Soulful Animal Insights Podcast

This guided meditation is for moments when you can’t be physically with your animal, such as travel, work, or veterinary procedures.It helps you slow down, expand your heart, and connect with your animal in a calm, steady way that they naturally understand. Rather than focusing on the time apart, this meditation guides you to anchor into the certainty of reunion, offering reassurance, safety, and emotional continuity.You don’t need prior experience with meditation or visualization. Simply bring your presence and your love.This practice can be repeated anytime you’re facing a temporary separation from your animal companion.Helpful for dogs, cats, and animal companions of all kinds.Thank you for being here.If you need more support, you’re always welcome to reach out. I work with people to create personalized practices that support both you and your animal, especially during times of change or separation.Take good care.xo, Melissa ShermanConnect with MelissaIf you’d like more support for you and your animal, you’re welcome to connect with me here:Website: Calming CreekEmail: [email protected]: @calmingcreekhealingFacebook: @calmingcreekI offer one on one sessions and personalized practices to support animals and their guardians through times of change, separation, and transition. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

This guided meditation is a companion to my recent post, The Pause Between Worry and Action. If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling with worry about your pet, this practice will help you soften into the pause, breathe, and share your calm with them. Find a quiet spot, press play, and let’s settle in together.I’d love to hear how this practice felt for you. Did your pet respond in any way? Share your experience in the comments so we can learn from each other.🔗 Join my private group hereThank you so much for stopping by! My name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.For more pet health tips and other ways to connect:I always want to empower you with information and support but I also want to be clear.Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for medical or veterinary care. It’s meant to support you with education and holistic tools, not replace professional advice. Please always consult with your vet or healthcare provider when needed. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

Manifestation Ritual for You and Your AnimalsEvery year on 8/8, the Lion’s Gate portal opens, a cosmic moment where the Sun in Leo, the rising of Sirius (our spiritual sun), and the numerology of 8/8 align. It’s believed to be a time when the veil thins, your heart opens, and you’re invited to dream bigger. It’s gotten a little extra in the spiritual spaces, sure, but it’s fun to be part of a collective moment. And any excuse to slow down, reflect, and set intentions with your animals? I’m in.You don’t have to fully understand astrology or believe in “portals” to feel the power of choosing a day, a collective day, to pause, reflect, and call in what you want.For me, that’s what it’s really about:Intention. Connection. Energy.It’s goal-setting, but amplified because of the energy you put behind it, and the fact that so many others are doing the same.And when we tune in together, that energy adds up.We see it in energy healing all the time:Collective intention creates real shifts, not just in ourselves, but in the Earth and the animals around us.We are one. We are connected.This year, I’m inviting you to take a moment with me and with your animals. Your current companions, your animals in spirit, the ones who’ve touched your heart and walked beside you.Let’s invite them in.Let’s ground into the Earth together.And let’s imagine what’s possible.So this is your invitation. A moment to sit with your house lions (or dogs, rabbits, goats, whoever shares your space), breathe deep, and tap into the energy of possibility. Not with pressure. Not with perfection. Just presence.But first, a little poem to set the tone.🦁 A Poem for the LionsWhisper to the StarsTonight the sky leans low to hear,Your dreams, your hopes, your voice so clear.Your house lion purrs with quiet grace,A guardian soul in fur and face.The Lion’s Gate swings wide above,Spilling gold and endless love.So light a candle, set your space,And settle into sacred place.Ask the Earth, the stars, the sea,“What magic wants to come through me?”Then close your eyes and feel it land—The wish, the truth, the soft command.A paw, a tail, a loving glance,They’re with you in this wild dance.So dream aloud, let visions play,This is your soul’s new year’s day.Ritual FlowIf you need a little help quieting the noise and feeling into your desires, press play on the meditation. Let yourself sink in. I take you on a short journey where you will meet a lion and share your intentions. Journal PromptWhat is my heart asking for right now — and what am I ready to open up to, in order to receive it?Let yourself write without editing. Feel into it. Be playful. Be bold. Be honest.Optional Ritual to Release ExpectationsAfter you’ve journaled your intentions and dreams, you may feel called to release them, not to forget them, but to let go of how or when they unfold.You can:🌿 Tear the page and bury it in the earth to let nature hold it.🔥 Burn it (safely) to release it to the skies.💧Place it into a body of water to let it flow.This is a way of saying: “I’ve done my part. Now I trust.” It’s a surrender. You don’t need to know how it will happen. You just need to believe that something beautiful can.Thank you for joining me on this journey. If anything came up for you during the meditation: a thought, feeling, or insight, I’d love to hear about it. Or if you just want to share how it felt to be part of this ritual, that’s wonderful too. I would love to hear what animals joined you along the way! And of course, if you have any feedback or ideas, I’m all ears. Feel free to reach out or drop a note, I’m here and happy to connect.Thank you so much for reading this post! Please let me know what you think.🔗 Join my private group hereMy name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.For more pet health tips and other ways to connect:Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

