I don’t believe that there are dumb, stubborn or vindictive animals. I believe that viewing the behaviours that lead to these labels as nervous system responses, we are in a position to initiate change. I believe that animals and people share feelings – nervous systems ‘communicate’ with each other, the scientific term for this is neuroception. 

I don’t believe that euthanisia is the only or – for most animals – best way to end their lives. I believe in the body’s wisdom about being born and dying. Both, entry and exit from this world, require patience and allowing. These processes are beyond our control though we often interfere (from a place of fear) and influence the unfolding, hurrying the progress. I believe support (from a place of surrender) serves all involved. 

I am passionate about advancing people’s understanding of animal intelligence and consciousness as well as helping rehabilitate and restore peace and trust in animal-human relationships where needed. 

My favourite part of my job is to witness my clients step out of their frozen or frenzied state into empowered and effective action. Stepping out of despair, hopelessness, frustration or worried concern into clarity, calmness and peace. Their faces soften, their bodies relax, their breathing deepens when they see possibility where before change seemed impossible. They are seeing their animal with new eyes. 

I see myself as a pioneer who challenges the status quo of traditional animal care practices (feeding, training, desexing, vaccinating, parasite control, use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, end of life). 

People see me as inspiring, caring and knowledgeable. They find my writing (blogs and posts) engaging and heart opening.

My tribe are people who have found the traditional approaches and ideas wanting, who are curious and open to new perspectives and practices. Our understanding of animal intelligence and sentience transcends the concept of ownership. We see ‘problem behaviours’ as a dysregulated nervous system doing the best it can and are willing to help co-regulate until self-regulation is possible. We are death-positive – we believe it’s not morbid or taboo to speak openly about death. We see honest conversations about death and dying as the cornerstone of a healthy society. 

What I struggle with are closed-minded and closed-hearted actions which put principles over compassion, and dominance attitudes.   

My mission is to increase kindness and peace in the world. I envision animal-human relationships free of fear and unresolved trauma because tools for mental health hygiene are common knowledge and taught from little.