In my book, The Empath’s Survival Guide, I write about animal empaths, as well as other types of empaths such as the Earth Empath, the Intuitive Empath and the Emotional Empath. People who are animal empaths have a special ability to tune in to animals and communicate with them. They may even have a specific gift such as being a “horse whisperer” or “dog whisperer.” They can sense if animals feel worried, upset, lonely, or unsafe. By understanding their psyches, these whisperers can help support and heal them.
Animal empaths seem to attract different creatures wherever they go and love being in their presence. So, they may work in rescue shelters, advocate for animal rights, go into veterinary medicine, or help animals in other ways.
Animal empaths have been present throughout history. Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, was able to talk to “his sisters and brothers,” the rabbits, deer, and fish, and was famous for taming a wolf. Creatures of many kinds flocked to him, as the scene is portrayed in sacred art. He often went into periods of seclusion with only his animal friends. He was known for giving sermons to audiences of birds. St. Francis said of animals, “We have a higher mission–to be of service to them whenever possible.”
If you identify with this type of empath, you can sense that animals are highly empathic with us as well. They can feel our emotions and intentions. Indigenous people believe that animals hear our thoughts. For instance, your dog or cat senses if you are sad or in pain and responds with unconditional love. You can attune to their feelings too. You sense what they are thinking and can respond to them. You are their friend and a devoted supporter of their well-being.
As an animal empath myself, the creatures of the earth have special meaning for me. I feel, in a way, that they are members of my own family, my tribe. A flock of birds flying overhead, the heavenly cry of a Sandhill Crane, the coyote’s howl—these threads of life weave the world of energy and material together. Try to feel the creatures of the earth, and thank them for their beauty, dignity, grace… and of course, their magic –which they share so generously with the humans they know.
To all the animal empaths who are reading this post: It’s okay to let go and love the diverse and sacred creatures on Earth. Become their allies and friends. Hold your interactions with them in your heart forever.
Adapted from The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff, MD (Sounds True). Read more about animal empaths in this book and become the empowered empath you were meant to be. www.drjudithorloff.com