On The Farm
Suri Alpaca
It’s so fun going from -20 degrees to 30. I actually saw people in shorts! Then, we had a couple of days of 45-50 degrees and now we’re in mud. I’m already seeing daffodils coming up and it’s not even the end of February. I know we’re not finished with winter, and hope those eager buds don’t get nipped by late snow.
I enjoy the season and the cold. Sat out on the back porch while it was a balmy 30 degrees to enjoy the sunset with a cup of tea. Only in winter can you see the stillness, the quiet of the sunset—quite different from any other time of year. The muted light was beautiful. Earlier, I caught Ernie enjoying a spot of sun through the window as he napped-it looked so comfy that I wished I was small enough to join him.
One of the challenges of our Michigan winters is how to keep a 75 pound Labrador retriever happy when temps are so long below zero. I found a solution at https://spiritdogtraining.com. Steph has put together breed-specific activity e-books for those stuck inside. We’re playing tug of war after a snuffle mat full of treats and a puzzle ball. I just have to watch how many calories Stitch consumes daily—there were some days he couldn’t walk because of the severity of the weather. Just outside, do his business, and run back in.
How do you turn the season’s challenges, or any challenge into joy, into something beautiful, something cozy or positive? Our perspectives can shift quickly if our intention is strong. When something bothers me, if I create a blessing around it, my whole perspective changes and so does the energy of what was bothersome. It’s a creative exercise that also strengthens and balances. It’s a way of retrieving the gift or the lesson that life has to offer. I hope your winter blesses you with many gifts.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’m writing this newsletter on the Lunar New Year, so Happy New Year! Here is a guided meditation to help set the tone for this year’s energy. I hope you enjoy it.
This is also the beginning of the year for shamanic training. It starts with a beautiful introduction to nature and natural healing connections in MEDICINE FOR THE EARTH. See the class information below. If you are curious or have been called to practice shamanism, please join me. This class is Sandra Ingerman’s first foundation class to introduce participants to a shamanic perspective. Journeying skills are not required for this offering, and all traditions are welcome. If you want to be an interspecies counselor, this class is required. If you have questions or concerns, just let me know at ramsey.judy003@yahoo.com.
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
This is an annual initiative sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to raise awareness about the critical importance of oral hygiene in dogs and cats. It serves as a reminder for pet owners to check for dental disease signs and schedule professional veterinary cleanings.
Dental disease can lead to serious health complications like infections and organ damage if ignored. Watch for bad breath, broken or loose teeth, discolored teeth, reduced appetite, or pain around the mouth.
Many clinics are offering discounts on dental work during this month, so check with your veterinarian for services offered.
Ideally, your animal companion should have regular brushing—daily or weekly. Be aware that human toothpaste is toxic for animals, so use pet varieties with them that are available at any pet food/supply store. You can use either brush or fingercot, depending on what is easier for you and more comfortable for your animal.
Kibble and approved dental treats and toys can also keep teeth and gums healthy. Make it easy and fun for both of you, and assure a long life with good health.
THE BOOKSHELF-ISH
I will be one of 12 experts presenting at the Animal Communication Summit produced by the Shift Network. I will be joined by some really great people, including my friend and mentor, Penelope Smith, and a new friend, Karen Anderson.
Karen is not only an animal communicator with 29 years of experience, she also has written three best-selling books that have been translated into numerous languages, including The Pet I Can’t Forget, The Amazing Afterlife of Animals, and Hear All Creatures. Her books contain powerful messages from departed animals drawn from actual sessions she conducted.
In addition to working with clients and writing, Karen also offers animal communication courses and coaching. When I visited her website, https://KarenAnderson.net, I was so impressed by her commitment to animal welfare. She and her husband founded Painted Rain Ranch Animal Sanctuary, which provides a final refuge for pets no one else wants until their end of life. Proceeds from sessions, books, and courses benefit the sanctuary animals. She also has a free phone app for pet loss hope and healing.
I hope you will join us for this unique summit. Karen Anderson is only one of the twelve fascinating people offering great information on communication with animals. Twelve different perspectives that I think you will enjoy. I’m bringing the shamanic perspective to communication.
If you would like to donate to Painted Rain Ranch Animal Sanctuary, just go to Karen’s website or click on this link.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Find full descriptions and costs of the classes and events on the website - https://JudyRamsey.net. Registrations are on the website. Once registered, a Zoom invitation will be sent to receive the meeting link. If you want to attend a journey circle, please contact Judy at info@judyramsey.net. Journey circles are held the first and third Thursday of each month. All classes and journey circles are recorded for your convenience. All class times listed are eastern time.
FEBRUARY 5 & 19, 2026
Journey Circle—Journey circle meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, exploring themes that support your inner work. Your first circle is free. Pre-requisite: shamanic journeying skills.
Held online via ZOOM
$25 per session or $40 per month
7pm-8:30pm est
Contact Judy for registration and payment.
JANUARY 24-25, 2026
Basic Shamanic Journeying— The shamanic journey is an easy and powerful tool we can use to access spiritual information. In this class you will meet and begin to develop a relationship with a compassionate spirit or power animal who is coming forward to help you at this time in your life. You will learn techniques to help you develop a self-directed practice of empowerment, allowing you to move safely, intentionally through the world in a balanced way.This class is a prerequisite to ongoing and more advanced shamanic studies.
The class will be taught online via ZOOM.
$160 per person, $80 for repeating students
9am-3pm each day
(consideration may be made for west coast students with starting time at 10am-4pm)
FEBRUARY 7, 2026
Shamanic Personal Safety: Creating Sacred Protected Space— Learn techniques for creating sacred space and why energy hygiene is critical in shamanic practice. Prerequisite: journeying skills. This class is taught online via ZOOM.
$90 per person
9am-4pm EST (consideration may be made for west coast students with starting time at 10am-5pm)
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2026
Basic Telepathic Animal Communication - Learn to communicate with animals the way they communicate with each other. Using all your senses, open to your intuitive, playful perceptions through exercises that will support your opening safely and comfortably. Pre-requisite: Animal Talk, by Penelope Smith. The class will be taught online via ZOOM.
$180 per person, $90 for repeating students
9am-4pm each day
(consideration may be made for west coast students with starting time at 10am-4pm)
Please note: “Repeat Student” means that you have already taken a particular class once, or you have spoken with me and I have given you permission to do this based on my evaluation of your experience. If repeating a class, you will be eligible for reduced tuition in most cases.