May 2014

THE WILBOURN WAY BLOG  

(AKA Cats on the Couch) 

www.thecattherapist.com

For a better view Click http://cattherapist.blogspot.com/

Dear Readers,
“One New Yorker has been providing Cat Therapy for decades, and now my cat Finnegan and a new cat-mate are in need”......

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/cats-therapy-article-1.1760335

LIBRARY CONNECTIONS
"YOU ADORE YOUR CAT BUT  ..... " Cat Therapy Program.
Sessions are at 6 p.m.  I have a feline Co-speaker. Do come along with all of your questions.

** My next confirmed library appearances are in Hoboken on Thursday June 12th, 

Here’s the venue:

Hoboken, New Jersey 

Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue   

http://hoboken.bccls.org/html/Events_adult.htm  Click on the link and scroll for details.

** Then on June 26th Torrington, Connecticut.  

Torrington Public Library

12 Daycoeton Place, Torrington CT 06790
http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/calendar-of-events.html  Click & Select June 26 on the calendar to see details 

Call 860.489.6684 to register or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

GRIEF THERAPY SESSION FOR SABRINA AND GUARDIAN

Sabrina and Sydney

Sabrina was devastated when Sydney her companion passed on of cancer. That was a few months ago, as I mentioned in the Grief Therapy article in my April Blog  http://cattherapist.blogspot.com/

Kathy, Sabrina’s guardian, contacted me to make a home visit to evaluate her condition. She also sent me a photo of Sabrina asleep in a relaxed and stretched out position. That’s how Sabrina used to sleep. But now she slept all curled up and didn’t look as comfy and happy as before. I told Kathy that Sabrina’s changed way of sleeping mirrored her tense, contracted feelings ‘after’ the loss of Sydney. This photo was a metaphor for how Sabrina felt ‘before’.

Sabrina 'before'

When I arrived to do Sabrina’s session, Kathy mentioned how Sabrina used to be the ‘hall and door greeter‘ and would visit a neighbor down the hall. “She loved to be brushed, but now she bolts when I brush her”, said Kathy.

As I took Sabrina’s case history, I told Kathy this session would serve to chip away at and release any emotional angst that could trigger a potential medical problem. I gave Kathy the following recommendations to ease Sabrina's loss: 

TREATMENT PLAN             

Audio - Continue to play the relaxation music that played during Sabrina’s session to reinforce the positive and cleansing feelings that occurred.

Visual -- Tell Sabrina that you’re okay, she’s okay, and her companion is now safe and at peace. Your reassurance will be communicated by your body language and affirmation. As you breathe and speak, your face and body reflect comfort and ease.

Taste -  A sprinkling of catnip on tissue paper, her scratch post and toys will enhance her palate and spirits. Repeat every couple of days -- more if welcomed.

Smell - The scent of lavender potpourri or incense will relax the two of you.

Touch -  Stroke her frequently, and tell her how loved and beautiful she is. Brush her gently. Stop before she bolts. Too much stimulation affects her muscle memory and triggers her residual feelings of grief and loss.

Water-  I also recommended that filtered water contained less minerals than tap water so it was more kidney-friendly. A supplement with Omega 3 fatty acids would benefit her hair coat, brain, digestive tract and other health concerns.

Kathy nodded as she copied down Sabrina’s behavioral program. Sabrina concurred by rolling over on her back amongst the catnip and tissue paper.

“Sabrina, you’re looking terrific,” Kathy said. She went on to tell me how Sabrina and Sydney always slept with her all night. Now Sabrina spends most of the night on the couch. “ What I truly miss is Sabrina’s hugs. She used to climb up and wrap her paws around my neck. No more!”

“Well Kathy, let me give you a Reiki chair treatment which will balance your

mind, body and spirit as I do the light hand placements on your head, neck and

shoulders. As you relax, Sabrina will feel the release.”

REIKI -- THE TIE THAT BINDS

 http://www.thecattherapist.com/moreaboutreiki.asp

As I lightly placed my hands on Kathy’s head, Sabrina slowly approached us and scrambled up on Kathy's lap. And look what she did .... Yes, and she stayed there through the extended treatment and longer (I didn't want to interrupt their shared bliss). That's how I was able to record this breakthrough with my iPad. 

