According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals ( 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats) are euthanized every year through no fault of their own.
Rescue animals sometimes bring with them many years of living in a fearful environment. Years spent at the hands of abusive and life threatening behavior from humans or other animals. It is our instinct for survival that helps us fight back when we feel our life is threatened and learned behavior is sometimes difficult to change.
Most people will adopt a pet with the good intention of providing a loving and secure home. However many pet owners suddenly faced with unexpected aggressive or fearful behavior with their new adoption, are ill prepared, finding themselves in a desperate state as to what to do for their new forever friend. And some are simply returned to the shelter as un-adoptable to be put down.
Most aggressive behavior in cats and dogs is considered fear based. Fear is a dominant factor in the reaction to load noises (thunder storms, fire works etc). Hand movements that appear to be too fast may elicit the need to snap. This behavior is common in Greyhound rescues that have been penned in cramped quarters for long periods of time. Animals that have been abandoned can show signs of despondency and despair. They have literally given up.
The Bach Flower Remedies provide 38 flower essences that address 7 states of emotional discord. Fear for example, is explained in two remedies. Mimulus for known fears and Aspen for unknown fears. Animals respond very well to Bach Flower Remedies.
The hands on effect of Reiki, can provide comfort and promote a sense of calm for all animals by balancing and healing low or split energy.