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Time of the Drum

Billie Dean’s Animal Whispers for September 2006

If you would like to subscribe to the email version of this newsletter, please send an email to subscribe@billiedean.com.

In this issue:

• STOP PRESS: Dylan dies in a tragic accident
• Catching Up with Billie
• Healing Willow
• Billie's Meditation CD - Time of the Drum
• Workshops
• Simon Rose's Theta Magic
• Spiritual Cinema
  • Seven Days with Seven Dogs
  • The Secret
  • Conversations with God
• Burt Barrows Died
• Help for Hyperactive and Aggressive Dogs
• Creatures, Not Commodities
• Ugly the Cat
• Spring Message from the Ballyoncree Fairies
• Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary News
  • Puppies
  • Brumby News
  • Brumby Naming Competition
  • Ballyoncree Open Day
• Our Blogs
• Gratitudes
• Wish List
• Until Next Time

Hi everyone, and welcome to another Animal Whispers.

STOP PRESS: Dylan dies in a tragic accident

Dylan, one of the three new puppies, died in a tragic accident on Monday, August 21, 2006. Our little poet, our soft, sweet boy with the kisses of solid gold love. He was only four months old. Our family is still in shock as we send this out. But there are no accidents and for reasons of his own, Dylan wasn’t meant to be on this earth plane for long. Still – no amount of reflection and understanding salves the pain of loss. Read my blog entries on Dylan's passing here, here, and here (in that order).

Dylan, fly on wings of light. We love you.

Catching Up with Billie

Billie Dean with Tusuque

Whoops, July and August whooshed by didn’t they. It has been a really busy winter here at Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary with horses scattered from one end of the property to the other, all with different feed requirements and the care of so many puppies. And Willow.

My apologies to clients who have been waiting for me to recover from the flu. I have now, and I’m ready for an enormous second half of the year!

August was very unsettled because of the planetary alignments and many people and animals found it to be an emotional roller coaster ride. A way to deal with difficult situations, whether it be with a four legged or two legged, is to simply think. “Would Buddha/St Francis/ Jesus/ Great Spirit (etc.) react like I’m about to?” And breathe. Put on some music. Laugh. Ask for a hug. Do some magic tapping (EFT). I did both of the latter when our Willow’s health situation put me into a spin – both worked!

Now that we are “between the worlds”, we’re manifesting at greater speed and negative thoughts can put you into a downhill spin. So it's important to stay upbeat and see any tough times as merely bumps in the road. Something better always comes especially if you do what Louise Hay does, which is breathe, and affirm that everything is safe and solutions found. And they will be. Here’s her affirmation:

“All is well. Everything is working out for my Highest Good. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe.

“All is well. Everything is working out for the highest good of everyone. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe. We are safe.”.

Healing Willow

Willow, with her operation scar. August 2006.

Willow has been the main focus in our lives all July and August. She’s been very, very ill with mystery on and off 40 degree plus temperatures followed by heightened seizure activity. We’ve been desperately worried, especially as the temperatures kept spiking.

Andrew and I spent the 20th anniversary of the day we met (very romantic, in Kauii, Hawaii) very unromantically delivering her for an exam at the vet, a two hour drive away, feeling traumatised as we thought we might be losing her. Over $2,000 later, our Canberra vet extracted a large chunk of a rubber teething Kong (a chew toy) from Willow’s tummy and sewed her back up. I’d bought the teething Kong for the puppies, and it was certainly not meant for huge dogs like Willow. *Sigh* Mercury was in retrograde. Not good for clear communication!

However Willow is still not whole. It takes a lot of cuddling and acupressure and massage to settle her every night. Her seizures make her very focussed on food and eating. We have to walk her on a lead so she doesn’t take off after the whiff of a dead kangaroo on a neighbouring property. Or get into the horse food. Just last week she ate the handle of one of my grandmother’s bone handled knives and then, post seizure, chomped into my beloved Tala’s empty wheelchair. (Tala passed away last year.) So healing for Willow is vital.

I teach that when we have an animal we perceive as difficult or challenging, the highest path is to go on the journey to wholeness with them. It’s not always an easy road but it is always a rewarding, enriching and enlightening one. For me it is the only road, because I believe we attract certain animals for a reason and often they take on our dis-eases, or the thought patterns which lead to our dis-ease.

