Best Year Ever = 2017 January 02 2017

  Love it... 2 days in and this year promises to be awesome. I love my customers, clients & community of animal lovers and I promise to do the best, be the best & deliver the best remedies to improve animal behavior & make training successful & happy... so.... Happy New Year!

Living Beyond Grief September 06 2016

“Grief is any distressing emotion or behavior that arises out of a change,” according to Sandy Heath, certified grief recovery counselor in San Diego, California.

Horses love consistency and routine and may react strongly when that is upset for any reason. Separation from a loved one or a lifestyle change can create irreconcilable feelings of insecurity and unfamiliarity.

Grief in horses can appear as depression, anger, anxiety, impatience, or any multitude of behaviors. Of course, this is normal for any loss or change but if the horse has not gotten better within a given period of time, then attitude and behavior can be affected with long-term negative consequences.

Saying Good-Bye

A wonderful Quarter Horse mare came to us as a rescue. We got her sound and loved her dearly for many years. She babysat my six-year-old son and was smooth as silk with him in the corral or on the trail.

While playing in the pasture, she tore all the ligaments and tendons away from her knee tripping in a gopher hole. The vet said she had a 50/50 chance. We did everything we could for her for the next 18 months. I had made a promise that I was never going to give up on her, until I saw what would change my mind. She was playing in the pasture with our other horses when she pulled herself out of the game, went behind a tree and hung her head in pain. I knew then that her quality of life would force the worse decision any horse owner will ever have to make.

Euthanasia in Greek means “good death” and I have come to believe it is an inherent responsibility that follows domestication. I have learned that it is never the perfect answer, that there is never a good time, and that I’ve never been 100% certain in any of the 11 times that I have had to make the decision. I have rescued so many horses in my lifetime and been incredibly successful re-habilitating them and placing them in good homes, but the reality is that not all are going to make it.

I did not let Pony and our Clydesdale-Thoroughbred, Bubba, say “good-bye” to their stable mate when she left. I thought I was doing the right thing but Bubba told me different - he was immediately angry and agitated, and he bucked me off every time I rode him for the next three weeks. I wanted him to go through the grieving process in his own time, but he was stuck - and I was on the ground way too much - so I intervened.

I gave him Gentian flower essence, which is for matters of the heart. He also received Gorse for hope and his loss of trust. The world had changed and was no longer in its proper order. Rock Rose is a good essence for this behavior, addressing panic and uncertainty, giving the horse a chance to quiet down and accept the new situation.

 

Mirrors and Escalators August 31 2016

Did you ever notice that when you are having a bad day, so is your horse? It’s not a coincidence. It is a mirror. They reflect our frustrations and impatience. A veteran horsewoman once advised: “If your horse is not understanding what you are asking of him, stop and put him up for the night.” This went against everything I knew about “never give in or they will be spoiled”. But she has been proven right dozens of times. I once was schooling a 3-year-old Paint mare who was not understanding my request for a side pass. I got off her, pushed her, got on, used heel, rein, and scratched her shoulder so she would move away from the pressure. NOTHING. Actually the harder I tried, the worse the whole thing became. I remembered what the older trainer told me and stopped. Reluctantly, I dismounted, gave the mare a reward and ended the lesson for the day. In that reward was Impatiens essence for patience, Mimulus if any fear arose during the session, and most important, Chestnut Bud.

Dr. Edward Bach wrote in The Twelve Healers about Chestnut Bud essence: “For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life.” (The Twelve Healers published in 1931 by CW Daniels Co. Ltd., London. Re-printed in 1977 by Keats Pub., Inc New Canaan, CT under the name “The Bach Flower Remedies” quote from page 97.)

The next day, she was excited to work. I thought it was because I had quit the previous lesson early but after her warm-up, she took one awkward step without being asked, so I corrected her. But she did it again. Lo and behold, I gave her a loose rein and she started sidepassing. She stepped to the side with ease, grace and balance. I asked her to sidepass in the opposite direction and she performed with the same grace and balance, nothing I could have achieved in weeks of pushing myself on her. The day before, she was confused, which created frustration for us both, escalating negative emotions and behavior and thus heading us straight for anger. Chestnut Bud is my favorite for these situations.

Fish & CPR August 31 2016

Charlene is one more person selflessly saving one more life. She is the quintessential volunteer at any shelter, rescue, or sanctuary that needs her. Many animals have forever homes because of efforts like Charlene’s and countless others.

Indulge me one story here. The day we met was about 2 months after Katrina struck Charlene’s hometown of New Orleans where abandoned animals were still being rescued. This day it was a fish. The 18” fish had been in a house for 8-10 weeks with no fresh water, food or electricity to work the pump which essentially acted as this fish’s Iron Lung. The fish was in dire shape. His companions were dead and he was almost there. We added fresh tap water, then worried about the quality of the water, then added bottled water, then thought maybe he was a salt water fish. With our help, he was fading faster than when he was surviving on his own.

Charlene called the zoo and a vet answered, telling her to bring the fish right over, the gates would be opened for her. She put the makeshift tank in the backseat of her snazzy red convertible Mustang and drove through the familiar streets like it was the emergency it was. The vets said she saved the life of the fish. Not by her immediate response but in driving so fast, she sloshed the water and the fish around so much that she re-energized both. The fish lived. Charlene learned fish CPR and taught it to the rest of us. Yes, I’m serious. You take the fish gently around the body, glide it forward through the water, then pull gently backwards which forces the gills open. Repeat until the fish wants to wiggle away and resume ‘breathing’ on its own. Thank you to all the Charlenes of the World… for everything you do.

