The Soul of a Dog

By Nicol Louise and Cinda the Curly-Coated Retriever

Do you love dogs and nature?

Would you like to understand the soul energy of dogs on a conscious and higher soul level?

Would you like to know what happens to dogs following their life on earth?

Have you lost a special furry friend and found the grief immeasurable?

Have you wondered how you will cope when your furry friend dies?

Would you like to have an ongoing connection with your dog following his death?

Would you like to improve your communication with your dog?

The answers to these questions and more can be found in The Soul of a Dog. Dr. Nicol Louise and her canine co-author, Cinda the curly-coated retriever, offer guidance that allows dog lovers to really explore whats going on in the world
as their dogs see it.

Cinda shares her dogs-eye view to give readers a rare glimpse into the personalities of dogs, why dogs continue to visit earth and support their human neighbours, and why dogs have a limited level of free will in comparison to humans. This handbook offers practical guidance on working through issues of grief and loss. Death does not mean disconnection from love, and impermanence is a transition from a physical being to a timeless and limitless energetic being.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jan 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452503677

Nicol Louise

Dr. Nicol Louise was raised in Adelaide, South Australia, and has a doctoral degree in counselling from the University of South Australia. Nicol is passionate about the health of animals and the environment, practices Holographic Kinetics on animals and people, and has an interest in holistic therapies, including the field of epigenetics.

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Copyright © 2012 by Dr. Nicol Louise.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Balboa Press rev. date: 06/08/2012

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Part One

Understanding the Soul Energy of Dogs on a Conscious and Higher Level

Finding One Another

The Homecoming

The Personality of a Dog

Pampering through Massage

The Aging Dog

A Dog’s Life

A Dog Connects with Your Sixth Sense

Reading Energy

Energy of Life and Grief and Loss

The Power of Thoughts

Present-Time Consciousness

Physical Time and Spiritual Time

Dogs and Free Will

Part Two

Grieving Following the Loss of a Dog

Having an Ongoing Connection with Your Dog

Dream Recall

Energy Systems

Cleansing the Energy System

Servicing the Chakras

Connection Process

Writing to Your Furry Friend

Conscious and Subconscious Minds

Practical Processes

Part Three

The Spirit of a Dog Following Death

Mindfulness

The Spirit Following Death

Eyes Are the Windows to the Soul

The Expansion Process

Dying before Birth

Rejoining the Soul Family

My Experience with Cinda in the Afterworld

In Your Dog’s World

Part Four

Dialogue with the Soul of a Dog in the Afterworld

My Amazing Experience

Qualities of Dogs

Satisfaction from Giving

Helping Humans When in Pain

Humility

Acceptance

Forgiveness

Gratitude

Gifts to Humans from Dogs

Discipline

Finding Unconditional Love Again

Feeling the Initial Connection

Communication

Expansion Process in Action

Life in Cinda’s World

Different Levels of Learning for Dogs

Why Dogs Choose Earth

Life after Earth

Guidance on Earth

Do You Receive Guidance in Your Lives?

How Dogs Receive Guidance

While Dogs Sleep

Learning from Life on Earth

How Do You Learn from Your Lives in Your Afterlife?

Humans and Loss

The Abused Dog

Healing Qualities of Dogs

Feeling the Presence of the Soul/Spirit

Transcendental Meditation

Are Humans Closely Connected to Dogs?

Can the Soul of a Dog Stay with a Human after Death?

The Importance of Nature

Nature and Dogs

Part Five

Excerpts from My Journal

Entry 31/5/2008

Entry 1/6/2008

Entry 2/6/2008

Entry 12/6/2008

Entry 17/6/2008

Entry 20/6/2008

Entry 21/6/2008

Entry 22/6/2008

Entry 29/6/2008

Conclusion

Bibliography

About the Authors

For my mum,

my biggest fan

Preface

Cinda was our beautiful girl—a black, curly-coated retriever and the love of our lives. When I thought about writing this book, I was suffering from the loss of Cinda’s life, and I felt as though her presence was still very close to me. I have always had a strong connection to all animals and felt at one with nature. I have felt especially connected to dogs and had dogs as a part of my family for my whole life. I remember the times when I felt incomplete in my life. In such moments of time, there was not a dog present. Dogs fill my life with joy. They give my world meaning. The unconditional love they provide is immeasurable. When I lost Cinda in the physical, my grief was unbearable for the first three weeks. I took two days from work followed by a weekend and then returned, because people could not relate to extended leave over the loss of a dog. I struggled with work for many weeks. The loss for me was deeper than I had ever experienced. I saw Cinda every day, and much of our lives revolved around one another. With Cinda, I felt as though a part of me was gone, and I could never find this again. The sadness gradually turned to joy as I remembered all the fun times we shared together. Eventually, my husband and I were ready to expand our family with another furry friend. I looked for a book specifically on the loss of a dog in bookstores. Although they might exist, I could not find one. I wondered how many people have searched for such a book to no avail. I know there are dog lovers out there who grieve as I grieved, so I decided to write this book.