So instead of just suppressing her seizures and believing a verdict of “she’s got crap biochemistry”, I have embarked on a journey with Willow to find the root cause of her illness and the possibility of her healing. At the same time I ask myself what is she reflecting back to me? Why have I attracted such an ill dog into my life? What more do I need to learn? What does she want me to do? She’s introduced me to so much over the past four years of her illness and taught me a lot about trusting my own intuition. The gifts are many. And I’m sure there’s more about to be revealed.

While attending a recent Theta healing course, I asked her why she was epileptic. She said it made her special. We learned that she was unwilling to heal or to accept healings. We worked on that one. But I have to ask why?

And now I know. Just the other day equine therapist Rebecca Booth unblocked her throat chakra and Willow let loose with a volley of tasks I need to do for my own spiritual growth, which in turn may facilitate healing in her. She’s asking me to remember and reveal my true nature – without the human blocks!

I am so grateful to have so many friends in various healing modalities. It’s very helpful to have objective points of views and fresh perspectives. Willow has the support of homeopaths, naturopaths, holistic vets, Theta healers, Reiki masters, EFT practitioners. And me.

So I continue to work on my own self-mastery in the belief that by unlocking the keys to miracle healing within myself, I will unlock it for her.
Will Willow heal? Will I find the key to her healing in time? We’ll find out in the coming months.

Billie’s Meditation CD – Time of the Drum

My meditation CD, Time of the Drum, is finally out! With fabulous music by Tribe World Ensemble, my three meditations are designed to help you enhance your affinity with animals and nature and recapture your ancient gift of telepathy. When you want to communicate with your furry beloveds, use this CD to prepare for clear communication. More details on the CD page.

Workshops

My Canberra workshop in July was lots of fun for me and included time out in nature talking to trees and receiving messages from birds. Many people reported that they were having excellent results with their own animals when they got home.

I’ve been invited to speak at the Spiritual Fair at the Hughes Community Centre in Canberra on Saturday, August 26 from 2 – 3 pm. So Canberra friends, please come along and introduce yourselves. It sounds like a fun fair with lots of different healing modalities, crystals, candles, handcrafts, massage, music and more. I’m talking on Animal Spirituality and Communication and will have Time of the Drum for sale.

I’ve also been invited to be a keynote speaker at this year’s Conscious Living Wild About Animals Expo from November 9 – 12 in Perth. I’ll be giving a two hour workshop, and some talks and demonstrations as well as having a booth where I’ll have Time of the Drum for sale, as well as copies of my films, my Ballyoncree calendar and anything else I can get ready in time! So my Perth friends, I’ll be seeing you all again very soon!

There are rumours afoot that I will be teaching in Melbourne and other areas as well. Now that my senior dogs have passed away safely, I feel free to resume teaching in other states.

You can find details of where I'll be on my workshops page. And if you'd like to organise a workshop in your area, drop me a note and we can discuss it.

Simon Rose’s Theta Magic

July also found me studying Theta Healing with Simon Rose. I’ve long been attracted to this method of healing as I believe it is getting close to the instant healing I believe is possible. Simon’s was my second Theta workshop and I found Theta had moved onwards and upwards enormously. I’ll never forget hearing a voice one morning before the first workshop I attended, which said: “From Theta you can do anything.” I don’t know who in spirit said it, but I believe Theta is definitely a path to explore and I can’t wait to study with Simon again. I found him an excellent and inspiring teacher with wonderful teaching stories.

Simon’s course Theta Magic is about personal growth and self-mastery, as well as healing. So if you get the chance to study with him, do so. For more information about Simon and his courses, go to Theta Magic.

Spiritual Cinema

Seven Days With Seven Dogs

We’ve had Hayley, our consulting editor, working with Andrew on the post-production of Seven Days with Seven Dogs and Andrew is back on deck after delivering ten difficult children’s books. The going is slow. But I promise it will be worth it when this little film is finally released later this year. And I’m sure it will be divine timing!

The Secret

Andrew and I caught a sneak preview of this fabulous metaphysical film, which, I’m so proud to say, was made by an Australian film production company, backed by Channel 9 and is to be screened on Channel 9 – hopefully this year.

"The Secret" is about The Law of Attraction, the core of metaphysical thinking which so many new age books are based on. Andrew and I met through consciously using this Law, 20 years ago and we fully embrace the teachings. But I would never have thought of making an awesome documentary about it.