 

Anxious Rescue Dog August 29 2016

 

Question sent today to Meg@BlackWingFarms.com:

I was pointed to your website for possible help with some neurotic tendencies that my rescue dog has.  I was reading over your behavioral chart and just wanted to ask a few questions.  My sweet dog tends to obsessively spin (chasing a tail that is no longer there) when she’s anxious or excited – which seems to mostly be when new people visit us.  She greets them, very happily and then when attention is gone from her, commences spinning.  Your behavioral chart leads me to 2 sprays – drama trauma (anxious) and fresh start (obsessive/repetition).  Should I use these sprays together, or should I start with just one? Also –she currently doesn’t do well when meeting other dogs (I believe it’s a leash reactiveness issue), is there a spray that would help her with that? Thanks so much for your time. 

Reply:

Thank you for getting in touch! I know we can help. Don't you wish we could just jump inside thier minds and ask questions???  So yes I totally agree with your choices. We need to dose her whenever you feel the tension rising. Watch for the trigger behaviors - strangers, lack of attention, etc... as you have already noted. (As an aside, I need to point out that humans' blood pressure, heart rates, anxiety levels, & body postures also affect canine behavior - therefore, I suggest spraying yourself or your hands before attaching the equipment for a walk. You can also gently spray your hands & pet your dog before beginning. Try to anticipate the impulsive behaviors & outbursts and watch for a glance, a lean-in, a pull-back, ear positiioning. It will be fun to anticipate the triggers. Have treats already sprayed. 

When she starts spinning, spray her rear-end or the ground she will be spinning over. Not as a deterrrant but to offer her 'farmaceuticals' that will cue the brain & body that there is a different way to behave. A bit of IMPULSE CONTROL and thus re-arranging the already established patterns of learning. 

Of greatest importance to you both is to give her a new way to express herself. Biggest thing for me is to be ready with a HIGH VALUE REWARD. Vocal praises of "Atta Girls" - super good treat, a quick physical massage, a positive sound to go with the new positive behavior - even if it lasts 2 seconds - reward the change immediately. Example: when she hesitates for a nano-second before or during her spin. Or when greeting politely, give her a treat or toy to distract her next (established negative) behavior. If you can't throw a ball; bounce it. And remember all these items and YOU are previously sprayed with your BlackWing Farms' blend.  *) 

You will get a full page of FAQs, same as on the website, that will answer some more questions. My main suggestion is USE LESS MORE OFTEN. Use just 2-3 sprays for her... at least 6 times... throughout the day which is easily done with 2 treats, 2 toys, and 2 pets to the body. See how easy? When training Dogs & Horses, I will use Remedies -2 sprays each time- 6 times within one hour. Good news? There is no wrong way to use our products - only wrong way is to not use them!

Phew!!!

Back to the short answer = yes and use these 2 for now. Leash reactivity could or could not stem from the same insecure & impulsive behaviors. Give these 2 a try for 5-7 days and if the 'meet n greets' do not improve; let's try our training Remedy called: HAPPY HOUR! 

Thank you for contacting me. Hope this helps. Also please stay in touch to make sure we are making the best new behaviors possible. OK?

Meg

Flower Essences Right Wrongs August 18 2016

This simple statement says it all: Flower Essences right wrongs. I have dabbled in natural solutions for 40 years and settled on Flower Essences for one reason: they work. They work for humans, for animals, alcoholic teenagers, victims of violence, their perpetrators, as well as family members, and witnesses to these transgressions.

Essences work 100% of the time, are accessible, and cause no harm. So what’s not to love? Well, there are those who could be jealous of such a simple solution to difficult and costly problems. And there are those who feel threatened by the thought of having to change their minds and accept a new idea.

Effective, permanent improvement with POSITIVE side effects.

Answers to problems faced by domesticated animals no matter what the behavior, situation, or circumstance is what I am after and what I have gotten from using Flower Essences. If we can’t let the animals run free in the woods and grasslands allowing access to their emotional nutrition; then, you can bring it to them in the simplest form possible: Essences. Here is a good place to remind ourselves why we use flower essences: to improve and prevent problematic behavior, attitudes, emotions, and patterns of learning because they go to the root cause of mental and emotional problems, not suppressing or masking the problematic behaviors to resurface later.

There is no substitute for patience, positive training, and understanding but sometimes we simply need to pull the lamp closer to get a better look at the cause of the discontent.  Essences will allow you to illuminate, see from a different angle, presenting the opportunity to reflect on the animals’ specific needs and effect a permanent change. Whether dealing with an excessive personality trait, an ingrained fear or a brand new experience, remedies can give us that moment of opportunity to make IT work - whatever your IT is at the time.

 

THE GENTLE BARN SPOTLIGHTS GENTLE BALM FOR ANIMALS July 08 2016

BlackWing Farms Joins The Gentle 52 Program to Help Support Nationally Expanding Foundation. 

Santa Clarita, CA (July 10, 2016) – The Gentle Barn continues to attract cutting edge innovators and the most socially responsible businesses in the country to their Gentle 52 Program.  The Gentle 52 program was established by Jay Wiener, co-Founder of The Gentle Barn, to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and highlight companies, during special events and public tours, that are committed to offering lasting solutions that help improve the world. The newest sponsor to join the class of 2016, BlackWing Farms, is a 15 year old company and long time Gentle Barn sponsor that specializes in developing flower-based balms and sprays that help calm and improve animal behavior, especially in stressful situations.

As a dedicated animal sanctuary, home to more than 300 animals in three states, The Gentle Barn is often faced with managing situations after a rescue or during the rehabilitation process, when an animal’s behavior is unpredictable due to stress.  The simple and easy application of the Gentle Balm helps to soothe the animal’s temperament and improves the animal’s general wellbeing.

“The Gentle Balm is basically aromatherapy for animals,” says Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn. “Animals have a much greater sense of smell than humans do.   Whether we’re sheep shearing or trimming hooves or bringing in an animal from a rescue, once the balm is introduced to the area with the animal, we see an immediate effect.  The animal is less afraid and more receptive to accept our help.”

