Soulful Crossroads: My Unanticipated Journey into Responsible Rehoming

Pet Loss & GriefAnimal Communication Tips

Jan 12

In the realm of animal communication, where understanding and connection transcend spoken words, my journey took an unexpected turn. As an animal communicator, I've guided countless pet parents through the emotional labyrinth of responsible rehoming. Little did I know that one day, I'd find myself standing at the crossroads of this challenging decision, faced with the heart-wrenching choice to rehome my own cherished companion.

Soulstice is my dog of love and lessons. Our paths intertwined during the messiest chapter of my life— navigating the palliative care and eventual death of my mom. Soulstice came into my life when I faced some of my darkest corners of grief. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.

As an animal communicator, I am used to addressing any challenge. Yet, life has a way of always reminding us of our humanness. Soulstice, a beautiful soul (I affectionately called her my soul dog - she has connected me more deeply to my soul), came with a traumatic past and entered my life during her puppyhood, having given birth to puppies herself at just eight months old. Little did I realize that our connection, while profound, would be a step in each other's journey rather than a final destination.

Our adventure led us to move from the rural mountains to the city, a transition that proved overwhelming for Soulstice. Her struggles persisted despite my unwavering dedication and attempts to provide support, communication and love. Reactive to dogs in the city and anxious, I felt she yearned for the companionship she knew, having grown up on a reservation surrounded by other dogs and in our previous home, where she would hang out with our neighbour’s dog, her BFF, Dexter. The city's constant stimuli became a source of distress for her, and our challenges escalated despite her participation in agility and scent work classes.

The turning point arrived during this holiday season as I prepared to spend time with my dad 2.0 and brought Soulstice to my friends and Dexter in Golden, our former home. They sent me a photo (right photo on the blog) a few days into her stay that captured the essence of their bond, spooning like two peas in a pod. My heart swayed between melting and breaking as I faced a nagging truth I couldn't ignore.

I found myself in a moment of soul-searching, staring at that photo. Despite all my skills, knowledge, and the love I poured into Soulstice's life, there was a missing piece. I often joked that to fulfill her need for constant canine companionship. I should transform into a dog myself—an impossible feat. The reality was stark: Soulstice needed more than I could humanly provide.

In a vulnerable conversation with my friends, I proposed a forever home for Soulstice with them. Dexter, her steadfast buddy, offered a sense of safety that I couldn't replicate. In a small town, they could provide the stability and less stimulation she craved. The decision was heart-wrenching, but it was the one I knew I needed to face.

Guilt, doubt, and the looming feeling of failure crept in. As an animal communicator, shouldn't I have been able to make it work? The answer, however, was in seeing the bigger picture. Soulstice's well-being, her chance to thrive authentically, and finally be the dog she needed to be outweighed me, my ego and my heart. The layers of grief intertwined with deep love, a mix I often witness in the stories and experiences of loss, now enveloped me.

Our journey, heartbreaking as it is, is a lesson in deeper humility and love. In our two years together, Soulstice became my guide to further my trauma knowledge and work, unveiling more layers of trauma understanding in both animals and humans and the part it plays in our relationships. She reminded me that true integrity means making tough decisions honestly when things aren't working and, most importantly, letting go with love. I know this pain and heartache, and I have helped many clients through it. I also see the joy of finding the right home and knowing she is finally home within herself by having Dexter by her side.

This blog isn't just a tale of rehoming; it's a testament to the intricate dance of love and respect that exists in our relationships, the depth of love, and how sometimes that means facing loss and letting go. Even though I was armed with the ability to communicate with animals, I faced the reality that some connections transcend communication and species, and that we are steps along one another’s journey. Soulstice's story, my story, is a reminder that, in the intricate tapestry of life, no matter how difficult some journeys are, we are always blessed for the time together and may not always be the final destination.

May my story offer solace to those who, like me, have navigated the complexities of responsible rehoming, reminding you we are all on our individual journeys with the beloved pets in our lives.

Do You Need Support in Your Situation?

Finding understanding and support is essential when making the challenging decision to rehome your beloved animal responsibly. As a certified grief specialist, I offer Grief Support Sessions tailored to provide you with the compassionate support you need and learn the messages from your pet as you navigate your rehoming journey.