June 1-14, 2011: Buy natural products, support TREES' geezers!

Ferrell Hollow Farm (FHF) is a dedicated retirement farm in TN for senior horses over the age of 20, most of who arrive with special needs. In keeping with our passion to help as many senior horses across the country as possible, we have selected a non-profit sanctuary also dedicated to caring for senior horses to help!

Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary (TREES) is a non-profit rescue located in VA. They are not your typical non-profit horse rescue organization though. Many of the residents come to the sanctuary from backgrounds of neglect or abandonment, but TREES does not dwell on the past. Instead, they celebrate the personalities that emerge as their elders return to "just being horses" in a low stress environment. http://www.equineelders.org/index.htm “Honor the Wisdom”!

For a limited time, Ferrell Hollow Farm will donate a portion of its proceeds from sales on their website’s store page to TREES! Any web order placed from June 1st thru June 14th qualifies! Please visit

http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html to begin shopping!

Ferrell Hollow Farm’s Natural Horse Care line was developed out of a need for non-chemical products that actually worked. All formulas are developed and tested by Cindy Daigre on the senior horses at our retirement farm. Only pure grade essential oils and pesticide free herbs are used. FHF also has a natural body care product line for PEOPLE! As with all of our products, only cruelty-free ingredients are used (no animals are harmed)!

TREES has created a wish list of FHF items they would love to have. You can help them double up on the benefits of this program by not only receiving a monetary donation at the end of this fundraising period from your purchases, but consider ordering something just for them to use on their elder residents!

TREES' Wish List of Ferrell Hollow Farm Natural Products:
*Herbal Skin Gel
*Fly Spray
*Fly Balm
*Colloidal Silver Wound Spray
*Colloidal Silver Wound Gel
*Mosquito Spray

Please use this link to begin shopping!
http://www.ferrellhollowfarm.net/Store.html






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Reiki Level I - Sept 25-26, 2010

Reiki Level I - Shoden

Saturday - Sunday, September 25-26, 2010

10:00am - 5PM

Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary

Begin your study of Traditional Japanese Reiki, as closely as is possible following Usui Mikao's philosophies as researched by the International House of Reiki. This class is taught by Reiki Teacher Janet Dobbs. who adds her own lessons about working wtih animals. For more information about this class or others, cont...act Janet at janet@animalparadisecommunication.com

How Many Horses?

A volunteer new to TREES said something last weekend that took me a little by surprise.  She seemed surprised by how many details we collect about our residents' health, histories, temperaments and personalities, habits, and "personal preferences."

I can't imagine doing this any other way.  A related discussion revolved around how many horses TREES can care for at one time.  Valid question.

The answer may change from month to month and year to year.  In terms of physical capacity, herd size is limited by shed or stall space.  Every horse in the sanctuary is fed separately so we can be sure he or she gets the amount of food required and any medications that might be included, with no competition from other horses.  Feeding spaces are all under cover so no horse stands out in bad weather while eating.

Manpower and finances are obvious factors in determining herd size.

A more subtle, but perhaps the most important, consideration in how many horses TREES houses is how well we can "customize" each horse's care.   If the sanctuary takes in so many horses that we can't care for each in a way that meets that horse's unique needs, we aren't necessarily doing any of the residents any favors.  We need to be able to note small differences in condition, attitude, soundness, appetite, and behavior - something that would not be possible with a larger number of horses - and make changes accordingly.

A side benefit is that learning as much as we can about unique management regimens allows us to help other owners of senior horses adapt their routines to their own horses' needs.

In the end, the more we know about each horse, the better we can apply a holistic approach to preventative health care.  And you know what they say about "an ounce of prevention......."

Spicy Arthritis Treatment?

Here's one we haven't heard of before:

Osteoarthritis: Turmeric Spice Might Provide Natural Remedy

Now before you start pouring tumeric on your horses meals, please note this statement:

"Investigators indicated the need for more research to determine the 'true efficacy and potential safety' of curcumin."

Remember "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe," (Cyanide is a naturally occurring substance, after all!) so we'll wait for additional guidance on this. Its nice to think there may be something besides NSAID's and joint supplements out there for treating arthritis, though.

Orientation: Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA)

June 20, 2009

Orientation for the Shelter Animal Reiki Association program at Traveller's Rest.

