Animals have free will: the ability to choose their actions based on
their desires. There was a time when I believed that my animals were just simple creatures
with only the basic animal instincts to guide them. Once I began communicating with the
animals, I realized that their personalities could range from the simpleminded individual
to the most complex intellectual being – just like humans. After all, humans are
animals too. We just walk on two legs and have mortgages. I doubt if my dog Libby will
build a rocket to take herself to the moon. However, she has feelings and desires, which
affect the thousands of decisions that she makes every day.
For the first time, I realized that I should start taking my
animals’ feelings into account. I didn’t just own four animals, but I actually
lived with four distinct beings. It took some time to alter how I thought about my
animals. I started to ask them what they wanted instead of assuming their needs. It was a
shock to my animals as well. In general they were pleased to be included in
decision-making. One of my cats was startled and even fell off the back of the sofa when I
started talking to him.
Once you recognize that animals have free will, you can make the next
leap: animals are capable of reason. For example, I have worked with many clients over the
years whose animals eliminate in inappropriate places. Once it was established that the
problem was behavioral (always take your pet to the vet to make sure it’s not
something physical), I began a course of conflict resolution. I first hear the
human’s side of the story, then I talk with the animal. It is important to get the
human to acknowledge the animal’s feelings as well as the animal to acknowledge the
human’s. Often this simple meeting of minds is enough to help alleviate the problem.
However, some actions are generally warranted in most conflicts.
Perhaps the human can provide more litterboxes? Maybe the animal can show displeasure in a
different way? Mutual understanding and respect can go a long way. Occasionally,
circumstances might require an ultimatum. For example, Fluffy can CHOOSE to pee in the
litterbox, or she can CHOOSE to stay outside all night long.
Recognizing and valuing your animal’s viewpoints can only enhance your already
loving relationship.
