More "Lucky For Me" Book Reviews

 

I have been blessed with 5 more reviews of my book Lucky For Me and want to share them with those of you who read my blog. I am so grateful to the people who have taken the time to write such heartfelt words to describe what their experience was to read my book and so beautifully articulate what it meant to them. 

As you will see from these reviews, some of the folks who wrote them were actually part of the journey that Lucky and I were on and had first hand knowledge of what we were going through. It was a delight to receive their feedback and see how they reacted to our book from their perspective. 

Each one of these reviews touched me in a different way and they all showed me that the book is doing exactly what Lucky and I hoped it would do . . .  to be of support to anyone who read it, in whatever way they might need some support  - no matter how big or small.

Being shown that the book had provided a myriad of confirmations, inspiration, self-reflection, a deepening of appreciation of what animals have to offer us as well as just plain enjoyment is such a treat for me. I know Lucky is pleased as well. 

I hope you enjoy reading these sincere, wholehearted reviews about Lucky For Me. 

If these reviews inspire you to buy the book or gift it to someone you know, paperback copies can be purchased directly from River Sanctuary Publishing here: River Sanctuary Publishing and ebook purchases can be made via Amazon here: Buy e-book edition

***

Lucky for Me is a beautiful story of healing, love, and the bond between Maureen and her dog, Lucky. I was lucky enough to spend time with them during swim therapy. Even though Lucky had trouble walking, she came alive in the water—joyful, free, and full of spirit.

That experience completely changed how I see quality of life in senior dogs. My family used to believe it was time to say goodbye when mobility was lost, but Lucky showed me how much life and happiness is still possible.

Thanks to Maureen and Lucky, I was able to share a deeper connection with my own dog, Leo, until he transitioned peacefully on his own. This book—and the time I shared with them—will stay with me forever.

Karen, Milpitas, CA

***

“Lucky For Me” is a heartwarming and insightful read that I couldn’t put down. It’s beautifully written and incredibly easy to follow.

Through Maureen’s journey with her pup, Lucky, I gained a deeper awareness of the subtle cues in my own animals’ behavior and the importance of truly observing our surroundings. While the story centers on her dog, Lucky, the lessons and reflections shared throughout are universal—applicable to animals of all kinds, including horses and donkeys!

I happened to read Lucky For Me just before bringing home one of my own dogs, who turned out to be a very sensitive soul. The timing couldn’t have been better. This book gave me tools, reassurance, and even a few “aha!” moments—not just about animals, but about myself as well.

I’ll be recommending this book to everyone. Whether you’re going through a transition, deepening your bond with your animals, or simply looking for a meaningful and uplifting read, Lucky For Me is a true gem.

Andrea Koch

***

A wonderful story about a loving bond between Maureen and Lucky and their ability to learn from and heal each other.

Mary Ellen, Monterey, Ca

***

“Lucky for Me” 

May 2025

I recently lost “FLB” (favorite little boy)!  He was actually my neighbor’s 16 year old,  5lb cockapoo.  But his 2^nd home was with me as his “part-time nanny”, especially during the last several years of his decline, I would hear his cries over the fence and go to comfort him.

So, I felt compelled to reread “Lucky for Me” and it had the same impact on me as the first time – 3 years ago.  I was inspired, in awe, laughed and cried all at the same time!

We were fortunate to know Maureen and Lucky. We knew their backstory so when we saw them walking in the neighborhood, we would stop, check in and get updates on their progress. We knew how dedicated Maureen was to Lucky but her book truly reflected their day-to-day struggles and the incredible bond they had!  And it was only through her strength and perseverance did they successfully heal together. 

Maureen also helped us when our Natalie, 12 yr old Aussie was declining and with Shasta, an adult Aussie mix, who unfortunately was an unsuccessful rescue after 9 months.  We saw first hand – her connections with animals.  

Through Maureen’s courageous writing of her journey with Lucky, we were uplifted, reassured about moving forward and in believing in yourself and your heart.  “What happened in the past does not make your future.”  But most importantly . . . the power of loving animals.  

Anne Y

***

This seemed like it was going to be a simple Happy Ending story, but it was so much more involved than that. It has such a heart wrenching start concerning what to most would be a hidden aspect to our society’s involvement with pets and the way people treat them.

With the author’s commitment to Lucky’s wellbeing, and her constant care and searching for answers to the many unknowns on how to make Lucky feel cared for and loved again, it turns into a heart warming story that will touch every reader. The All-In attitude of the author and the care she provides without compromise will have the reader reflecting on their own life and choices they have made. 

