I have a confession to make—I talk to animals. A lot. I don’t consider myself an animal communicator, nor do I believe I have any special gifts. It just seems like the most natural thing to do.
When a new animal arrives at Serenity Farm Virginia, I speak to them with kindness and reassurance. I tell them that this is a safe place, that whatever hardships or cruelty they may have endured in the past are over. They are told that nothing is expected of them—goats will not be bred to produce milk for human consumption, horses will not be ridden, and roosters will not be discarded simply because they do not lay eggs.
They are also told that they are under no obligation to accept human affection. Many of us instinctively want to hug, pet, and touch the animals we care about. But have we taken the time to consider their comfort first? As an introvert and a highly sensitive person (HSP), I deeply understand the need for personal space and the ability to step away when feeling overwhelmed. Animals are no different. Respecting their boundaries is just as important as respecting those of another human.
Since animals do not communicate with words as we do, it’s easy to assume that our words don’t matter to them. But animals are masters of understanding body language, tone, and energy. Imagine yourself in a foreign country where you do not understand the language. If someone were to approach you and say, “You are so stupid,” you may not understand the words, but their facial expression and tone would likely make the meaning clear.
The words we use shape our perceptions—and our actions. When we call snakes evil, donkeys stubborn, pit bulls aggressive, or wolves ruthless killers, we are influencing how society treats these animals. The same goes for the names we give our pets. A dog named “Meathead” or “Killer” will be met with different expectations than one named “Buddy” or “Hope.” I once fostered a dog with the unfortunate name “Meathead,” and it was clear from his posture and hesitance that he had spent his life being treated accordingly.
Words have power. They can uplift or diminish, heal or harm. At Serenity Farm Virginia, we choose words that convey respect, kindness, and understanding—because every animal, just like every person, deserves to be spoken to with dignity.
Jo Bighouse, Founder