BlackWing Farms, maker of essential balms and sprays that are safe and effective for dogs, cats, horses and 21 other types of animals, is committed to providing products that correct problematic behaviors, attitudes, emotions and barriers to learning through all-natural, plant-based remedies.  The Gentle Balm is made from olive oil, candelilia wax, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil. Together these ingredients provide an atmospheric aromatherapy-like supplement effective for animal use and safe around humans.  Tried and tested, BlackWing Farms’ balms are perfect for Animal Rescue Services, Animal Shelters and Sanctuaries, Veterinarians, Animal Dentists, Trainers, Groomers, pet owners, kennels and barns.  To learn more about BlackWing Farms’ products, please watch this short video:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmifIxnzNnM.

“We are so excited to sponsor The Gentle Barn Gentle 52 program and help raise awareness of how to treat animals with compassion,” explains Meg Harrison, Founder of BlackWing Farms.  “It is very important to contribute to the global movement towards a better world.  I strongly believe in social responsibility and urge other entrepreneurs and businesses to support The Gentle Barn’s mission.”

 

Event details are as follows:

 

What:                     The Gentle Barn: Gentle 52 Program featuring BlackWing Farms

When:                    Sunday July 10, 2016

                                10 a.m - 2 p.m.

Where:                  The Gentle Barn, Santa Clarita, CA

                                Contact Kevin Oaks for more event details and media access

Media Availability:  Representatives from The Gentle Barn & BlackWing Farms will be available for interviews.

ABOUT BLACKWING FARMS

For more than 42 years, Meg Harrision, Founder of BlackWing Farms, has dedicated her life to enriching the relationships between animals and humans through the most effective all-natural, plant-based remedies. BlackWing Farms creates essential sprays and balms that are proven to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of more than 21 types of animals while reducing stress and fear associated with new situations, emergency evacuations or unfamiliar surroundings. BlackWing Farms’ products have been used to assist with

animal evacuations during the Southern California wildfires of 2003 and Hurricane Katrina.

For more information about BlackWing Farms or to place an order, please visit:  www.blackwingfarms.com.

Also follow BlackWing Farms at: www.facebook.com/blackwingfarms and on Twitter @blackwingfarms

ABOUT THE GENTLE BARN

The Gentle Barn (www.gentlebarn.org) is a national nonprofit organization, founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for severely abused animals. The Gentle Barn offers their unique philosophy of rehabilitating animals and connecting their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of inner city, at-risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma. By interacting with The Gentle Barn’s approximate one hundred and eighty animals and taking a hands-on role in their welfare, those who participate in the programs at The Gentle Barn learn empathy, trust and forgiveness. The Gentle Barn is run by Founder Ellie Laks and her husband and Co-founder Jay Weiner, both of whom were healed and supported by animals as children. The Gentle Barn’s mission is simple: “Teaching People Kindness and Compassion to Animals, Each Other and Our Planet.”

Follow us!  www.facebook.com/TheGentleBarn and Twitter @GentleBarn

Santa Clarita, CA (July 10, 2016) – The Gentle Barn continues to attract cutting edge innovators and the most socially responsible businesses in the country to their Gentle 52 Program.  The Gentle 52 program was established by Jay Wiener, co-Founder of The Gentle Barn, to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and highlight companies, during special events and public tours, that are committed to offering lasting solutions that help improve the world. The newest sponsor to join the class of 2016, BlackWing Farms, is a 15 year old company and long time Gentle Barn sponsor that specializes in developing flower-based balms and sprays that help calm and improve animal behavior, especially in stressful situations.

As a dedicated animal sanctuary, home to more than 300 animals in three states, The Gentle Barn is often faced with managing situations after a rescue or during the rehabilitation process, when an animal’s behavior is unpredictable due to stress.  The simple and easy application of the Gentle Balm helps to soothe the animal’s temperament and improves the animal’s general wellbeing.

“The Gentle Balm is basically aromatherapy for animals,” says Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn. “Animals have a much greater sense of smell than humans do.   Whether we’re sheep shearing or trimming hooves or bringing in an animal from a rescue, once the balm is introduced to the area with the animal, we see an immediate effect.  The animal is less afraid and more receptive to accept our help.”

BlackWing Farms, maker of essential balms and sprays that are safe and effective for dogs, cats, horses and 21 other types of animals, is committed to providing products that correct problematic behaviors, attitudes, emotions and barriers to learning through all-natural, plant-based remedies.  The Gentle Balm is made from olive oil, candelilia wax, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil. Together these ingredients provide an atmospheric aromatherapy-like supplement effective for animal use and safe around humans.  Tried and tested, BlackWing Farms’ balms are perfect for Animal Rescue Services, Animal Shelters and Sanctuaries, Veterinarians, Animal Dentists, Trainers, Groomers, pet owners, kennels and barns.  To learn more about BlackWing Farms’ products, please watch this short video:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmifIxnzNnM.

“We are so excited to sponsor The Gentle Barn Gentle 52 program and help raise awareness of how to treat animals with compassion,” explains Meg Harrison, Founder of BlackWing Farms.  “It is very important to contribute to the global movement towards a better world.  I strongly believe in social responsibility and urge other entrepreneurs and businesses to support The Gentle Barn’s mission.”

 

Event details are as follows:

 

What:                     The Gentle Barn: Gentle 52 Program featuring BlackWing Farms

When:                    Sunday July 10, 2016

                                10 a.m - 2 p.m.

Where:                  The Gentle Barn, Santa Clarita, CA

                                Contact Kevin Oaks for more event details and media access

 

Media Availability:  Representatives from The Gentle Barn & BlackWing Farms will be available for interviews.