It is endearing to see how the author took a very difficult situation and not only made the best of it, but touched the lives of so many others in a positive way along the way. Maureen not only found security and happiness for Lucky but found out ‘who she is’ along the way; something we all tend to search for while we navigate our way through life. I tend to not think of life as a journey, but more of an endless series of challenges that we have to deal with to become who we are going to be. The author bares her soul as she describes dealing with those challenges for both Lucky and herself. You feel both for Maureen and Lucky throughout this tale and are pulling for them at every turn. Luckily, happiness is everybody’s reward in the end.

I can’t help but think that anyone who reads this heart warming story will be changed by what the author was able to accomplish, with limited means, by the dint of her own personal convictions.

Matthew, Silicon Valley, CA

Another Review of Lucky For Me

This past week, my book Lucky For Me was reviewed by Readersfavorite.com. I was delighted to find out that they gave it 5 out of 5 stars! 

I have shared the review below in case anyone reading my blog is still unsure if they want to read my book. Maybe this will inspire you to make a purchase.  :-)

And for those of you who HAVE read my book, if you feel compelled to write a review I would definitely welcome that! You can post your review directly onto my book's page at Amazon.com Amazon ebook or send it to Riversanctuarypublishing.com  https://riversanctuarypublishing.com/shop/lucky-for-me/ - or both! 

Since there are many people who like to read reviews before making a purchase decision, every review is helpful. I am grateful for every bit of support! 

While book sales are always welcome, for me this is more about Lucky For Me reaching the people who it can provide the most assistance to. That has been my heartfelt wish all along - for our journey to provide support to others. In the prologue I shared a bit about why I wrote the book. Here is that paragraph from the prologue: 

I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light a path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in a process of self-discovery, my hope is that you’ll experience some “aha” moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too.

Review by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite:

Maureen Burkley's Lucky For Me is the author's story about her tough but highly rewarding journey with her dog. The author's German Shepherd, Lucky, went from a traumatic experience as a puppy to being rescued by a caring human. As Maureen drew closer to Lucky, she found out about the dog's health challenges and other signs of the lingering effects of trauma. However, she also saw herself discovering similar battles as she strived to be the best human friend to her dog and attend to Lucky's needs. From hospital visits to water therapy and chaotic encounters with other dogs, Maureen's journey with her dog is captured in a very compelling tale. Get ready to meet a resilient and caring human and her playful and adorable German Shepherd in this deeply poignant memoir.

The many profound deductions in the book are quite enlightening. I found myself pausing to reflect on the author's thought-provoking observations, such as her belief that animals "come into our lives to help us reconnect with our true selves." Maureen Burkley's determination not to give up on Lucky, despite being advised to, and the dog's multiple challenges inspires you to tackle any situation life throws at you. Lucky's recovery process and struggle with trauma are depicted well alongside Maureen's challenges with her family and other personal issues. The author's experiences in difficult moments and being on edge when she took her dog outside reveal that her dog rescuer role was far from easy. This soulfully written memoir will make animal lovers feel deeply emotional and captivated from start to finish. I feel very fortunate to have read Lucky For Me.

Another "Lucky For Me" Review

I recently received another review of my book that touched me so deeply it made me cry. As I read her words about how the book had supported her, I felt such gratitude because it was one of the ways I had hoped it could assist people. 

In the prologue of my book, I mention that part of the reason that I felt so compelled to share our story was because I felt deep inside my heart that it would be of assistance to others. 

I wrote: I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light the path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in the process of self-discovery, my hope is that you'll experience some "aha" moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too. 

Receiving this heart-felt confirmation from this beautiful soul lit me up. She confirmed for me why it felt so important to write the book and share the journey that Lucky and I went on. Here is what she wrote:

Wow! All I can say is wow! I finished Lucky For Me (by Maureen Burkley) on the plane a few weeks ago.

The most PERFECT ALIGNMENT OF TIMING is indescribable. I don't remember when I got the book and started reading it, I’m a slow reader lately and I read in small chunks and then I pick it up again, but I feel like each time I picked it up, that each part I read served me so perfectly during that particular time.

Since we never had a dog, I have learned so much about dogs from this book. But the most interesting part, the book also made me think a lot about life…

As I got to the end, reading about Lucky's last year, last few months, down to last hours AND after her transitioning ... I can't even describe how meaningful it was for me - for my now and things I felt for Maureen and Lucky and for MYSELF at the same time, all interwoven together.

