Based in San Diego County, but able to telecommute, Sindi is a creative, versatile writer with enthusiasm, a high energy level, expertise and great command of the English language. Animals, spirituality, comedy and performing arts are some of her favorite topics, but if it can be written, Sindi can write it! Just ask her!
Nothing from this blog can be printed, published or distributed without written permission from Sindi Somers. All blog content is (c) copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
I love to write. I know not everyone does. I not only write for my own enjoyment, but also to assist others. In addition to writing expertise, I have a marketing and promotions background. This combination helps me to help you market your business, product, service or yourself.
Not only do I love writing, marketing and business, but also animals and the arts. I am a quick learn and excellent researcher. I can write on any topic you throw at me. I offer competitive rates and a prompt turn around time. Plus, if you need tips for Fido or Felix, I can help there too!
Below are writing samples for your review. If you like what you see, call me at 619-384-0761 or email me by clicking here. Although I am based in San Diego, thanks to the advancements of modern technology, I can write for anyone, anywhere, anytime!
Here is a link to a blog I write for Source Capital Funding, Inc. of Rancho Bernardo. I have 100% creative control with this particular ongoing writing assignment. However, I am able to write within any criteria or perimeters given to me.
I have been a contributing writer to San Diego Pets Magazine since 2008. On my main website I have a number of links to published articles. Click below to review some of my work!
Are you active on the social media scene? I am! If you need help building your number of Facebook friends or likes or you want more followers on Twitter, let me know. I can write clever tweets, status updates and posts and also help with Google, LinkedIn, Yelp and more!
Changing your thoughts and feelings will change your energy.
Changing your energy can help your pets change their behavior.
You can see me doing live readings on TV at links found on my main website www.wildtame.com. Visit the link below. Then click the links on the top left.
Although I am based in San Diego County, I offer long distance services to anyone, anywhere, all over the world. I offer animal communication, energy healing, psychic reading, nutrition consulting, behavior modification and positive reinforcement cat and dog training. To sum it up, I am a holistic pet care counselor and a meditation teacher for people. 619-797-0705
Many people have contacted me seeking help with their dog’s aggression towards other dogs. In response, I amsharing an excerpt from a recentenergy reading and animal communication session. It is important to evaluate each situation individually, since every dog is unique. However, the information obtained during my time with this lovely Escondido couple and their sweet dog Emma,can help give insight into the cause of aggression in some dogs.
KIM: Why is Emma aggressive towards other dogs? Especially with new dogs, it seems like one minute she is okay and the next she is not.
SINDI:In relation to a new dog, I see her natural canine instinct kicksin. She goes into the process of determiningwho will be where in the hierarchy, as if in a pack in the wild. It is almost as if she becomes a different dog.
I also see her protectiveness, especially towards you Kim. It stimulates competition within her. Competing to keep what is hers. “Mommy is mine.”She wants to get this message across. “Don’t mess with what is mine.”This aggressive behavioris an outward expression of her power. She is learning about her power as she experiences it. She is trying things out as she learns and grows as a being. Because she is getting attention for her aggression, she continues this behavior. She does not know she isn’t supposed to do this.
What behavior would you prefer from Emma?
CHRIS:Calm and not so aggressive.
SINDI: In communicating with Emma about her protectiveness,it is clear that it is fear based and survival oriented. Emma is afraid. She does not want anything to happen to either of you. She gets caught up inher desire to protect anduses aggression as a protection.
CHRIS: Even when we are not in danger?
SINDI: Yes. Even when you are not afraid,she reacts when something approaches her “territory.” She is very aware of energy and space. She sees both of you as part of her territory to protect. She is being proactive. She is determined to make sure nothing messes with her territory. She knows she has a good thing going! Emma believes she is doing her job. The most challenging part for her to overcome is the protectiveness, again especially of you Kim.
I havesome basic training techniques to help teach Emma an alternate behavior to her aggression. Since Emma likes food, working with treats will make her easier to train. Using a clicker or verbal “marker”, such as “yes” just prior to giving Emma a treat will add additional reinforcement for the desired calm behavior. It will be important to discontinue reinforcing the aggressive behavior. If you say,“no”, “stop”,get excited or give the unwanted behavior any type of attention you are, unintentionally reinforcing it.