If interested in participating, or for more information, please contact Janet Dobbs at Animal Paradise Communication & Healing

Reiki II workshop - reminder

A note from Janet Dobbs and Animal Paradise Communication & Healing:

This is a reminder that there is an Animal Reiki II (Okuden) workshop in less than two weeks. May 18, 19, 2009) The workshop will be held at TREES (Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary) in Spotsylvania, VA. A portion of the workshop fee will be donated to TREES.

Okuden means "Inner teachings" or hidden teachings. In level two we go deeper with our self healing and practices to discover the bright light that lives within each of us. You will also learn the level two symbols and mantras and how to work with them.

Day two we will spend with the animals and begin working with your intuition.

I hope that you are having wonderful experiences with your animal friends and Reiki. Please join us for the Reiki level II class in April. Don't worry if you have not been able to get much practice. We will review what we learned in animal Reiki I.

Reiki II and Animal Reiki Training:
Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 10am - 5pm both days.
Click here for details and to register.

All my best - Janet

The Reiki Digest: Wordless Wednesday: Reiki for horses

TREES' Grande Dame, Emma, was honored with a mention in The Reiki Digest. Well, not a "mention" in the literal sense, since it was Wordless Wednesday, after all. But this one's worth more than a thousand words.

The Reiki Digest: Wordless Wednesday: Reiki for horses

Bodywork at Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary

Traveller’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary is very fortunate to have Jill Deming, M.A., of Integrated Animal Therapies as one of our complementary healers. Jill is a certified Massage Therapist and member of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork. Incorporating massage, acupressure, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy, animal Bowen and equine myofascial structural integration into her practice, Jill integrates elements of several types of bodywork into each visit, based on each animal’s individual needs.

In Jill’s words, here is a basic description of an integrated therapy session:

During my initial bodywork session with each horse, I carefully evaluate each individual. I keep in mind that at this stage in their lives my objective is not to address any dysfunction in the body of the older horse, but simply to help them to be comfortable. This is because many of these horses have dysfunctions in their bodies that they may have been living with for quite some time. They have learned to adjust to these difficulties and their body compensates accordingly. To make any major changes at this point could be catastrophic.

I begin by working at the junction of the head and neck, a neutral non-threatening area of the body, because predators will often attack the head. Initially, I also want to stay out of the kick zone (around the hindquarters), I want to establish that this experience is pleasurable and non-threatening. By allowing the horse to invite me into his personal space, rather than forcing my way in, there is a much better chance of having a successful bodywork session.

For this reason, I use a lot of CranioSacral Therapy and Myofascial Release in my work. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive modality. The CranioSacral system extends from the occiput to the coccyx (tailbone) and is comprised of three membranes (the Dura Mater, Pia Mater and Arachnoid Layer) housed within the spinal cord that are constantly bathed in fluid. This fluid is known as the cerebrospinal fluid. It pulses throughout the life of the horse (also all other animals as well as humans) and influences the movement of the skull bones and the connective tissue (fascia).

Fascia is the layer of connective tissue directly under the skin. When you cut into a chicken, recall the stretchy, translucent layer? That’s fascia. It is similar to a body-stocking just underneath the horse’s skin—-encompassing all the muscles. It extends from the brain to the hooves and everywhere in between. If horses (as well as all mammals) didn’t have fascia, they’d be nothing but a bag of water. Fascia gives us our shape. It also contributes to the health of the horse by increasing transport between the cells, moving nutrients into the cell and toxins out.

In addition to its’ location just under the skin, the fascia extends 3-dimensionally throughout the body, encompassing muscles, organs, bones—in short, all structures inside the body.

Whenever the fascia has been disturbed in the body, it will be felt other places as well, because of the fascia is so interconnected. It is impossible to influence one area without also influencing others.

Because so many of these horses are in such fragile health and some of them have compromised immune systems I don’t try to change the structure of the fascia, as I would endeavor to do in younger, healthy horses. Instead, I work within their energy level.

TREES residents all respond to Jill’s therapeutic touch, but some are more appreciative than others. Each time Jill works with Betty, the mare afflicted with pemphigus, Betty tries to follow her out of the stall as she leaves. Betty’s bodywork is usually followed by a long nap. With so little known about pemphigus in horses, it’s heartening to see Betty respond so positively to these sessions.

In addition to horses and other equine, Jill also works with dogs and cats in Fredericksburg, VA and the surrounding area. Be sure to visit her web site for more information.

Mmmmm. Good Stuff.