ABOUT BLACKWING FARMS

For more than 42 years, Meg Harrision, Founder of BlackWing Farms, has dedicated her life to enriching the relationships between animals and humans through the most effective all-natural, plant-based remedies. BlackWing Farms creates essential sprays and balms that are proven to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of more than 21 types of animals while reducing stress and fear associated with new situations, emergency evacuations or unfamiliar surroundings. BlackWing Farms’ products have been used to assist with

animal evacuations during the Southern California wildfires of 2003 and Hurricane Katrina.

For more information about BlackWing Farms or to place an order, please visit:  www.blackwingfarms.com.

 

Also follow BlackWing Farms at: www.facebook.com/blackwingfarms and on Twitter @blackwingfarms

 

 

ABOUT THE GENTLE BARN

The Gentle Barn (www.gentlebarn.org) is a national nonprofit organization, founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for severely abused animals. The Gentle Barn offers their unique philosophy of rehabilitating animals and connecting their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of inner city, at-risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma. By interacting with The Gentle Barn’s approximate one hundred and eighty animals and taking a hands-on role in their welfare, those who participate in the programs at The Gentle Barn learn empathy, trust and forgiveness. The Gentle Barn is run by Founder Ellie Laks and her husband and Co-founder Jay Weiner, both of whom were healed and supported by animals as children. The Gentle Barn’s mission is simple: “Teaching People Kindness and Compassion to Animals, Each Other and Our Planet.”

 

Follow us!  www.facebook.com/TheGentleBarn and Twitter @GentleBarn

 

 

Revolution of Love January 07 2016

Carla Naden, director of AnimalSynergy.org, called me, out of the blue, about a year ago and asked if I’d be willing to use my “magical sprays” while holding a terminally ill animal until it died in my arms. I said: ‘Hell yes’ and a friendship was born. Before I knew it, I was swept up in her REVOLUTION OF LOVE with amazing staff and volunteers at the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, taking part in enrichment program. BlackWing Farms’ Essences and Balms are now an active daily part of kennel life for their Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Rabbits. You’ll find bottles and jars on the morning cleaning carts, in the pockets of staff, in the aprons of volunteers, and often on the desk near the lobby!

Statistical Coincidence? Adoption rates have increased and euthanasia rates have decreased since Carla started her Revolution there – Yes it takes a village and so happy to be part of it all! Big shout outs are necessary to Vanessa Brush, volunteer co-ordinator and Dawn Danielson, director of SDCDAS, for their extraordinary efforts to continually seek ways to improve the lives and well-being of every individual animal in their care every single day.

Carla and I share love of a Margaret Mead (social anthropologist) quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Welcome to the Revolution.

Calm for the Holidays November 25 2015

Today, we can help... September 17 2015

Today, our thoughts are with the rescue efforts from the fires and floods in the western US. We are all ready to send 'care packages' FREE OF CHARGE to anyone assisting those animals. Click on this link to read more from the newsletter we sent today:
http://www.icontact-archive.com/85kjelMDFweTrjD_b3SQHlUkfRN…

SEPARATION-ANXIETY September 16 2015

Emotional Safeguards for Pets Home Alone 

A night out, a day at the office, or a long vacation are probably all the same difference to our animals left behind. Interviewing professionals and “animal parents” has revealed to me something surprising: worries about animals are identical whether from the parents or the temporary caregivers. These concerns are a change in eating habits and routine, the possibility of separation anxiety, and fear of an illness or accident. Remedies are identical either for in-home or boarding situations. 

Routines

Flower Essence Therapy is highly effective in eliminating and preventing negative behaviors, attitudes, and emotions when surroundings or routine is changed. Pancho, the Chihuahua, and I had met twice before and got along well, but my first morning alone, without benefit of his parents’ presence, he decided to bark incessantly and evade my advances to put his leash on for a walk. His “brother and sister” patiently waited for us. Persian rugs and my reputation were at stake. Without intervention, it was going to be a long week. I tossed him a treat with Flower Essences of Chestnut Bud for understanding, Yarrow for environment, and Sweetgrass for accepting change in leadership. I got the leash on in less than 5 minutes. The afternoon walk was not a problem using the same remedies as a precaution.

Separation-Anxiety

Symptoms of this problem are varied but the remedy is simple. Symptoms include aggression and depression and lots of in-between behaviors. Cats hide under the bed. Dogs become toy aggressive. One pet sitter said a dog growled at him when he went to sit on “her” couch. This reactive behavior of guarding territory can also be a sign of separation-anxiety. Use your Essences. Spray the area. Essences do not need to be ingested to be effective. (I used them in the middle of Hurricane Rita helping 250 dogs!) Wait a few minutes and let the Essences do their job. In emergencies, use every 10 minutes until behavior improves.

 Sudden Trauma

Alleviate worry about accidents or illness with a stocked and ready “emotional first aid kit.” This kit should include a remedy for sudden illness, accident, or emergency = Star of Bethlehem has never disappointed me. If you think it looks like someone is getting sick, getting stressed about anything, even a change in the weather; use this Flower Essence as soon as possible.  Animals respond beautifully, as is evident in their calm composure and quick acceptance of difficult surroundings or circumstances.

 Experts across the board also agree on a few simple tasks that greatly help calm animals while away:

• Leave on the radio or TV.
• Let the easily stressed ones have a piece of your recently worn clothing to lie with while you are away.
• Don’t make a big deal when leaving. Tell them where you are going and when you will be back. Tell them the truth. Keep your promise. Don’t believe me? Try it first before you doubt it works.
• Use your Essences and enjoy your time away!

