Case study one - BEHAVIORAL ANXIETY IN A RESCUE DOG

THE SITUATION:

Bonnie is a German Shorthair rescued from a puppy mill in central Kansas. She was kept in a plywood kennel 24/7 and needed extensive work to learn to be a domestic dog in a home. Her caretaker did an excellent job but there was one issue that could not be overcome. Bonnie would go out the dog door in the garage to the fenced in yard but could not go back in, instead she circled a tree for hours until her caretaker came home.

Her caretaker booked a session hoping to understand:

1. why Bonnie refused to come back in the garage through the dog door

2. why she circled the tree when outside

 WHAT EMERGED DURING THE SESSION:

Bonnie communicated 3 key stress associations

1.     the dog area in the garage was similar to the area Bonnie lived in at the puppy mill

2.     the experience of being ‘trapped’ outside created intense stress

3.     circling the tree is a stress reaction mimicking how Bonnie acted at the puppy mill

THE RECOMMENDATION AND CLIENT SHIFT:

After receiving the written summary the client:

1.     added a couch and some silk plants to make the garage area look more like inside the home

2.     spent time daily modeling going through the dog door for Bonnie

3.     encouraged Bonnie to go through the door using high value treats

She later reported:

“It took about 10 days before I saw Bonnie on the camera come out the door, circle the tree once and then go back in. I would have never thought to make the garage look like the house. I’m so proud of her!”

CASE STUDY TWO - ABDOMINAL DISTRESS IN A YOUNG DOG

THE SITUATION:

Bella, a young Weimaraner mix rescued from the streets, appeared to be experiencing persistent abdominal distress. Her regular veterinarian suggested it was likely simple stomach upset, but her caretaker felt something more serious was happening. Bella was also chewing nd eating sticks, which added to the concern.

Her caretaker booked a session to better understand:

  1. whether Bella’s discomfort was significant

  2. if she was overreacting

  3. whether further medical evaluation was warranted

WHAT EMERGED DURING THE SESSION:

During the session Bella communicated intense physical discomfort and urgency. The primary themes were:

  1. significant abdominal pain

  2. validation that her caretakers concern was appropriate

  3. a strong need for immediate veterinary reassessment

THE RECOMMENDATIONS & CLIENT OUTCOME:

The caretaker sought a second veterinary opinion immediately. Bella was diagnosed with a severe case of giardia, a potentially fatal parasitic infection in young dogs. Treatment was started right away.

Her caretaker later shared:

“It was so important I got Bella to a vet right away. I really feel more confident in my own ability to see a problem with her and trust my own judgement.”

case study three - rehabilitation of a semi-domesticated coyote

THE SITUATION:

A semi-domesticated coyote was mistakenly identified as a dog and rescued from a feedlot in poor physical condition. Her rescuer committed to rehabilitating her and ultimately placing her in an appropriate sanctuary environment.

She booked a session to better understand:

  1. what Banyan may have experienced prior to rescue

  2. what she needed emotionally to feel safe during rehabilitation

  3. how she felt about transitioning to a sanctuary setting

WHAT EMERGED DURING THE SESSION:

During the session, Banyan communicated themes of prolonged survival stress, isolation, and food insecurity.

  1. a history of chronic hunger and survival-based stress

  2. a strong need for connection with other animals to reduce anxiety

  3. fear of isolation combined with uncertainty about surviving independently in the wild

THE CLIENT’S SHIFT & OUTCOME:

After receiving the session summary, the rescuer shared:

“Her current circumstances all made sense. I was able to safely provide her with animal companionship and continued working with Karen through the rehab process. Banyan was able to regain her health and was adopted by the Austin Zoo.”

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case study four - compassion fatigue in a stray cat caretaker

THE SITUATION:

A woman in India who feeds several stray cat colonies began noticing a troubling pattern: new cats would arrive, stay briefly, and then pass away within days or weeks. She was devastated and feared she might somehow be harming them.

She booked a session to understand:

  1. whether she was contributing to the cats’ decline

  2. why this pattern might be happening

  3. what her role should be moving forward

WHAT EMERGED DURING THE SESSION:

During the session, several themes emerged:

  1. the depth of the caretaker’s compassion and dedication to the cats

  2. no indication that her feeding or care was causing harm

  3. a sense that vulnerable or already ill cats were coming toward a safe, consistent source of food and comfort

    The session emphasized continuing practical care while remaining attentive to veterinary resources when available.

THE CLIENT’S SHIFT:

After receiving the written summary, she shared:

“I am so glad I reached out. It is still sad they are coming to me but now I know it is so I can help them in their last days. It is an honor to be so well thought of by the cats in my colonies.”