Being filmmakers we are particularly in awe of the fabulous way Prime Time Productions made metaphysical thinking come alive in a visual presentation. It’s a stunning production, really well put together and seeing the teachings somehow makes them incredibly clear and takes you to the next level of mastery.

Check out The Secret.

Conversations with God

Yes, the film based on the fabulous book by Neale Donald Walsch will be out in American cinemas in October. We can all catch a glimpse of it on the trailer.

Conversations with God is brought to us by the wonderful team at The Spiritual Cinema Circle, the heart and soul home entertainment company which had our own Finding Joy as part of its launch package of films. Finding Joy was the launch feature film and through the Spiritual Cinema Circle has now been seen in over 60 countries.

You can find out more by going to the Spiritual Cinema Circle.

Burt Barrows Dies

Probably most of you have not heard of Burt Barrows. He was an elderly man on an American animal communication list I’m on, a fabulous animal lover, and supportive of creatives like Andrew and I. We miss him terribly. He was also a writer and storyteller and his web site is really worth checking out.

Rest in Peace, Burt. We miss you.

Help for Hyperactive and Aggressive Dogs

I prefer to think of “educating” my dogs, rather than “training” them. I teach them a lot of English by talking to them as I would another human, and giving them the same respect.

However, there are times when they need to know how to live in human society and what’s expected of them. I’m always looking at different methods of gentle doggy education and am currently reading The Dog Whisperer by Paul Owens (he also has a DVD). In it, he says that “popping or jerking” on the lead can lead to spinal problems and whiplash. These problems in turn can lead to hyperactivity and aggression. To avoid these problems we like to walk our dogs in harnesses whenever possible.

But when I read that, I immediately thought of all my clients and people in rescue who wanted help with hyperactive and aggressive dogs. There’s a lot one can do – but a trip to the doggy chiropractor definitely sounds like something to check out.

Creatures, Not Commodities

Those of you who have been my students or heard me speak will know how passionate I am about getting people to understand the truth of the being living inside the skin of the dog, cat, horse or bird in your family. I am passionate about people treating these beings with respect, love and dignity. This is why I love to speak, teach and write – to help people understand and turn their heads around about living with animals.

It’s little things, like asking permission and making the commitment for the long haul, and living in true partnership by working with reward and love, not fear and intimidation.

I was saddened in recent weeks to find a flurry of emails waiting for me on my computer, from people wanting to re-home their adolescent dogs.

They had all the excuses and reasons in the world. They loved their dogs. The dogs had given them “inspiration”, and “unconditional love” at a time when it was most needed. But now the dogs had to find a new home. The people had to move. They no longer had quality time. Whatever.

But I think the real reason is that many humans don’t know how to make a commitment and don’t know how to live with adolescent dogs who are bursting with energy and desperate for mental stimulation, exercise, play and love. Dogs need a pack. And that pack is their humans.

Despite labour saving devices in a modern world, most western people seem more time pressed than ever. Instead of integrating dogs into family life and seeing their needs as an opportunity for fun, relaxation or exercise for themselves, many dogs are tossed in the back yard, expected to be grown up far before their time, and then considered a nuisance and “thrown away.”

I find it sad that people who do this are failing to get the gifts dogs bring to us. They are failing to receive enormous love and learning.

And I feel sad for the dogs who suffer because they have a huge joy of living. And for this they don’t fit into modern society and become outcasts in shelters where euthanasia is a likely outcome.

Perhaps these emails are coming to me for a reason. They fuel my passion. They make me want to show people a new reality – a vision of a compassionate world filled with no kill shelters for homeless animals and animals everywhere treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. A world which is safe for animals.

Someone asked me in my most recent class, “How do we make change in the world for animals?” I quoted natural horsemanship teacher, Pat Parelli – “Peer Pressure”.

And now I add that we make kindness and compassion for animals and nature, the next “in” thing. Spread the word that it’s “cool to be kind”. Speak openly about your love for animals, and say “no” to animal suffering.

Make a stand for homeless animals and demand the end to senseless euthanasia. To make change you can’t be silent. You have to speak the truth which is in your heart.

When my daughter was five she brought me home a green sticker with the Ghandi saying: “Be the change you want to see in the world. “ I love it. Instead of lending your energy to what is negative, create a positive vision of the world for animals, and with your enthusiasm, create it.

(Andrew has blogged about Creatures vs. Commodities. Also Committing to an Animal.)

