Herald Correspondent
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In the movies, Dr. Dolittle has no trouble talking to the animals, but for the rest of us it’s not so easy.
And that’s where dog therapist/communicator Adrienne Herman comes in. The Carmel resident, who acts as a go-between for pets and people, says she can interpret what’s on their minds.
“The dog will generally tell me a story,” said Herman. “It might come through like a hologram, or a video, or in printed words streaming on something like a screen. Sometimes it’s an emotion that they’ll project to me.”
Sometimes clients will bring in dogs because they have concerns about them and need help getting to the bottom of the problem; other owners simply want to know how to make their pet’s life better.
“It’s a common thread with rescue dogs,” said Herman. “People want to know their story before they were rescued.”
In dog-friendly Carmel, the site of Herman’s office, there have been many such stories. With that information in hand, she can often provide the help that’s needed, or guide owners to the right kind of help, depending on the problem.
“I make no claim to have medical or veterinary expertise or training,” said Herman, who has had dogs in her life since she was 5. But with decades of experience, she is able to ascertain which pets would benefit from veterinary intervention, which pets may need behavior training, and which might benefit from therapies she can provide.
Sometimes what’s needed is a combination of her techniques and referrals to other specialists. Other times, it’s straight to the trainer or the vet. Quite often just working with her does the trick.
Herman employs homeopathy, flower essences, essential oils, music therapy, color therapy, acupressure and other alternative practices to help solve the issue at hand.
“I see it as being a question of balance,” she said. “If something is out of balance, I try to figure it out and fix it.”
Herman also works with horses and other animals, and often finds that massage and touch therapies can help restore needed balance.
People come in about all kinds of issues — dogs that prefer to hide, dogs that strain at their leashes, or dogs that are reluctant to eat. In other cases, there may not be obvious concerns, but owners are wondering if their pets are comfortable, or if they would accept a new pet in the house. Still other people wonder about dogs at the end of life — if their pets are in pain, or if they are ready to pass on.
Herman says she loves what she does and nothing is better than making a positive difference in pets’ lives.
“They are such pure creatures. It is such sheer joy to work with them,” she said.
For more information, call Herman at 624-8000 or see www.ahermandogtherapist.com.
For source article visit http://www.montereyherald.com/pets/ci_25436923/carmel-woman-acts-go-between-pets-people?source=email
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