Healing and Blessing of the Animals in Rye

The only thing predictable about the programming at Rye's historic is the unpredictability of its programming; from the far out to the spiritual to the holistically conventional, often all on the same day.

Yesterday’s “Healing and Blessing of the Animals” was the latest example.

While more traditional worshippers attended Sunday services at Rye’s Church of the Resurrection, or at the Methodist, Lutheran or Rye Presbyterian Churches, there was a gathering of the faithful and their animal brethren at Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Ave.

Dearly Beloved, they were gathered together for Tellington Touch and Animal Reiki under the tent by the water from 1 to 3:30 p.m. “by appointment,” and healing energy abounded, barked, meowed, chirped, bayed, growled and more.

During that time, the venerable, oldest non-profit, non-sectarian healing center in the U.S.  (60 years and counting) literally went to the dogs –and cats, birds, ducks, geese and their furred and feathered like.

In the best sense of the words, of course.

“One of our sensitive, compassionate animal healers will work with your animal companion for approximately 20 minutes,” said Diane Negvesky, a certified Yoga instructor as well as a Wainwright spokesperson before the program began. “Animals must be under control and/or leashed. Last appointment: 3 p.m.”

"Animals without appointment will be received on a first-come basis until 3 p.m.," she said. “Walk-in may be available on an as-available basis.” 

Each and every pet will also be blessed by an ordained minister, she added.

There was also a cautionary note: “Veterinary services will not be available and are not implied. Animal healing sessions do not take the place of veterinary care.”

But the healers on hand –and foot –included a veritable Who’s Who of personalities steeped in the healing and blessing of animals.

The roster included Eileen Savage, Carol Hutner, Bobbi Pollack, Rev. Catherine Clarke and Sister Susan Becker.

Each has her own impressive credentials. 

Savage is an Intuitive and Reiki Master/Teacher, certified in Animal Reiki and Level One Inter-dimensional healing, trained at the Open Center in New York City and an animal lover of the highest degree.

She is certified in Dog and Cat First Aid from the American Red Cross, has studied under the Jesuits at Fordham University in the Bronx and is passionate about teaching and practicing Reiki and connecting with animals through Reiki’s healing energy.

Savage has also given previous Animal Reiki programs at Wainwright, including one that began with an overview of Reiki principles, symbols and the chakra system. That program offered insights into how to connect to an animal’s energy and chakra system. It also taught how to conduct animal Reiki sessions and distant healing and awarded a certificate for completion of the training.

The animal healing and blessing of the animals and the Animal Reiki sessions are just the latest examples of far-out as well conventionally “in” programs at Wainwright House.

Just last Sunday, for instance, programs ranged from “Windows of the Sky Jin Shin Do Facial Acupressure” taught by Reiki Master Gail Kellsrom, a member of the Society for Shamantic Practicioners among other credentials to “Writing from the Heart: Finding Your Own Voice” taught by author Nancy Slonim Aronie, who has been a college teacher at Trinity and Harvard, a McCall's magazine columnist and a commentator for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”

Other Spring About Town Wainwright favorites in the “Far Out “ category included Rev. Judith Star-Medicine’s “Crystals and Rocks: The Stone People/Shamantic Journey.” She  is described as an astrologer, deep trance medium and a spiritual counselor with direct access to Grandfather, a deceased Lakota Holy Man who speaks through her; and Valerie Stiehl’s “Get in Touch With Your Spiritual Guides” whereby Stiehl facilitates clairvoyant channeling for the group via guided meditation and intuition to help participants contact angels, departed loves ones, ascended masters, spiritual guides and more, according to her program description.

Diane Negvesky, the Wainwright program director, stresses that –for every tarot card reader, chanter and channeller – there are also “in” conventional programs such as contemplative prayer weekends, women’s transformational retreats, yoga rejuvenation retreats, motivational speakers and classes in Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba Toning, Limbercise, Mind/Body/Spirit chair exercise with weights and more.

That’s why Wainwright House is described as  “A Center for Spirituality, Healing and Retreats.”

Further information: Phone: 967-6080; www. wainwright.org.

.