May 1987
Here I was, just me, just 21-years-old and moving into my first apartment. It was exciting to have a place of my own, but the long-term forecast looked pretty lonely. It was the same day that I picked out Chelsea, or maybe she picked me out. She was too old to be a kitten, but still too young to be considered full grown. That gave us something in common. We needed each other. So I paid the forty-dollar fee to set her free and took her home with me. Little did I know that my forty dollars would buy us an eighteen-year friendship.

May 2001
It started with watching a program about the plight of retired greyhounds. There was so much I did not know about these beautiful animals. After I did learn, I could not forget. My family and I found ourselves seriously entertaining the possibility of welcoming a retired greyhound into our home. Synchronicity supports us in unseen ways when we finally say “yes” to what has been saying “yes” to us. Through a chain of encouragement and assistance too complicated to remember, and within a matter of days, we received the phone number of an amazing couple in Anderson Township who place greyhounds in ‘forever’ (permanent) homes. Shortly thereafter, we met with them and were introduced to their greyhound, Quinn. Once you meet Quinn, there is no turning back. He worked his magic and made us fall in love with him, his toothy grin and his dancing brown eyes. We were smitten. We could not wait to adopt a greyhound just like him.

June 2004
If my cat Chelsea could talk, I think she would thank me for becoming a Reiki practitioner, especially after I received my second level attunement. She never liked me placing my hands on her, but she would sleep for hours on the spot where I had treated myself with Reiki. I believe that the Reiki I performed supported the good health she experienced at her advanced age. We have been together through eight moves into new homes, and the addition of a husband, child and greyhound to what had once been our family of two. Despite the changes and commotion, Chelsea remained flexible and constant. Although many things in this world are uncertain, I could count on the love of this cat for me, and on her love of the Reiki treatments I gave her.

November 2005
It is news that no one wants to hear: Quinn’s people learned that their beloved pet had cancer. They were distraught and confused about their options. In addition to offering them my support, it was a gift and privilege to be able to share Reiki healing with my friend, Quinn. He welcomed it, as most animals do. I felt the energy I sent flowing into Quinn, strong and clear, as he drifted off to asleep. It was a humbling experience to be a conduit on his behalf. Of course, I could make no assurances as to how Reiki would help his situation. Hopefully, it was enough to know that it would be for the highest good of all.

Less than a week later, Chelsea began her unmistakable decline. There was no question that she was ready to take her leave. With a heavy heart, but deep gratitude, I let her go. The next day, I shared with Quinn’s owners the sad news of Chelsea’s passing the night before. Their reply stunned me and then filled my heart and eyes to brimming; Quinn had passed the night before, as well.

He and Chelsea crossed the Rainbow Bridge together, sending a powerful message of gratitude for their forever homes and time with us. These beloved animals blessed our lives with their arrival and graced us with their peaceful passing. Looking back, I cannot help but wonder who was really giving and receiving the love that is Reiki.

About the Author: Julie Keefe and her family reside in Cincinnati, Ohio and actively support Greyhound Adoption of Greater Cincinnati. Julie lovingly offers Reiki treatments to animals and their people. Please visit her website at www.magicbeansworkshop.com.