Praying Pets

I have realized that in my life, prayer is essential. Without prayer, the suffering of the animals I talk to becomes too overwhelming for my psyche and my body. I also believe that everyday gratitude makes me not only happier but healthier as well.

I ask my animals, “Who do you pray to and what are you thankful for?”

Their answers:

Makia, my pure white cat, says, “I like to pray to the Buddha statue because I notice when I lie with him and give him attention he looks like he is smiling. His eyes look more real. Also, when I tell him I like his company, the birds come and sit on him. I pray for health and tolerance. I am thankful that every day I breathe, and I am thankful for our family.

Serafina, my gray cat, says, “I pray to whatever brings energy here. The more we love and are thankful, the more happy healing energy comes here to our home. It comes like a soft wind. It makes us healthy, and it makes the plants grow. We thrive in it. I pray to whatever that essence is. It feels like it has a life that is greater than all things. I am thankful for doctors that go to school to make animals feel better.”

Luca, my young poodle, says, “I pray to the sky because that is where I came from and that is where a part of me still is. If I look at the sky and think of myself, I feel smarter. I am thankful I have a mom (person) that can understand me. I am also thankful for play.”

Bean, my black bunny, says, “I am not sure who or what to pray to. Though I know if you wish something and that wish is for the best, it will come true. There must be something other than me helping that wish to come true. I pray to whatever that is, and I give thanks to that also. The sun must have something to do with it. I’ll pray to the sun.”

Stormy, my Aussie dog, says, “I pray to that man that helps us. He is the one that is in the statue by the front gate (Saint Francis). I pray to him because I know he helps us get answers for things that are troubling us. He wants us to be more alive in our lives. I know this because sometimes he follows you around asking you to be quiet with yourself so you can hear him. I pray that I never suffer and that my body is in a healthy state. I pray that we are surrounded by purity and love. I pray for rest so my body can heal.”

Maia, wolf dog in heaven, says, “I pray to the spark inside of my soul that knows all. It is through the spark that we are connected to all things. There is a part of my soul that is running with the wolves in the high mountains. I pray for their survival. I pray that people on earth realize that time is only in the present. I am thankful that all sadness and abuse has left my soul.”

Joey, my cat in heaven, says, “Mom, I pray to Saint Francis because he is one with you. I pray for you to reach your full potential so that animals can be understood. I pray that the people who can help you come forward and are brave. Everyone has someone that prays for him or her on the other side. If people believe in a universe that aids them, then no one will suffer. Everyone will feel cared for. Everyone is loved. Everyone is love. Belief in prayer and gratitude helps to relieve suffering.”