Ugly the Cat

This story was sent to me by my friend and the artist of my CD cover, Honour Leigh. We both thought it was well worth sharing. It originally came from the World Center for EFT

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love. The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly.

To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

His tail has long since been lost, leaving only the smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. "That's one ugly cat!"

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness. Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor's huskies. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. I must be hurting him terribly I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear- Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled-scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful.

He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for.

Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, or beautiful, but for me, I will always try to be "Ugly".

Author Unknown

Spring Message from the Ballyoncree Fairies

"When going out into the garden, don't cut the flowers without first asking permission. This gives the plants a chance to withdraw their energy. Otherwise you hurt them."

Grandfather Pine simply said: "Enjoy Spring."

I asked how to restore balance to the seasons: He said: "Pray." I asked if he could be a little more specific, he said: "This world needs more love and positivity. The negative thoughts upset the balance of nature. It is time to make this planet beautiful again, with the force of love."

Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary News

I love winter here at Ballyoncree. I love having horses close by around the house and curling up in front of the fire with the cats, budgies, dogs and humans. I love the long nights and the invigorating days. It’s been a beautiful winter.

Puppies

Life is a lot of fun, and very distracting with so many youngsters in our pack. It’s lots of walks and games with the “green ball of happiness”, (a tennis ball) and lots of photo opportunities of cute pups. We love the way the puppies scamper everywhere, chew everything and do everything together. We even love the way they see our bed as their nest and curl up together – all five of them. They sneak in when the fire gets cool and we wake up in the morning in a tangle of black fur. Oh and lets not forget the two or three cats who decide to join them. We might have to get a bigger bed!

Daisy, Tusuque, and Dylan

The puppies are all growing up now – Daisy snores and has discovered how to climb onto tables. She is so smart!! Dylan is turning out just like his namesake – deep and poetic and always up for a kiss, and Tusuque is cute and bright and chirrups. She is deeply bonded to us and very cheeky. The other night she raced off with Tamsin’s ball of knitting wool, her eyes alight with mischief.

Daisy on the table with a pilfered shoe.

Dylan, you are profoundly missed.

Brumby News

STOP PRESS: New foal born to Ballyoncree brumbies!

The morning after Dylan died, we were surprised to find a strange horse running with the brumby girls – a foal. A healthy, cheeky, chestnut foal. Congratulations grey mare. That makes horse 29 here at Ballyoncree!

It’s been a rare privilege to be able to imprint this foal, with the wild mare’s permission. What a gift.

Andrew with the new foal

Just last week, this boy's mother was running with another mare in a paddock across the creek, too wild to be yarded with the others. They’d given me a lesson in not doing things when I am tired and grumpy. Instead of being centred and communicating with the brumby girls, inviting them into the yards, we just did it with the attitude of “it’s getting dark, better move them quickly”.

We forgot they were brumbies and so unlike our own horses who are very well behaved about going to the yards, where they know they’ll get groomed there or their feet or teeth done, petted and stroked and tended to. So they go right in.

The two brumby mothers seemed to understand, but one of the babies ducked under the fence and trotted down the creek. I was lucky her bond to her mother was strong and we were able to entice her back in.

But the other two mares jumped the fence into another paddock across the creek – and there they stayed until we had time to quietly move them their way. In other words, let them move themselves. Meanwhile I did get some great photos of them running in the mist. My little wild girls.

Brumbies running in the mist

However, last weekend we gently let them find their own way into the yards. Here’s Andrew handling the newly yarded mare, taking off her halter.

Removing a brumby mare's halter.

Andrew with new brumby friend.

We are still looking for Brumby Angels. If you are interested in sponsoring a brumby please, email and Andrew’ll send you a form. Sponsorship details are at the bottom of this page.

Brumby Naming Competition

Thanks to all those people who sent in names. There were some brilliant names but we feel we haven’t quite hit the nail on the head for all of them so the competition continues. Apparently the boys want “important names like Finnian” as well. So perhaps they are going for the Irish, poetic, mythical and legendary – who knows – it’s their names.

So check out the brumbies at and post name ideas as a comment (or send your name brainstorming to Billie.

