©2004 by Kris Lecakes-Haley, BFRP

Originally developed for humans, their success with animals quickly became evident. Essences work on an energetic level to restore emotional harmony and balance to the individual, regardless of their particular species. Most flower essence systems provide general recommendations for particular emotional states. The role of the practitioner is to determine the root cause of the behavior and select an essence(s) more specific to the particular situation.

In cases of overprotectiveness or possessiveness, the initial inclination is usually Chicory as it is indicated for the over-protective, hyper-vigilant pet. However, consider the possibility that these behaviors are generated more from a place of fear than protectiveness; fear for the well-being of the object of focus, as opposed to the self-directed motivation typically addressed by Chicory. Upon closer examination, there may be better essence choices.

Let's examine a recent case where the guardian's concern was that her dog was "too clingy." "She follows me everywhere. I can't get a moment's peace", said Bianca's exasperated owner. "She sits in front of me and paws at me incessantly," she continued. Bianca sat alertly at her owner's feet, distinctly between us, as we discussed her behavior. Based on that point in our discussion, Chicory seemed a solid choice.

However, my next question tipped the scales. I asked, "Do you feel that Bianca is protecting and clinging to you because she views you as a 'possession' belonging to her, to which no one else has privy, or, might it be because she feels she must protect you at all cost. It is her job, and she has tremendous fear and angst that she may not be able to accomplish that mission." The look on her guardian's face at the end of my question, indicated clearly that it was the latter, and my consideration broadened to include Red Chestnut. Additional questions yielded the information that Bianca held vigil at the window for her guardian from the moment she left the house until the moment she returned, and her owner sensed a tremendous sense of worry and concern from Bianca.

Both Chicory and Red Chestnut have many similarities, and the line between the two can be fine. Both address the obvious characteristics of protectiveness, possessiveness, clinginess, etc., and clearly, both illustrate overconcern. However, while Chicory falls into the actual category of overconcern, it is a self-driven overconcern generating from a base of selfishness. If we could hear the animal's self-talk, it might say, "Don't you come near my person on this chair!! I own this chair and I own what's in it, so get lost!"

Conversely, the Red Chestnut pet's conversation might be, "Please don't come near my person! Please! I have to protect her and you're getting too close...Please don't come closer! Please don't make me have to protect her!" Correspondingly, Red Chestnut is categorized under fear and its keynote is a genuine altruistic concern for the welfare of others. The animal genuinely fears for the well-being of the guardian.

Finally, the intuition and observations of the animal's guardian cannot be minimized: they are invaluable. In my work with animals, the guardian is always a key part of the team approach I incorporate in this incredible process. So the next time your animal companion is relentlessly pawing at you as you are trying to read your favorite book, look him right in the eye and see if you can determine if it's that he feels he must be as close to you as possible so he can keep watch over you and you can read under the safety of his watch...OR...does he just want you to pick him up because he feels like relaxing and he just happens to own your lap. The answer you get is the subtle difference between Red Chestnut and Chicory!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kris Lecakes-Haley is an internationally certified, Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, working exclusively with animals. She is available for local and long distance, private consultations and lectures. Visit Kris' website at www.animalsynergy.com or contact her at catdogco@cox.net or 480 460 1801.

ART CREDITS: Hometown Websmith and ArtToday

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

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