The Simple Steps I Use to Hear What Your Animal Is Really Saying
A guide from an animal communicator on presence, neutrality, and deep connection.
By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health Coach
Lately, the world has felt… heavier.
And whether we name it or not, we carry it in our bodies, our breath, and our hearts.
Our animals feel it, too.
They may not watch the news or read between the lines,
but they read us.
They track our nervous systems.
They absorb our energy.
And when we hold our breath, they do, too.
Before every session, whether I’m connecting through energy work, an animal communication, or supporting a family in crisis, I have to ground myself. I need to quiet my mind and my heart so I can truly hear the animal’s message. If my own thoughts are racing, I can’t tell what’s mine and what’s theirs. The same goes for anxiety, or even physical sensations. Is that ache or tightness coming from me or from them? Becoming still and completely neutral is essential. Many of the people who come to me have already tried everything, or they’re facing one of the most sacred, heartbreaking moments… wondering if their animal is ready to cross over. I have to be connected and quiet, because these communications are important.
That’s why I begin with a grounding practice. It’s not fancy. It’s not long. But it shifts everything.
I imagine my bare feet on the earth.
I picture the roots of a giant tree going down to the center of the Earth.
I breathe, slowly and intentionally, following my breath from my toes to the top of my head.
And I remind myself that I am not here to fix or project. To let go of an agenda. I just need to be present.
Sometimes, I take it a step further. I imagine myself walking into the tree, through a small opening in the trunk, and taking natural, spiraling wooden stairs down into the heart of it. It brings me to my meditation space. My sanctuary. A place that holds all my comforts and all my peace.
When I forget to ground, I notice it.
The stress lives in my gut — a tightening and a burning.
Then it climbs into my chest, where my heart speeds up and squeezes.
And without even realizing it, I hold my breath.
(It always makes it worse.)
That’s when I know it’s time to come back to my body and back to the earth.
Why It Matters for Me and for You
For me, grounding is essential because of the kind of work I do. When I sit with an animal or their person, I am holding a sacred space. I am listening deeply, to words, to energy, to what isn't being said.
If I’m not grounded, I’m not fully there. And the animal knows it.
But grounding isn’t just for energy healers or intuitives. It’s for everyone. Because whether you realize it or not, your animal looks to you for cues. They mirror you. They try to help you regulate. And sometimes, they absorb what you don’t have room to carry. If your dog or cat seems stressed or anxious out of the blue, always check yourself first.
Grounding is one of the most powerful things you can do to support their health and nervous system and your own.
Try this grounding ritual
Whether you're caring for a sensitive dog, a beloved senior cat, or simply trying to stay afloat in a chaotic week, this practice can help:
Stand or sit with both feet on the ground.
Take three slow, conscious breaths.
Visualize your bare feet pressing into soft dirt.
Imagine a big, ancient tree, rooted deeply below and reaching tall above.
With each inhale, invite steadiness in.
With each exhale, let go of what you’ve been holding.
Place a hand over your heart and ask gently:
“What do I need in this moment?”
It only takes a minute. But your body and your animals will notice the shift
This is how I show up fully. Not perfectly, but fully.
And it’s how I remind the animals I work with that they're safe, held, and heard.
If you want to learn more, I’d love to invite you into my private group focused on animal communication and energy healing, but we also cover nutrition, behavior, and anything animal care.
It’s a supportive space where we hold each other through grief, healing, and all the ups and downs of caring for our animal companions.
You can click here to join.
Breathe deep,
Melissa 💜
Thank you so much for reading this post! Please let me know what you think.
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.