This book has a slightly different slant than a general book related to grief and loss. As a doctor in counselling, I have explored many different forms of therapy. I have an interest in the less familiar forms of therapy which work on an energetic level and create great shifts in people. I have integrated some of this work into the material of this book. In addition, I view the world that we live in as merely a fourth-dimensional aspect of ourselves. As a result, I have found it quite easy to have a relationship with fifth, and sixth dimensions of reality. I have always found this quite natural. I realise that for many, there will be some new concepts and schools of thought in this book. I ask that people read with an open mind. I expect there will be something for every dog lover. If a section does not resonate with the reader, then I suggest the reader move on to the next section. Many practices are suggested which support the reader in remaining close to the energy of their furry friend. All of the meditations can be applied to connecting with humans as well as animals. Humans have a slightly different existence, because they experience complete free will. Dogs do not experience the same level of free will for reasons well-explained in this book. I have also introduced a new idea which I have called the expansion process. I feel this relates to every living being following death, as the soul/spirit leaves the body and prepares to enter higher vibration levels than those found on earth.

This book is written from our passion, from our soul/spirit, and from our heart to your heart. I hope you enjoy this book. There might be parts which sound bizarre to you. Overnight, you can allow them to settle into the already-knowing mind of your soul/spirit. Always allow your heart to guide you.

With love and gratitude, Nicol and Cinda

Acknowledgments

There are many people in my life journey who have supported me to become who I am today.

I thank every visionary and idealist who has progressed real earth a little closer to perceived reality and individual consciousness.

Numerous people have joined me on my journey for a period of time, and my life has become more enriched as a result. To name everyone would be impossible, so instead I give thanks to everyone (person and animal) who has influenced me in some way. I give thanks to my life; to Gaia (Mother of Earth) for surrounding me with natural love; to my family, especially my adorable sister, nieces, great niece and parents for always being there and loving me; to my dear husband, who has waited patiently time after time while I hibernate in front of my computer; to my wonderful teachers, who have supported me as I complete many workshops, practical exercises and academic papers; and to my dear, close friends, who continue to invite me to social occasions even though I respond to only one third of invitations. I thank the wonderful animals who are in my family now and those who are deceased. I give immeasurable gratitude to Cinda for not only being my wonderful, furry daughter, but also sharing this journey with me after her passing from earth. Thank you from the deepest depths of my heart.

Part One

Understanding the Soul Energy of Dogs on a Conscious and Higher Level

Finding One Another

Throughout this book, I will frequently refer to your dog as your furry friend or loved one. Your dog assumes a place of importance within your family unit and indeed your life. Your dog considers itself to be a member of your family, and your household is a part of your dog’s clan or pack. Having a recognised place within the family helps your dog to feel settled and allows it to give freely of itself. Dogs need to know that they are wanted, cherished, and loved.

Have you ever wondered how you and your furry friend were drawn to each other? I have heard people share amazing stories of being in the right place at the right time, the coincidence that occurred, or the luck they had when they found their dog. The truth is that you had already set the intention of finding a dog, whether this was on a conscious or subconscious level. Only 20 percent of our being is consciously aware at any given time, and we all make plans on a subconscious level. Your furry friend has also set the intention of finding a home with a family who will love him or her. Your needs, intentions, and learning experiences are matched with your furry friend’s needs, intentions, and learning experiences, and a connection is found.

This is a simplistic summary of the divine intervention that occurs in life. A dog might have chosen to be with a specific person, and this might have been mapped out before the birth of the person or/and the dog. I also believe that a dog and person can be matched during their lives without this being preordained. We can all have intentions and impact our own destiny. We can enhance our lives through our thoughts, goals, and intentions or reduce the quality of our experiences. We can address issues from the past by replacing dimensions of time with more favourable actions. We can also change outcomes and realities in life by changing our goals, intentions, and thoughts. We can therefore manifest a goal in several months, or it can take several years. The choice is always ours!

Dogs can become connected to someone new when the timing is right, and they can also choose or be placed with someone from their past. They are very loyal creatures, and they never forget the love they have for someone. They will follow their loved one to the end of the earth if that is what they need to do to be with them. They also never forget a kind deed, and some part of them will always remain connected to a person who helped them. Have you ever said goodbye to a dog, only to reconnect a number of years later, and the dog remembers you? The dog might be quite content to just say hello, or it might want to go with you, because it is ready to continue its journey with you. This is very difficult, because in our world, it is not acceptable to take a dog from another family unless everyone agrees. Dogs are never angry that you left them. They are only happy that you returned to them, and they just want to be near you again.