With each part of the book I read, it was like being there and being here and having a NEW understanding for the criss-cross points. I was able to begin to feel what Maureen felt AND see how those things connect to things unfolding in my own life right now.

I was able to understand Maureen’s decisions points, where they come from, and marvel at their relationship, at the end, not only had Lucky taught her and us so much, but ....compassion.... wow, compassion!! The place where compassion comes from!! Our wisdom. Our intuition. And the light and joy and peace that come with it.

I feel so much reverence for Maureen and Lucky. I thank her and Lucky both for how I was able to take what I was reading and connect it to my own life, my own journey in such a powerful way. Lucky is still teaching!!! Your pets are still teachers even after they are gone.

Zhanna Kozar

Lucky For Me - A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

It's hard to believe that it has almost been a year since my book, Lucky For Me, was published. Time certainly does seem to be flying by this year. Feedback so far has been wonderful (and a few folks have been kind enough to let me know where a typo snuck through so I can get those all fixed in the near future). :-) It has been so fun for me to hear all the different ways that people have connected with different parts of our story or insights we gained throughout our journey.

In the prologue, I mention that part of the reason that I felt so compelled to share our story was because I felt deep inside my heart that it would somehow be of assistance to others. 

I wrote: I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light the path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in the process of self-discovery, my hope is that you'll experience some "aha" moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too. 

It is truly gratifying when I receive feedback that lets me know that the book has done what I hoped it would for some people . . . giving them their own AHA moments, seeing things in themselves and/or their relationship with their pets that they hadn't noticed before and in some cases even helping them unravel pieces of their childhood that have had more of an impact on them than they realized. 

While I trust that the book will end up in the hands of people who it can serve, I also know that it is ok to ask for support.  :-)  

The odds of me reading a book often increase dramatically if someone personally recommends it to me, especially when the person knows me well enough to know that it will speak to me and to my heart. So I welcome those of you who have read my book to recommend it to others if you feel it can be of assistance. Whether it is an animal lover / someone who has a strong bond with their pet, or a very sensitive soul, or a person trying to untangle who they are from who they thought they were "supposed" to be or someone who is on their own healing path. There are so many little nuggets in the book that others can relate to and it would make my heart happy if I knew that our story was helping even more people along their own paths. 

Maybe it would make a great holiday gift? It could possibly provide encouragement to someone you know who is struggling right now. So if you feel inspired to recommend my book to others or purchase it as a gift, I would be extremely grateful! 

Link to purchase the book: Lucky For Me - A Journey of Healing and Self-discovery

Endless gratitude for your support!

My Chat With Todd

Todd Medina is someone I have followed for years. He has a show called Soulspeaks 5D where he brings people on - in his words "to just chat." People from all over the world come on his show to share their experiences, their insights, etc. as a way of supporting others who are on a similar path. It's like a giant library of information that is shared from people's hearts and their souls - all for the purpose of assisting others who are growing and learning and trying to navigate this crazy world we are living in right now.

Initially, I was drawn to his shows because he is someone who isn't afraid to be honest, real and vulnerable - which was like music to my ears. Through his shows he gives people a platform to share their gifts and knowledge with others and he has this amazing ability to hold space for people - which allows them to step more fully into who they authentically are.

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of getting to have one of those chats with Todd Medina on Soulspeaks 5D. In the first half of the show, we talk about my healing journey (which basically is a synopsis of my book Lucky For Me that came out earlier this year) and the second half of the show we talk about what I do and how I work with people and animals. We also discuss what I've learned from animals over the years and how our pets can play a pivotal role in our personal transformations if we are open to their guidance. 

If you are interested in listening to our chat, below I've shared the link to the show. 

If you are on a spiritual path and looking for some inspiration to "keep on keeping on" you might want to check out some of Todd's other chats, which can be found on youtube on his channel: Soulogyonestudios. 

For those of you who are interested in learning more about my book Lucky For Me - a Journey of Healing and Self-discovery, I have also included a link to the publisher's website, where you can read the book summary and/or make a purchase.

Finally, if you'd like to learn more about my work with animals and people, I welcome you to check out my website, Healing Animal Truths.  (link provided below)

My chat with Todd

My book - Lucky For Me

My website

Another Bit of Synchronistic Magic

I had the pleasure of experiencing some more of that "synchronistic magic" connected to my book and am excited to share it with all of you in the hopes that it helps you recognize these moments when they are showing up in your life too. It was particularly magical because I wasn't seeking anything at the time - just following my inner-guidance. 

