Intuitive Connections with Animals

For many years my connection with animals has been confined to Leon, a 6 year old Rottweiler boxer mix who lives next door.  He woofs when I get home and barks at visitors.  He’s my guard dog and I only have to feed him gluten free treats. 

My minimal exposure to animals changed last weekend in Montauk, New York, at the eastern tip of Long Island, where a majority of the land is preserved.  On my first walk, I said hello to a momma and baby dear.  The second day, she stood in the yard and mimicked me when I wagged my hips three times.  As I talked to her, she moved closer.  How shocking, since I never connect with the bunnies and groundhogs at home.

Next I met Yankee, a strong willed horse with a thick coat ready for winter.  On our trail ride through the forest on the way to the beach, he tested me.  I sang Yankee Doodle Dandy verses and after a soft rendition of Oh What a Beautiful Morning, he finally settled.  By the end of the ride, I felt like we were best friends. 

Why did I not realize the intuitive connection between myself and an animal?  Too concerned with children and adults, I narrowed my world.  In Montauk, through the haze of prior ignorance, I found a special kind of fun.  As my grumpy dad used to say, we learn something new every day.