| Chippy (Dyacre) by Maxine Julius | Rainbow Bridge | Animal communication | |
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Chippy came to live with us in January 1993 at a time when my husband (then my fiance, Peter Mayes) who is a manic depressive, was having a very serious relapse. Coming to us at that time Chippy not only had to get used to a new way of life but also had to cope with Peter's illness. Chippy took it all in his stride. He soon showed he was a gentle, intelligent, extremely adaptable, patient and independent carer. We would visit Peter in hospital and Chippy would stay with Peter, or go to Peter's mum or my neighbour until I returned from work. When Peter was allowed home to recouperate there was always a chance that he would sink into a long depression, especially as I could not be at home all day. Although Chippy was still a young dog, and border Collies are known to need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from becoming very disturbed, Chippy would position himself by Peter's side of the bed (after I had taken him out very early before going to work), and patiently wait. When Chippy felt Peter should get up he would lick his face, and if that did not work Chippy would jump up on the bed and keep licking Peter until he got up. Chippy made sure that Peter would get out of bed and not lie thinking depressing thoughts. It took a year for Peter to become fully stable and throughout that time Chippy always put Peter first. Thanks to Chippy Peter did not sink into the depression which usually follows a manic attack. From that time until Chippy died Peter and Chippy had an extremely close bond and almost never went anywhere without each other. Peter used to say that he, Peter, was better looking than Chippy and I said I could prove that was not so. When I was walking with Chippy everyone used to stop and say what a beautiful, handsome dog, but when I was walking with Peter no-one stopped us to say what a handsome man!!! Chippy was our pride and joy.
Chippy and his friend He showed us his preferences - where he wanted to sleep, the room and place he wanted to be alone in from time to time, and how he wanted us to throw the ball for him. Anything that we asked him to do to live in harmony with us he learned in a very short time. He was so intelligent, gentle and giving. Although a very independent dog Chippy never made demands, he always put us first and fitted in with what we were doing. He welcomed our friends when they visited us and all of them made a special point of inviting Chippy to their houses when asking Peter and me. Friends and neighbours (with and without dogs) were always willing to look after him if we had to on occasion go out without him. He showed us his preferences - where he wanted to sleep, the room and place he wanted to be alone in from time to time, and how he wanted us to throw the ball for him. Anything that we asked him to do to live in harmony with us he learned in a very short time. He was so intelligent, gentle and giving. Although a very independent dog Chippy never made demands, he always put us first and fitted in with what we were doing. He welcomed our friends when they visited us and all of them made a special point of inviting Chippy to their houses when asking Peter and me. Friends and neighbours (with and without dogs) were always willing to look after him if we had to on occasion go out without him. Chippy showed tremendous patience and gentleness in everything he did, whether playing with small children, visiting Peter's elderly mother both at her home, and when she went into a care home, and many elderly and infirm people he met while he was being an unofficial PAT dog. He was known and loved by all in the village where we live, both for his striking appearance, his gentle nature and his love of catching a ball. Strangers and their children trusted him immediately and would throw the ball for him. When people and children who had disliked or feared dogs met Chippy they fell in love with him. Even people who loved their own dogs used to say that. Chippy was a very special dog. One day we were in the park and a little girl climbed up a tree when she saw Chippy. Her father told me she had always been afraid of dogs and would not come down until Chippy left. Chippy seemed to sense the problem and took his ball and went towards the tree and, as he always did, rolled it with his tongue towards the girl (he never went right up to children - he would always stop a foot away and roll the ball to them so he wouldn't frighten them - he wasn't taught this, he did it instinctively). The girl came down and, much to the amazement of her father, threw the ball several times for Chippy to catch. Chippy showed his caring nature not only with people but with animals. On one occasion our neighbour's cat, Poppet, was involved in an accident as a result of which her tail had to be amputated. When she was at home recovering Chippy used to wrap himself around her basket to protect her. He knew that she wasn't well. 