Judy and Little Miss Messed-up Adoptee September 11 2015

Judy C. 5/5 stars *****
Verified Buyer

I have consulted with Meg several times about our adopted kitty that kept having "accidents" despite changing litter boxes (she now has two one deep, one shallow) changing litter (using cat attract) and changing food to prescription gastrointestinal for her delicate digestive system. All things in combo seemed to work but she would still give us nights of her running around at high speed accompanied by vocal renditions. Once I started adding Comfort to her water bowl, the nightly aerobic concerts came to an end. I also spray a little red bed that she curls up in. Molly has two siblings that also are adoptees (they actually are siblings) and I think they have benefited from the Comfort in the water dish as well. I know they drink a lot of it - despite having their own food and water stations elsewhere in the house. I will continue to buy Comfort as it easily lends itself to comfort in our home with our furry family. Thanks for an excellent product.

My lucky Moo kitty November 01 2014

One day my daughter came to me saying her friend was trying to find her cat a new home. I had been thinking about getting a cat for awhile and decided to take her in. So the next day, in comes my daughter with the cutest, fattest black and white cat. Her name was Moo.

Moo was very friendly and loved to be scratched behind the ears. Everything seemed great.

As time went on, I noticed that she liked to chase her tail. and chase her tail. and chase her tail. this poor cat chased her tail all night and all day. I later found out that in the process of trying to find moo a new home she first went to a tiny studio. i think she was sooo bored that she resorted to chasing her tail. she also liked to meow. and meow. and meow. it was constant. she definitely had a case of excessive meowing. This went on for a few months. I didnt know how to help her.

so my friend gave me this stuff and said that it would help with her issues. I was willing to try anything to help my poor Moo kitty. It was the BlackWing farms products. I put drama trauma in her water and on her food and in a week she stopped chasing her tail! I couldn’t believe it! I later used some calm balm and she has stopped meowing! she now only meows if she is outside and wants to be let in.

The Blackwing Farms flower essences spray helped so much. they turned my great cat into an even greater one. They have made both our lives better and i will be forever grateful.

Essential Oils & Flower Essences for People November 01 2014

“As a practitioner of natural medicine, the Blackwing Farms product line has quickly become an integral part of my everyday practice. The combination of flower essences and essential oils deliver a powerful medium to bring balance back to the electromagnetic, emotional, and etheric qualities of the human body. Such treatment is necessary for healing in many difficult cases as well as use in everyday emotional stress.”

Dr. Chaz W. Rhinehart Crossroads Health Center Valley Center, CA

Enzo’s Journey November 01 2014

The Miraculous Cole November 01 2014

This is a story i hardly believe myself. Cole, my precious but very anxious dog was becoming more and more aggressive. Cole who is absolutely amazing and wonderful but more times than not gets scared of any new or different situation, obsessives over shadows and barks at everything was increasingly getting worse. Seeing this change I decided to hire a dog trainer. After two sessions Cole was listening better, however her timidness and her general anxiety did not get better, in fact i felt it got a little worse.

At this point I felt completely overwhelmed and lost to as what to do. Lets just say at this point i had no idea what to do, especially since I was moving to San Diego in a week or two. During the next two weeks cole’s behavior increasingly got worst as she realized that things were about to change. She was scared, overwhelmed, anxious and in turn more aggressive toward my other dog Brody.

Finally I was presented with a natural remedy of flower essences sprays to give to Cole. At this point I would try anything to make her feel better and help keep my stress down. The BlackWing Farms’ Remedies line saved me and Cole (www.BlackWingFarms.com). I sprayed Cole down with Drama- Trauma, Shelter Blend and Confidence. Within the next two hours I saw a miraculous change. Cole’s tail which was usually between her legs, finally started to rise, her ears were more relaxed, her tail was wagging and it even seemed like she was smiling. It was as if she was the little puppy I knew just two months ago. Everyday i spray the drama trauma and shelter blend into her water and everyday she is getting better and better. What is great about these sprays is that I will only need to use these products once. These flower essences not only change the behavior but they change it forever. One bottle and Cole seems happier more refreshed and a much calmer even tempered companion. Thank You BlackWing Farms’ Remedies for saving helping our little family.

Success! November 01 2014

Success already! Breanna never never reacts well to strangers, and we had 7 guests at the house last night after she’d had two doses. (Id given one dose to the other three anticipating guests.)

The first thing I noticed was no excessive barking from the indoor/outdoor runs we have set up for our four furs.

Then, I invited one of the gals to be out with me for the feeding routine. Bree certainly said “hello, no go away” but then settled to the floor waiting for her dinner. I added Drama-Trauma into her food.

It was a late night for the pups. We went to get them in for the night around 9. Bree was noticeably relaxed and happy. We stayed out in the yard for a while and then they came running in and up on the bed for their evening loving.

Around 9:45 I picked Bree up and for the first time in the year I’ve owned her, she was relaxed in my arms, snuggling her head into my neck. She’s always sweet with me, but never relaxed. This was a first. I hugged her and talked to her, enjoying her calm-submissive state of mind. I set her into her crate for the night and she gave me a little soft yip yip good night.

Day two has begun well and I’m looking forward to more relaxed times with Breanna.

Thank you!
Pamela Peterson

Amberjacks November 01 2014

Hi Meg

Amber was born in May of 1994. She was just a kitten, living under a restaurant on the gulf coast of Florida when we adopted her. We named her after amberjacks, game fish that live in the local tropical marine waters. The day after we adopted her, a hurricane destroyed the restaurant.

When was shy and extremely nervous and remained so until BlackWing Farms’ Shelter Blend changed her life. In 2001,the trip from Florida to Washington State was something. Since we couldn’t be taking her in and out of motels every night with the other cats, we bought her a huge dog cage that would hold her bed, litter box, food dishes and room to walk around.

Our mover in Florida asked what size dog would be travelling in such a huge cage. When we told him about Amber, it gave him a laugh.

