Our Pets Can Show Us OUR Fears

While it is common knowledge that animals pick up on how we feel, what some people may not realize is that animals can even pick up on the un-communicated feelings that we have. They are also able to tell when our words don't match the way we truly feel (even if we don't realize it at the time).

It's why there are cases where a dog guardian is walking their dog and even though they are displaying confidence, their animal still picks up on the concern they feel about an approaching animal or person. When the dog reacts to that animal or person, the guardian's first reaction might be, "But I was talking in a happy voice and telling my dog not to be concerned, why did he react that way?" The truth is, it was because the dog was picking up on what their guardian was REALLY feeling.

It is something that Kino taught me. When he was losing his mind in fear over the sound of fireworks, no matter how many times I told him the sound couldn't hurt him and that he was safe, his fear level never diminished. He would even give me a look - a look that literally said "You are full of it mom, I don't believe a word you are saying." LOL  After years of going through this anguish with him, it finally clicked one day. *I* was afraid of the noise too. That was why he looked at me as if I was a liar. He could feel the disconnect between my words and what I was truly feeling - something that I wasn't even aware of at the time.

Over the years, I have had many experiences with my clients where their pet was picking up on feelings their guardian wasn't even aware they had, which had taught me that animals are far more adept at tapping into our deepest levels of energy, our deepest level of emotion than we probably realize . . . and it taught me that if we pay close attention, we will see how much our pets can help us. 

One client in particular owned a store and loved to bring her dog to work with her, but her dog would sometime bark and growl at the customers. Obviously, that wasn't good for business so she asked me if I could help. When I did a session with the dog, I felt the dog was tapping into a fear that the guardian held deep inside her, and that was why she reacted the way she did with certain customers. It didn't resonate with the client at the time, so I didn't push it. 

A few weeks later, the guardian called me and was very excited. She said she had just remembered something, from about twenty or more years ago . . . at that time, she was working in her mom's store, and they were robbed at gunpoint. She hadn't thought about it in decades and had forgotten it had even happened, but when the memory popped back into her mind, she realized that must have been what her dog was picking up on. 

I asked her if she held any fear that it could happen again and she wasn't sure. We decided to do an energy healing session with her and see if we could help her body let go of that old memory. During the session, she realized that she DID still hold a fear that it could happen again, in part because she still felt responsible for not being able to stop the robbers. We worked on letting go of the disappointment and shame she was holding onto so that she could feel empowered again. At the end of the session, she said she felt much lighter and more at peace with what had happened all those years ago.

Since then, her dog has happily been joining her at her store every day and no longer barks and growls at certain customers. She now believes that if her dog ever DOES bark or growl, it will be because there really is a person in the store she should be concerned about, not because of an old fear that she held deep inside her. She was grateful to her dog, for helping her see that there was something from the past that she needed to free herself of. 

It is worth considering . . . if your pet is behaving in a way that concerns you . . . they might be reacting to a feeling you have, that isn't even being held on a conscious level. And maybe one of the ways they have shown up in your life to assist you. Something to ponder anyway . . . 

"Every pet you have is a once-in-a-lifetime pet. It doesn't matter how many you've had. Each one changes you, heals you, owns a piece of you." Author Unknown

A Great Gift Idea

Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for friends and / or family? While people are finishing up (or just starting) their holiday shopping, I thought it would be a great time to put out my annual gift "recommendation" :-)  

Lucky For Me (A Journey of Healing and Self-discovery) could be the ideal present for the book lovers and animal lovers on your list (Or even a nice gift to yourself!) 

Is there anyone on your list who is:

- A huge animal lover?

- Adopted a dog that was abused or has some emotional issues?

- Wanting to learn more about the deep connection that is possible with animals?

- On a healing path of their own (physical or emotional)?

- Wanting to find themselves and discover who they truly are? Or what their purpose is?

- Looking for ways to love and accept themselves more fully?

- Deeply sensitive and struggling with their sensitivity from time to time?

If so, Lucky For Me could be the perfect gift for them this holiday season. 

Book Summary:

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 free themselves from the past, Maureen realizes how disconnected she has been 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, which eventually leads them to self-acceptance and self-love. Ultimately, their inspiring adventure shows us what is possible with love, courage, forgiveness, and trust.

