By Marjorie Young

One of the most delightful aspects of life is our connection with the animal world. There’s nothing unique in this view…ask any dog or cat lover, and you’ll be gifted with paeans of praise concerning their precious companions. I’ve been fortunate to not only share my life with them, but to receive bountiful lessons in return.

After adopting a starving (pregnant) stray cat in Tokyo, Cora showed her appreciation in a remarkable manner. Believe it or not, she brought me flowers! Not any old flower; no, nothing but red camellias would do. Invading a neighbor’s garden, she’d gather the fallen blossoms (ignoring the white version) in her mouth, carry them home and either drop them at my feet (if I was there) or pile them in my favorite chair (if I wasn’t). She’d require repeated trips to accomplish this. I’ve never heard of a cat doing such a thing…bestowing birds or mice, yes…but floral offerings?! It was touching, bewildering, and beautiful.

I often ‘connect’ with ‘departed’ animals during readings for my clients. Pets may ‘cross over’ to be with family members on the other side, awaiting an ultimate reunion. In other instances, however, their spirits don’t leave at all; remaining to look after their cherished humans. Clients commonly report ‘sensing’ or ‘seeing’ their spirits roaming the house just as before. I, too, have had many such experiences with my departed felines.

Recently ‘Jane,’ an acquaintance at the Ballard Sunday Market, requested a reading. Her ten-year-old dog was terminally ill with cancer; she was planning to soon have ‘Ginger’ put to sleep. Obviously, she felt wretched, needing advice as to the best course. I was able to inform her that ‘Ginger’ was ready to go, and when the time came, she’d stay exactly where she was…with Jane! Ginger even encouraged Jane to get another dog as soon as she felt ready, promising to help her find the perfect choice Throughout, Ginger kept calling Jane a ‘ninny’…a word I can honestly say I’ve never used in my life…let alone during a consultation! I even apologized to Jane for using such a ‘non-spiritual’ term, but Ginger kept sending it! Afterwards, when Jane recounted this to her partner ‘Patty,’ she had a delayed revelation. Her frequent nickname for her Lab was ‘Ginger-Ninny’! She rushed back to tell me. I was surprised, yet not; for animals are able communicate in marvelous, truly meaningful ways.

Another reading concerned a dog rescued from a shelter; after ten days the new owner was about to return ‘Toby’ in despair. He had a multitude of behavioral issues, though nothing of his history was known. Consulting me as a last resort, I readily discerned the cause of Toby’s issues. As a result, he immediately improved, and found a forever home.

When doing animal readings, their communication generally comes by way of images and emotions, rather than words. But their messages are still received with crystal clarity. And when people inquire if animals have ‘souls’…my response is a resounding ‘yes’!

Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market, her Ballard home, or by phone. Please email her at: ballardpsychic@gmail.com

See her award-winning fantasy/adventure series: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com

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