If you have any doubts about Reiki as a relaxation/stress-lowering technique, take a look at a few of the photos taken today when Janet Dobbs returned with some Shoden students for a little more practice working with animals. Enjoy.

Reiki II Workshop April 18-19, 2009

Janet Dobbs, of Animal Paradise Communication and Healing will conduct a level II Reiki Workshop at Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19, 2009. A portion of the workshop fees will be donated to the Sanctuary, to support the care of resident elder horses and educational programs promoting humane care of equine seniors.

From the Animal Paradise Communication and Healing web site:

What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on, Japanese healing practice and system. It is similar to Healing Touch or laying on of hands. It is not massage. Reiki is a very gentle energy that you must experience to fully understand. Some people feel heat or warmth, slight tingling or even coolness coming from the practitioner's hands. Reiki rebalances your energy so your immune system can kick in and you can heal yourself.

Reiki Level II

This class is for people that have completed Level I Reiki. In this class you will continue on your healing path with Reiki and continue your work with animals. The focus of this class is on more advanced meditations and Reiki practices. This course is unique because we focus on both humans and animals.

Day 1 Participants will receive the three level II attunements and will be taught three Reiki symbols and their mantras. Building on what was learned in Level I, students will learn more exercises to help increase the flow and level of energy in themselves. We will practice group energy healing, long distance healing and much more. Students receive the level II manual.

Day 2 Students will learn how to send long distance Reiki to animals as well as continue their practice and experience with in person Reiki with animals. Level II students will develop their intuition when working with Reiki. Upon completion of day two students will receive the Level II Reiki practitioner certificate.

Recommended reading: Your Reiki Treatment by Bronwen & Frans Stiene

To register, visit http://www.animalparadisecommunication.com/Workshop_Schedule.htm or contact Janet at janet@animalparadisecommunication.com or (703) 648-1866

TREES joins Shelter Animal Reiki Association

Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary is proud to announce that the sanctuary has been welcomed into the Shelter Animal Reiki Association as a founding shelter member. We are very much looking forward to working with SARA to promote the use of Reiki in animal shelters and sanctuaries.

What is Reiki?
In Japanese, the word "Reiki" means "spritual energy." It is not a religion, but a practice involving meditation, focus, and exercises intended to balance energy needed to maintain good physical and mental health. Reiki is used in numerous hospitals to support human patients. The benefits observed can also apply to animals:

1) Stress-relief and relaxation;
2) Physical healing;
3) Mental/emotional
healing; and
4) Spiritual healing (Reiki also supports the dying
process).

Reiki is not offered as a replacement for veterinary or other forms of animal care, but as a compliment to that care, to help prepare shelter animals for adoption into new homes.

What is the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA)?

SARA's goals are to:
1) teach and foster an understanding of energy healing;
2) teach the ethical approach to use when working with Reiki and animals;
3) provide a standardized approach to implementing professional Animal Reiki programs for shelters, sanctuaries and other facilities that assist animals in need;
4) document the effects of Animal Reiki on individual animals and the possible effects on shelter and rescue statistics as a whole;
5) serve as a world-wide information and referral resource for Reiki practitioners, shelters, sanctuaries and other facilities that assist animals in need that wish to incorporate an Animal Reiki program;
6) educate the public, shelters, sanctuaries,and other facilities that assist animals in need on the benefits Animal Reiki can provide to animals in need and their human
caretakers.

SARA hopes to build a database documenting Reiki's benefits in shelter animals, encouraging further use of animal Reiki worldwide. Reiki practitioners, working as SARA volunteers, will closely follow an Animal Reiki Practitioner Code of Ethics.

Code of Ethics
SARA members follow the Animal Reiki Practitioner Code of Ethics as developed by Kathleen Prasad, Founder of SARA and Animal Reiki Source :

Guiding Principles:
I believe the animals are equal partners in the healing process.
I honor the animals as being not only my clients, but also my teachers in the journey of healing.
I understand that all animals have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects, to which Reiki can bring profound healing responses.
I believe that bringing Reiki to the human/animal relationship is transformational to the human view of the animal kingdom.
I dedicate myself to the virtues of humility, integrity, compassion and gratitude in my Reiki practice.

In working on myself, I follow these practices:
I incorporate the Five Reiki Precepts into my daily life and Reiki practice.
I commit myself to a daily practice of self-healing and spiritual development so that I can be a clear and strong channel for healing energy.
I nurture a belief in the sacred nature of all beings, and in the value and depth of animalkind as our partners on this planet.
I listen to the wisdom of my heart, remembering that we are all One.