There is someone I "know" from a few on-line communities I am a part of who invited me to attend a zoom call she was putting together with a few other like-minded souls that are friends of hers.  I knew instantly I would participate. No hesitation, no questioning . . . it was an immediate yes for me. 

*This is often a component of "synchronistic magic" - when you feel the "yes" immediately, almost as if it bypasses your mind completely and you just KNOW you're in. You may also notice that you have zero expectation of what will come about as a result. You're just saying "yes!" because it feels right.

While on the call, I felt very drawn to the peaceful energy of one of the other participants. I couldn't help noticing the way she held space for everyone while others were talking. Her energy was gentle and supportive but very strong and grounded as well. I felt nudged to send her a note the next day to tell her how much I appreciated her energy. (Something I am often too shy to do.)

*This is also a common component of "synchronistic magic" - when you feel an inner nudge to do something, even if you aren't sure why. You just know it feels "right" in your heart, even if you are a little nervous to do it.

I sent her an email and after a little back and forth, I found out that she (Paula) is also an author who, like me, published her first book this year. We decided to buy a copy of each other's books - again another "immediate yes" - no "thinking" required. :-) 

I had just started another book when her book arrived so some time had passed between when I ordered/received her book and when I got started on it. After the first few chapters, I felt inspired to email her and tell her how much I was already enjoying her book. I randomly decided to mention that my delay in starting it was because there was another book that I wanted to finish reading before I started hers. 

*This is another common component when you are riding the wave of Synchronistic Magic. You observe yourself saying or writing something that you hadn't previously intended - it just kind of pops out of your mouth or springs from your fingertips. 

As I continued to soak up and savor the beauty and insights of her book, I was in awe of how many similarities there were between her book and mine AND the one I had just finished. While they are different stories and very unique in their own way, they somehow all seemed to dovetail together. It was as if they were all woven together into the same tapestry. 

Three different people, writing three completely different books from three different perspectives. One was fiction, the other two were memoirs and yet there was so much in these three books that were the same . . . insights - nuggets of wisdom, etc. The "main characters" experienced different challenges, followed different paths, the authors used different terminology to describe the journey and yet they revealed so many of the same discoveries. I was amazed by the fact we were all finding a way to share our understanding of such similar concepts.

Once she finished reading my book, she emailed me to tell me how much she enjoyed it. Excitedly I told her about how I could feel these threads of connection between her book, my book and the one that I had read right before hers. It was then that I shared what the other book was . . . 

And that was the next jaw dropping moment of the Synchronistic Magic . . . the book at the top of HER reading pile that she planned to start next was the SAME BOOK . . . . The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. I'm telling you, you just can't make this stuff up!  This is what Paula refers to in her book as PFM's - Pure Freakin' Magic! 

*When this happens - these moments of PFM - it's extremely likely that more things will reveal themselves in surprising ways . . . connections (meeting the next right person) or ideas (a random thought pops into your head that you hadn't considered before) etc.  The key is to just stay open and see what comes next.

The more they happen, the less surprised we are when they happen and yet my giddy reaction to having experienced another one of these PFM's never lessens! They are the things that tell me I am on the right track, they are my sign posts, my encouragement to keep moving ahead, confirming that I am "in flow."

How do you know when you are having a PFM moment? You might find yourself thinking "Could this really be?" "How is this possible?" You might notice a quickening of your heart rate or notice your breathing changes (to either deeper or more shallow with each in-breath).  For me, these moments are often accompanied by a buzzing in my ears or goosebumps up my arms. Sometimes it is a smile so big it makes my eyes squint or my hands automatically swoop up and cover my heart, as I breathe it in and savor the moment. There is no "right" way to experience a PFM moment. (Just pointing out a few of the things I've noticed in myself in the hopes that it might help some of you recognize them as well)

I truly believe the energy of this magic is all around us - whether you call them synchronicities, or PFMs or any other descriptor . . . what we call them is less important than just observing them when they happen and watching them unfold. The more we see the magic and ride the waves, the more magic we will likely encounter.

So listen to your heart and your inner-nudges, notice when you find yourself saying "yes" to something that you can feel in your heart (that by-passes the thinking/processing of our mind) and then stay open to seeing what shows up next!  

