Animals / Personal

I LOVE ANIMALS

I have always loved interacting with animals, and have a great affinity with both dogs and cats. My mother often referred to me as the ‘dog collector’ – whether walking home from school, on outings or visiting a farm I tended to have 4 legged companions accompanying me unsolicited. I am not sure how the respective dogs felt when they were chased from my home by our resident cat who had no compunction about claiming her territory…..dogs beware! This behaviour did not, however, deter the dogs from joining me, yet again, as I strolled home.

I somehow even succeeded in finding a ‘friend’ while visiting Noumea, New Caledonia. No, I did not entice the dog with food!! I was sitting quietly enjoying the sun and vista.

ANIMALS IN MY PRIVATE PRACTICES

South Africa

I was extremely fortunate to have an amazing co-therapist, Sugar, my cat, in my private practice. The majority of my clients were children and adolescents. Sugar was an excellent judge of character and her behaviour differed markedly when each person arrived.

I characterized her responses into a group of 3 behaviours. She would sometimes choose to run away and hide, approach cautiously or encourage my client to pet her. It was wonderful to see her behaviour change towards some of my clients as they progressed in their sessions. Sugar was noticeably more relaxed in their presence and happy to have them pat her and snuggle next to her.

One of the mother’s, who often waited at the practice, for the duration of her child’s session, told me that she had decided that “when I die I want to reincarnated as Ros Frankel’s cat”!! A compliment indeed!!

Melbourne

I have subsequently welcomed a range of dogs into my sessions – together with their owners, of course.

A session has just finished and as my client is ready to leave I espy a shape moving quickly past the window. This is soon followed by excited barks – Hi Ros, I’m here!! No bell required! Reassuring my client that the chihuahua is extremely friendly I proceed to open the front door and am greeted ecstatically. His owner arrives, panting, telling me that T became excited when they entered my street and insisted on running ahead….he knew exactly where he was heading!

The dogs, of varying breeds, believe that they are here for attention and that I am indeed their playmate. Upon arrival there is often an insistence on sitting on my lap – with cuddles and licks the order of the day. Once their immediate needs have been sated they generally settle and allow their owner/s to participate in the session.

During the sessions some dogs enjoy wandering around the unit, often searching for food or treats in the kitchen. The tiniest morsel will be located and enjoyed.

When the doorbell rings, to announce my next client, barking generally ensues for a brief period. Passing inspection the client is then permitted to enter.

Home Visits

I have no qualms about visiting some clients in their homes. While my preference is to counsel clients in my practice there are some people for whom travel is not possible. The range of pets in each abode varies considerably.

1. S, the Maltese terrier – one on my most ardent fans. It impossible for my client to ignore my arrival. Seeing my car the dog would ‘throw himself against the front window’, of his house, barking with joy. S has a wonderful array of toys and would carefully select one for the day, and then sit next to me throughout the session. The choice of toys was amazing and he never chose the same one twice.
2. L and D – barking furiously upon my arrival followed by ‘ok it’s Ros, we like her’ They then proceed to vie for my attention by climbing on my lap or curling up next to me. There is sometimes sibling rivalry – ‘I got here first, she’s mine, go away’. Simultaneously the parrot begins chatting and engaging in numerous antics thereby demanding her share of my attention.
3. G, the cat – insisting on some pats initially he was then happy to sit on the couch next to his owner while keeping a watchful eye on me. When a relaxation strategy was introduced the cat fell asleep. Not sure if it was the result of my calm, melodious voice or he was simply pleasing himself. The exercise proved positive for my client as well.
4. Two beautiful Labrador puppies, one is approximately a year older than his sister. Jumping on me and climbing on the furniture are the order of the day – initially. Both then settle but remain in close proximity.
5. Two cats, L and S, reside in a Cat Paradise with a wonderful array of cat trees, scratching posts and toys – 1 likes me, the other is often nowhere to be seen. In addition to expecting, and getting, some pets L is excited to check out my backpack….unfortunately there is usually nothing of interest to be found!!

I adhere to the belief that the presence of a beloved pet enhances the counselling session. It also affords me a terrific opportunity for a play!!!

Take care, stay safe, remember that smiling and laughter are good for all of us.