My last newsletter sparked some discussions – and yes, a few people unsubscribed. I completely understand that.
It was never my intention to encourage giving up too quickly when facing challenges with a new animal or during the integration process. Quite the opposite: I know that challenges are part of the journey and that it often takes patience and perseverance to create a harmonious coexistence.
But sometimes, change happens the moment we allow ourselves to take on a new perspective. Simply asking the question of whether an animal might be better off in another family can set a previously stuck situation into motion.
Suddenly, you may see behaviors from a different perspective. You might notice that there actually is progress – or that one of your animals is suffering and withdrawing. Perhaps new ideas come to you about what you can do to ease the situation for everyone involved.
And the animals themselves get space to feel what they truly want. Maybe you realize that your animals don’t actually want the newcomer to leave because a bond has already formed. Or the new animal suddenly opens up and starts embracing its new home.
Not every time does an honest reflection on this question lead to the decision to find a new family. But it allows something to shift – a fresh perspective to emerge and energy to expand.Change often happens when we release pressure
This doesn’t just apply to the question of the right home, but to many other situations with our animals.
👉 Behavioral challenges: Maybe you’ve been trying for a long time to get your dog to stop pulling on the leash, to help your cat become less shy, or to make your horse more relaxed in new situations. And no matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem to work. But what if you allow yourself to accept that your animal may always have this particular trait – and that it’s okay? Suddenly, the tension may ease. You may find ways to live with it instead of focusing all your energy on eliminating it. And often, it is precisely in that moment of acceptance that real change happens – because the pressure is gone.
👉 Expectations about the relationship: We often have a specific idea of how our relationship with our animal should be. Maybe you wish your dog were more cuddly – but they need more personal space. Or you want your horse to approach you with trust – but they are naturally more reserved. When you can accept your animal as they are, without trying to fit them into a predefined mold, everything in your connection can shift. And suddenly, a deeper bond may form – just in a way you hadn’t expected before.
👉 Health concerns: Sometimes, we fight so hard to help our animal get better, trying every possible treatment – and yet, nothing seems to change. Of course, we should never give up too soon, but sometimes it helps to pause and accept the situation as it is. To feel: What does my animal truly need? What can I let go of? And in doing so, new possibilities may open up – or you may find peace with something that had previously been weighing you down.
Sometimes, all it takes is a small internal shift to create a big transformation.
I hope these thoughts have given you some inspiration.
Lots of love for you and your animals,
Tanja