In working in the community, I hold the following goals:
I model the values of partnership, compassion, humility, gentleness and gratitude in my life and with the animals, teaching by example.
I work to create professional alliances and cooperative relationships with other Reiki practitioners/teachers, animal health-care providers and animal welfare organizations in my community.
I strive to educate my community in its understanding of the benefits of Reiki for animals.
I continually educate myself to maintain and enhance my professional competence so that I uphold the integrity of the profession.
I consider myself an ally to the veterinary and animal health community. I work to support their efforts in achieving animal wellness and balance. I honor other disciplines and their practitioners.

In working with the human companions of the animals, I will
Share information before the treatment about my healing philosophy, the Reiki healing system and what to expect in a typical treatment, as well as possible outcomes, including the possibility of healing reactions.
Provide a clear policy ahead of time regarding fees, length of treatment and cancellation policy, as well as "postponement" policy, should the animal not want the treatment that day.
Never diagnose. I will always refer clients to a licensed veterinarian when appropriate.
Honor the privacy of the animals and their human companions.
Share intuition received during Reiki treatments, with compassion and humility, for the purpose of supporting their understanding of the healing process.
Respect the human companion's right to choose the animal's healing journey, selecting the methods, both holistic and/or conventional that he or she deems most appropriate, with the support and advice of a trusted veterinarian.

In working with the animals, I follow these guidelines:
I work in partnership with the animal.
I always ask permission of the animal before beginning, and respect his or her decision to accept or refuse any treatment. I listen intuitively and observe the animal's body language in determining the response.
I allow each animal to choose how to receive his or her treatment; thus each treatment could be a combination of hands-on, short distance and/or distant healing, depending on the animal's preference.
I let go of my expectations about how the treatment should progress and/or how the animal should behave during the treatment, and simply trust Reiki.
I accept the results of the treatment without judgment and with gratitude toward Reiki and the animal's openness and participation in the process

Traveller's Rest welcomes Janet Dobbs, a founding member of SARA, as our first SARA volunteer practitioner. We hope other Reiki pracitioners will join us as SARA and its programs grow. Please contact Janet if you are in our area and would like to learn more about participating in this new venture.

Is Traveller’s Rest a “holistic” facility?

We recently read a description of a horse rescue organization caring for an injured horse in what they described as a “holistic” manner. The horse had been examined by a veterinarian who recommended surgery as the best method of offering the horse a comfortable future. The caregivers declined, saying they were “holistic” and did not believe in surgical intervention. They opted for “natural” treatment.

Is that holism?

What IS holism?

In Complete Holistic Care and Healing for Horses, Mary L Brennan, DVM defines “holistic” as “a view of the patient as a whole being – body, mind and spirit. A holistic approach tends to be more detailed, emphasizing study of the whole horse, including his environment, his diet, and even his mental well-being. ”

By that definition, the term “holism” merely means that the well-being of a person or animal is approached from a “big picture” point of view. It does not restrict health care to natural, alternative, or any other single category. Holism does not exclude surgery or pharmaceuticals if that is best for an individual patient at that time. It advocates looking at ALL aspects of well-being and how each relates to the others and affects the total package. At TREES, we do not refer to “non-traditional” healing methods as “alternative,” but as “complimentary.” Our goal is to find techniques that work together, not to exclude an option that may help a horse just because it is defined by a specific modality.

If a horse’s arthritis has progressed to the point that supplements no longer keep him comfortable, and he is denied a more effective medication because it is not “natural,’ he is not being offered holistic care. If an owner buys his horse only the best quality organic feeds, but turns a horse out with a very aggressive pasture mate, causing his horse constant mental stress, he is not offering holistic care. If an owner hires the best barefoot trimmer in the state, but keeps his horse isolated in a stall 24 hours a day, he is not offering holistic care.

Back to the question: Is Traveller’s Rest a holistic facility?

We try our best to follow holistic philosophy. Each horse is evaluated as an individual. All facets of care are considered, including (but not limited to) diet, housing, dentition, choice of pasture mates, temperaments, prior history, and previous treatments of illnesses or injuries. What works for one horse may not work for another, so no healing method or management style is assumed to be effective or non-effective until it is tried for the one animal in question.

So, are we holistic? We’re trying!