"Memories..Like the corners of my mind. Misty water-colored memories..." The word "memories" always sends me singing the Barbara Streisand version (in my head. no one needs to be subjected to my singing!). Memories, or those of our beloved animals, are a hot topic. it is one of the most requested information. During an animal communication session, the humans are concerned about the life of their beloved animal before adoption. Humans are curious beings who want to know what happened before the big day! This is normal and can be quite helpful when trying to understand the behaviors of our animal companion.
If you adopted an older animal, you could get a lot of useful information from them. However, not all animals want to discuss their past. Since they believe in "living in the present", they tend to let go of their past life. I can usually get some information, but I don't like to press them. Explaining that any information can help their human understand them usually opens them up to relaying some things, especially if they see a pattern repeating that they do not like. For example, if an animal experienced a hurt at the hands of other humans by a kick (horrible to even write this), the animal may stay clear of feet altogether. Sudden movements of the foot can make them very anxious. They don't believe you would kick them, but it is a knee-jerk reaction. The solution? Reiterate that you would never hurt them, and more importantly, don't move your feet towards them.
If you adopt a young animal, there is not much they will remember. Think of it in terms of your own life. Most people do not remember anything of their life under age 1. Some do not remember anything under the age of 3. A few don't remember anything under the age of 6. Humans tend to remember things once school begins, and even at that point, the memories can be a little distorted. Memories before the age of 5 are usually distorted by youthful perceptions paired with photos and stories from our adult humans. Did we remember petting a donkey at the age of 2 or were we told that we did while looking at a photograph? Apply this to our little fur babies. See how they would not remember anything from their babyhood? What they can hold with them, is a memory of a feeling.
My dog Little Bear, who is the lead character in Finding Joy: A Dog's Tale, has certain memories of his babyhood. These are really more impressions and feelings. Of course, his soul's purpose was to help guide me on this path of communication and writing his story, so he was blessed to have more memories. It is not the norm though. Most animals remember feelings associated with smells and touch.
My current dog, Daisy, was adopted at age 8-12 months old. She has a few memories of her life on the street. But not many. I get little glimpses of things. For her, she is ok with that. Her life is now. She lives with us. She has these friends and this neighborhood. Those are the things important to her. Those are the things important to us: the NOW.
Expecting a little puppy to remember life before 8 weeks old is like expecting a human baby to remember at a few months old. It is not realistic. We can always ask if they remember a feeling or smell or something. It is not that important to them, though. They prefer to discuss current situations.
One thing I can suggest when dealing with odd behaviors that we know are from life before us is this: if something bothers your animal, don't do it. Each are unique individuals with their own likes and dislikes. Some animals love being caressed while others do not. Some have specific areas they do not like touched. Don't touch them there. Animals will always give us signals of what they like and what they don't like. Just because we are humans and they are living in a human world, does not mean we cannot respect their wishes and honor their requests. IT makes for a much happier co-existence and relationship. At the end of the day, isn't that what we want?
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