By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health Coach
The 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.
Reflections
What 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.
Thank 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.
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