Below you will find links to purchase my book:

The book is available two ways - in paperback (via the publisher) and as an ebook (via Amazon)

Here is a link to the publisher, if you would like to purchase a paperback copy of my book:

https://riversanctuarypublishing.com/shop/lucky-for-me/

Here is a link to Amazon, if you would like to purchase the ebook:

 Buy e-book edition

If you are still unsure if Lucky For Me - A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery is the right fit for people on your shopping list, maybe hearing from people who read my book will help you decide. Below you will find some recommendations that were written about Lucky For Me. Additionally, for those who are interested in hearing even more about it, I have included a link to a video podcast that a friend and I did about my book.

Reviews:

I just finished reading Lucky for Me by Maureen Burkley. It’s not often that I find a book I can’t put down. From start to finish, the author’s candor and vulnerability are truly remarkable. I was drawn into her world in a way that made me feel as if I were right there alongside her and Lucky.

Burkley’s writing style captures her journey with Lucky, a dog who endured a tragic early life. As the story unfolds, the author discovers that many of the challenges in her own life intersect the hardships she is so lovingly working to heal in Lucky’s, leading to lessons that are deeply intertwined. The book goes beyond the surface of a simple rescue/feel good story, revealing a bond that transforms into a profound friendship full of love, patience and mutual teaching.

What struck me most is the spiritual lesson woven throughout the narrative, a subtle yet powerful message that some readers may miss amidst the ups and downs of life portrayed in the book. I won’t spoil the “aha!” moment for future readers, but I can assure you this story is beautiful and inspiring. One that could easily be read again.

I highly recommend Lucky for Me to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. It’s a book I’m eager to share with friends, and I’m sure it will resonate with many.

Forrest Cambell

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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 2nd 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 firsthand – 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

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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 – and things I felt for Maureen and Lucky and for MYSELF at the same time, 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

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Like the boy on an expedition who seeks wisdom by attending to omens in The Alchemist, author Maureen Burkley listens intently to signs she receives from Lucky, her adopted German Shepherd. What she learns couldn’t help but propel her on a quest for personal healing and self-discovery. 

Searching to understand the root causes of Lucky’s illnesses, Maureen gingerly and lovingly assists her companion in overcoming deep-seated traumas. Through the unraveling of Lucky’s knotted wounds, Maureen shows us how we can be alchemists of our own pain and transform whatever shackles us from being our best selves. 

Lucky For Me is an intimate portrait of two friends who discover when one of us evolves, everything around us evolves. The hard-earned lessons Maureen imparts throughout her story are poignant and timely, told with extraordinary honesty and regard for the reader. This is not only a must-read for animal lovers, but for anyone who could use a reminder of the preciousness of every life.

Paula Francis – author “Ten Pair Of Shoes”

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Maureen Burkley has written a book that any dog lover will find engaging, instructive, and transformational. Her experiences gained from adopting an abused and traumatized puppy greatly illuminate the canine/human relationship. And in doing so, illustrates the profound connection and exchange of learning that is possible between a person and any living creature. 

Maureen’s journey with her German Shepherd, Lucky shows how approaching a challenging task with self-awareness and openness leads to profound discovery and healing growth. The story presents a lesson in compassion while revealing insights and training methods that made me a more loving and responsible dog parent and gave me clues about my own mental-emotional patterns. As a specialist in Emotional Intelligence, I found the book to be a consistent primer threaded with behavioral practices and keys to personal awareness that span the spectrum of relationships. Curiosity, openness, and compassion open us to deeper connections and reveal new paths. And it’s just a great dog story!

Steve Whiteford – Applied Emotional Intelligence Consultant 

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It has been a long time since I resonated with and was moved by a book. “Lucky For Me” resonated with me and I was definitely moved by it. As a longtime dog lover and parent, I truly believe that dogs have souls. It is truly a gift to have a special emotional connection with an animal. They save us and we save them. Thank you for saving Lucky and I am glad she was able to help save you as well.

K.C.

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Maureen's book is so inspiring and very interesting to read. She showed so much strength and perseverance during her special journey with Lucky. There is so much of her heart and determination to help Lucky with her challenges. You truly see the power of unconditional love.  The connections Maureen made to guide her were almost unbelievable or magical since many came in strange ways and at just the right time.  

So many stories in the book that I could relate to or felt the same way at times. While reading her book it triggered many of my own memories. My favorite stories were her many fun times with Lucky. Although Lucky had some struggles she never gave up either and actually help to guide Maureen on her path. Lucky brought so much joy to so many people of all ages.  They were such gifts to each other and also to so many people, myself included.