 Chippy with Rosie, the love of his life, and Chippy watching a squirrel
Every year Chippy would receive birthday and Christmas cards and presents from the village children. The younger children would stop at our garden on their way home from school and ask Chippy to get his ball, and he would go into the house, pick up the ball and push it through our fence for the children to throw back to him. Other times he was in the house and heard them calling him and he would pick up his ball and go to them. These children would write notes to Chippy saying how much they loved him and that they wanted him to come and live with them. Chippy would send them cards and presents too. When I started to work from home I had the privilege of spending much more time with Chippy and feeling his unconditional love, for me and all living creatures. I had never lived with a dog before and had never enjoyed walking. Chippy taught me the joys of walking in all weathers, watching all forms of wild life and appreciating all elements of nature. We walked for hours, stopping from time to time for Chippy's sessions with the ball and for Chippy (and me) to watch the wild life. Through Chippy I started to look into alternative therapies for him in the event he may have needed them in the future, and learned Reiki which he used to enjoy. He reminded me of the true beauty in the world and showed me how to find an inner peace. Thanks to Chippy, and with his guidance, I intend to follow a new path in my life and qualify in alternative therapies to help animals. Chippy was welcomed wherever we went. He came with us not only to all our friends houses but also to all the hotels we went to on holiday, both in the UK and France. Chippy was always with us, he was never left in kennels, and was never left on his own in the house. When Peter and I got married in 1994 he was at our reception - nothing in our lives would have been complete if Chippy did not share in it. When Peter had another relapse in 1999 Chippy was there to care for him and help him recover. Although without the correct medication and treatment Peter could not get better I know that without Chippy Peter would not have had the same incentive. That was a particularly exhausting time for me as I was working from home, looking after Peter who was on the move 24 hours a day (manics do not sleep much), and making sure I made time for Chippy too. I got very little sleep and my body and mind were crying out for peace. Chippy was so understanding and patient and he gave me the love and strength to cope during this extremely demanding time. He always comforted me and licked my tears when I was upset or depressed. I learned that these times upset him too and I became less selfish in my demands for his love, and took the time to just be happy with him. To enjoy the things he enjoyed, to go to the places he liked, and to feel and see his pleasure and happiness from the simplest things in life, made me feel so blessed and grateful. |
Apart from minor sprains from playing, throughout his life Chippy had no serious illnesses, until September 5th 2003, the night of Peter's Mum's funeral. Chippy had a stroke, caused by a small blood vessel bursting in his brain. However he made a full recovery without any medication and with a good prognosis that it would not happen again. Yet again Chippy came to Peter's rescue. Chippy knew that Peter could have a relapse through his grief for his Mum but Peter managed to stay stable through his concern for Chippy's survival. Chippy continued to enjoy his walks and playing with the ball for the next few months. Sadly in January 2004 he suffered from Central Vestibular Syndrome caused by yet another bleed in the brain. There is no medication which can cure this condition so we took him to a homeopathic healer who treated him for the next few months. During this time Chippy slowed down considerably and, because the VS had left him with a slight head tilt, was unable to eat without being hand fed. He still enjoyed his shorter walks, and showed us that he wished to catch the ball from a standing position, instead of running for it, and he was happy to continue with his PAT work. Sadly in June Chippy had his first seizure and fits, caused by further bleeds in his brain. Against all odds Chippy came through all the tests, MRI scan and anaesthetics and, while we were awaiting the results, Chippy sent me a powerful message and I knew he wanted to and was going to live. For five days he couldn't stand, sit or walk but his eyes said he wanted to live. On the evening of the fourth day Chippy sent me a message showing me that the next day, when we visited him in the Animal Hospital, he would walk a few steps and he did. A few days later he came home. As sometimes is the way, with both dogs and humans, the best neurologists in the country could not find what caused the bleeds. Chippy had an amazingly strong heart and constitution, and was healthy in every other way for a dog of his age. I knew during these six days he was at home he was preparing us for his passing. On the sixth night he had another seizure and fits and we rushed him into emergency where he was anaesthetised to stop the fits. He passed peacefully away under the anaesthetic, on June 29th 2004, two months before his 14th birthday.
Shades of Gold As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade. I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity. I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide! And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be! My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do. I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night. 'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold. For although we may not be together in the way we used to be, We are still connected by a cord no eye can see. So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
Again Chippy was helping Peter because he knew that Peter
would not have been able to make the final decision. Chippy made it for
him. Chippy was quietly and peacefully lifted up on the prayers, blessings
and thoughts from Peter and me and all the wonderful people on K9 and
gently carried lovingly and protectively on his journey to Rainbow Bridge During Chippy's last weeks, his passing and the following
few weeks I thanked him so much for leading me to join K9. Without the
love, prayers and support of the wonderful people I 'met' and 'spoke'
to every day these weeks would have been much worse. They gave me the
strength to give all I could to support Chippy and Peter. They guided
me in seeing many aspects of the spiritual side of life and helped me
to communicate with Chippy and understand how he felt and what he wanted.
