Killian is an eleven-year-old Rotweiller. Her health had declined sharply during the past year. She was in constant pain despite medication. Walking was a huge effort and putting any weight on her front left leg was close to impossible.

Her family is my niece, Ginny, her eight year old son, Logan, her 4 year old daughter, Maria and an adorable pug named. Chewy.
Ginny asked me to offer Reiki to Killian the day before she was to be euthanized. Both Logan and Maria wanted to participate.

Killian was also depressed over the unexpected death two months earlier of her twin sister, Amber. In addition, Ginny was going through a divorce and the family was in turmoil.

When I arrived at their house, I was shocked at Killian’s appearance. She looked so small and caved in. She hadn’t been able to stand and relieve herself for almost 24 hours. She surprised us when she pulled herself up, followed me outside for 15 excruciating minutes to relieve herself then returned inside.

The real point of this story, for me, is the effect the two children’s offering of Reiki had on Killian. Logan needed a minimum of coaching. Maria’s approach was to brush and hug Killian. We worked together for forty minutes. I felt that I was witnessing something special. Before I left, Killian was giving Maria kisses. When I checked that evening, Killian was wiggling her rear end like a puppy. She even climbed the stairs that night to join the kids in their bedrooms.

That was a year ago this past June. As of today, August 30, 2010, Killian still wiggles like a puppy, climbs stairs and takes special care of the children and of course, Chewy.

Mary Gillen