As a dog owner myself, I’ve often found myself wondering, what’s my dog really thinking? Beyond the tail wags, the barks, and those soulful eyes, is there another way to connect with our pets on a deeper level? It’s a question many animal lovers ponder, and it led me to explore the fascinating world of animal communication.
My said dog with the soulful eyes, Raiko
I had the pleasure of speaking with Shena Tng, a seasoned animal communicator, to uncover how she bridges the gap between pets and their owners. In this interview, we talked about her personal journey into the practice, how she connects with animals beyond verbal cues, and how this deeper understanding transforms the relationship between humans and their furry companions.
1. Can you tell us about your journey into becoming an animal communicator? What initially drew you to this unique field?
Before I had my own pet dog, I had a personal encounter of a good case of animal communication in action. My friend’s dog, who was in pet hospital for cataract surgery, was hysterical and could not be calmed down. She quickly contacted her animal communicator friend who spoke to her dog, and told her that her dog had not understood what she meant when she told her about surgery for the whole week. The animal communicator then explained the surgery process and assured her dog that she will be ok. After communicating, her dog finally calmed down and stayed that way even after the surgery. That was amazing to hear and I was immediately intrigued.
When I had my own dog, my belief in animal communication grew as my dog was very capable of conveying what he wants to us either through non-verbal ways or through sending us mind images (which I now understand to be part of animal communication). With the hopes of hearing his voice, I embarked on the journey of becoming an animal communicator.
2. How does animal communication work? Could you explain the process of how you connect with animals telepathically?
Animal communication is a telepathic connection we establish with animals. This way of communication transcends all languages, and is communicated through our five senses and mind thoughts. As sentient beings ourselves, all humans are also able to communicate telepathically, but we have grown reliant/used to language, and so we have ‘forgotten’ the way animals communicate.
To ‘regain’ the ability to communicate with animals, a lot of self work and practice is required. This includes calming down our minds and connecting with Mother Earth through regular meditation and grounding work to become receptive to the messages from animals.
3. What kind of preparation do you do before starting a communication session with a pet? How do you ensure a successful connection?
For any established and experienced animal communicator, there is not much preparation ahead of any communication session. In fact, most of the work lies in our daily practices of meditation, grounding and mindfulness. When I go into session with any animals, I simply clear my mind to become receptive to messages from the animals. This can come in the form of smell, sight (images), hearing, sensations (touch) or emotions, depending on how the animal wishes to convey their messages. This is why animal communication is not ‘exciting’ to watch in person; there are no theatrics as it is an exchange of mind messages.
To all trained and experienced communicators, we will have our own ways of knowing that we are connected. For me, it really depends on how the animals like to communicate. Through years of practice, I have learnt to distinguish between my thoughts, emotions and sensations from that sent by the animals, so this is how I know that I am connected.
4. During remote sessions, you mentioned pets might react by looking around or appearing tired. What do these reactions signify, and how do they inform you about the communication?
Our pets know that most humans are unable to communicate with them telepathically. Therefore, when animal communicators first connect with them, they may be surprised and exhibit these reactions. Also, because even as an experienced animal communicator, I am still way less skilled in this way of communicating as compared to our pets who are already natural at it, so extra effort from both sides are required for effective communication so that I can then deliver their answers and messages back to their owners.
Usually the pet owners are the ones who inform me of these amazing reactions from their pets. In remote sessions where the pets are usually with their owners, these are strong signals to their owners that their pets are really communicating with me, especially since to many it sounds absurd that I can communicate with their pets just via a static photograph of their pets. Of course, our pets’ reactions are not just restricted to that. For example, during an animal communication session when a cat owner asked me to remind her cat to drink and eat well, the cat immediately got up and went to her water and food bowl and started eating and drinking. The amazing part about this is that the pet owner herself was not with her cat; she was actually observing her cat through a pet camera, and our conversation was all via message. So there was no way the cat could have heard her owner telling me the message, nor hear these instructions directly from the owner.
5. Could you share some examples of the insights or messages you’ve received from pets that have surprised or deeply moved their owners?
Every insight and message shared by pets to their owners is surprising and moving in their way to their owners. The ones that stood out to me and which I have obtained permission to share are as follows:
- A dog shared that although he liked swimming, he did not appreciate being pushed down the slide. This was confirmed by the owner who later sent me a video of how frightened the dog was when they tried him on the slide previously. They just wanted him to have that experience, and me delivering his feedback was amazing to them because it was information they had never ever shared before anywhere.
- A bunny that I communicated with also told the owner that he wished she would maintain the peace at home by not always being constantly angry and raising her voice. The owner broke down at this because the bunny was not doing well health-wise and yet his message was for the benefit of her and the family. She immediately started managing herself and her bunny responded positively to it.
- We can also communicate with pets who have already passed or “crossed the rainbow bridge”. During one such communication, a cat told his owner that he will visit soon and when he does, he will leave a very strong scent to let her know he was here. True enough, a while later, there was a very strong stench of his pee smell on one of their family members’ clothes which, as mysterious as it appeared, disappeared mid day. It was a truly touching moment for the owners and they were comforted by the knowledge that he was with them.
