3 Harmful generalizations about pets that can damage connection
There are so many generalizations about what animals feel, need, and understand. But just like “one size fits all” rarely fits anyone, reducing pets to broad stereotypes may be doing both you and your animal companion a disservice.
Here are 3 generalizations that can create disconnection between you and your pets and questions to ask your pets instead to better understand them as the unique individuals they are.
Dear Intuitive One,
For the most part, being an animal communicator is really amazing. I mean, talking with animals for a living? If it wasn’t already my job, I would say sign me up.
But something that knocks the wind right out of my sails is when humans reduce amazing, smart beings into overly simple generalizations.
“Cats don’t require the same levels of attention as dogs.”
“Dogs are (or need you to be) an alpha.”
“All animals understand the dying process.”
The problem with broad generalizations like these is that they flatten emotionally complex beings into generic stereotypes, making it harder to truly understand who our animal companions are as individuals or meet their unique needs.
And these kinds of blanket statements disregard your and your animal’s unique experiences and relationship. They can also reinforce dangerous stereotypes and make it really hard to get to know who your animal friends truly are. Sadly, in my work with animals, I’ve seen how they can also cause pets to mistrust their humans.
3 harmful generalizations about animals and what to ask your pet instead
Here are three main generalizations I believe can be harmful to your connection with your pets, and what questions to ask them instead…
Generalization: All animals of a certain breed feel, need, and want the same kinds of things for their lives
Questions to ask your pets instead:
What are your Superpowers and Kryptonite?
Can you tell me about the kinds of play and exercise you love the most and least?
What aspects of each game or activity do you like best and least?
What do you feel your role is in our family? Does this role work well for you or would you prefer something different?
Generalization: All animals are here to heal you or be of service to you
Questions to ask your pets instead:
Can you tell me about what you feel your purpose is in this lifetime?
How do you see your role in the lives of humans you know and love?
What are you here in this lifetime to learn, heal, and transform?
What have you noticed that we both struggle with? Do you have any suggestions on how we can team up and heal these things together?
Generalization: All animals understand the same things about (or need the same support) in death and dying
Questions to ask your pets instead:
Can you tell me about what you understand about the death and dying process?
What do you believe happens to you when you pass away?
Is there anything that worries you or you are afraid of regarding death?
What kind of emotional and spiritual support would help you feel safe during your end-of-life transition?
Want to better understand your pet as the unique individual they are?
I’d love to help you begin the conversation with an animal communication session
“Joanna has a true gift. Our call with her was deeply moving and left us with a different dimension of understanding and appreciation of the energy and environment we create for our dog. It was profoundly useful for us as we learn how to give our dog a spectacular life.”
- Kate - Via Google Reviews
