Speaking Their Language. Communicating With Animals. Animal lovers know that on some level we communicate with our pets, even sometimes creatures in the wild. We often have an intuitive understanding with animals, especially when they are family members. Dogs and many other animals understand very well verbal cues to heel, fetch, sit, but that sort of communication can feel one-sided, as if our pets understand us better than we understand them. For a deeper communication with animals, we have to learn to listen, as well as to speak their language. Animals communicate with each other, and us, on many different levels. They use a combination of smell, sounds, and body language to express themselves. Most of us know that when a dog stretches his front legs out and lowers his body, it's an invitation to play. We understand that when cats rub up against our legs, as well as being affectionate they are marking us. We belong to them, as much as they belong to us. To understand what your pet is trying to tell you, start by observing and noticing what your pet is paying attention to. We know when they go to their food dish that they're probably hungry or if they go to a door, they probably want out, but there are also other things they want to tell us. We just have to pay attention to understand. Notice your pet's facial expressions when you are talking to them. Animals are capable of conveying many emotions. Learn to know when they look happy, sad, bored. Try talking to your animals non-verbally, as well as with words. Direct a simple question to them in your mind, and then wait quietly and patiently for an answer. Allow the first thing that comes into your mind to be verbalized to you, and then see what your pet's reaction is. You might be surprised at their facial or verbal answer. Play with your pet. Animals have a sense of humor and will tell us when we take ourselves too seriously. Talk to your pet about everything, like you would a friend. Have fun with them. Even sing to them. Allow animals their space. If you sense they don't feel like talking, leave them alone. They'll come to you more often, if you respect their need for privacy. Listen and talk to your pets and they'll listen and talk to you. http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/329.html

Hey Girlfriend! Wow, how the days have passed and here we are again back at Bnet. Yeehaw. Remember our circle? I miss those days, but I'm glad I had them. And glad you are doing well and sound happy. I'm sorry to hear about Smokey. I, too, lost my Kim Ling a few years ago. Now we have 2 kitties: Jada and Tiger. They are a little over a year old and so lovable. Do you still have your little cabin? Talk to ya later!

Seems you had a birthday recently....so HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YAMBER!