Just as Emma is being proactive in protecting her “territory”, you must also be proactive and reach her before she goes into anaggressive mode. Be prepared by having treats readily available at all times. High value treats, praise, affection and favorite toysare all rewards to givebefore she reacts. Continue to reward Emma as a distraction and to encourage her calmness until the source of potential aggression is gone. Your timing is essential. If you miss an opportunity, don’t worry, but do not reward. Try again next time. Reward calm, non-aggressive behavior only.Whether or not another dog is present, you can reward Emma when she is calm and further reinforce thedesired state of being. You will be able to fade out the rewards, as calmness becomes Emma’s default behavior.
Because aggression can be a dangerous situation for dogs and people, I suggest avoiding getting too close to other dogs during Emma’s learning process. Keeping a safe distance will alsohelp you to remain calmer and make it easier to ignore the aggression, if it occurs.
KIM: I am worried about my energy. I am afraid that Emma is going to hurt another dog so I have my mom take her to puppy socialization class. I know if I am there I am going to worry she is going to react to the other dogs.
SINDI: Great awareness! Yes! Animals definitely tune into our energy and emotions. If we are fearful and put out the thought and energy that aggression is going to happen, it most certainly will! Good for you for finding another option as you work on your part of this healing process. It is NEVER just about our pet. We need to change our behaviors, energy and responses if we expect our pets to do the same.
Email your questions and comments to sindi@wildtame.com. To learn more about Sindi visit www.wildtame.com.
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT PET SAFETY, HEALTH AND NUTRITION ANSWERED
By Sindi Somers for San Diego Pets magazine - published in their January/February, 2010 issue
Dear Sindi,
In your last column you said to never cook chicken necks before feeding them to pets. Why?
- Dana and her three felines, Calliope, Panoodle and Sasha of North Park
Dear Dana and Girls,
When you cook bones, they harden making them more likely to splinter. Ingesting cooked bones is potentially dangerous and can seriously harm your pet. I recommend monitoring your pets anytime they are chewing a bone, even if it is raw. Although your pet’s safety is the primary concern, feeding pets raw, uncooked bones and meat is extremely nutritious. More nutrients remain accessible in the food versus being cooked or processed out. Heat diminishes vitamins, minerals and the potency of other nutrients. Just as with any new food, I suggest transitioning raw meat and bone into a pet’s diet gradually.
Dear Sindi,
I have been looking for a new dry food for my dog and have found one called Kruncheros by Great Life. It’s supposed to be a freeze dried raw food in bite size pieces like kibble. Is this a food you recommend?
- Consetta and her Yorkshire Terrier Daisy of Tierrasanta
Dear Consetta and Daisy,
Although I don’t have first hand experience with Kruncheros, I am familiar with Great Life. After reading information provided on their website www.doctorsfinest.com, I called the company. They assured me that Kruncheros is a freeze dried raw food making it more nutritious than traditionally prepared kibble. Kruncheros looks like a promising dry food alternative. Because of my limited information about it, I can’t give a personal recommendation for Kruncheros, however I do recommend Great Life as a brand. I currently use their natural anti-flea spray, Tombstone. I am also a fan of pet food that has been freeze dried because it is higher in nutrients than more highly processed and cooked varieties. Kruncheros needs to be rehydrated before feeding. Dry foods of any kind can dehydrate an animal’s body, so it is essential to insure they are consuming sufficient amounts of water.
Since I have received multiple inquiries about what to do to help dogs and cats with arthritis, I wanted to address the issue here. Although I am definitely not a replacement for quality veterinary care, below are my suggestions. - Sindi
Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are beneficial for cartilage and joint health. Be patient and consistent when administering these supplements as it can take several weeks or months to see results. Sometimes ingredients are added that simply aren’t necessary, such as colored dyes and sugar derivatives, so it is important to always read the contents label.
Many have also had great success with an all natural product called Dog Gone Pain (DGP) by Harmony Co. www.doggonepain.com. It has a canine friendly name, but is also appropriate for cats. I called the manufacturer to confirm this. Unlike glucosamine, results can be experienced within one week in many cases. Adding fish or emu oil to your dog or cat’s diet can further aid in relief, as these Omega rich oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They also benefit skin, coat and overall health.