Ballyoncree Open Day

We had our first closed open day for people wanting to volunteer at Ballyoncree last weekend. The weather was beautiful, everyone fell in love with Jaffah, one of the special needs horses, who really isn’t in great need except she wants to be, and several of the ponies received help to shed their winter coats and have a tidy. We discussed healing for Willow and much chainsawing of fallen trees was done thanks to Rebecca Booth’s (Elementals Equine Therapies) husband Darren.

It was a lovely day, thanks everyone and I’m sure the first of many.
If you are interested in volunteering at Ballyoncree, please email.

Rebecca Booth grooming Jaffa

Our Blogs

• Ballyoncree, which covers what we do here, plus people’s lives with animals.
• Wild Pure Heart, which is some of Billie’s more Out There stuff.
• May You Be Forever Young, which is Andrew’s blog on longevity, life extension, and anti-aging.

Gratitudes

Much gratitude to so many people for help and support with Willow –
Rosi Pletzer, Susan Scott, Pam Adams, Jane of Pet Power, Honour Leigh, Janette Scifleet, Clare Tam, Leeor, Kate Millhouse (Holistic Paws), Signe Fjord, Simon Rose and Sarah James (Theta healing), and Rebecca Booth. And everybody else who has sent her healing and given us support. Thank you so much.

Rebecca Booth (Elementals Equine Therapies) for more horse garlic, chamomile, Neem Oil, horse healing, friendship and her wonderful chainsawing husband.

By the way if you go to Rebecca’s website and order something before Oct 31, there’s a 10 percent discount to celebrate her change of company name.

Belinda Cooper for electric fencing and horse stuff.

Our friends Andrew and Tony for giving up their afternoon to help us put up our Stage 1 dog fence.

Sharon of Green Paws for reduced cost supplements for dogs. Ph: 02 49979037 or email

Armonde of The Washing Mill – for horse rugs and fly veils.

Honour Leigh for blankets, bedding, cat bowls and other assorted wonderful, wonderful goodies, plus of course, my awesome CD cover artwork. And teaching me EFT. Thank you!

Jeanette for her financial donation which immediately went into the envelope on my desk for hay. Last week we got 120 bales, thanks to my workshop and the flurry of clients just recently. Thank you.

Kra-Mar Pet Supplies again for superb dog collars from their working dog range. I love them! Daisy and Tusuque look so grown up now and even Willow, who is not a working dog, was gifted a country collar. Makes for cute photos. Thanks Kra-Mar!

Tarryn for Rupert’s new rug.

Claire for doonas and dog biscuits.

Cheryl for blankets and jumpers for bedding.

Landmark Daniel Walker, Braidwood for reduced cost horse feed.

Mountain Creek Health Foods for wonderful leftovers.

The Durr family for their Hencast (Home Education Network for Canberra and the Southern Tablelands) fundraising effort for Ballyoncree Animal Sanctuary. Thanks Tracey, Greg, their fabulous family and all of HENCAST!

We were able to give dog bedding and dog food to Australian Cattle Dog Rescue last month. Thanks so much everyone. A little help goes a long way.

Much gratitude and many thanks to you all.

Wish List

• Hay
• Blankets
• Tea Tree Oil
• Neem Oil
• Alternative worming
• Fencing
• One of those horse manure shovelling machines
• Marketing/PR person

Also:

Sanctuary Managers/Farm Sitters

This person or these people ideally would be holistic, caring, responsible and grounded. Would love animals and know how to be around horses and dogs in a natural way. They can shovel manure, recognise the signs of a horse with colic, handle Willow with love and patience, and be willing to follow our book of instructions while still having some tricks of their own. They play a wonderful game of ball and take brilliant walks with the dogs. We love them and so do the animals!! And we feel really safe leaving the care of the Sanctuary in their hands.

Andrew and I and Tamsin have to go to the USA next year for Andrew’s brother’s wedding and as it is our 20 year wedding anniversary we’’ll be taking a second honeymoon to Ireland and England. We don’ t know how, but we’re going to manifest it. We plan to teach so anyone who knows people who may be able to set up workshops, I’ll be grateful (email if you have ideas).

Andrew and I went to England for our first honeymoon 20 years ago. Then we filmed the Harmonic Convergence in Glastonbury. We’re looking forward to showing Tamsin sacred sites and seeing friends.

Holistic Vet for Braidwood

Two hours is a bit of a hike for us Braidwoodians to seek alternative vet care, so if any holistic vets out there want to relocate to this pretty part of the country, there’s a lot of people who would welcome you.

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