Rupert Sheldrake is a prominent biologist and author, best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance, which proposes that natural systems inherit a collective memory from all previous things of their kind. In 1999, he wrote the book, Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home, and Other Unexplained Powers of Animals. I highly recommend this book, as it takes a scientific approach to demonstrating the truths suggested by its title. Our dogs know so much more than we realize.
After over twenty-five years of communicating with animals, I can emphatically state that dogs and other animals possess an extraordinary ability to read the humans around them. They seem to instinctively know who the kind humans are, whom they can approach for safety, and who will truly listen to them.
Let me share a story. In March of 2023, I joined a small group of women for a Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Sacred Valley of Peru. We spent two days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude and then traveled to the family compound of the Paqo (Shaman) who would guide us over the next two weeks. While in Cusco and along the way, we encountered many dogs roaming the streets—some healthy, others not.
One of our first evenings at the compound, we sat in a circle outside, awaiting the Paqo, when a dog found his way into the compound and approached me and another woman. He was covered in scabs and quite thin; his skin looked terrible. He specifically came to us, seeking comfort, as he realized we had the ability to help him. I could hear him, and my companion was skilled in energy healing.
We spent time providing energy healing to him. He was incredibly sweet and made a point to engage with all the women gathered. It wasn’t mere coincidence—he continued to visit us at various times throughout our stay. After about a week, we left the compound to travel to Mount Ausangate for three nights of camping and sacred communication with Apu Ausangate and Pachamama.
Upon our return, the dog was there waiting for us. As a group, we decided we needed to help him and named him Choo Choo. Despite radiating love and happiness, he clearly wasn’t well. Through our hosts, we found a family member willing to be responsible for his care and traveled many miles to get him to a vet. We provided funds for the necessary veterinary services. His skin was a mess, riddled with scabies and bacterial infections, along with blood parasites. He would require multiple visits and months to heal.
Originally, we hoped one in our group would be able to bring him back to the States once he recovered. That didn’t happen, but he was adopted by the young man who initially cared for him.
Over the years, many animals have approached me to share what they needed humans to know—horses in barns, animals in shelters, and those on the streets. You probably know people who always seem to attract strays to their homes; this is because animals can sense who is safe and will help them. They can truly read our hearts.
Often, those who hold a deep love for animals find themselves attracting strays, ultimately engaging in rescue work one way or another. Recently, I learned from a friend in Peru about a couple—Nancy and Victor—who are helping the local strays. Although their work isn’t a formal non-profit rescue yet, it is evident that these dogs know who to approach for help. They continuously show up at the home of Nancy and Victor, who created Campos Santo (Sacred Ground) Rescue. Sometimes, we don’t set out to create something, but Spirit guides us. That’s precisely what happened here. Now that others have witnessed their efforts, even more dogs are coming to them for assistance.
This month, I turn 69. Yep, I’m not quite sure how that happened (inside, I still feel like I’m in my 30s!), but I’m grateful to be healthy and blessed in so many ways. For the last several years, I’ve utilized Facebook’s Birthday Fundraiser to support causes close to my heart. While Campos Santo Rescue isn’t included in this platform, if you feel called to support Nancy and Victor’s work, you can make a donation below. Every little bit helps.
For Paypal: @namcyalfs (She is wearing a green jacket)
For Venmo: @Nancy-Alfs
Here’s more from Campos Santo Rescue
*Parasite Control* – Rainy season brings fleas, mites, and skin infections. A kind veterinarian in the U.S. has been sending us expired Frontline, which helps enormously, but we now need oral medication (Bravecto or similar) for the tougher mites and fungal issues. Treating the full- and part-time residents will cost about $500.