Although movement and exercise remain important, avoid pushing your pet to do things, such as walk as far as he used to. You may need to give lifting assistance or provide a ramp or stairs if he is not able to comfortably jump up to higher levels on his own. Swimming and water therapy are low impact forms of exercise to consider also. Besides exercise, using gentle massage can help increase circulation in the affected areas and throughout the body. If your pet communicates that what you are doing hurts or is uncomfortable, stop immediately. He may vocalize, pull away or even scratch or snap at you in an attempt to get you to quit.
Skilled professional animal massage therapists are available and definitely recommended. However, I enjoy massaging my own pets. It is a way to bond and show my affection. To help gain information, I took workshops on animal massage and Ttouch, another therapeutic approach presented at the San Diego Humane Society www.sdhumane.org. Some basic tips are to avoid bony areas and never massage directly on the spine. Gentle is the key word when massaging animals. Other healing modalities, include acupuncture and energy healing, which can help increase the flow of energies in your pet’s system.
One last important consideration is your pet’s immune system. Eating nutritious food, staying hydrated and taking additional supplements and vitamins, including antioxidants, can give your companion animals an extra boost. This can make it easier for their body to heal itself.
Email your pet questions to sindi@sdnews.com. Visit me online at www.wildtame.com. Happy 2010 to you and your pets!
I have been writing articles for San Diego Pets magazine since September of 2008. I now have a "Dear Sindi" write-in column that I am very excited about! Below is my first write-in column published in the November/December 2009 issue.
Help for a Jumping Puppy and a Cat with Gingivitis
By Sindi Somers
Dear Sindi,
I'm trying to teach my ten month old puppy, Rigby not to jump on people. He's 22 pounds and I don't mind it, but I have young children and when their friends come over his jumping on them can be bothersome. Do you have any suggestions?
Jumping up is a natural behavior for dogs, so unlearning it can take time and patience. The behaviors that we give the most attention to are the behaviors being trained, whether desired or not. If a dog jumps up and hears "no" or "down" or is pushed off, it is being acknowledged for jumping. Ignoring unwanted behaviors and rewarding preferred ones expedites training.
Try this technique. When your puppy jumps up on you turn your back to him and act like a tree! When you turn around stand completely still. If your dog brushes up against you, licks your hand or continues to jump, it must be ignored. Do not move your hands or body or look at your dog. Each time you interact with your dog and he jumps up, repeat standing still like a tree. Consistency is important, so everyone in the household practicing the tree exercise will greatly assist with the training process. You can even "hire" volunteers to participate.
Next it is important to consistently reward desired non-jumping behaviors. When your puppy has all four paws on the ground give him a treat, praise, pets or a toy. Reward with whatever is of high value to him.
When guests come to your house it can be a whole new challenge, which is why "hiring" volunteers can be beneficial. The key is to be prepared and proactive. The less opportunity your puppy has to jump up and experience this behavior, the easier it will be to untrain it. Bring treats or other rewards on walks and public outings. You can reward him before he jumps as a distraction, but also to acknowledge your preferred behavior.
Don’t be discouraged if your canine companion jumps up sometimes after all your hard work. Learning is a process!
Dear Sindi,
Do you know of any homeopathic treatments for gingivitis that might help my cat Juji?
Not necessarily homeopathic, but natural alternatives, yes. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build up. It can advance into periodontal disease which is a more serious condition. Having your cat examined by a holistic veterinarian knowledgeable about dental care may be beneficial to determine the severity of your cat’s issue.
Regardless of this determination, good nutrition is essential for a strong immune system and healthier mouth. Administering a high quality multi-vitamin with C, A, E and other antioxidants is also beneficial.
Reading the ingredients label on your pet’s food will help you to become your cat’s personal nutritionist. Corn, soy and wheat can lead to digestive problems, allergic reactions and contribute to dental illness in cats and dogs. Cats are carnivores and unless there is some medical reason to feed them otherwise, they actually don’t need grains. However, some felines do okay with small amounts.
Along with corn, soy and wheat, rice, oatmeal, millet and barley are some of the grains found in pet foods. Eating grains and other starchy carbohydrates that turn into sugar may be aiding Juji’s gingivitis.
