Animal Reiki Stories
Discover meaningful stories about animals who have experienced gentle Reiki with Susan Rouse. These stories share Susan’s personal observations and the unique ways animals may choose to receive Reiki through hands-on, hands-off or distance sessions.
Deva the Irish Wolfhound Loves Animal Reiki
I was asked to offer an Animal Reiki session to Deva, a beautiful Irish Wolfhound who was almost eight years old. Her companion, Cindy, wanted Deva to experience Reiki as gentle support for her overall well-being. Having worked with animals and healing energy for many years, I always feel honoured when an animal welcomes me into their space.
Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a gentle, non-invasive complementary wellness practice that may offer relaxation, comfort and emotional support. It may be used alongside veterinary care but is not a replacement for diagnosis, treatment or advice from a qualified veterinarian.
As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I felt Deva’s wonderful energy—even before I saw her. She came over to greet me, and we connected immediately.
Before offering Reiki, I always ask the animal’s permission, either aloud or intuitively. When I sat down, Deva positioned her hips beneath my hands, showing me where she wanted to receive Reiki. Animals are highly intuitive and may communicate their preferences through their movements, body language and behaviour.
At first, Deva appeared to prefer receiving Reiki from a little farther away. She moved over to her bed and lay down while I continued offering Reiki from across the room. Animal Reiki may be offered through gentle touch when the animal welcomes it, with the hands held just above or near the body, or from a comfortable distance. The animal is always free to move around, change positions or leave the area.
After a short time, Deva came closer again and appeared ready for hands-on Reiki. She became very relaxed and sighed as I gently placed my hands on her back.
Animals guide each Reiki session. Reiki is never forced upon an animal, and they are always free to decide how close they wish to be and how long they wish to participate. When Deva had received enough, I felt the flow of energy through my hands begin to slow and then stop.
Animals may show signs of relaxation by sighing, yawning, licking their lips, falling asleep or gently leaning into the practitioner’s hands. Some animals simply get up and walk away when they are finished. Respecting these signals is an important part of offering Animal Reiki with compassion.
Reiki may complement conventional veterinary care and other supportive wellness practices. Cindy was interested to learn that it may be offered alongside the care an animal is already receiving, provided it does not delay or replace appropriate veterinary attention.
Animal Reiki may provide a calm and comforting experience for healthy animals, animals adjusting to a new home, rescue animals, senior animals and animals experiencing changes or challenges. It may also offer peaceful companionship and emotional support to animals approaching the end of life.
As our session came to an end, Deva looked at me with her beautiful eyes. I smiled and thanked her for allowing me to share Reiki with her. Offering Reiki to an animal is a privilege, and every animal should be acknowledged, respected and appreciated.
Reiki may also be offered to natural items such as cotton towels or blankets. I infused a towel with Reiki for Deva, and she loved it.
Virgil the Miniature Mule
Virgil is a sweet and intelligent miniature mule who was rescued from an auction where he had experienced mistreatment. I have known Virgil and offered him Animal Reiki since I began volunteering at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary in 2009.
Virgil has a wonderful personality. He knows how to get what he wants and how to encourage the other animals to move out of his way, but he can also be remarkably gentle and compassionate. Virgil has also received a Reiki attunement for animals.
I once watched Virgil use calming signals while I was offering Animal Reiki to Stuart, a hinny at the sanctuary. Virgil stood very close to Stuart and me, yawning and appearing calm and relaxed. His quiet presence seemed to offer reassurance and companionship to Stuart during the session.
It is truly beautiful to witness the caring interactions that take place among the animals at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary. In one photograph, an orb-like light appears near Virgil’s heart chakra area. To me, it feels like a lovely reflection of this very special boy’s gentle and compassionate spirit.
Holly the Reiki Dog
Holly experienced kidney problems from the time she was about a year and a half old. Reiki became part of the gentle, supportive care I offered her throughout her life. Even at thirteen, she still had the energy and enthusiasm of a much younger dog. People who met her were often surprised to learn her age.
I regularly infused Holly’s blankets, food and water with Reiki as another way of surrounding her with comfort, love and supportive energy. Holly also received a Third Degree Reiki attunement, which felt like a meaningful part of her wellness journey.
She even began “helping” during Reiki attunements. Holly would quietly come and stand beside me or one of my students while I offered the attunement. Her gentle presence brought something very special to those moments.
Holly passed away shortly before her fourteenth birthday. She was a precious gift, and I feel grateful for every year we shared. She will always remain in my heart and with me in spirit.
