Guest Blog: Dogs Help Heal People
Yes, our dogs help heal people. Have you ever stopped to think about it?
Why this dog?
Why now?
I used to pride myself on “rescuing” animals. This started at a very young age for me. I have always had a gift of connecting with animals since I was a small child. The reasons for my wanting to be a rescuer were not made clear, or obvious, until much later in life. My identity around being there for everyone else, helping everyone else, rescuing, would be shattered. Let me explain.
Dogs Help Heal People
I saw my dog, my rescue dog, help heal people. My mom. My Reiki Master. Me. I started to notice things. See things differently. I started to wake up. I started to feel things I hadn’t felt before, both emotionally and energetically. I began searching for something, anything to explain what I was now waking up to. I was voracious. Books. Courses. Classes. I trained in multiple healing modalities. Then it hit me.
My dog was helping me to help myself. This idea blew me out of the water. How could this Pittie mix, this poor animal from a dog fighting situation, help me heal myself? I slowly became aware of what he was actually giving me. What he was actually trying to show me. What he was trying to teach me. He was trying to remind me of a most important idea, something that I had forgotten long ago. That I am enough. As I am right now, in this moment, I am enough. The power of this idea still rocks me on my heels. I started to wonder what my other dogs had given me.
The Dogs Who Healed Me
As I dug into this I was in awe. I was fortunate to have dogs in my life at the time of traumatic events and reaped the benefits of what they each gave.
- Sage gave me safety, security, a sense of belonging.
- Winston helped me feel strong, capable, safe.
- Miles gave me back my smile and helped me see that I could get out of any situation that didn’t serve me.
- Darby opened up my entire world. He was the greatest catalyst for change in my life. When the student is ready the Master appears. Darby appeared and changed my entire existence, he became my Master.
Paying it Forward
Now I help others. I help other men wake up to what is possible. I help them learn how their dogs are helping them heal, grow. I guide these men into areas they have been afraid to venture into. With the help of their dogs, we create a safe space. A judgement-free, empowering space. A journey into the wilderness of their hearts. I show them how to let their dog lead.
I ask you again: Why this dog? Why now? Are you finally ready to move into what you are meant to do?
Meet Michael Overlie, The Founder of Dogs and Men, LLC
Michael Overlie is a Canine-Partnered Energy Coach, Energy Healer and Author. Dogs have been with him most of his life, giving him gifts and teaching him lessons. His greatest breakthrough was after the death of his brother. While grieving this loss, he was fully awakened to his own potential and the gifts our animals bring to our lives. Now he helps other men awaken to the gifts available to them from their dogs.
This is Michael’s purpose, his mission on this Earth.
From helping save lives in a trauma center to doing energy healing work with people and animals, Michael’s love for life shines through. He has trained in multiple energy healing modalities and infuses spiritual energy into everything he teaches, providing a safe space for healing and growth to occur. He knows what your dog is trying to show you, teach you.
Come join him on a powerful expedition of finding you, remembering who you are.
The word “Reiki” comes from the Japanese terms “higher power” and “life force energy.” Reiki is a non-invasive, respect-based and meditative energy healing practice. It was traditionally used in human circles for spiritual healing, stress relief and self-improvement. For generations, people have benefited from the peace, relaxation and healing shifts that come from a Reiki session.
Many pet parents report positive effects in their dog’s general health and disposition with the use of Reiki. Feedback from others have offered hope in the reduction of chronic pain and even the possible reversal or remission of severe medical issues.