Chewing on raw chicken necks can add an abundance of nutrients, enzymes and naturally occurring glucosamine and taurine to her diet while helping to clean her teeth. I suggest initially giving her the raw necks in short periods of five to fifteen minutes to allow her system to adjust. If the chicken neck is frozen, thaw it in the fridge. If she doesn’t go for the thawed raw immediately, sit it on the counter to be brought closer to room temperature. You may wish to pour room temperature or slightly warm water over the meaty bone for Juji. Never cook or microwave the chicken necks.
I also recommend brushing your cat’s teeth. Start by gently touching Juji’s teeth and gums with your fingers. Over time progress to light massage. Then try using a small, soft bristled toothbrush found at pet stores and veterinarian’s offices. Pet toothpaste is also available, but check the ingredients as many include a sugar derivative. Sugar substitutes aren’t a benefit to their diet either.
Lastly, FidoDent by Animals Apothecary is a liquid herbal remedy designed for cats and dogs with gingivitis and other mouth infections. Although I haven’t used this product personally, the company is highly regarded within the holistic pet care community. Available at holistically focused pet stores and online at www.animalessentials.com.
Email sindi@wildtame.com with your nutrition, behavior, health or other pet questions and energy healing, reading and animal communication requests.
A slightly edited version was published in San Diego Pets magazine
September/October 2009 issue
Through my work as a psychic reader, energy healer and animal communicator, I have learned that actions are a source of communication that really can speak louder than words. Pets may exhibit behaviors that are labeled as problematic issues, but I see them as attention seeking messages.
Because our pets are affected by us and our energy I look at the relationship between the pet and their person when evaluating behavior. Everything is energy, including our thoughts, words and emotions. If we are upset, both humans and animals can sense it. If our upset energy flows from us and into another being’s reality they will experience it and may display similarly disturbed behavior. This is how easily and intensely we can and do affect each other.
One beautiful puppy I read had abundant energy that tended to spill out and adversely affect others, most notably her older canine brother. She was being her lively, young and often competitive self and was not aware of how her invasive energy was impacting him. I gave her information to help her contain her energy. She was receptive to the communication. I watched her pull her energy in closer to her body. I then gave a healing to help move her energy out of her brother’s space. Both dogs responded to the healing. I received a phone call from the excited pet parents the next day. They reported that the brother dog was noticeably happier and more energetic. His sister’s energy was meant for her body and energy system and was incompatible and non-beneficial to his. He felt better after regaining his space and experiencing more of his own unique energy.
I am always impressed at how simply informing an animal that its behavior is disruptive or harmful is often enough to motivate them to make a change. Like us, animals do the best with what they have. Often all they need is additional information, including desired alternative behaviors, to successfully meet our expectations.
Just as animals benefit from additional information, so do we. Using their actions as a form of communication can help us better understand our pets. Potty habits are one way they communicate to us. If a housebroken pet is expelling on the floor, it can indicate the need for medical attention. If we rule out the possibility of illness, we can further examine the behavior and what the pet is trying to tell us.
Although I look at each situation independently I have found that when a cat eliminates outside the litter box it is often an expression of anger, frustration or a dislike of some aspect of its life. It could be as simple as the litter box not being cleaned often enough. It can also represent an irritation brought on by poor nutrition or a vitamin deficiency. Anger stimulated when you are on vacation or working long hours is another favorite. It can be a response to any change in the cat’s environment, including moving to a new home, getting a new sibling, added stress or unresolved conflict affecting humans in the household.
I had a session with a cat that was continually using the middle of the bathroom floor as its litter box. When I asked her about it she said, “If mommy is going to be bitchy then so am I!” Her guardian was irritated and moving her emotional energy outside of her space and sharing it with others. This gave the cat permission to mirror this behavior, which she did beautifully!
Another potty related puzzlement is why dogs eat poop. The most popular answer I receive from canines is because it tastes good! I did a psychic reading for one sweet, intelligent pup whose foster parent wanted to know why he started eating his poop. What I saw made me laugh out loud. He was walking along one day and said to himself, “Hmmm…..what’s this?” After deciding to try some he thought, “Hey - not bad! I kind of like it.” And a poop eating puppy he became!
As we share our lives with companion animals, it is important to remember to have compassion for them. We ask that they unlearn their natural instincts and change their behaviors to fit our world. Overall, I would say they are doing a pretty good job of fitting in within our sometimes stringent rules.