Right now, I think most of us could really benefit from experiencing more magic in our lives - to lift our spirits and show us what else is possible . . . My wish for all of humanity is that these beautiful moments become more and more noticeable to everyone because I believe in my heart that we all deserve them and so much more!!!

Lucky For Me Has Finally Been Published!!

It is with great excitement that I share this . . . My book "Lucky For Me: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery" has finally been published and is available for purchase!!!  

It has been "in the works" or "on the shelf collecting dust" for so many years, I wasn't sure this day would ever come but as I explained in a recent blog post . . . some synchronicities and magic got it moving again and we finally crossed the finish line!!!

At the present time, I have decided to sell only through the publisher so if you feel inspired to purchase a copy of my book, you can go to: Lucky For Me - A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

The publisher and I chose to start with just paperback copies of the book. Down the line we will assess if we'd like to make it available as an e-book as well but at the moment it will only be available in the good old fashioned "hold it in your hand" way.  :-) 

In my last post, I shared a summary of the book so you can get a feel for what it is about. As for why I wrote the book and how I hope it will assist people, here is a paragraph from the prologue that will explain: 

I know I am not the only person who has had an intense bond with their animal, nor am I the only one who has gone to extremes to help an animal recover from the abuse they suffered or heal their own trauma. My intention in sharing our journey is to light the path for those who find themselves with similar challenges. Whether you are someone who is extremely sensitive and feels things very deeply or you are trying to heal the past or you are in the process of self-discovery, my hope is that you'll experience some "aha" moments and points of connection through this book that can assist you on your own journey, and maybe even inspire you to find your way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of all you have to offer too. 

Close To The Finish Line

In December, I was sure that my book "Lucky For Me" would be published in January. It seems the Universe felt I needed some more practice with PATIENCE, given that there have been quite a few unexpected delays in the last 6 weeks.  LOL 

I'm happy to say, we've got forward momentum again!! The proof of the book arrived today . . . the last opportunity to look through it and make sure everything looks right!!!  The next step is bringing it over to Annie the publisher so she can look through it as well and once we are both satisfied that the formatting, picture placement, etc. are all as we intended, then it will finally be "Go Time!"

Part of me can't believe this is finally coming to fruition!  It has been a big dream of mine for a very long time and the last promise I made to Lucky before she passed away. (That was twelve years ago). 

I am so excited about this, I just had to share!  More information coming in the next week or so on how to purchase a copy if you are interested!  

For now, here is the book summary if you want to know more about the content of my memoir that covers the journey of healing and self-discovery that Lucky and I went on from 1996-2009. 

From the time Maureen was a little girl, all she wanted was a German shepherd. Then one day she is inexplicably drawn to a news story about a shepherd puppy that had been used in a dog-fighting ring and then heartlessly discarded in a dumpster. Was this the German shepherd she was meant to have? An adoption lottery could answer that and change her life in unimaginable ways.

Lucky For Me takes us deep into the lives of Lucky, the severely abused German shepherd and Maureen, her adopter. Assuming the role of rescuer, Maureen set out on what felt like an insurmountable mission to help Lucky heal from her physical and emotional wounds. Along the way she was catapulted into her own healing journey. Will Lucky and Maureen be able to overcome the obstacles that life has dealt them?  

Maureen gives us an honest and introspective look at their quest to regain their confidence and find their way back to whom they are meant to be. As they endeavor to accept, heal and release the past, Maureen realizes how disconnected she is from her true self. 

While attempting to answer the question “Who am I?” pieces of the puzzle begin to reveal themselves in synchronistic and magical ways. Discovering the hidden gifts in her extreme sensitivity and empathic nature, Maureen’s bond with Lucky grows even stronger and more powerful. As the process of self-discovery unfolds, a new way of life emerges—one that finally feels like home. 

Lucky for Me is a true story about second chances and new beginnings. It follows Lucky and Maureen as they navigate the ups and downs of the somewhat rocky terrain to self-acceptance and self-love. Ultimately, their inspiring adventure shows us what is possible with love, courage, forgiveness, and trust.

Reiki and Shingles

A few weeks ago, I noticed a strange rash on my right hip.  While it didn't itch, the skin did feel a bit tender.  I wasn't sure what it was.  The next day, I noticed the rash wasn't just on my hip anymore, it had moved around to the front of my thigh and around to my back and the bumps looked a little more like blisters.  By that night, I started to feel stabbing pain in every area where the rash was and that was when I knew for sure that I had shingles.

