Animals are natural healers, and they can take on issues of their owners, Sobotka says.

“Our animals can take all our stuff on to themselves,” she said. “They are very intuitive, and they want us to be healthy. If we aren’t well, they know it, and they are going to try to help us.”

Sobotka gave an example of one of her clients who had found a breast lump. Soon after that, one of her dogs died. Her second dog developed a lump on his ribs.

“She thought the dog was in a terminal situation,” Sobotka said. “She brought him to me for assessment.”

The dog was nervous, much the same as his owner was.

“I observed the dog and the owner,” Sobotka said. “The dog was behaving the way the woman was.”

Sobotka’s assessment was the dog was taking on everything the woman was feeling and doing. A busy professional, she had no time for herself or her health, and she was not well. The dog was trying to make her better, and the lump developed. Sobotka advised the woman to take the dog to the vet to be sure the lump was benign, which it was.

Sobotka worked together with the woman and her dog, got the animal centered and balanced, and helped the woman find a better balance in her life. The dog again was taken to the vet for a follow up; the lump was a collection of liquid at that point, was drained, and the animal was fine.

“It was really a beautiful thing to see evolve,” Sobotka said. “This woman did not want to lose her pet, but she was not understanding that a lot of her behavior was going to the animal. And he was just doing what animals will do – trying to make her feel better.”

Sobotka has an affinity with animals not everyone has. By working with animals and their owners, she is able to help them with various issues, from behavior to health matters.

“Pets and their people are so connected,” she said. “And when something is off, it can make a big difference in the relationship.”

Sobotka offers mini-sessions from time to time at Spike’s Treats in Fountain Hills, and she also shares space with Acupuncturist Mary Papa, 12015 N. Saguaro Blvd., Suite 104. Call (602) 317-1543.

When she isn’t working with pets, Sobotka spends time at Liberty Wildlife, working with wild animals and birds. She also is a Healing Touch for Animals practitioner. For more information about her work, visit www.spiritanimalwisdom.com.