We just went live! Thank you to everyone who tuned in!I had the chance to chat with Scott Colby from Golden Whiskers, and in case you missed it, here it is! We talked about tuning into your cat’s subtle cues and how to slow down, connect with them, and better understand the messages they’re sending.You can still ask questions too! Just scroll down and drop them in the comments. I’ll be checking and answering anything that comes through And if you’re not already following Scott at Golden Whiskers, make sure you do. He’s got some really exciting things coming up! You’ll want to keep an eye on what he’s creating. Thank you so much for stopping by! Please let me know what you think.🔗 Join my private group hereMy name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.For more pet health tips and other ways to connect:Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health CoachIn my most recent post, The Simple Steps I Use to Hear What Your Animal Is Really Saying, I shared how I ground myself before connecting with an animal, especially in moments of chaos, grief, or transition. That grounding isn’t optional for me. It’s essential.But it’s not just for animal intuitives or energy healers.It’s for you, too.Our animals track our nervous systems.They feel our tension and our stillness.And sometimes, they absorb what we can’t carry.When we ground ourselves, we show up more clearly and calmly, not just for them, but for ourselves.Today, I’m offering you a gentle guided meditation to help you reset and reconnect. It’s the same kind of visualization I use before animal communication sessions and I hope it becomes a soft landing place for you anytime you need it.All you need is a quiet space, a few minutes, and an open heart.Thank you for sharing this moment with me.I hope you and your animal feel grounded and connected.Take your time as you return to your day.And remember…. you can come back to this practice any time you need.With love,Melissa 💜🔗 Join my private group hereThank you so much for reading this post! Please let me know what you think.My name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.For more pet health tips and other ways to connect:Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health CoachThe lightning started flashing well before the storm arrived—sharp, sudden bursts cutting through the sky. Then came the thunder. Loud, jarring, shaking the ground beneath me. One strike hit so close I saw smoke rise from the forest. I started to investigate, but the wind picked up fast, causing the wind chimes to sing and cooler air began to swirl around me. Across the marsh, I could see a wall of rain barreling straight toward the farm.I rushed to get the pigs and goats into their pens, then ran inside for cover. That’s when I found my dogs, wide-eyed and trembling. And thunder usually doesn’t rattle them. But this storm was different. Fierce. Intense.I hadn’t prepared for it. It caught me off guard. But even without a plan, I had my tools: Reiki and EFT. I used them to support my dogs through the chaos. Within 30 minutes, the worst of the storm had passed, and my dogs were calm and sleeping. Peace returned.A couple of hours later, while doing my usual night chores of locking up the barn and chicken coop, I saw him. A small Australian shepherd, soaked to the bone, trotting through the wet grass, nose to the ground. His merle coat was dark with rain. His eyes of half blue and half brown, flicked between me and the ground, scanning, unsure. He barked, kept his distance, and darted away whenever I stepped toward him.He wasn’t just lost. He was scared.So I did what I know helps.I sat down on the ground, grounded myself, and got quiet. Then I started offering Reiki…not by placing my hands on him or sending energy at him, but by filling my heart with loving energy and offering it like an open doorway. No pressure. No force. Just presence and permission.He lingered nearby, watching, slowly making his way closer to me. Once he was about 20 feet away, I began doing EFT. You may have seen me tap directly on animals’ meridian points, but that wasn’t possible here. So I used air tapping, visualizing the points and gently tapping in the air. I tuned in to what he was feeling the fear, the confusion, the longing for something familiar and let that guide the process.I also spoke to him energetically. I told him he was safe. That he was okay. That I was here to help, if he wanted it.I watched for his response. There were signs: licking, yawning, heavy eyes, and finally a big sigh. After tapping, I returned to my heart and offered Reiki again.When I opened my eyes, I felt something warm against my leg. He was lying next to me.We sat like that for a while, just being together. Gaining trust. Eventually, I led him into the house, opened one of my dogs’ crates in the bedroom, and he walked right in. Curled up. Exhaled. He knew he was safe. He could finally rest. Sweet. Calm. Trusting.Moments later, I checked my messages and saw a reply to a local