I was not happy with that realization.  I had shingles before, about nineteen years ago and I remember that it was a miserable experience.  Even though I went to the doctor right away and got the anti-viral medication, as well as medication for pain, I was still out of commission for weeks.

The nerve pain is awful.  If you've never had shingles before, it feels like you are being stung over and over and over again by a wasp.  Honestly, it is a horrible experience and one I wasn't looking forward to going through again.

I knew I wasn't going to see a doctor this time because my beliefs about western medicine have changed quite a bit in the last nineteen years.  I decided that this time, I would treat it with Reiki  (ok, I also broke down and took some advil those first few nights so that I could get some sleep, so I am not totally against taking some sort of medicine) but I wanted to try a different approach this time.

I gave myself Reiki treatments every day.  I wasn't sure exactly what it would do or how it would help, but I was wiling to give it a try and see what happened.

Much to my delight, seven days later, the pain was completely gone, the blisters had dried up and were forming scabs.  As I type this, eleven days after the initial onset, all evidence of my bout with shingles is almost gone.

Last time I went through it, it was several weeks before I could handle clothes touching my skin and several more weeks after that before the blisters healed.  I was excited to see how much the Reiki helped and incredibly grateful that the whole ordeal was over so quickly.  It has inspired me even more than before to rely on Reiki to assist with medical issues when they arise.

Animals can recover from emotional trauma

My german shepherd, Lucky, spent the first 6 months of her life being used as pitbull bait in a dog ring.  She was attacked and attacked until the dog ring owners assumed she was dead, then she was thrown in a dumpster along with several other dead puppies.  I adopted her after she had been rescued by the SPCA and stitched back together again.  

While her physical wounds had healed at the shelter, her emotional wounds had yet to be addressed.  I discovered within the first few weeks that seeing another dog caused such an intense fear in her that she would drop to the ground, curl up into a ball and throw up.  At first, I was overwhelmed and worried that I didn't have the skills to help her get through the trauma.  More than one person suggested it was cruel to keep her alive and that it would be better to 'put her down' since she would probably never recover from what she had been through.  Deep in my heart, I knew that wasn't the truth.  I knew she could heal from the trauma she had experienced, just as humans can recover from the traumas they have experienced.  

I was determined to help her live the life she was meant to live . . . one filled with love and joy and happiness, a life where she felt safe and comfortable.  I'm not going to lie and say it was an easy road, because it was not.  We struggled a lot, taking small steps forward and many steps backwards but in time we worked through it. After about 4 years, Lucky was finally able to greet another dog without throwing up or dropping to the ground.  She could approach a dog with confidence and ease, and she looked like a dog who had never been through the kind of unspeakable trauma she had been through.  

I continue to be in awe of her will and determination, and am grateful that she was able to learn to trust as much as she has.  She has shown me that animals can make choices out of love instead of fear, just as humans can.  She serves as a constant reminder that animals can recover from the abuse and torture they have endured, as long as we continue to believe that they can.

When I hear people say "that's just the way he is" or "that's just the way she is" . . . referring to fear behaviors that are a result of traumatic experiences their pets have had. . . it makes me kind of sad because I don't believe they have to live that way.  I think we can help animals overcome the painful experiences they have had and live the lives they were meant to live.  While we can undo what has happened to them, I do believe we can help them release the past, step into the present and live a life without fear.  After all, isn't that what we want for ourselves as well?

What the name means

Many people ask me why I chose the name "Healing Animal Truths" for my website and my blog.  The name comes from my desire to "heal" the things that people believe about animals.  I have often heard things such as "animals don't have feelings" or "animals are dumb" or "animals can't recover from the trauma they have experienced."  I know in my heart those things are NOT true.  It is my belief that animals DO have feelings.  They are intelligent, amazing beings who have a great capacity to overcome even the most painful of experiences. They are capable of so much more than many people give them credit for. 

In the work I do as an animal communicator and energy healer, I am doing what I can to dispel the myths that have been shared for years and years about animals.  I want to do my part to help people see animals for who they really are so they can be treated with the respect, the kindness and the admiration that they deserve.  

This blog will include updates on my experiences in working with some of amazing animals I have had the honor of interacting with as well as other stories that I come across that demonstrate the "truth" about these incredible creatures.  

Stay tuned for weekly updates and if you have comments or questions, please let me know. 

Maureen