Sabrina with paws around Kathy's neck during Reiki treatment and after

I told Kathy that when Sabrina and she had regrouped after this major 

transition, we could consider the right companion for Sabrina, and I could do the introduction using The Wilbourn Way.

A CLEARING

Sabrina’s progress report was a dazzler.  “She’s back in my bed again, and she visited our neighbor,” Kathy said.  "Carole, I didn’t realize that I was holding on to my grief. Sabrina’s session was a breakthrough for me.”

I told Kathy that as she verbally let go of her grief and we appealed to Sabrina’s five senses, we produced the sixth sense which is “love” and balance.

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

ORION MEETS BABY GUS

Orion with Baby Gus

Yes, Orion and baby Gus are quite the item. But Gus isn’t any baby.

You remember, Bug the Pug, Orion’s former next door playmate whose family moved away last year -- but Orion continues to hang out by their door?

Orion looking for Bug

Anyway, as I stepped out of the elevator into the lobby with Orion in his pillow case, Bug’s guardians were there with their new addition. They had stopped by to say hello. Bug had opted to stay at home.  
Orion may have preferred to greet Bug, but it’s all in the family.

MOONIE’S DOG GUEST

Introduction of a new dog to your cat -- THE WILBOURN WAY

Moonie is a Philadelphia based cat who lives with her guardian Diana. During Moonie’s eleven years, they have lived in many places. Diana thrives on the

many moves, Moonie appears to share Diana’s wanderlust. Although Moonie is

the only cat, she has lived with cats and even hung out with dogs at a distance.

But now Diana’s sister’s dog would be a temporary guest. Yes, Romeo, eight

years old and neutered would share Moonie’s digs for a week.

Romeo, Moonie's Dog Guest

Diana had arranged a Facebook consult with me to arrange the best introduction. “Romeo adores my sister’s kids, and he has a heart of gold,” Diana said. “He’s never lived with a cat, and I want to make this new experience an adventure for the three of us.”

Moonie

I told Diana that’s exactly what we would do. “And Diana, as I outline the plan, play some mellow music and invite Moonie to join the party.” So Diana

turned on the music, leaned back in her cushy chair, and Moonie stretched out beside her.

PRELIMINARIES BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF ROMEO

• Let Moonie listen to the sound of a barking dog (Youtube or some computer clip).  Don’t blast the sound if she is sound sensitive. Stroke and praise or brush Moonie as the dog barks.  Whenever the dogs in the adjacent apartment bark, tell her their barks are protecting them.
• Select a high feeding place for Moonie so Romeo isn’t tempted. Prevent a territorial tug-of-war.
• Provide a high comfy perch, so she can reign supreme at will.
• Place her litter box where Romeo isn’t able to be a litter bug
• Dog-proof her toys in a basket on a high perch. Romeo might be able to snare a toy now and again, but you want to prevent total destruction. He can concentrate on his own toys.
• Tell Moonie she had such a cool idea to invite Romeo to hang out for a while so she can teach him new things, and he can be their watch dog. Although she won’t understand your words, your verbal delivery and body language will score with her. She’ll feel in control.
• Have a doggie or baby gate available to divide the room. The gate will enable them to view each other at a distance without physical contact, and Romeo won’t have to be tethered.

INTRODUCTION DAY

• Your sister (or someone who hasn’t befriended Moonie) should escort Romeo in on a tight leash -- while you and Moonie are in another room.  After your sister has sat down, you and Moonie can enter. If she decides to stay put in another room, that’s fine.  It should be her choice.
• Whenever you speak to or of Romeo, or touch him, you must include Moonie verbally so she feels included -- “right Moonie”. This is vital even if she can't see or hear you. Her cat radar or cat-sense is omniscient.
• Set up the gate while your sister is there, and she can arrange Romeo’s creature comforts. If the gate is not possible, Romeo should be kept on his leash at all times and/or sequestered in a separate room -- to avoid any incident or accident. If Romeo prefers to be crated, that’s another option.
• To avoid any transitional stress, when you feed Romeo, you can say, “I’ll feed Romeo for you”. When you take him for a walk, “I’ll walk Romeo so you don’t have to do it, and this will give you some private time”. Avoid jealousy! Think of these announcements as a bridge to happy interactions.