It can be fun to discover why animals do the things they do. When we acknowledge our pets as teachers, as well as our students, we open ourselves up to helpful learning opportunities. If your pet is stressed or anxious, use it as a reminder to tune into yourself to see if you might benefit from a little relaxation time. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, notice if there is something you are frustrated or angry about that you aren’t allowing yourself to acknowledge or communicate. If your pet is enthusiastic and joyous use it as permission to express your enthusiasm and more fully enjoy your life!
Published in San Diego Pets Magazine July 2009 issue
For those of us that live in sunny San Diego County, it can be helpful to remember hot weather safety tips year round. With the onset of summer, it is especially important to consider our pets’ potential to become overheated and dehydrated.
Fresh cool drinking water needs to be available at all times for pets. On hot days you might want to put bowls in different areas, making it easier for pets to get to water and stay hydrated. Water bowls for outdoor pets should be placed in shaded areas so they stay cool. It is recommended to empty outdoor bowls when pets are not outside to deter mosquitoes.
Cats instinctively get their moisture from food. If they are on a dry kibble diet, consider integrating moist food. High quality canned, thawed frozen raw or home cooked lean unseasoned meats will increase fluid consumption, as well as nutrition and flavor. You can even manually add a little extra water to whatever they are eating. If your cat does drink from the water bowl, giving some form of moistened food is still highly beneficial and encouraged, not only on hot days, but year round.
In addition to proper hydration, providing adequate shade is essential if your pets are outside for any length of time. A dog house can trap heat and should not be considered shade. Nor is a shady tree always sufficient. Consider installing an awning or other tented structure that will remain shaded regardless of which direction the sun is shining. Air flow through the structure is also important so that the area underneath remains cool.
If pets are indoors during the day and you don’t have air conditioning or want to minimize its usage, keep it cooler inside by closing the blinds. You might want to leave at least one window accessible for pets to see out. Some pets choose to rest on a tiled floor to stay cool. My dog opts for the bathtub so I always leave the curtain pulled to one side.
When it comes time for exercise, extreme caution should be used on hot days. Schedule your dog’s walks, playtime, beach visits and other outings in the evenings and early mornings to avoid the sun when it is at its hottest. This can help lessen the risk of your dog overheating or getting heatstroke, which can be fatal. Sidewalks, pavement and sand can also get very hot on your pet’s paw pads. Paw boots are available for those dogs willing to wear them.
When venturing out, it can be beneficial for some pets to wear sunscreen. If they are a hairless breed or have been shaved, the shaved or exposed skin is at risk for sunburn. In addition, the nose, especially pale nosed cats and dogs need protection. Any area where the skin is thin or there is no hair could benefit from sunscreen on a sunny day. There are sunscreens designed specifically for pets, but human grade sensitive skin or baby sunscreens can be okay. Some ingredients however, such as common Zinc Oxide are toxic and should always be avoided. Protective eye wear and sunglasses, including Doggles brand are also available. http://www.doggles.com/
Bringing along water on walks and excursions is also a good idea. Portable water bowls are available for pets in a variety of styles. My favorite is the Water Rover. It clips to my belt and allows unused water to be saved for later in the walk. http://www.waterrover.com/.
You may find that your pets naturally slow down when the temperature rises. However, if they are in need of some activity, indoor play is another option. Playing tug with a rope or other dog friendly toy is a great way to work your dog’s muscles and mind. If you have the room, you can modify fetch by rolling the ball vs. throwing it or use a lightweight stuffed toy to throw. Training sessions with praise and food rewards can also help break up the day. Providing edible chew treats, such as bully sticks and raw marrow bones or a Kong or other treat dispensing toy filled with snacks can further help exert energy.
One last, but crucial reminder is to never leave your dog in the car on a hot day. Even in the shade with the windows down, the interior of a car can reach over 100 degrees in mere minutes. Leaving a dog in an open bed truck while driving or stopped is also dangerous. In addition to the hazards of the sun’s rays, flying debris can get into animals’ eyes. Of course if you have to stop suddenly or are in any type of accident your pets are also completely unprotected. Seat belt harnesses can be purchased to ensure safety when riding in cars, but tying your dog in to the back of a truck doesn’t lessen its chance of severe injury.
Keeping these precautions in mind can help ensure you enjoy a safe, healthy and happy summer with your pets. I welcome your questions and comments. You can email me at info@wildtame.com or visit me online at www.wildtame.com.
