Deva the Irish Wolfhound Loves Animal Reiki

Meet Deva, a Beautiful Irish Wolfhound

In March 2015, 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.

​What Is Animal Reiki?

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.

​A Warm Welcome and an Immediate Connection

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.

​Letting Deva Choose How to Receive Reiki

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.

​Recognizing When an Animal Has Had Enough

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.

​Recognizing and Respecting Your Animal’s Signals

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.

​Supporting Animals Alongside Veterinary Care

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.

Gentle Comfort and Support Through Every Stage of Life

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.

​A Thank You and a Reiki-Infused Towel

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 I believe every animal deserves to 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 to enjoy after our session—and she loved it.