Hitting a horse who is sorting through trauma only breaks her spirit and reconfirms to the animal that humans are untrustworthy. Rosalie was in a dense fog and to her all humans looked alike; she required time to process her injury and anger. She did not respond positively to anyone's voices. Wingerson suggested her family throw her hay over the fence and keep a distance. She advised the only contact Lora and the others maintain with Rosalie be through the fence, talking to her lovingly and gently. As foretold, Rosalie came out of her confusion three weeks later and once again became the loving and frisky mare she had been before the incident.
Sometimes all an animal requires is a bit of information or awareness. Wingerson volunteers at the Human Society as an Animal Rehabilitation Facilitator (ARF) assisting cats adjust to the shelter environment. Animals are often withdrawn and terrified, grieving the loss of a person from whom they've been separated. Wingerson helps the animals heal and look at what kind of person they want to attract. “I calm them and explain to them that all these people walking by are looking for kitty cats to adopt. I empower them by helping them see that they're there to get adopted, and that they can have a level of power. They can choose to flirt with a family or to avert their eyes and turn away. I encourage the cats to stay healthy and open so that they will find a home.”
Many of the animals adopted from the shelter require extra time to adjust to the idea that they are not going to be rejected again. Some never learn to trust. “It's like they can't open their heart again after they have had it broken too many times,” Wingerson acknowledges. She worked with a 15 year old greyhound who had been abandoned so many times that the dog was not willing to open herself to anybody. Wingerson emphasizes how important it is to repeatedly tell an animal who has lived in a number of homes: “You're going to be with me forever. It is my intention to keep you forever.” Hopefully they will begin to relax and feel secure in their home. When an animal learns to trust, people will notice their pet come out of a shell and interact at a more intimate level.
Occasionally there are animals who resist all forms of communication. Wingerson told me about Rembrandt, a tea cup poodle, who sat at her feet as she communicated with the other animals in the family, but when his turn came, he ran into a corner and began to shiver. “Animals often react physically during a reading,” Wingerson described. I heard him say, “Absolutely not! Go away. Go away!” The poodle's family emphasized that they had never seen him so distraught and the minute Wingerson removed the focus from the dog, he returned to sit at her feet. More often than not; however, an animal will be willing to negotiate a deal. If you can do this for me, I will give up the bad behavior.
Many people call when an animal is put down or ready to die. Wingerson admits that it's difficult to know when an animal is ready to die and whether they want to die on their own or be euthanized. But, what causes most anxiety for people, is that sometimes, after an animal dies, people regret not spending more time with the animal. “Animals forgive and forget. It's people that hold onto things,” Wingerson emphasizes. She encourages people to be with their animals when they have to be put down because then they will not regret it. She is capable of communicating with animals after they have died. She helps people see that the spirit of the animal is happy and free.
The Boulder area service, Little Big Cat, is one of many organizations devoted to healing. Little Big Cat specializes in feline behavior and has helped many people address difficulties with their cats. Spirit Whisperings, Wingerson's business, is available nationwide to humans and animals alike. Wingerson visits in person with her local clientele or conducts sessions long distance by phone. An intuitive does not need to be in the same vicinity as a client to read and assess the situation.
While there is much to be learned from animal behavior and the commonalities that animals share, there is an equal amount to be understood about their emotional lives and Wingerson graces our community with her abilities as an animal communicator. “The most gratifying experience is when I can help heal a relationship or achieve a balance between a person and animal so that they stay together.” Wingerson reveals.
