On April 4, 2008 at 5 am, just as the sun was rising, my beloved Appaloosa gelding took his last sweet breaths. Throughout his last 2 years I learned a great deal about the capacity of the life force even in the appearance of impending death.
Several times during the fall and winter of 2006-07, I came close to euthanizing Sunny, my eldest horse.
However, palliative care such as TTouch, Essential Oils, Homeopathy, Nutritional Supplements, Prayer, Energy Healing, Animal Communication and his Strong Will comprised the holistic care that made it possible for Sunny to recover in time to celebrate his 36th birthday in March of 2007, and then to gather his strength and make it all the way to his 37th birthday party in March of 2008!
Holistic Vets Ella Bittel and Joyce Harman were vitally important parts of our journey. They helped soothe my emotions while providing knowledge, inspiration and support as I implemented extended care for Sunny. Joyce provided tremendous support with nutrition and homeopathy and soothed my soul while having a place to talk about his aging and some of the emotional ups and downs. Ella helped me understand the end stages of life in relation to what was going on with Sunny. They both helped me to see that there was always some type of support I could offer Sunny no matter what was occurring — whether it was food, supplements, homeopathics, essential oils, TTouch, prayer, or just quietly being with him or having a talk together. There was always support available and something to ‘do.’
As I approach the 2nd anniversary of his passing, I am reminded of the preciousness of our animals and all they bring to our lives. Each time I speak with a client who has an animal entering into their end of life and getting ready to pass over, I am reminded of my Sun-Sun and all of the gifts that he brought me during all of our years together and especially through his end of life and all I learned during that care. I am grateful to be able to pass along his teachings to others.
Sandy Rakowitz owns and operates One Heart Healing Center in Charlottesville, VA. Sandy is a TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner Level 1, a TTEAM Equine Practitioner Level 2, Centered Riding Instructor, and a graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing where she taught for 6 years. In her private practice, Sandy also integrates the use of Animal Communication, therapeutic-grade essential oils and flower essences. (434) 973-8864 www.onehearthealingcenter.com
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