Tails from the couch: ch. 2 — Reincarnation
Do you believe in the reincarnation of a pet? The soul of a prior pet coming back within a different animal, or even human, is a story many have told. There are more movies about these stories than ever before. I have to be honest - I was always was a little envious of these tales because I had never noticed a connection like that between my own animal companions. That was, until recently.
If you follow us on social media, then you may have seen my story about our pet rat named Sugar who passed away a few months ago. She and I had a really special connection through her life, along with an especially poignant experience of her passing. I was able to be totally present with her through the arduous experience of her death because it really began right after my leg was broken. And so, the journey on my couch began. Sugar was right next to me all day and night. As she was passing, I asked her if she would come back to me again if she could. In one of our discussions, she let me know that her passion for avocados would be an indicator for me to know it was her.
Apparently, Sugar got right to work… a new and exceptional little kitty has come into our lives recently. So, you can probably see where I’m going with this. And that’s right - I do think Sugar has returned very quickly to our family in the form of a cat. But this ‘tale’ is about the story - the steps of HOW this unfolded. The Universe works in miraculous ways, and what I’ve come to understand through my own life experiences, time and time again, is this — the secret of living is learning to LISTEN, and know when to say YES. By following non-physical guidance, I believe we’re able to be guided into reconnection with those we love most.
Have you had a reincarnation experience? What signs did you receive?
While nursing my broken tibia, I’ve had a bit more time to do all the ‘upper body’ tasks. For me, apparently, one of those includes an occasional visit to the Craigslist’s pets section. Am I alone with this one?!
Although - in all honesty - I had absolutely no intention or even a thought about bringing a kitty into our family. But when I saw the one liner which said something like “calico kitty looking for furrrever home” - I quickly clicked it.
Then I let out a gasp! I actually can’t explain how it felt in words, but there was an immediate energy that came through those little golden eyes that were staring back at me. I felt an impulse to inquire and see if this kitten was still available for adoption. And, also ask the very important question - how might she feel about [lots] of dogs?? After gaining husband approval, I reached out.
Of course I was excited to find out she was available, and that she was already being referred to as ‘a dog-loving cat.’ BINGO! This kitty was rescued through a TNR (trap-spay/neuter-return) program in Chico, CA, and she was bottle fed from 1 week old. Since she had spent her 3 months of life with a family consisting of humans of various ages, cats, dogs, birds, goats, and other animals, she was a perfect fit for us.
We named her lucky number “Seven” and brought her home a few weeks later. When she entered the house, it was like she had always been here - immediately comfortable, relaxed and familiar. Fun Fact: Seven is a ‘dilute calico’, which is a color thought to bring good luck and prosperity to their families. Dating as far back as ancient Egypt, being the ultimate gift to Cleopatra, to this day the rather dilute calicos are sought after in Japan and the UK.
Honestly, we already feel lucky because we’ve received this amazing cat creature into our family. Seven is incredible! We’ve never met another cat like her and everyone she meets can’t stop gushing. Since her arrival, I’ve felt more lightness, flow, alignment and grace. Effortlessly, new ideas are coming and resources are being presented to us, and we are in fact feeling like luck is on our side. I look forward to sharing more with you about that. I guess it’s all been ushered in by a soul who, in any form, is gentle, funny, affectionate, confident… and a certain type of special.
A few experiences I’ve had with Seven have reconnected me with Sugar’s energy. First was an initial, powerful look into my eyes, from sitting on my belly, which was just like one of my last precious moments with Sugar. Then, a few days later, I was cutting an avocado to enjoy with breakfast. Seven came SPRINGING into the kitchen, quickly climbed up my braced leg like it was a tree trunk, and began batting at my arms. Being a proponent of giving our pets fresh foods, I gave her a little avocado to try. She began to devour the smooshy greenness, when a mere moment later she gazed up at me with the most hilarious look on her face, like she just realized, “Oh,.. but I’m a cat!” With that look I was reminded of the agreement I made with Sugar - she would show me it was her through her love of avocados.
Wouldn’t ya know, the same thing happened again, but this time with a banana - Sugar’s second favorite food. The other day, I was peeling open a banana and here comes Seven flying through the sky to land on my chest and demand a bite. Mind you, these are the only two foods she’s ever behaved this way around!
What’s especially funny is that Seven doesn’t actually eat that much of the avocado or banana - but BOY oh boy, does she try. It's like her feline taste buds simply don’t find it appetizing, despite her soul’s desire. I think Sugar and I forgot to consider this aspect of our reincarnation agreement ;)
To me, whether the soul of my rat is now my cat, or not, it does appear that similar energy can take many forms. The connection we experience with some animals in particular, touches the deepest level of our being. This is the part of us that is without name and form. Being that it feels incredible to be connected through love, perhaps that energy can be drawn back together again. After all, the power of love is the most intelligent organizing power there is!
I’ve gained comfort and healing through this reconnection with a familiar love; it feels like the beginning of a new chapter in the same book. I’m grateful for the gift (that I’m honing better than ever) of listening with my heart and my intuition to be guided along a magical path unfolding, day by day.
Until next time,
Amanda Ree