There have been many amazing stories of dogs choosing their families. The truth is that such a choice is mutual. However, dogs are more conscious beings than most humans and can communicate this through their actions. Having said this, humans have great potential and the ability to be conscious. A large percentage of the population has chosen to live a relatively unconscious life, and although unfortunate, it has been this way for thousands of years. In more recent years, I am meeting many people who are searching for a more meaningful life. People who choose this type of book are likely to be more consciously aware individuals.

A classic example of a dog finding his new dad is a dog and war story that was reported in newspapers across the world (ABC News, February 13, 2008). Located in Iraq, the dog was a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix that was later named Nib. Nib had been terribly abused. His ears had been severed, and he had lacerations on his body possibly from a screwdriver. An American Marine found Nib and gave him medical treatment. The Marine was relocated to a classified location and 70 miles away. Sadly, he had to leave Nib behind. Two days later, Nib arrived at the new location after crossing a war zone and desert in wintery conditions. Wow—imagine the look on the Marine’s face when his furry friend arrived to greet him! Badly beaten and abused, Nib still had the energy to find his new family. How amazing, and what a miracle! Or is this a demonstration of the nature of dogs and their ability to be connected to their higher selves and receive guidance?

The Marine was so touched that he sent the newest addition to his family back home to America. Did they already know one another on a soul level? I would say they did, and their meeting was no mistake. So why did they meet in Iraq? I wonder if the Marine would have felt the same way if they had met in his local neighbourhood or in a local military base. My guess would be that this Marine benefited from such a miraculous meeting and felt the power of love when he needed it the most. This incident also touched the hearts of thousands of people around the world and therefore impacted many lives. People gained a greater understanding of the amazing abilities of dogs, their selfless nature, and their sheer determination. Nib was determined to achieve his goal and walk the distance. He also felt love from his new dad and was sure he would not be turned away. This good news story demonstrates the unconditional love and sixth sense of a dog.

Imagine for a moment a life without the voice of doubt entering our minds. We could work toward our goals with such clear intention and determination that these alone would be enough to manifest a successful outcome. Most people can recall this type of experience at some time in their lives. For example, you determine, I am going to get this job, and the interview is a complete success. You decide, I am going to win this race, and no contestant can keep up. You think, I am going to do well on this exam, and the outcome is a credit or higher. Dogs have no reason to doubt their intentions, so they have the ability to hear inner guidance and follow and trust the guidance. They do not doubt the inner guidance. Why doubt something so perfect and powerful? Many people place more trust in others than themselves. For example, a medical practitioner might say, Sorry, but you have three months to live. The patient believes this, so what often happens? The patient dies in three months or close to it. The medical practitioner can only offer advice based on the prognosis of other patients—other people who have died within three months of such a diagnosis. In reality, the practitioner has no idea whether this unique individual will die in three months.

The voice of doubt does not appear for dogs. When a dog meets its new mum or dad, it has a very deep knowing. Dogs often act as though they have always been with their new family. If they have been abused, they might be shy. An exception would be a dog that has anxiety as a result of abuse or trauma. In this instance, they might take a little longer to settle but feel a sense of relief, as they are safe. Most of the time, however, they settle in to a new home very quickly and say, Okay, what’s for tea? or Shall we go for a walk? This is because on some level, they already know their new family. They might run into their new house as though they have been there before. For traumatized dogs, they need time for their minds to heal, just like traumatized humans do. The trauma can interfere with their sixth sense, especially if psychological damage of the mind has occurred. This is especially sad for a dog, because it is difficult for them to compensate one sense for another, and they cannot communicate verbally with us. If they are lonely and traumatized, they suffer immensely.

When the soul of a dog and the soul of a human arrange to spend part of their lives together prior to being born, the dog will be born as a breed the person would choose. It is no use for the dog to be born a Poodle if the person is drawn to a larger breed of dog, such as a Doberman. Have you ever gone to pick a dog from a litter or a dog shelter, and when you find the right dog, you just know? That is your sixth sense telling you that you are meant to be together. A dog will choose its family based on a number of factors. Do they know the person already (returning to an old friend from a past life), can they have the experience they are seeking with this person, and is it a decision that person and dog have made? Matches can also occur later in life when the dog is living on earth and its current living arrangements need to change. The human might have experienced extreme loneliness for a long time and may decide that a dog will help him or her through the difficult times. Miracles happen all the time with animals and people.

