Held by Instinct, Healed by Support: What a Puppy’s Birth Taught Me About Instinct and Emotional Support
- Emily
- May 14
- 2 min read
On May 4th, my beloved dog Willow gave birth to a litter of seven puppies.
It was one of the most humbling, emotional, and heart-expanding experiences I’ve witnessed—and one I’ll carry with me forever. What I thought would be a simple day of new life became a powerful lesson in grief, instinct, and the kind of support that goes beyond words.
The first pup arrived breech. That’s not uncommon, but this one was stuck. For over 30 minutes, despite pushing and all efforts to help, Willow couldn’t deliver. The vets said they couldn’t do more than I could at home.
I watched her pace and panic. I felt helpless.
And that’s when something shifted—not just physically, but energetically. With the help of my Reiki teacher and intuitive guide Lisa, working remotely, the first pup’s energy was gently shifted. The cord that had bound it was released. The pup was born—but still.
What followed was a blur of beauty and grief. Willow went on to deliver four healthy boys. But she didn’t know what to do with them. She hadn’t read the book. I had.
More loss followed. Another girl, stillborn. And then… the seventh and final pup. A little girl who arrived crying—crying as though she knew something sacred had been lost before her.
In the hours and days that followed, Willow and I were held.
By my neighbour, an experienced breeder, who came and patiently reintroduced each pup to Willow
By my friend Mary, who used Body Code to release layers of trauma, fear and confusion
By instinct itself, which returned to Willow—not because she was forced, but because she was supported
Watching Willow navigate this journey reminded me so deeply of our own human rites of passage—motherhood or lack of grief, change, divorce and loss.
We are so often thrust into new chapters with no guide, no certainty, no readiness. And yet… we’re expected to cope.
Willow's now flying solo as a mum, nurturing those pups like she's been doing it all her life. But just like Willow, we’re not meant to do it alone.
Instinct and emotional support are powerful allies in these moments—one rooted in our natural wisdom, the other in connection and care. Support comes in many forms: energetic, emotional, practical. Sometimes it looks like Reiki. Sometimes it’s a friend with warm hands. Sometimes it’s someone who says, “You’re not alone.”
I’m grateful. For the wisdom of women. For the mystery of instinct. And for the reminder that we are always allowed to ask for help.
This story isn’t just about puppies. It’s about how we heal, how we grow, and how—when held—we return to ourselves.
If you’re navigating a life transition, feeling lost or unsure, you don’t have to do it alone either.
This is exactly why I do the work I do. If my support might serve you, I’d love to hold space for your journey. Get in touch and let's chat about what is possible for you.
WhatsApp: 07932 934157
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