When Dawn Kavanaugh of Glendale, Ariz., lost her cat Paisley, she was beside herself.
Outside temperatures can cause life-threatening health issues for a Cornish Rex, a hairless breed.
As executive director of Foothills Animal Rescue, Kavanaugh turned to her team for comfort.
"A volunteer told me about Animal Communicator Debbie Johnstone," said Kavanaugh. "I was skeptical but had nothing to lose."
Johnstone has worked in Phoenix as a full-time animal communicator since 2003.
"I started relating to animals at the age of 3," said Johnstone. "As a child, I thought everyone heard animals talk like I do."
Johnstone explained that anyone can connect with their pets if they are willing to clear their minds and focus on reading their pets' energy.
Some pets communicate with words but others prefer to share a picture, sound, smell or emotion. For consultations, all it takes is a photo.
"Debbie told me Paisley was confused because all of the houses look alike, and they do," said Kavanaugh. "But then she crushed all of my hopes of finding Paisley when she mentioned he was on a second-story balcony because we live in a single-story neighborhood."
Johnstone also visualized a three-tier fountain and a street address with multiple 3s - which describes a house near Kavanaugh.
After reuniting with her pet, Kavanaugh learned her neighbor found Paisley and gave her to a friend who lives in a second-story apartment.
Clients like Kavanaugh say Johnstone often reveals information that neither she nor the pets' owners could have known. Sometimes the information is fun and comforting. Other times the information helps answer questions or resolve problems.
"One horse told me he loved peppermints," said Johnstone. "His owner later found out that his daughter was sneaking the horse treats."
A dog told her that he loved his owner's cell phone ringtone, the Pink Panther theme song, because his owner smiles and laughs during the conversations that follow.
Johnstone says not all animals communicate in words.
"Unfortunately, sometimes I smell a pet's favorite treat," said Johnstone. "I say 'unfortunately' because once a cat shared that he loves salmon and I do not like seafood."
Another dog shared the image of a vanilla wafer. She later learned the dog enjoys nightly snack time with an owner who eats the cookies.
While these stories may strengthen her credibility, Johnstone's work to improve pets' well-being is most fulfilling.
For example, when vets could not properly diagnose a sick poodle, the dog informed Johnstone that she felt dizzy all of the time.
"That was a turning point in her health care because the dog's owners sought neurological testing," said Johnstone.
Sometimes pain, such as ear infections, will be deflected to Johnstone so she can inform owners of the issue.
"I encourage people to withhold judgment and make a concerted effort to speak with their pets," said Johnstone. "Most people can read their pet's body language, but they do not realize they can converse with them to learn more."
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