Many people and dogs have amazing stories of how they have found one another just like the dog in Iraq. Our dog, an Australian Blue Heeler, was lost in Queensland, Australia. We found him—or he found us, I should say—at a small seaside town called Tin Can Bay at Carlo Point. He was lodging with a lovely couple named Sam and Ernie who owned the Carlo Point boat marina, and they welcomed him until they could find him a home. Sam and Ernie have a furry daughter named Bunji (Bunji is a Bullmastiff x Great Dane x Rhodesian Ridgeback) who was very kind in sharing her space with the lodger. We were on holiday and hired some kayaks at this boat marina. This lodging dog accompanied us to the water’s edge and watched us paddle up the river on our kayaks. Several hours later, upon our return, he was waiting patiently and greeted us warmly, eager to play and have a pat. That night in our camping van, my husband said to me, Do you think he is meant to be with us?

I replied, If there’s room on the plane back to Adelaide, then I’m sure he is. We phoned the airline the next morning, and there was plenty of room on the plane, so we booked him a place. I wondered all night if he knew what he was choosing, going from lovely, sunny, humid Queensland of 25 degrees to the city of Adelaide in winter experiencing 10- to 15-degree days and rain. In my mind, I imagined speaking to him and visualised that I was showing him our neighbourhood and house. The next morning, Sam and Ernie had him bathed before we picked him up, ready for his next adventure. There was a bench seat in the front of the van. I opened the door and said, Okay, this is it. Do you really want to come? He jumped into the van and sat in the centre of the bench seat. He looked at us as if to say, Okay, let’s get going. He had already commenced his new journey, and we needed to catch up. We did not know his name, so we named him Tenzing. Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay supported Edmund Hillary in climbing Mount Everest in Nepal. The Sherpas are very wise people of Nepal, and we saw many similarities between them and our new boy.

Many wonderful, miraculous dog stories have been written and are easily accessible via the Internet. Stories can be found of dogs moving family members away from dangerous situations, saving them following accidents in freezing conditions by digging them out of the snow, alerting families to house fires while families are sleeping, alerting families of pending danger following home invasions, and the list goes on. It is no wonder that dogs are truly a human’s very best friend.

Our last dog, Cinda, is the inspiration for writing this book. She was a Curly-Coated Retriever; her face looked like a big bear’s face, and her eyes were full of love. She had been used for many years as a breeding dog, and after giving birth and saying goodbye to at least thirty-eight puppies, she was dumped on the streets because she had an incontinence issue. Although nine years old at the time, the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals) found her to have such a lovely temperament that they wanted to find her a home. I saw her face in the local paper and immediately fell in love with her. My husband, Andrew, did not know that I had adopted her from the RSPCA. Upon arriving home, she was very excited to discover that she had complete reign over the house, because she had been an outdoor dog in the past. She ran around the house and smelt Andrew’s clothes. He was working late in the city, and after work, he had planned to walk home. We went for a walk in Andrew’s direction, and we intercepted him as he was walking through a park. I could see his silhouette in the distance, so I let Cinda off from her harness. She ran over to her new dad, who she had never met, and jumped up on him, wrapping her big paws around his neck and hugging him. He was very surprised, and once he saw me, he realised that he had a new daughter.

I have often reflected upon the first night at home with Cinda, because her actions suggested that she was already familiar with me and Andrew. She ran straight into the house, incredibly excited, as though she had already experienced the house and us on some level. I certainly believe that she had already chosen us and knew the essence of where she was going. Therefore, her physical self was catching up with the familiarity and knowing of her destination. I refer back to the dog from Iraq. Why would a dog travel seventy miles to reach a final destination if it was not driven by a knowing and its inner guidance? Surely it would stay in its immediate location and look for food.

We all have energy attractor fields, and these attractor fields work to attract certain people and events into our lives. Attractor fields form as a result of our own thoughts and are also influenced by our previous experiences, families, and cultural belief systems. In addition, attractor fields attract to us whatever we believe we deserve. We have the ability to change our reality, because we can alter the state of our own unique energy attractor fields by altering our thoughts and behaviours. Attractor fields are mostly unconscious to us, and as a result, we are unaware of the way in which they are working at any given moment. Consequently, some attractor fields will be helpful for us and others harmful.

The subconscious mind is powerful and we remain relatively unconscious of its influence at any given moment. This aspect of the self is a storehouse for memories and can be reactive in nature. The subconscious mind can react to the conscious mind spontaneously causing a person to behave or feel in a certain way. The result can be helpful or unhelpful depending upon the situation.

In addition to a conscious and subconscious mind, every living being on this planet is comprised of a soul, spirit and higher self. The soul and spirit have easily been confused for one of the same. The soul is the immortal part of a being, their identity or energetic presence they carry to each vessel they embody in every physical life. The spirit is the non-physical part of the being that lives on, is with the being and omnipresent. The higher self is connected to the being and offers guidance to the