I told Diana that because Romeo was there for only a week, it wasn’t necessary for the two to become kissing cousins but this guided introduction would pave the way to a merry encounter if their relationship were to continue. Moonie, the femme fatale should have fun with her suitor. It would be quite an adventure.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE

(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding Bo and Sunny, the rescued First Dogs -- Portuguese Water Dogs)

FIRST DOGS VISIT MILITARY FAMILIES
The first lady was accompanied by first dogs Bo and Sunny, as she handed out cookies to military families at the Fisher House at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  The cookies were made by the White House pastry chefs in the shape of Portugese Water Dogs and the White house. The First Lady thanked Fisher House for providing military families with "a home away from home" during tough times. The foundation gives free temporary housing to military and veterans' families while their loved ones receive medical care. It has served more than 200,000 families since 1991.

Orion gives a shout out for the First Dogs and their gracious assistance.              

Carole’s Take on Oscar The Cat Who .....  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_96hewoVjlE

A Free Consultation With The Cat Therapist 

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7E8G0OiKR4

        

          

April 2014

THE WILBOURN WAY BLOG  

(AKA Cats on the Couch) 

www.thecattherapist.com

For a better view Click http://cattherapist.blogspot.com/

Dear Readers,

LIBRARY CONNECTION

My next confirmed library appearance will be in Hoboken. I will have a feline Co-speaker. Do come along with all of your questions. 
Here’s the venue:

Hoboken, New Jersey 
Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue 
June 12, 2014 Thursday at 6:00 P.M. http://hoboken.bccls.org

AT LAST A HOME FOR BABY

“Baby was adopted today,” I was told as I arrived at Westside Veterinary Center, where I am in residence. “ Wow, that really makes my day,” I said. Her new guardians would take her home on the weekend so I had some time to hang out with her before I said Good Bye. Baby would be their only cat. The couple’s cat had passed on, and they preferred to rescue an older cat. 

Baby is twelve -- definitely a senior cat. When she was diagnosed with diabetes her previous guardian couldn't deal with daily injections of insulin.  So Baby became homeless.  Now she would be living with guardians who could and would give her the care she needed.  And were they in for a treat.

She purrs to head strokes, tummy rubs, and often a smile her way will light up her face. Play time is another high-point for Baby. She so appreciates attention and gives so much back in affection. Baby and the word “gratitude” are synonymous.

I must confess I have a major attraction to black cats. Evidently Baby’s guardians do too. As I talked and played with Baby, I realized how we’d all miss her, but Baby, a senior cat is going to live with an older couple.  Her new home is a perfect match.

THE MESSAGE IS IN THE SUBTEXT

Train Chasing Dog

Yes, my Orion is smiling and relaxed.  He’s so proud of the Metro Railroad conductor who braked for the daredevil dog who ran along the tracks. And especially proud of the New Yorkers and other riders who cheered when the dog and train reached Grand Central. A real New York story. This amazing dog, now named Tie, has many potential adopters if Tie’s guardian doesn’t appear.

DANTE ATTACKS HIS TWO COMPANIONS

(A Triple Loss Triggers Aggression.)

 As I bicycled home, I thought about Adam. He had lived with his partner and five cats. Within the last two years, his partner and their two older cats had passed on. Now it was three cats and Adam.  Caro and Bello, of ten years were his partner’s cats. Dante, of seven years was Adam’s cat. 

Dante

Truly, he loved all three, but now the boundaries had become blurred.

 Adam had contacted me to do a grief and restorative session because lately Dante had become aggressive with his two companions. They used to be very close, and Dante was the lowest on the cat pole. But no more. Caro and Bello even started to retreat to the kitchen cabinets when Dante was on the attack. The kitchen had become their security spot. Adam didn’t know what to make of it.

I told Adam that a triple loss had triggered Dante’s abusive behavior toward his companions.  With the loss of his partner, Adam was now the sole guardian for the three cats, whereas before, Dante had Adam as his prime person, and Caro and Bello had his partner. But now that Dante had to share Adam, he felt betrayed and anxious. Caro and Bello,who had lost their special person, resorted to ‘flight’ as Dante chose ‘fight’. The two guys became his tension targets.  

Caro & Bello

”So much loss and so much grief for the three of you,” I said. Fortunately, Adam realized he needed some professional intervention and reached out before the situation became hopeless.

When I arrived at Adam’s apartment, I selected some relaxation music on my iPad to ease the cat-mosphere and gave Adam a CD so he could carry on after the session with the reinforcement of the relaxed mood.