When Chippy passed the love, messages, cards, eulogies, prayers and poems
the group sent helped me through the devastation and grief I felt. During this time I told Chippy if he felt that his gentle
mind and sweet body were too tired, he had our blessings to leave us to
find the peace he deserved. I felt so close to him that the night after
he died, when I communicated with him, he showed me that he was well and
happy. I shall forever feel privileged that Chippy shared part of my life
and shall always be grateful to him for everything he gave to me, all
that he taught me and, most of all, for his love which will be with me
for the rest of my life. Chippy was the JOY in our lives,
the LOVE in our hearts and the PEACE in our souls. Three months before Chippy died he led me to joining
the CHC internet group (I had been a member for years but not on the net).
Through that group I was introduced to Kat Berard, an animal communicator,
with whom I arranged a distance session. I wanted Chippy to know that
we were concerned about how he felt his health issues were affecting his
enjoyment of life. Chippy's answers to my questions and his views on his
purpose in life, and his concern about Peter and me moved me to tears.
I am so grateful that I have a record of this forever. The following is
an edited copy of Kat's session with Chippy in which Chippy expresses
his views on life and what he has taught me much better than I ever could
(Chippy's answers are in blue). |
Good evening, Chippy. My name is Kat and I am an Animal Communicator. Maxine has asked me to speak with you on her behalf this evening. She and Peter love you very, very much, and you have been a true companion and helper to them these many years. They greatly appreciate all that you have shared with and given to them, and they are honored to have you in their lives. How are you this evening, Chippy? I'm doing pretty good, thank you Maxine says: 'we know you know that we love you and we are committed to helping you. We know you worry about us, but we want you to be honest with Kat, even if you think what you say might upset us, because we need to know what you want us to do to make your life healthier and happier.' So are you ready to discuss the questions Maxine has for you? Of course, I have no trouble with this at all. It is kind of them to ask, and I greatly appreciate and respect their concern, and their wish to ensure my life is happy and complete. This means a great deal to me. Have you been and are you happy with your life with Maxine and Peter? Yes, most definitely. It has been an interesting life, for all of us. We are each together to help one another heal - heal hearts and minds and spirits. We take turns as to who needs healing. And we learn from each others' experiences. I am trying to show them that the KEY to living a happy life is to look forward and be present always in the moment. No dwelling on old stuff, negative thoughts, heavy feelings . . . there is always a choice, and the choice to be made is the NOW choice. Have what you want NOW. If you want to be happy, be happy; or joyous; or peaceful; or content; whatever you want, you can have and be. Just choose it. It is really that simple. I keep trying to show them that. My life is quite uncomplicated because I choose not to hang onto that which makes me less than the bright spirit that I am. I am not here to be miserable. Granted, sometimes I do feel less than my Self [his body doesn't function like he wants it to], BUT, there is no place for pity parties. You can do that for like two seconds and then you have to just take the next step and get back on your spot [centered emotion]. This is the whole point-pick what you want life to be, and then BE it. That's my job, to show them this over and over and over until they really do feel this in their hearts and understand it in their minds and bodies. This is a very large concept, I know this. It is hard for you humans to grasp sometimes. That's why we animals are with you in droves. We are all trying to help you remember who you really are and who you are meant to be. Light spirits, and lighthearted spirits. Very interesting, Chippy. It sounds like you've taken on quite a job of helping your loved ones. Yes, and I am proud and honored to do so. And I will patiently continue to show them what I am talking about, what they are not letting themselves have. You can choose heavy, or light [emotions], it's always a choice. It just depends on how you want to see things. Hold on lightly and things are Light; hold on with fear and worry and whatever, and things are very dense and sometimes dark and overwhelming. There is always Light, you just have to turn and look at it. That makes sense. Thank you. Chippy - What have you been trying to tell Maxine recently and how generally can she better understand you? They want you to know that they will always love, protect and help you. Oh, I know, truly know, and appreciate that. They have been most kind and loving toward me, and I don't really lack for anything. What I have been letting them know is . . . I am tired. And that they must figure out how they are going to take care of each other when I am gone. They need to look at what they will do to help each other when I am not here to help them [with your emotions and troubles]. I will still be with them, of course [he will be like a guardian angel, watching over you]. But I keep trying to show them what it means to be in balance and harmony with self and with the