Cheers
Lorraine

Shelter Blend In Action November 01 2014

Bravo for Shelter Blend!! My two dogs are very sheltered and have little or no interaction with other dogs, I was quite concerned when I found out that my brother was making his yearly long weekend visit with his new 10 month old Weimaraner. What made it worse was that my brother’s dog has been a happy participant and member of their local dog park

for the last seven months. He loves to play and is the initiator.I remembered hearing about Shelter Blend and its use in New Orleans during Katrina. I figured if it could help all those dogs cope with each other under those extreme circumstances it might help with our canine home invasion. Well, it couldn’t have gone any better if I had scripted it myself. We sprayed all the dogs and took them for a walk together. When we got back to the house my dogs let their new rival play with all their toys, drink from their water bowls and while they declined overtures of “let’s play”, they were all happy and content.

By the time my company left, the dogs were indeed playing and enjoying each other. They ran around together and had the time of their lives. I don’t think that would have happened without the Shelter Blend. Thank you for this and all of your other wonderful blends.

Marian, Phoenix, Az

No More Drama with Drama Trauma November 01 2014

Meg,

My Lab is 13yrs. and responds wonderfully to Drama Trauma. It has been a life saver for us.  The problem started about a year ago and our Vet prescribed a tranquilizer. Well, it didn’t work and I couldn’t leave him alone while sedated. He was sedated but still panicked. He shivered, stumbled into walls and tried to climb stairs. It just didn’t work.

I heard about Drama Trauma through Best Friends) DogTown. The stuff is really amazing. He just seems to mellow out and I don’t have to worry about the side effects of being sedated.

Thanks again for your help and your great products. I have recommended them to my dog friends.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Top Dog Gives Two Thumbs Up! November 01 2014

Hello Meg,

Thank you so very much, for taking the time to discuss the powerful effects of flower essences on dog behavior. The fact that you use all of your knowledge and talent to create such wonderful and effective products, is appreciated by those of us in the dog world, that focus on helping dogs learn. They cannot learn if they are stressed, and using your products in my dog training, has helped set the dog up for success. I focus much of my dog training on keeping dogs from being re-homed. I have used Shelter Blend, Focus and Beyond Learning, as well as Drama/Trauma to help these dogs have a chance at getting past their fears to be able to learn what a good leader can teach them.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for putting so much of yourself into healing God’s beautiful creatures, and giving them a true chance to succeed.

Thank you, also for your additional information about mimulus and how it can help. I will be calling you soon for a bottle of Shelter Blend (for those July thunderstorms) and I am sending positive energy so that you will finally get others to see, first-hand, what your efforts have cultivated.

With warm regards,
Suzanne Roy
Certified Obedience Trainer

For Skeptics and Beginners November 01 2014

FLOWER ESSENCE REMEDIES

Flower Essences balance, maintain, and repair emotional and mental health in any animal. They address current crises and, equally as important, the past – replacing old, negative memories with healthy, positive thoughts. Effects on the animals’ future behavior include giving them the opportunity to learn, and to accept, co-operate with, and trust human intervention and companionship.

SKEPTICS WELCOME

Veterinarians, trainers, groomers, world class competitors, rescue organizations, equine dentists, animal control officers, farriers, animal shelters and sanctuaries were all once skeptical but now use, recommend, and endorse these remedies because they have seen the incredible results helping modify behavior(s) permanently.

Essences address the cause of the problem and help the animal mentally and emotionally overcome even the most stubborn issues. 6 ½ years after 9/11, a NYC dog overcame her chronic fear of loud noises. Feral cats are now house cats. Phobic and compulsive behaviors are dissolved. Horses branded incorrigible and dangerous are now gentle and trustworthy.

Hundreds of SHELTER BLEND bottles were taken to the Gulf Region post-Katrina. When Hurricane Rita struck, essences were put in all the waters and sprayed throughout the barn at Lamar-Dixon in Gonzales, LA. We had the quietest, calmest barn full of 250 rescued dogs, and 5 volunteers asleep on FEMA cots. YES, WE SLEPT THROUGH A HURICANE!

Months later, some dogs and cats were still not rescued, living under abandoned houses, drinking contaminated water and eating whatever they could find. Deb Rykoff, DVM from Barrington, Illinois and 25-year veteran volunteer working in New Orleans with Best Friends Sanctuary said: “We not only used your sprays in the field rescuing animals, we used them in the trucks transporting, and at staff meetings at the end of a long day.”

These examples are extreme but prove essences can be incredibly effective in our everyday lives. They help all individuals overcome problems with phobias, neurotic behaviors, grief, stress, training troubles, separation anxiety and more.

HOMEOPATHY MADE SIMPLE

“Like treats like” is the premise. A plant causes the same symptoms in a healthy person that it cures in an unhealthy person exhibiting the same symptoms. Quinine bark creates symptoms of malaria in a healthy person and is used to prevent and treat malaria. Every plant has a purpose. Some provide emotional nutrition.

Dr. Edward Bach, a 1930’s British physician and bacteriologist, discovered that if he drank the dew gathered from the Mustard plant, then he became depressed. Consequently, Mustard is the essence used for depression. Mimulus is for fear. Star of Bethlehem is for shock. Impatiens is for patience. Bach discovered 38 remedies. Since then, thousands of remedies have been documented for use in humans. Animals are not complicated and do not require extensive and exotic plants for their well-being.

HELPING THE EVERY DAY ANIMAL

After years of working with rescued and “damaged” animals headed to their end because of bad behavior, I came to believe these animals were, to varying degrees, in a state of shock. Many were so surprised by their inhumane and confusing treatment that they either shut down, became enraged or stubbornly mis-behaved, making them unpredictable and dangerous.

After giving essences, dramatic behavior improvements took place that seemed impossible, given the history of the animal or the circumstances including hurricanes, weeklong firestorms, tornadoes and court ordered animal seizures.