6. How did you come up with the idea of using tarot readings specifically for pets? What makes Pet Tarot different from traditional tarot readings?
Like humans, pets may not tell the whole truth, especially if it paints them in a bad light. They can be indignant about their actions (i.e., fights that they started, incessant barking) and can only offer their point of views. Therefore, to get a more thorough and accurate picture, I use pet tarot to reach out to our pets’ higher self or spirit guide. The cards can then show the full story, or in some cases, past present and future cause and effects of some problems the pets may face.
The key differences between traditional tarot and pet tarot lie in their direction and depth. In traditional tarot, the focus is on the life lessons the Universe wants to convey to us. These messages are often seen as guidance from angels, spirit guides, or our higher self, offering deep insights into our spiritual growth and life path. However, in pet tarot, I connect with the highest self of the pet, seeking to understand the true essence of what the pet wants to communicate to their owner. This process bypasses the ego of the pet, allowing for a purer form of communication where the pet’s deeper needs and feelings are expressed without filters or hesitation.
Pet tarot is also simpler compared to traditional tarot. Human lives are influenced by complex societal constructs and interactions, which are often reflected in traditional tarot readings, where the cards—particularly the Major Arcana—address significant spiritual lessons. In contrast, pet tarot revolves around basic needs and messages of love. While Major Arcana cards still appear in pet tarot readings, they represent what the pet wants to share with their owner—insights into their emotions, desires, or needs—rather than grand spiritual lessons. The simplicity of pet tarot reflects the uncomplicated yet profound connection pets have with their owners, focusing on love, care, and understanding.
7. What kind of questions or concerns can be addressed through a Pet Tarot session? How do you interpret the cards in the context of an animal’s life?
There’s no limit or restrictions to what kind of questions or concerns you can ask in a pet tarot session. But the more effective reads for Pet Tarot would be for
- causes for major behavioral changes and advice for it
- for adopted cases, how was their life then and now
- for fights, what happened, why and how to resolve
- Predictions and forecast into the future for upcoming major life events such as surgery, moving house, changing of owners etc.
The list is non-exhaustive, but one good guide for pet owners would be to think of questions/concerns which is difficult for pets to answer.
For pets, their read is very straightforward. Their lives revolves around their owners, resources (food, attention, territory), play, emotions and thoughts. These are interpreted through each suite of cards.
8. How do your services—both animal communication and Pet Tarot—affect the relationship between pets and their owners? What kind of transformations have you witnessed?
Both animal communication and Pet Tarot can profoundly impact the relationship between pets and their owners, often fostering a deeper bond built on mutual understanding and empathy. Through animal communication, pets can express their emotions, physical discomforts, or desires directly to their owners, offering insight into behaviors or issues that may have been misunderstood. This clarity can lead to positive changes, such as resolving behavioral issues, addressing health concerns, or simply improving day-to-day interactions.
Pet Tarot, on the other hand, provides a broader spiritual perspective, offering insights into a pet’s emotional world and long-term well-being. It can reveal hidden feelings, underlying causes of anxiety, or show the pet’s past, present and future. This is especially helpful for cases of adopted pets and pets who went through a major behavior change. This will help the owners understand what their pets have gone through and the causes, hence helping them to be able to adopt appropriate measures to help and deepen their bonds with their pets.
I’ve witnessed many transformations through these services. For example, pets who were once anxious or distant have become more relaxed and affectionate after their owners understood their needs more clearly. In other cases, communication sessions have helped owners address underlying health issues, leading to a happier and healthier pet. Ultimately, both services empower owners with the knowledge to make better decisions for their pets, creating a more harmonious and trusting relationship.
9. What emotional or spiritual benefits do pets and their owners gain from these sessions? How can understanding an animal’s inner world help in their well-being?
The emotional and spiritual benefits that pets and their owners gain from animal communication and tarot sessions are profound. These sessions create a deeper connection, helping both the pet and the owner to understand each other better on a soul level.
For pets, understanding their emotions and concerns can lead to a sense of relief and reassurance, especially if they’ve been feeling misunderstood or stressed. It allows them to express what they need for their happiness and well-being, such as a change in routine, environment, or even emotional support. Pets often feel calmer and more secure after these sessions, knowing their feelings are acknowledged.
For owners, these sessions provide peace of mind. They help resolve behavioral issues by uncovering their root causes, whether they stem from past traumas, anxiety, or health discomforts. Spiritually, it strengthens the bond, promoting trust and compassion. Owners can also gain closure in times of loss or grief, understanding that their pets’ spirits remain with them or have peacefully crossed over.
Understanding an animal’s inner world promotes their well-being by addressing emotional and mental health. When pets feel understood, they are less likely to act out, become anxious, or develop stress-related health problems. This mutual understanding fosters harmony in the household and ensures that both pets and owners thrive emotionally and spiritually.
10. How do you approach sensitive topics during communication, such as illness, end-of-life care, or behavioral issues? What guidance do you offer to pet owners in these situations?
