I crossed my beloved half bobcat Cougar over into spirit at his request on September 19, 2015. He was over 18 years old and his body could no longer hold his spirit comfortably. We had 16 years together—but it is never long enough. Cougs, so glad you are free—but I miss feeling your face pressed to mine and your head butts, hearing your purr, and watching your bobcat tail vibrate when you were happy being petted. Letting go of the physical is not easy.

Cougar’s passing was as easy as the vet and I could make it. I called for support from all my allies in the realm of shamanism and Reiki including Choquichinchay—the Rainbow Jaguar—bridge between the worlds. At the time of his passing my mesa and She Walks were also present. Cougar left his body peacefully and easily, and then his spirit began his journey with Choquichinchay.

The first two days were the hardest, I needed tissues often despite the ease of his passing and knowing that it was the right time. I had the support of friends, but also found support from some unexpected sources.

On Sunday I felt the need to be close to the animals, and paid a visit to Cougar Mountain Zoo. I had just arrived, and was leaning against the railing of the enclosure where three mountain lions live—brother Miksa, and sisters Keira and Tika.

In the past I have had moments of connection with Keira, but it did not look like any of them were out. To my surprise Keira came sauntering around the corner and she was intently focused on me. She stopped, and held my attention with her eyes gazing into mine. I eye blinked at her in greeting, and still looking into my eyes she walked straight toward me and offered a vocal cougar greeting. In that moment she recognized me, acknowledged my connection with Cougar and let me know that she was aware of my sadness and feelings of loss—she offered me comfort. I was deeply touched, and then I needed more tissues.

Later that day Stacey and I went to Salty’s on Alki. Even though the weather was iffy it did not feel right sitting inside so we opted to sit out on the deck and take our chances. We no sooner sat down than the sun broke through the clouds for a few minutes, lifting my spirits a bit.

Our wine arrived along with a very slight misty rain which ended quickly. As I sat there taking in all the beauty of Puget Sound, I thought lovingly of Cougar and the gift of Keira’s message of comfort and felt compelled to offer a toast.

Stacey and I raised glasses as I said, “A toast in honor of Cougar and Keira, and all the animals who love us and help raise our awareness.”

The instant I finished speaking Stacey exclaimed, “Look! Look!”

I turned around and there was a rainbow growing out of the waters of Puget Sound. As we watched it climbed up into the sky and arched over downtown Seattle. It was an amazing, glorious sight but I knew it was also a gift and a message from Cougar and Choquichinchay that all was as it should be.

Thank you Cougar for so many wonderful years. Honored friend and teacher, you taught me so much about love and trust. Journey well.

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A Video Memory: A Half Bobcat Named Cougar

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A WILD WAY TO HEAL
Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is an animal communicator, Reiki Master Teacher, shamanic energy healer, and author. Her classes, sessions and ceremonial work are inspired by wild and domestic animals who have issued a call to action for personal and global healing.

Her book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism features heartwarming stories about animals and their role in her evolution as an energy worker and shamanic healer.