Mindfully Well

10/10/2026

"How can Reiki heal my pet?"

Reiki isn't magic and it doesn't miraculously cause healing... it helps move the body into a more relaxed and balanced state where it can more quickly and easily heal itself.

From what is currently understood of the science of Reiki, it seems to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This can help move the physical body from a "Fight or Flight" state into a "Rest & Relax" state. This is especially helpful for animals (and people) who experience trauma responses, separation anxiety, fear/reactivity, low energy levels, chronic pain, overstimulation, or are healing from illness or injury.

When the body is in a "fight/flight/freeze/fawn" state, it's focus is almost entirely on surviving the current moment. Things like system regulation, digestion, healing, curiosity, learning, enjoyment, etc. all temporarily take a back seat to any functions that improve the chances of immediate survival. This makes sense in the presence of imminent physical danger, but presents a huge problem when the "danger" isn't immediate and the body doesn't leave that state when the moment passes. With trauma, stress, anxiety, and chronic conditions/situations, the body may not recognize that it is safe and can continue to function effectively for long-term survival and wellbeing. It can stay stuck in survival mode, causing a cascade of physical, energetic, and mental problems.

Animal Reiki Meditation sessions can help relax and repair the body. Through the regular use of Reiki Meditation, we can help to relax, repair, and rewire the mind for long-term healing and prevention.

Send a message to learn more

10/09/2026

"What does Reiki actually DO?"
.. Reiki replenishes, rebalances, and regulates the flow of energy through the physical and energetic body.

"Reiki" is a traditional form of Japanese vibrational healing that directly translates to "Universal/Spiritual Life Force Energy". We all have a form of life force energy flowing through our body's energy system and energetic cores/gateways. In Japanese, this energy is called "Ki", and the main energetic core/gateway is called the "Hara". In India, this is referred to as "Prana", flowing through pathways called "Nadis" and energetic centres called "Chakras". In Chinese Medicine, it is called "Chi" (or "Qi"), which runs through the body's "Meridian Lines".

According to traditional Reiki teachings, this life force energy naturally flows throughout the body, but its flow can become blocked, stagnant, depleted, or unbalanced. When energy is out of balance, it is traditionally associated with things like physical tension, fatigue, restlessness, emotional distress, and difficulty relaxing.

Reiki energy is believed to help restore this natural flow by:
- Replenishing energy where it has become depleted.
- Rebalancing areas where energy is excessive, deficient, or unevenly distributed.
- Regulating the movement of energy by helping to clear blockages and encouraging stagnant energy to flow freely again.

In traditional Reiki teachings, clearing a blockage doesn't mean physically removing something from the body. It refers to restoring the natural movement of energy through an area where that flow is believed to have become restricted or stagnant. By encouraging energy to flow more freely, Reiki aims to restore balance and support the body's natural processes of relaxation, regulation, and well-being.

Interesting side note: Although modern Western medicine does not currently recognize these traditional energy pathways as established anatomical structures, it may be on its way to understanding some of the physical processes associated with them! Researchers have found that many acupuncture points along the body's Meridian Lines correspond with connective tissue planes. In 2018, scientists identified previously unrecognized fluid-filled spaces within connective tissues, known as part of the "interstitium", which may play important roles in the movement of fluid throughout the body. Research into how connective tissues transmit mechanical, electrical, and biochemical signals raises intriguing questions about whether ancient energy models might describe aspects of the body's interconnected physical systems that modern science is only beginning to understand. Although a direct connection has not yet been established, it's a fascinating area of ongoing research!

Send a message to learn more

09/21/2026

🥰

08/12/2026

Pool Party!!! 🤽🐕🥳🎈

Your dog's favourite day of the year is BACK! 💦🐶

Doggie Dip Fest returns this September for the ultimate end-of-summer celebration! Whether your pup loves to swim, sniff, shop, or simply make new furry friends, there's something for every dog (and their humans!) to enjoy.

🐕 30-minute swim sessions
🛍️ Shop The Barkin' Market in collaboration with Toronto Dog Moms
📸 Fun photo opportunities
🎉 Vendors, activities, and more!

📍 Rotary Park Pool, Milton – Saturday, September 12
📍 Lions Pool, Oakville – Sunday, September 13

Registration is $30 per dog and includes one 30-minute swim session.
Festival access is open to the public where attendees can visit the Barkin' Market to shop!

Best of all, every swim session registration and attendee at the Barkin' Market helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and second chances for animals waiting for loving homes. 💙

Swim sessions are limited and always fill up quickly, so don't wait!
Register today at hsomh.ca/doggiedip and get ready to make a splash! 🌊

06/06/2026

✨🎨 Your pet, your masterpiece!

Join us at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA for our next Paint Your Pet class on Sunday June 28th —a guided painting class where you’ll create a one-of-a-kind portrait of your furry friend.

It’s fun, meaningful, and every ticket sold helps animals in our care. 🐾💕

🐕🐈 Ready to paint for a cause? Register today www.hbspca.shop/products/paint-your-pet

06/06/2026

Looking for a meaningful Father's Day gift? Celebrate the dads, role models, and animal lovers in your life with a gift that gives back.🫂

With a donation of any size to HSOMH, you can send a Father's Day eCard to someone special, while helping animals in need. 💙

Your donation helps:
🐶 Provide care and comfort for animals in our shelter
🍽️ Support medical treatment, food, and enrichment
🏡 Give animals the love they deserve while they wait for homes

Your recipient will receive an eCard letting them know their gift is helping animals too!

📩To send: go to hsomh.ca/donate and select “Give in honour” when donating, and enter your recipient’s details.
You can even schedule when the recipient will receive the e-card!

06/06/2026

Excellent information by Tamsin Stone.
https://www.therabbithouse.com/behaviour/

05/09/2026

Email [email protected] for more information or to book your session.

🐩🐈‍⬛🐇🦔🐀🦜🐢🐍🦎🐠🐌

05/08/2026

Cherry is now available for adoption! The first time I met Cherry, she was a little nervous around strangers. As soon as I sat down and started my Reiki meditation though, she came right over and snuggled up on my lap. I look forward to Cherry finding her furever home soon! 🥰

05/08/2026

Looking for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift?

With a donation of any size to HSOMH, you can send a Mother’s Day eCard to someone special, while helping animals in need. 💙

Choose from a variety of beautiful and fun designs and give a gift that’s thoughtful, easy, and makes a real impact!

Your donation helps:
🐶 Provide care and comfort for animals in our shelter
🍽️ Support medical treatment, food, and enrichment
🏡 Give animals the love they deserve while they wait for homes

Your recipient will receive an eCard letting them know their gift is helping animals too --> a simple way to celebrate with compassion!

📩To send: go to hsomh.ca/donate and select “Give in honour” when donating and enter your recipient’s details. You can even schedule the 'send date'!

Celebrate the moms, caregivers, and animal lovers in your life with a gift that gives back.💙🫂