A haven for animals who have faced hardship, where they can come back to balance and develop trust through the use of techniques that gain co-operation, not enforced compliance. The humans behind the haven are:
* Riana Olivier (Active member and Founder) - SABCAP registered advanced qualified animal behaviorist and trainer - dogs (Ethology Academy)
* Sammy Thompson (Active member and Co-Founder) - animal communicator with over 13 years experience; holistic animal wellness practitioner specialising in trauma release and emotional wellness; and energetic and vibrational healing therapist and teacher (including Usui Reiki)
* Sheryll Steyn (Partially Active member and Co-Founder) - qualified animal behaviorist and trainer - dogs (Friends of the Dog Academy), Shelter Animal Initiative Facilitator, animal communicator, Life Alignment Body Balance practioner specialising in animal energy healing and balancing, Animal Reiki practitioner, Zoopharmacognosy.
* Debra Pearce (Active member) - animal communicator and Reiki practitioner
Rescue animals can carry a host of behavioural issues with them, often brought about by unconscious human behaviours that lead to the animal losing trust or not being given the chance to develop trust in the first place. Es la Vida incorporates a variety of healing modalities and techniques in their rehabilitation programme, in addition to the physical behaviour modification tools and techniques. The modalities include:
- animal communication
- Reiki healing
- Tellington Touch
- Trauma release and emotion balancing therapies
- Vibrational and energetic healing therapies
The practice of these modalities gives the animals at Es la Vida the opportunity to be heard and helped to release any trauma or upset that has led to them losing trust. Through gentle respect and consideration, the animals are invited into a new form of interaction with humans; one of mutual trust, consideration, and respect. In return, the animals are invited to participate in the workshops and courses aimed at bringing humans back to an understanding of animals as wise and intelligent beings. As a self-funding animal haven, Es la Vida raises funds by offering the following events and services:
- Regular dog walks on the farm (5.5km dog walk), bring your own dog or walk with one of the canine residents (currently every second month)
- Puppy classes, aimed at teaching basic obedience
- Market days (fetes) celebrating all things animal
- Workshops in Reiki healing for animals
- Animal communication workshops
- Hosting of workshops, talks and courses by a variety of invited experts in their field… from canine obedience and training modalities to healing modalities and therapies that can be used with animals and for animals
The volunteers who offer their time to work with the animals on Es la Vida are currently working with the resident population of horses, donkeys and dogs. The free-roaming horses and donkeys are being gently re-habituated to human contact, and the dogs on the farm are in various stages of the canine rehabilitation programme, which is individually tailored to each dog’s particular needs. Es la Vida also offers its facilities currently to local animal rescue shelters
Future plans include the following:
- Rehabilitate and rehome more shelter dogs as and when facilities allow
- Offer a haven and sanctuary for the release of rescued animals such as tortoises, owls etc.
- Offer experience-focused “practice” days for new reiki practitioners and animal communicators to gain experience and develop skills
- Animal obedience and behaviour modification training
- Educating and raising awareness in underprivileged areas regarding animal needs and animal care
The main aim of Es la Vida is to bring humans and animals to a better understanding of each other; to offer a space for rescues to come back to balance, develop trust and either find their forever home or retire in peace; and to improve the lives of animals everywhere through education of humans and raising awareness.