     

 I explained that at first we would concentrate on Dante, because the better he felt, the better he would react with his companions. As I took a case history, the music played, and I sprinkled some catnip on some tissue paper. Very slowly Dante decided to take a taste, and his body slowly loosened. The other two guys were stretched out in the kitchen cabinets.

 I told Adam that he should put a flexible gate on the kitchen doorway so Caro and Bello would always feel safe when they wanted to move about in the kitchen. Once they realized that Dante couldn’t get to them, they wouldn’t feel so threatened. It would probably take a week or so before they really felt safe. I reassured Adam that they would not be kitchen- sequestered forever. But for now, they needed to feel confident and to slowly defuse their fear in this small protected space.  As they felt less anxious, Dante would too.

This is the treatment plan I devised:

• Once Caro and Bello have settled, gradually move their food close to the gate and Dante’s on the other side. This will enable them to face each other without physical contact.
• Several days after they’ve accepted this arrangement, use a toy or two to play with the three of them on either side of the gate. This engagement will chip away at their angst. As they’re diverted by play, they’ll begin to slowly interact with less and less animosity at such close proximity.
• Their CD should play continuously to reinforce the associations from their session. "It will be relaxation for the four of you."
• Add a supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids to their food -- especially for Dante who has had skin problems.
• A horizontal scratching pad and vertical post from Felix Katnip Tree will give them a hearty workout. http://www.felixtreecompany.com
• The laser light is another source of fun for them.        
• When possible, arrange for a cat-loving friend to play with the two guys as you interact with Dante.

Adam was pleased and relieved to have a treatment plan, but I told him it was his interactions with Caro and Bello that upset and freaked Dante out.  “ But I have to give them attention.  I’m all they have,” said Adam. I nodded in agreement and told Adam there was a way to do this where Dante would feel included -- instead of rejected and furious. 

ACKNOWLEDGE DANTE

 Whenever he interacted with Caro and Bello, even if he was positive that Dante couldn’t hear or see, he should mention Dante’s name. This way Dante’s radar would be stroked instead of neglected. It would take time and repetition, but this was the key.

“What about when they need to be brushed or fed?” Adam asked.

You can say “I’m brushing them so you don’t have to do it and feeding them so they don’t eat your food."
 “I get it. Dante will react to my body language and tone of voice -- happy familiarity.”

REIKI

Before I left, I did a distant Reiki treatment for balance of mind, body and emotional well-being. If we did a follow-up session, I would give Adam a chair treatment, and his cats would be included. http://www.thecattherapist.com/moreaboutreiki.asp  

When Adam contacts me with a progress report, I will evaluate and decide if an anti-anxiety drug and/or homeopathic remedy will be needed to supplement their behavioral/emotional treatment.  He agrees that he wants to initiate their new behavioral program first.

PROGNOSIS

The recovery and fence-mending will take time, but I felt that the session was a break-through for the whole family.  Adam has the will and patience to see them through.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE WHITE HOUSE

(Orion, a former rescue, will represent cats and offer nuggets of wisdom regarding Bo and Sunny, the rescued First Dogs -- Portuguese Water Dogs)

CATS vs MICE

Our neighborhood deli recently received a $400 fine because they had a cat on their premises. Orion rightly concludes that customers would prefer to have a cat in residence instead of a mouse or vermin. As long as the litter box is clean and the cat is in good health, what’s the problem?  

This may be an issue to be evaluated by The First Lady and Pres.

GRIEF THERAPY

Sabrina was devastated when her companion passed on of cancer. That was a few months ago. Although she seemed mostly recovered, Sabrina still wasn’t her usual self and her guardian Kathy wanted me to make a home visit to evaluate her condition. She mentioned Sabrina used to always sleep in a stretched out relaxed position and sent me a photo so I could see. But now Sabrina slept all curled up and never looked as comfy and happy as before. I told Kathy that this photo was a metaphor for how she felt ‘before’.  Her changed way of sleeping mirrored her tight, contracted feelings ‘after’ the loss of her companion Sydney.

I arranged to do a grief therapy session for Sabrina and Kathy and will

write about Sabrina’s breakthroughs in my May Blog.

Carole’s Take on Oscar The Cat Who .....  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_96hewoVjlE

http://www.thecattherapist.com/moreaboutreiki.asp

A Free Consultation With The Cat Therapist 

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7E8G0OiKR4