Page 17 - Autumn 25

these households or it could be that the emotions in these
homes are more likely to put their vital force out of balance
and push them into a pathological state.
Sympathy
Mammals are sympathetic and empathetic and exhibit a
lack of boundaries, They seem to have an innate
knowledge of what the owner is feeling. During case taking
I try to get examples of my patient’s level of empathy.
When asked the closed question of whether their pet is
sympathetic owners invariably answer in the affirmative.
Most people want to think of their pets as sympathetic. If
there is a pause and they are finding it difficult to get an
example it is most likely that they are not.
The pathological side
Here is the darker, pathological side of the mammal case.
Humans in need of mammal remedies describe a hole that
they cannot fill. They cannot get enough attention or
affection. These pets will never refuse a physical affection;
they are always up for a cuddle. They can be described as
needy by their owners. I ask owners, if there is ever a time
they don’t want attention. The answer is usually never.
They need to be held and cuddled, embraced, not just be in
contact. They lie on top of them if they can.
They love fluffy soft fleece beds. They like to be wrapped
up like a baby. Snakes burrow and want to be fully covered.
There is a subtle difference. Mammals often sleep under
covers with the owner, often with the head on the same
pillow. An unbalanced mammal will seek constant
reassurance. They tend towards separation anxiety. If they
don’t, they will follow their owner everywhere they go in
the house including to the bathroom. Mammals have a
bottomless pit of a hole to fill and just can’t get enough.
These pets can look and feel dejected if they are not
getting the attention they feel they need.
Licking things is characteristic of a mammal case. They will
lick their owners, furniture and bedding. Even suckling
bedding, toys, other animals or owners for comfort. The
typical kneading action reminiscent of suckling, sometimes
referred to as making biscuits or baking bread is common
in cats but excessive exhibition of this behaviour and
especially when drooling occurs is worth noting as a
mammal characteristic. This behaviour is less common in
dogs and so more relevant to a mammal case when seen.
Similarly, skin cases where they suck their feet, the owner
often remarks it’s a habit. It seems they require oral
stimulation to satisfy some kind of need they cannot fulfil.
Mammals are fastidious. Humans will describe having a
poor body image and being anxious about how they look. I
think we see this in our pets as excessive personal
neatness, overgrooming and being generally fussy about
things being right.
These animals are often described as immature by their
owners, i.e. puppy, kitten, my baby, or be held like a baby
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