Universe. What is going on around us. Finding the good things to be happy about, and letting the worries and cares drift away, not letting them have so much power. Maxine and Peter know you know that they love you and you love them. Maxine understands that Peter is number one. I came primarily to help Peter, he needed love and Light in a big way. He needed to be shown the way out of the darkness. That was part of my initial purpose in being with him. He held on to me [Chippy was Peter's rock] and I just helped steady him until he could walk into the Light again. It was a small thing, really, but very big too. Maxine and I were both here to help Peter, and that's what happened. He is better than he was back then, much better. Now he just has to remember how he came through the darkness and into the Light should he ever choose to wander back into it again. He need only think of us together during that time and how he felt about me, to find his way out of the darkness. It is that simple. It is all about Love and Light. He trusted me because I held steady and firm. He has that strength within himself too. And he can rely on that at any time to help him through. I know that this has been a heavy struggle and burden for him, this way his mind is. But he is pure Light at the center of his being, and that is what he should focus on when he begins to sink. This is important - he is not flawed in any way. He needs to hear this and believe it. He is not what his mind is. He is Spirit embodying a physical existence. He is a spiritual being having a physical experience. The spirit is never damaged or marred by what a physical body chooses to experience and learn from. I want him to understand this at the very core of his being. HE IS LOVE. That's how I see him; not his "illness", but his heart. And it is full of Love. Sometimes he just has to dust off some of the boxes he keeps that love in, and let it out into the Light. That's hard for him to do but it is very important and necessary. I will let him know. And what would you like to say to Maxine? That I love her - and Peter - very, very dearly. She worries a little too much about me, and then about everything. She spends so much time worrying that she forgets to look up at the flowers and smell their color, feel their taste, hear their hearts. She clamps down on what she worries about and it gets stuck in her body everywhere [tension, heartache]. I ask her to ease up a bit, let some of that go, don't try so hard to be the Fixer. She is not required to burden herself with others' experiences. She needs to be a rock for herself, and to be gentle with herself too. There is not enough Lightness in her heart for herself, she is too busy doing for others, especially for Peter and me. So I ask her to remember that she, like us, is here to Live and Breathe Joy. There is no need to weigh oneself down with what is the inevitable. Stay in the moment, be present, live large, live Joy and Love. That way you don't miss a second of the good stuff! I'll let her know. That's not how it works. You do not get into relationship with another without it being, at some level, an equal exchange of care and concern. I do worry about them, and that is my nature. What makes it easier is when they worry less, and live more. I know they worry about me too, and what will make that easier for me is if they worry less, and live more. I am not going to stop being who I am and suddenly become completely self centered and focused on only me. That is not possible for me to do. Some can, I can't. I am not going to 'heal' in the sense they hope. My body is old, that is a fact. My body is doing as well as we can expect, I think. Sometimes things just stop working. And that's what's happening. But it's okay, it's part of the life and death process. You can't fight that forever. And sometimes you can't fight it at all. The body knows what it needs, what it is supposed to do, how it will let go of the spirit and the spirit let go of it one day. I do not want them worrying so much about me. They know me well, I don't require a lot of help, I'm pretty self-sufficient. Spend the energy on Love and peace, and trust in the process. Those are all the questions she had for you. Is there anything you would like to say, or to ask, before we close our session? I am glad they were willing to hear me this way. I love them both very greatly, and I am so happy about all the years we have spent together. I have no regrets, not a one, and no complaints either. This is a time of learning gentleness and surrender, for all of us, for all situations. So let go and surrender into the here and now. I want them to remember this always, it is the smartest thing I can tell them! Surrender, stay present for each other - and stay in the present too. Live Love. Find Joy. That is all. Very good. Chippy, it has been a great pleasure speaking with you this evening. I thank you for your time and your patience, and I wish you all good things. Take good care of yourself, and many blessings on your Journey. Thank you, Miss Kat. I send you all glad thanks, and happy heart Love. Goodnight now.
KAT'S COMMENTS:Chippy is a very, very sweet, compassionate and loving dog. He has a huge heart, and is very clear that he is here to be of service to humanity. Even though he chose this lifetime to live with you and Peter, he is happy to help others as well, even if it's just to bring them joy through his presence. |
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