’t the only ones who respond well. A student once shared that as soon as he got his Reiki table out, his large dog jumped up onto it, completely ready for a session!

Cats also frequently join in. I used to visit a lady at her home for Reiki, and her cat would jump up on the table the moment the session started. She shared that the cat had survived cancer in the past after she carefully changed its diet and nursed it back to health. She felt that her cat now wanted to help her in return, and I agreed. Animals embody the energy of Reiki naturally. It is us humans who need to let go of our expectations and judging minds! Pets just snuggle up and let the healing happen.

Share Reiki With Your Pets

If reading these stories has inspired you to support your own animals, learning Reiki is a practical and rewarding next step. In my regular courses, you learn skills that help build your confidence and trust. As you progress, you can naturally start sharing this gentle practice with your family, friends and pets. For those who want to take it further, completing Level 2 allows you to work professionally.

If you are heading away and need someone reliable to care for your animals, I provide dedicated pet sitting services across Cairns and the tablelands. I make sure your pets are not just fed and secure, but truly relaxed and supported while you are away.

Personal Reiki sessions are also available at a time that suits you. Please get in touch by email or phone to book a pet sitting service or find out about upcoming Reiki courses. You can reach me on : 0438 537365 or julierainforestreiki@gmail.com.

julie heskins from Cairns pet sitting some dogs and doing pet reiki
Getting close to animals with reiki and meditation

Observations of a Pet Sitter

by Julie Heskins, posted in Pet Sitting, Reiki

Owning a pet carries responsibility. I love animals but I also travel for much of the year, so pet sitting allows me to do both. It’s a win-win-win situation for everyone — me, the owners, and the animals.

Pet sitting can be lots of fun but also has its challenges. Pets are unique and have distinct personalities and minds of their own — they certainly aren’t shy to show their true colours from the outset.

Involving ‘Blossom’ in my Reiki practice

One of my favourite pet sits was with a white feisty terrier called Blossom. On our first meeting Blossom growled and barked wildly at me. Her devoted mum and dad explained that she had a strong personality.

I find it’s always best to be direct with owners — to see whether you’re going to be the right fit for their beloved pet.

‘How did Blossom go with the previous pet sitter?’ I asked.

When they admitted that Blossom had barked aggressively at the poor woman for the entire first week, I wasn’t too concerned. Reiki has many benefits and I felt certain it would be a calming influence for a little dog who was missing her human parents.

Just as humans experience anxiety and stress when situations change, so do sensitive animals.

I agreed to the pet-sit, feeling confident that Blossom would respond positively to my presence, and my reiki practice.

The owners went off on their cruise and I moved in. As soon as I arrived Blossom complained, very noisily, that I was not her family. However I gently sat on the sofa in meditation, set an intent that the little dog would receive whatever healing she needed, and did a 20 minute meditation. Within a few minutes the barking abated, Blossom calmed down and peace was restored.

I continued to include Blossom in my meditation practice and, by the end of day two, Blossom had fully accepted me — wagging her tail enthusiastically whenever I arrived home. She is a special girl and on some days, when I was working with clients, I would her along to my  Rainforest Reiki studio. She greeted everyone with a few cheerful barks and then quietly settled under the reiki table — enjoying being in the energy that a reiki treatment creates.

blossom, one of my pet sitting clients in Cairns
After just a few days, Blossom became a loving and cheerful companion during Reiki practice.

The wisdom of Pappi

Do pets reflect their owners? I think they do. Another of my favourite pet-sits is Pappi. Pappi is a medium sized dog of mixed lineage who was very well trained and super intelligent. Just like her quiet, smart mum who also has a playful sense of humour :).

It’s always a gift to care for a well trained dog. Being able to walking her on the beach without a lead was an absolute joy. Trust is so important and, with Pappi, she would come to me to have her lead put on if she perceived a threat from another dog.

Intuition and wisdom is something, for most of us, that needs to be developed — whereas Pappi, just knew who she could trust. We can learn so much from our pets, even when they are in our care for a short time, if we take the time to observe them.

Pappi and I, during one of our beachwalks.

Spending time with Missy

Cats are also a favourite of mine — especially Missy who lives on property in the Atherton Tablelands. Missy was a bit stand offish initially but over time she has grown into a sweet and affectionate companion. However, even the sweetest cat will show their true nature.

One early morning during a recent cat-sit with Missy, I woke up early with plans to join an online retreat with my reiki teacher. In the dark I heard the crunch-crunch of a small animal being munched upon and soon discovered bits of it spread across the room. the gift that Missy (presumably) left for for  reminded me of the reasons I don’t need a pet of my own!! Needless to say, I watched a recording of the class later that morning..!

Missy quickly accepted me and began bringing me gifts of affection.

Learning from pets

Life is about learning and experience and as animals shine their light on us we can learn from them. A great example is Yin yoga — which founder, Paulie Zinks’ developed after observing and studying the way of animals move. Animals innately stretch, move and rest to conserve energy and remain flexible and strong. Yin yoga is just like that.

I’m grateful to all the pets and their owners who have trusted me to look after them.

Juliexx

Do you need a pet-sitter while you attend to work commitments or have a much needed vacation? Julie offers an oustanding service that includes pet companionship, basic grooming, and feeding — as well as updates and photos so you know your beloved fur-baby is safe and entertained.