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Enhance Positive Energy Pets Give

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By KRISTEN LEVINE, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 16, 2008

If you're familiar with feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice that purports to build good energy in your life, it may comes as no surprise that pets are a plus.

If you've been daunted by the laws of astronomy and geography that govern feng shui, you may like that this part, at least, is easy.

"Pets emit a strong, positive form of energy in your home because they are constantly in motion," says Yvonne Phillips, author of "Feng Shui ABC" ($9.95 at her Web site, www.fengshuicampus.com). "There is no better feng shui for your home than having an animal run around spreading positive chi."

Feng shui, which translates to "wind-water," dates back 3,000 to 5,000 years. Although critics consider it pseudoscience, practitioners swear by the practice of arranging objects in the home to achieve harmony with the environment. The idea is to generate positive chi - improving one's life by managing the flow of energy.

Those of us with pets have a head start on creating that positive energy flow in the home, Phillips says.

"Pets already possess upbeat, positive energy," she says. "And best of all, they generally want to be in the same room you're in, which generates 'good energy' around you whenever you're at home."

Feng shui is often referred to as a form of therapy; practitioners believe it can enhance our spirit and well-being when practiced correctly. Phillips says it's equally therapeutic for pets. If you generate positive energy in your home, you can enhance your pet's overall health and happiness.

"Look at the area where your pet likes to hang out," she says. "Our animals are drawn to the best energy in a room or a home. Think about how you feel in the space. ... Pets will tend to seek out the same qualities of environment that we do."

Though the study and practice of feng shui can seem complex for beginners, Phillips says careful observation and common sense can create good chi for pets.

Clean And Simple

Sure, pets sometimes make a mess, but they prefer cleanliness, just like we do.

"Cleanliness is an important part of feng shui practice," Phillips says. "A pet should feel safe, secure and clean in the areas where they eat or sleep."

Wash food and water bowls thoroughly, and don't leave any soapy residue. Launder bedding when needed, and clear away unnecessary clutter.

Color is another simple tool that can enhance your pet's comfort, Phillips says.

"My cat is partial to red and green," she says. "If you're not sure of what that favorite color might be for your pet, do some experimenting with different colored blankets or bowls to see if your pet seems to have a preference."

She recommends using plates, bowls, bedding and toys that are pretty and colorful and feature a pet's favorite colors, if you know what they are. She also suggests using the color red to energize a finicky pet's eating area.

"The eating area should also be a protected space - a corner out of the path of humans."

Plastic bowls are a feng shui "no-no." Choose a more organic option such as ceramic or glass.

Sense-Sational Treats

"Pets are attracted to natural light and warmth," Phillips says. "They'll tend to gravitate to a warm, sunny spot near a window, if the sun is shining."

On a cloudy day, you can create that same sense of comfort with salt lamps or candles - unscented because pets have acute olfactory systems. Salt lamps are good for both people and pets, she says, explaining they release negative ions that energize the room and purify the air.

Five elements of the home - fire, earth, metal, water and wood - can affect pets (or people) dramatically, she adds.

CRITTER CALENDAR

Yappy Hour

Help raise money for Protect Animals With Sterilization, known as PAWS, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Tia's Tex-Mex, 2815 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Enjoy food, drink specials, drawings for prizes and live music on the patio; dogs are welcome. For information, call (813) 655-7297 or go to www.pawsofhc.org.

Say Cheese

Celebrate Spay Day 2008 by participating in the Humane Society of the United States' Pet Photo Contest. Snap a photo of your pet and upload it to www.humanesociety.org/spayday along with a brief story about how your pet improves your life. Photos will be judged and a winner announced Feb. 26.

The grand prize includes a photo session with your pet, a $1,000 pet shopping spree, assorted products and a $5,000 grant for an animal charity participating in Spay Day USA.

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