Current trauma is addressed and, equally as important, the past – replacing old, negative memories with healthy, positive thoughts. Effects on the animals’ future behavior include giving them the opportunity to learn, and to accept, co-operate with, and trust human intervention and companionship.

Kennel Manager, Janet Parker of the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans, 2 months post-Katrina said: “Within days, we noticed that the aggressive dogs and cats were back from the front of their cages and the shy ones had come forward. Doesn’t get any better than that.”

Firestorms and hurricanes are the extreme while most of us are concerned about our animals’ daily lives and providing the best environment for them. Athletes in our lives deserve stress-free training without confusion and stress. Flower essences and homeopathic remedies supply every animal with what they need to live a more successful life.

No side effects, no chemicals, only plant-based products. Just put a few drops in drinking water, food, treats, on pets’ bedding, toys, crate, carriers, kennel or simply mist the animals’ environment.

Do Your Emotions Effect Your Animal? November 01 2014

Transfer of Emotions
by Meg Harrison
Owners Beware

Be aware of your power to influence your animals’ behavior – for better or worse. I used to tell my students: Every time you han- dle your horse, you are training.. where he stands when you open the gate, how he passes through the gate, grooming, tacking up, and riding. A related important suggestion is: If you are not feel- ing 100%, and not at your personal best, don’t handle your horse. Why? They pick up on everything. Everything. Sure, we might feel better after being with them, but how are they at the end of our time together? Confused? Tired? Ready to be left alone for awhile?

If you are not at your best, then sit down and hang out. Figure out what your problem is and take care of it. Do your flower essenc- es. Are you worried about bills? Mimulus is excellent for known fears. Are you fighting with your family? Figure out your part in it by taking some Clematis essence to expose your part in the mis- understanding. Don’t daydream through a difficulty. Depression is rampant these days with all the bad news in the world. Mustard is for lingering depression that keeps coming back day after day. Dandelion is for depression that seems to have settled into your bones, exhausting you, depleting your innate courage. Aconite is an answer for sudden bad news.

What I am really saying here is don’t worry about your animals until you fix yourself – before you inflict damage on them. If there is existing emotional or mental damage in the animal from previ- ous experiences or events beyond our control, then use essences to address the damage. It does not matter how long ago the experi- ence happened. One Australian Shepherd, Daisy, witnessed – from her apartment window – the Twin Towers coming down on 9-11 in New York City. She was alone. Her guardian had to walk home 2 miles amid debris and chaos arriving late in the afternoon to a traumatized dog. Ever since that day, Daisy reacted to loud noises, thunderstorms, and traffic by going to the window, staring out- side and trembling. Her guardian gave her Sweetgrass essence for welcoming change, Gorse for re-newed hope, Yarrow for environ- ment and homeopathic Aconitum 30x for shock. Daisy stopped her fear-based shaking, switched her focus to her guardian, and had no more trembling episodes.

Mirrors and Escalators

Did you ever notice that when you are having a bad day, so is your horse? It’s not a coincidence. It is a mirror. They reflect our frus- trations and impatience. A veteran horsewoman once advised: “If your horse is not understanding what you are asking of him, stop and put him up for the night.” This went against everything I knew about “never give in or they will be spoiled”. But she has been proven right dozens of times. I once was schooling a 3-year-old Paint mare who was not understanding my request for a side pass. I got off her, pushed her, got on, used heel, rein, and scratched her shoulder so she would move away from the pressure. NOTHING. Actually the harder I tried, the worse the whole thing became. I re- membered what the older trainer told me and stopped. Reluctantly, I dismounted, gave the mare a reward and ended the lesson for the day. In that reward was Impatiens essence for patience, Mimulus if any fear arose during the session, and most important, Chestnut Bud.

Dr. Edward Bach wrote in The Twelve Healers about Chestnut Bud essence: “For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life.” (The Twelve Healers published in 1931 by CW Daniels Co. Ltd., London. Re-printed in 1977 by Keats Pub., Inc New Canaan, CT under the name “The Bach Flower Remedies” quote from page 97.)

The next day, she was excited to work. I thought it was because I had quit the previous lesson early but after her warm-up, she took one awkward step without being asked, so I corrected her. But she did it again. Lo and behold, I gave her a loose rein and she started sidepassing. She stepped to the side with ease, grace and balance. I asked her to sidepass in the opposite direction and she performed with the same grace and balance, nothing I could have achieved in weeks of pushing myself on her. The day before, she was confused, which created frustration for us both, escalating negative emotions and behavior and thus heading us straight for anger. Chestnut Bud is my favorite for these situations.

Trade Up

I recently visited a place where I thought negative emotions would be running rampant, our local therapeutic riding center. I expected negativity because of the emotional burden and stress of families living with a disabled or challenged person. To my surprise, every single person, rider, sibling, caregiver, instructor, volunteer, and every horse appeared content and happy while caring for each oth- er. Emotional transfer at its best.

In this day and age of bad news and focus on all things negative, the afternoon spent watching miracles rejuvenated my faith in mankind. It was an incredible shout-out for the horses and the part they play in these children’s therapy. In 90 minutes, I saw 2 young people who were never expected to walk, talk, or sit up. Both were not only able to talk, walk and sit up – they rode horses! How can hope have a limit? Positive emotions transferred from the horses and environment to the riders and their families = priceless.

Flower Essences Secret Powers November 01 2014

Jealous or Zealous? Flower Essences Can Help
by Meg Harrison

While doing research for a client, I discovered the word jealous comes from the Latin word for zealous. This new fact made me take a look at what I had always observed to be “jealous” behavior, defined as: resentfully envious. Are jealous animals simply zealous, filled with eagerness and interest? Or are they insecure? Spoiled? Trying to teach us a lesson? Or just plain crazy? (I’m kidding.)