When approaching sensitive topics like illness, end-of-life care, or behavioral issues during animal communication sessions, I create a safe and supportive environment for both the pet and owner. I begin by ensuring the owner is emotionally prepared and the pet feels comfortable, allowing them to express themselves freely. With empathy and care, I help the pet communicate their feelings, particularly around discomfort or health concerns, focusing on what brings them comfort rather than fear.
For end-of-life care, animal communication allows pets to express their emotional readiness and physical state, giving owners clear guidance on how to make their pet comfortable during their final days. Pet tarot can provide spiritual insights into the pet’s journey and their readiness to cross over, offering owners reassurance and helping them cope with the emotional aspects of saying goodbye. In both cases, I assure the pet that I will convey their wishes and messages to their owners, while I pass it to the owners gently, sometimes rephrasing or giving a caveat, to mentally prepare the pet owners. I will also use my professional knowledge to advise ways to emotionally prepare for the transition and help owners find comfort in the continued spiritual connection with their pet.
When dealing with behavioral issues, Pet tarot often reveals underlying issues, providing spiritual guidance on long-term behavioral patterns. I offer training tips based on the insights gained from animal communication, such as adjusting routines, environment, or interactions to meet the pet’s emotional needs. I also provide coping tips for owners, encouraging patience and empathy, and offering practical advice on how to gently correct the behavior while respecting the pet’s feelings. This is especially important as often, our pets’ undesirable actions are directly linked or created by their owners. Helping owners to understand their part in helps to foster understanding and harmony between pets and their owners.
11. For pet owners new to animal communication or tarot, what advice would you give them to prepare for their first session? How can they make the most out of their experience?
For pet owners new to animal communication or tarot, the most important advice is to come with an open heart and mind. Being receptive to what your pet may share—whether through direct communication or tarot cards—is key to gaining meaningful insights. Approach the session with curiosity, not expectation, as every pet expresses themselves differently, and the information received might surprise you. It is all about understanding from your pet’s perspective, so for the session, make it all about them because they are finally given a voice to speak.
To make the most out of the session, come prepared with any specific concerns or questions you’d like to address. Whether it’s behavior, health, or emotional well-being, having clear topics in mind can guide the session and ensure you get the answers you’re seeking. During the session, listen carefully to what your pet is conveying, and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. Take notes on the insights shared so you can reflect on them afterward.
Finally, be patient with yourself and your pet. Making the most of the experience means understanding that this is a learning process for both of you, and the connection will only deepen over time. Whether it’s advice on health, behavior, or deeper emotional issues, use the information to make informed decisions that enhance your pet’s well-being.
12. Can you share a success story where your communication or tarot reading made a significant positive impact on a pet’s life or helped resolve a major issue?
A stray cat and her litter of kittens were rescued and adopted by my client, who engaged me to try to check on the emotional well-being of the mother cat. This is because despite by client’s best intentions, the mother cat was still aggressive, refusing affection and even bit her. It was my client’s first time trying animal communication, and just before the session she was still jokingly saying that she will be very frightened if the mother cat suddenly show affection because that would be a 180 degree change in her behavior. When connected, the mother cat understood and accepted her owner’s love for her and her litter, and after delivering her owner’s commitment to her, the mother cat went to her owner and initiated head rubs and affection, much to the pleasure of her owner. The mother cat also communicated that she would prefer to change to a name that encompasses more of her motherly and strong nature. When her owner called out to the name of her choice, she immediately responded positively and affectionately, much to the amazement and joy of her owner.
13. What are your future goals for your practice? Are there any new services or projects you are excited about introducing?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to introduce more healing modalities to my practice, including combining my recent Reiki Master certification with animal communication and tarot sessions. My goal is to offer holistic care for pets, addressing not just their emotional and mental well-being but also their energetic health. I’m also working on developing workshops that will teach pet owners basic communication techniques, empowering them to connect with their pets on a deeper level. These workshops will offer practical, hands-on guidance that anyone can incorporate into their daily interactions with their pets.
14. How has being an animal communicator influenced your own life and perspective? What have you learned from the animals you’ve communicated with over the years?
Being an animal communicator has profoundly changed my own life and perspective. I’ve learned that animals are far more emotionally and spiritually aware than we often realize. They have wisdom, patience, and love that can teach us about compassion, trust, and living in the present moment. Over the years, I’ve seen that every animal has its own unique personality and purpose, which has made me more empathetic not only to animals but to people as well. My work has taught me to listen more carefully, live with greater awareness, and cherish the unspoken bonds we share with our pets.
15. How can people get in touch with you to schedule an animal communication or Pet Tarot session? Are there any upcoming events or workshops they can look forward to?
If you’re interested in scheduling an animal communication or pet tarot session, you can get in touch with me through my Instagram account, @cosmicharmonystg, or send me a message on Facebook. I’m currently offering both individual sessions and tarot readings for your pets, and I also provide guidance on how to use the insights gained to enhance your pet’s well-being. Keep an eye out for my upcoming events on my Instagram, which is a perfect opportunity to experience this connection firsthand! There will also be workshops soon on animal communication techniques, so stay tuned for announcements on my social media.
If you’ve ever wondered what your pet is trying to tell you, animal communication might just be the key to unlocking a whole new level of understanding and connection.
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