post I’d made. Someone had recognized him. It was his dad—he’d been searching. The little dog’s name was Cashew. Or Cash, for short.Shortly after, Cashew went home.ReflectionsWhat would’ve happened if I didn’t have these tools? If I had chased him? Yelled? Let fear or frustration take over? He might have bolted. Maybe wandered onto a road. Maybe never made it home.When dogs enter survival mode, their instincts take over. They’re not thinking clearly, and they can easily end up lost, injured, or worse.But I didn’t force anything. I didn’t try to fix. I held space, with love, with energy, with calm. And that’s the power of these tools. They don’t require control. They invite connection. They allow the animal to choose safety, on their own terms. Want to Support Your Animal with Energy Work?Sometimes what an animal needs most is for us to pause. To drop into stillness. To feel. To listen. To offer calm from the heart.You don’t have to be perfect or get it “right.” You just have to show up with love and let them come to you. No pressure. No expectation. Just presence, love, and trust. It’s deeply respectful of the animal’s autonomy, and incredibly effective for building connection and calm.That’s what creates trust. That’s what brings peace.Curious About EFT or Reiki for Animals?I offer private sessions and classes for animal guardians who want to support their pets through fear, anxiety, or big life transitions. If you're curious how this work could help your animal, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to chat.What is EFT (Tapping) for Animals?EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a gentle energy healing method that involves tapping on specific acupressure points to help release fear, stress, or emotional tension. When working with animals, if direct tapping isn’t an option, I often use a surrogate approach—tapping on myself, another animal, or even a stuffed animal—with the intention of supporting the animal energetically. Air tapping is another variation I use, especially when physical contact isn’t possible.These tools can be simple yet profound.Whether you’re navigating storms with your own animals (literal or emotional) know that you don’t have to do it alone. Energy work like EFT and Reiki helps us slow down, tune in, and offer calm from the heart. Animals are always communicating with us. Sometimes in whispers, sometimes through fear or overwhelm. When we pause and meet them with presence instead of pressure, something shifts. Connection opens. Trust builds. Healing begins.Cashew reminded me that we don’t need to fix or force. We just need to hold space with love and let the animal lead.If you’re feeling curious or inspired, I’d be honored to support you and your animal on your journey. I offer private sessions and classes for anyone who wants to explore this work more deeply. You’re always welcome to reach out.🔗 Join my private group hereThank you so much for reading this post ! Please let me know what you think about the post. My name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I weave together a variety of gentle, natural modalities to support animals and their humans including Reiki, EFT/Tapping, chakra balancing, muscle testing, tuning fork fascia release, canine herbalism, and both feline and canine nutrition. I'm also currently studying clinical animal iridology to further expand the holistic lens I bring to this work.I live on a little farm sanctuary where I'm happily outnumbered by animals—seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. My approach is heart-centered and intuitive, combining ancient practices and modern knowledge to help bring balance, comfort, and clarity to our four-legged companions.Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.For more pet health tips and other ways to connect:Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require. Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

If you're like most of the amazing pet parents I meet, you’ve probably looked into those soulful eyes staring back at you and thought, "I wish you could just tell me what you’re thinking." I get it — and they can. In their own way.Animal communication isn’t a party trick or something reserved for Disney movies. It’s a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul conversation built on the universal language of energy, emotion, and connection. And it can be one of the most healing, reassuring, and enlightening experiences for both you and your animal.I want to share what this work really is, how it might help you and your pets, and what a session with me looks like — plus some of the ways it’s supported animals through challenges that might sound a lot like what you’re dealing with.What Is Animal Communication?In simple terms, it’s a way of tuning into the thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and energetic messages your animal is sending out. Animal communication isn’t mind reading. It’s not a command system. And it’s not me telling your animal to ‘stop doing that.’ (That’s not how this works — and honestly, they probably wouldn’t appreciate it.) If you're feeling a little skeptical, that’s completely normal — and welcome here. Curiosity is often the first step to connection.Think of it as translation. I’m here to relay what they want you to know, in their own voice, from their own point of view. It can offer clarity around health issues, behavior challenges, life transitions, emotional healing, and even end-of-life and afterlife guidance.And no — it doesn’t matter if your animal lives next door or halfway around the world. Energy doesn’t recognize distance, and animals don’t speak English, Japanese, or Spanish. They speak in images, sensations, emotions, and energy — a universal language we can all access through our intuitive senses.This intuitive listening uses several senses, often called the "clairs," such as:* Clairvoyance: Seeing images or visuals.