Animals With(out) Human Emotions

Animals arrive in our lives without a written history explaining possible quirks, phobias, and negative behaviors. With limited vocabulary to explain confusing or complicated behaviors, we offer excuses for their excessive personality traits. Diagnosing emotional problems in animals has its limitations since we are restricted to imposing our vocabulary on them. The fancy word for this is anthropomorphism, defined as: attributing of human characteristics to gods, objects, animals, etc. In this vein, we tend to assign our limitations to the animals, emotional limitations including jealousy, pettiness, anger, possessiveness, etc.

Bo, the young Quarter Horse, loved me. He would look forward to my visits and the routine. My friend had several horses and we always followed the same order as to when, how, and where we worked them. Bo was always first out of his paddock because he was the youngest and had the least patience. Routinely, the first thing I would do after arriving is grab his halter and hang my shirt on its hook. One day, I arrived and their retired police horse needed attention first, which changed our and Bo’s routine. Following my routine, I hung my shirt on top of his halter.

We got the old horse comfortable and returned to get Bo out of his stall. His halter was there but my shirt was missing. Bo was always “at the ready” by the gate but, now he was outside in the corner of his turn-out. I’m not sure what I noticed first: the odd look on his face, or my muddy shirt in three pieces at his feet. He had thrashed, ripped and stomped on my shirt. The look on his face was half remorse and half triumph, as he knew he got his point across to us – Don’t change the ordered routine, because it changes status.

Flower Essences to the Rescue

Star of Bethlehem flower essence is the absolute best for shock, hurt feelings, confusion, and emotional experiences like getting bit, stepped on, or clawed – depending on your animal of choice. It was the only single remedy that I took to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One bottle went with a fellow volunteer to the hospital with a life-threatening spider bite returning for his second surgery. He asked me for it because he had witnessed the help it gave to hundreds of cats and dogs arriving daily from the floodwaters of New Orleans. This essence is part of the blend made famous in the aftermath of Katrina called SHELTER BLEND.

Star of Bethlehem is excellent for do-overs. The best example is when you need to apologize or back up the clock and re-address an incident. It’s incredibly helpful for times when you do not know what happened but the animal is “off”, a technical term for “don’t have a clue as to what is wrong.” It does not matter how long ago the incident happened; essences will help. If the transgression is recent, use essences more often, beginning with possibly every 10-15 minutes for the first hour and hourly for the next few hours until you see calm return to the animal. For chronic behavior or older incidents, use four times daily for a longer period of time, maybe a few weeks.

Blending Star of Bethlehem with Angel’s Trumpet (used for self-empowerment) allows the animal the capacity to use discernment, judge a situation, and react appropriately. One owner said: “It gave my animal a pause button.”

Tiger Lily essence can be used in cases where there is loss of status, insecurity, or difficulty believing in oneself. This essence provides a sophisticated focus encouraging learning and understanding while giving the animal a moment to change confusion, fear, or worry into mental and emotional confidence. We call this blend: COURAGE.

Indulged or Spoiled?

Whom should we pay attention to first? Whom should we feed first? The fastest and strongest, is my (safest) answer. Some believe the only answer is to give in to the negative behavior and its consequences, like smoothing riffs at doggy parks, calming nerves at feeding time, granting leniency, and giving excuses for crazy behavior when company arrives. I know people who rearrange furniture, schedules, and even vacation plans to suit their animals’ idiosyncrasies and eccentricities.

I know there are fancier words than “pushy pigs” for dominant behavior but everyone can relate to the one cat that fights, growls and hogs the food. Or the horse pushing a shoulder into you or butting you with his head. And the dog who loves to play but always wants to be over the top of the other dog or stealing toys, and if reprimanded, usually wanders away with disinterest.

Normally, essences encourage better behavior within minutes or at most, after a few days of use. Severely damaged animals or chronic issues require more time but my experience is that permanent behavior improvement can be attained within one month. Flower essences go to the root cause of the problematic behavior thus permanently improving behavior.

Plain Crazy? Maybe Not

Cats not letting someone into the inner-circle looks petty and cruel to us but it can also be that the new animal is sick, possibly with a transmissible disease threatening the entire “family” and the meanies are, in reality, protecting everyone by shunning this cat. Maybe we will never know the cause for the aggressive, negative behaviors but that does not mean we can’t help them overcome their troubles and become contented, emotionally balanced individuals. If after giving flower essences a thorough try the animals still do not ‘accept and get along’, don’t push it – just accept this and remember that these animals’ innate intelligence has allowed them to survive upwards of 50 million years.

Blending essences of Sweet Pea for kindness, Gorse for hope, and Mustard for lingering depression has worked wonders on many animals suffering from insecure dominance resulting from poor breeding practices and lack of proper socialization as youngsters. We say this blend corrects insecurities and named it: CONFIDENCE. My experience is that flower essences will permanently improve behavior within one week of using a remedy. Then use if issues arise or you want to further improve behavior or advance training. In cases of mental damage from poor breeding practices and lack of proper socialization as youngsters, it could take longer to temper the personality. Perseverance is necessary since we are changing an ingrained mental pattern not merely a bad habit.

Even though I have been blending essences for 35 years, I still marvel at the powerful effectiveness and simplicity of it all. Here we are using plants in a form that is no fancier than a cup of tea but able to drastically improve lives. This time of year we can indulge our passion for flowers and create our own essences. Find your favorite (non-poisonous) flower, or weed in the case of Red Clover and Dandelion, place a few flower tops in a glass of water, set it in the sun for 20 minutes, and sip throughout the day. Not fancy. Simply powerful.

For more information:

BlackWing Farms – A Natural Approach to Behavior
HELPING HUMANS ONE ANIMAL AT A TIME
www.BlackWingFarms.com
Meg@BlackWingFarms.com
760-728-9900