Maureen's book taught me several things that could help me in my life as well. 

L.B.

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A Video Podcast To Learn Even More:

For those of you who would like to listen to / watch a brief (35 min.) podcast about Lucky For Me, here is a link to the podcast that my friend Steve Whiteford and I did a few years ago about my book. 

Maureen's interview with Steve

Supporting Our Pets Through the Holidays

Here is a little PSA from your pets.  :-) 

The holiday season is a crazy time of year, not just for us but for our animals as well. For animals who live in our homes, it can be very confusing. WE know what's going on, but they don't always understand and it can make the holidays even more stressful for them. This is especially true for animals that are new to our home, but it still applies to animals who have been with us a while and have been through a few holidays seasons.

Many people talk about how their animals behave strangely during the holidays and most of the time, I believe it is because they don't understand what is going on. Their regular routine is changed up and they often feel ill at ease because of it.

What if a group of people unexpectedly showed up at your home and didn't bother to tell you how long they would be staying? Would that potentially put your nose out of joint? Especially if those people set up camp in your bedroom. There can be so much chaos going on around your pets that they become overwhelmed / overstimulated during much of the holiday season. 

If you think about it from their perspective, this is what they see:

- People coming and going, regular schedules and routines being different

- Packages being brought into the house, that they aren't supposed to touch

- Trees being dragged into the house that get a lot of our attention

- Lots of smells coming from the kitchen as we cook but don't necessarily share with them

- People coming over, sometimes spending the night, often displacing them from their usual hang out and sleeping spots

They often get yelled at or spoken to in a firm voice. We say things like:

- Get out of those packages, those aren't for you

- Get out of the tree, you are going to break the ornaments

- Stop drinking the water from the tree stand - you have a water bowl

- Don't you dare pee on that tree

- Go in the other room, Aunt Gertrude is allergic to dogs/cats

- You can't lay in the kitchen when I am cooking

All of it can be very confusing to them and they often don't end up enjoying the holiday season at all. I think the holidays could be much more enjoyable for everyone if we talked to our animals and explained what was going on. It would also be wonderful if we made some accommodations for them so that they can enjoy the holidays as well.

It is my belief that if we can communicate with them and manage their expectations, they can be a positive part of the celebrations, instead of adding another element of stress to it. 

Here are some holiday tips that might make the season "brighter" for your pets:

- If you are going to have a house full of people, let your animals know. Tell them . . . this many people are coming and this is how long they are staying. 

- If you want your animal to do anything different, please let them know. If your animal is going to have to sleep somewhere where they aren't used to sleeping, tell them that and explain why. Let them know how long this new arrangement will last and please make it as comfortable and inviting as possible for them. (A bed or comfortable blanket? Some special toys? Access to their food and water if appropriate?) 

- If your animal is used to having quiet time to rest in the house and you know that isn't going to be easy when you have a house full of people, tell them where they can go to be "alone" if that's what they need. Give them a specific room or place in the house they can go to if they need to "get away from it all." Again, make it as comfortable and inviting as possible for them. 

- Tell them you are bringing a tree into the house if that is part of your holiday routine and explain to them that it is for decoration. Let them know you are making sure it has water so they don't feel the need to water it themselves. :-) Explain to them that the things hanging on the tree or placed under the tree are not for them to play with or eat. Then make sure they know where the things are that they CAN play with and eat. 

- Set them up for success whenever possible. Think about things from their perspective. If your cat will have a difficult time resisting the urge to play with the ornaments, maybe you can avoid putting your most treasured ornaments where they can reach them? If any of the gifts under the tree are for your dogs  or cats and they have any kind of scent, maybe you can put them some place safe until it is time to open gifts. If their food and water are normally located in the kitchen but you don't want your pets under-foot when you are cooking, can you relocate their food and water to a place that is easy for them to access? If so, make sure they know where that location is. 

- Include them in the celebration in whatever way you can. Whether that is feeding them at the same time the rest of you are sitting down to eat so they feel they are participating in the celebratory meal too, or giving them something to unwrap when the rest of you are unwrapping your gifts. Let them know they are part of what is going on too. 

I believe the holidays can be happier for all of us - 2-legged and 4-legged alike, if we can set everyone's expectations for how things are going to be different for a few days or weeks. I bet  your animals will thank you - in their own special way!