* Clairsentience: Feeling sensations or emotions.* Clairaudience: Hearing sounds or words.* Claircognizance: Knowing information without being told.At its core, animal communication gives your pet a voice in their care, relationships, and environment. It helps demystify what they’re experiencing and brings their perspective into the conversation. And when you have their perspective, everything shifts.It’s a form of telepathic, energetic communication — an intuitive connection where thoughts, emotions, and sensations are shared between beings. It’s a natural, ancient form of connection that anyone can develop. Like working a muscle at the gym, we all have this ability to some degree, and with practice and intention, it becomes stronger and clearer.Why Does Getting Their Perspective Matter?Behavior is communication. When an animal’s behavior changes or a new issue pops up, it’s rarely about defiance or stubbornness. It's not being done "spitefully." It’s about unmet needs, discomfort, unresolved emotion, or fear. Animal communication lets us hear the "why" behind what’s happening.Sometimes it’s easy to assume our role is to correct or control behavior. But approaching it from curiosity rather than authority often uncovers the real reason for what we’re seeing.Take Prisser, a regal 17-year-old cat who suddenly stopped using her litter box. At first glance, you might assume she was being difficult or acting out. But in our session, she expressed anxiety, frustration, and physical discomfort — including dental pain and mid-back stiffness, later confirmed by her guardian. If we’d approached this from an authoritarian, "stop that" perspective, we never would have discovered the deeper needs she was trying to express. And those needs mattered to her well-being and to her bond with her family.Our animals aren’t here to be ordered around; they’re individual beings reacting to imbalances that could be physical, emotional, or energetic. Learning how they experience the issue can shine light on how to support them and make the right changes.Addressing the root causes of issues — whether fear, anxiety, physical pain, environmental stress, or something else — leads to more meaningful, lasting peace for everyone involved.This work isn’t about imposing fixes. It’s about listening. It’s practical, useful, and often the missing link in resolving what’s felt like a mystery for months or years.To Set Clear Expectations, Here’s What Animal Communication Is NotThis feels important to mention because I get these requests a lot:* "Just tell them to behave." I don’t give commands. I translate their perspective and needs. I’m not a trainer, and my role isn’t to discipline or correct. It’s to help you understand what your animal is experiencing and how you can support them.* "Fix my animal." Your animal isn’t broken. They are whole and complete, but reacting to an imbalance. Learning how they experience the issue can shed light on how to support them and what changes might help.* "Convince them to like the new puppy." What I can do is help them share how they’re feeling about a new sibling, big move, or life change — and help you both navigate that together.This work is a collaboration, not control.How a Session With Me WorksThe morning of your session, I’ll add your animal’s photo to my altar space and include them in my meditation. I open my heart and prepare myself and my space energetically, creating a welcoming environment for connection.About 5–10 minutes before our session starts, I take time to get quiet, center and ground myself, and energetically open to the connection with your animal. Sometimes animals are eager to connect, and the communication begins even before our call. I introduce myself and ask them to tell me who they are.Most sessions happen over Zoom, although I also offer phone calls and in-person visits when possible. I prefer not to know too much in advance so their perspective stays pure and unfiltered.Most of the time, questions get addressed naturally. I also offer a medical intuitive scan, which has helped guide veterinarians and chiropractors to areas needing attention.For animals who have crossed over, the process is much the same. I connect with them, using a photo if available, and allow them to share what they need you to know. These are some of the most tender, meaningful sessions I do, and often bring peace to a broken heart.Common Issues Animal Communication Can SupportEvery animal has a story, and while I’ll be sharing more detailed stories in future posts, here’s a quick look at the kinds of issues I support regularly:* Anxiety, fear, and phobias* Behavior changes or challenges* Health concerns or unexplained symptoms* Big life changes like moves, new family members, or loss* End-of-life comfort and afterlife connectionsEach of these situations offers an opportunity to demystify what your animal is experiencing and bring their perspective forward. And more often than not, it changes everything — for them and for you.Why It MattersWhether your pet is dealing with behavior quirks, health challenges, big life changes, or preparing to transition, animal communication offers insight and relief. It’s about strengthening the bond you already have, offering your animal a voice, and bringing peace to your heart.It isn’t magic. But it feels like it sometimes.Ready to Connect?If you’ve ever wished you could hear what your pet is trying to tell you — about their body, their heart, or their experience — I’d be honored to help.Book a session with me here and let’s start the conversation.And if you’d like to be part of a warm, supportive community of animal lovers, navigating life, loss, healing, and everything in between, join my Animal Communication and Healing Group, as well as our Compassionate Paws group. Compassionate Paws is a space specifically dedicated to loss, grief, and the emotional journey of both pets and their guardians. Both groups offer a space to share stories, support each other, and deepen our bond with our pets — both in this life and the next. We’d love to have you!Thanks for reading Calming Creek Companions! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Thanks for reading Calming Creek Companions! This post is public so feel free to share it.Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.I’m Melissa, an animal communicator and energy healer with a diverse background in holistic animal health. I’m passionate about helping animals live their best lives naturally, and I share insights from my own experiences with my seven dogs and four cats on our farm sanctuary.Thanks so much for reading! I hope the tips in this article were helpful for you and your animals. If you'd like to learn more or connect, feel free to visit me at calmingcreek.com.I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out! Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever visited my home, one of the first things you’ll notice is the barking.Not a bark here and there—real barking. Deep, purposeful, rumbling barks that echo across our 16-acre property.It’s not random. It’s not bad behavior. It’s my Livestock Guardian Dogs—Baldr, Arya, and Loki—doing their job.And they’re really good at it.These three are actual working dogs. Their role is to protect our chickens, goats, pigs, and other animals from ground and aerial predators. Think coyotes, foxes, even eagles. Yes—eagles. The video I share is of Baldr, warning a bald eagle flying overhead to keep moving. It’s his way of saying: “Not today. Not my chickens.”LGDs like mine aren’t guard dogs in the way people think. They don’t attack. They don't stalk. They don’t have a prey drive. They protect through presence—big bark, big body, big boundary.And yet, I get asked all the time:“Why do you let them bark like that?”“Do they do this all the time?”“How do I get mine to stop?”The truth?They do bark a lot. Especially at night. And I let them. Because they’re doing what they’re born to do.Misunderstood IntelligenceLGDs often get mislabeled as “low energy” because they don’t zoom around like Border Collies and Shepherds. But barking is energy. Watching, thinking, problem-solving? Energy.Arya was the first dog I ever had who made good decisions completely on her own—without me giving a cue. I’ll never forget the moment I realized she was truly choosing how to respond to a threat. And I thought, “Oh. You know more than I do in this moment.”That was the beginning of me letting go of the need to control.And let me tell you: it’s beautiful on the other side.But What If It’s Not a Bald Eagle?Let’s say you don’t live on a farm. Let’s say your LGD just ate your couch. Or barked all day at the window. Or dug through drywall to get to a noise you couldn’t even hear.That’s when behavior becomes a puzzle.Before we try to correct a behavior, we have to ask: what is the dog trying to do?What unmet need are they trying to express?That’s where energy work and tools like the pendulum come in.Barking, Balance & the PendulumI teach a class on using the pendulum in everyday pet care—and this is one of the biggest reasons why.With the pendulum, I can often uncover:* Emotional imbalances that cause restlessness or over-vocalizing* Dietary or environmental triggers for behaviors* Energetic patterns that reflect stress, fear, confusion—or deep purposeSometimes, it’s not about “stopping” the barking. It’s about understanding it, honoring it, and redirecting it if needed in a way that respects the animal.One of my clients had a pup that barked incessantly every afternoon. Through muscle testing and pendulum work, we realized it was tied to anxiety around a particular delivery truck sound. The solution wasn’t punishment—it was calming herbs, flower essences, a shift in routine, and an energy healing session that cleared a long-held trauma.Let Dogs Be DogsWhen Baldr barked at that eagle, my heart swelled with pride.This is what he’s meant to do.This is what we are meant to do: listen to our animals, ask the deeper questions, and support them holistically.If you’ve got a “barker,” a puzzler, or a pup with big feelings—join me in my upcoming Pendulum for Pet Parents class. I’ll teach you how to use this simple tool to tune in to your animal’s energy and needs, and start getting some answers of your own.Until then—let them bark.Let them be dogs.And maybe, let yourself be a little more free range too.Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.I’m Melissa, an animal communicator and energy healer with a diverse background in holistic animal health. I’m passionate about helping animals live their best lives naturally, and I share insights from my own experiences with my seven dogs and four cats on our farm sanctuary.Thanks so much for reading! I hope the tips in this article were helpful for you and your animals. If you'd like to learn more or connect, feel free to visit me at calmingcreek.com.I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out! Get full access to Calming Creek at blog.calmingcreek.com/subscribe