Weekend: Dog goes woof, cat goes meow

Skimm'd while shopping the weekend's can't-miss sales — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today November 26, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm WEEKEND Skimm'd while [shopping the weekend's can't-miss sales]( [Update location]( or [View forecast]( On the weekends, we like to unwind. Maybe you do too. For that, we’ve rounded up the most fun and interesting stories we came across this week — the ones we texted our friends about. Enjoy. theSkimm With A Top-Dog Animal Communicator Ever wonder what your pet’s thinking? [Nikki Vasconez]( may be able to help. That’s because the former lawyer now works as [an animal communicator]( — a practice that’s become [more mainstream]( in recent years. No surprise, given that many pet parents go to great lengths to keep their [furry family members]( happy (see: [barkitecture](, [spa days](, [over-the-top birthday parties](). To learn more about connecting with hundreds of dogs, cats, horses, and even a camel, we spoke to Vasconez. Here’s what she had to say… Q: What are some of the most common reasons clients come to you? They’re dealing with a behavioral issue — from separation anxiety to non-stop barking — and they want to know what’s going on and how they can help their animal. Another common reason is they’d like to connect with their deceased animal. Some people want to find out how they’re feeling [in the afterlife] — meaning, are they no longer in pain? Did they regain their eyesight, mobility, or whatever else was failing in their physical body? Did they wait too long to put them down? [Others] want to know [if and] how their [former pet] is currently communicating with them. [And then some] clients reach out simply to figure out how they can enhance their animal’s life. Q: And how exactly does it work? All of my sessions are done remotely — meaning, I’m not on Zoom with [the pet] and the owner. I’m by myself, and I’ll look at a picture [of the animal] to connect … The only information I know ahead of time is [their] name, gender, whether they’re living or in spirit, and the names of their humans. The less I know, the better, so I don’t go in with any preconceived notions or biases. [From there], I ask questions … [about their] personality, then [things like their] food, exercise, bedding, and home — and how they’re physically feeling. We cover what they think of their animal siblings and each human family member. And then if there’s anything they need or want more of... [All of that] is accomplished through telepathy … Sometimes when I'm talking to an animal, I'll receive a mental image of something I’ve personally never seen, but makes sense to their owners. Other times, [it’s] thoughts. I suddenly might hear, ‘We have to fix the air conditioner, it's been broken for months,’ [which isn’t] something I was actively thinking about two seconds prior … [Or] I’ll feel an ache or pain in my own body. If my right ankle starts hurting, that means theirs is in distress … I record [all of this]. I’ll say the question I’m asking the animal, then once I receive their answer, I’ll repeat [it]. And I send the entire audio file to the owners after the session. Q: Has there ever been an animal you weren’t able to communicate with? Never ... but what has happened — [and] only a handful of times — is I’ve gone to do the session and the animal was like, ‘Nope, not today. Come back tomorrow,’ [which] I [was] able to do. Q: What have been some of the most memorable sessions? When health issues are instantly solved. One [example] is when I communicated with a cat named Finnegan, who was very ill … The vets couldn’t figure out what was going on — and nothing was working. [As soon as] I connected with him, I felt this ache in one specific tooth ... They went to the vet and that tooth had an abscess ... [Also], I’ve definitely had animals spill the tea or tattle on their humans — revealing super personal and embarrassing things. I [once] asked a dog if he had any advice for his human mom. He said, “She needs to have more fun during sexy time.” I thought, I am not saying that out loud. But he was like, “You need to. Something just happened, [which is] why she hasn’t been having fun” … I [did], and after the session, the human emailed me cracking up and [explained what had happened]. Q: Oh wow. Have there been any other instances in which you were nervous about relaying a certain message? There are definitely times when I need to take a moment to think about the best way to [do so]. An example is [when] I talked to a dog recently, and he said “I don’t like mom” ... I didn’t want to just bluntly say that, so [I told the dad], “There’s tension between your dog and his human mom — they don’t seem to mesh well.” He [immediately responded], “Oh my gosh, 100%. My wife hates the dog and the dog hates her.” Q: Even though animal communication has become more mainstream, I imagine you still encounter skeptics. What do you say to them? I’m not here to convince anyone of anything — I’m just here to share the information that I have with whoever wants it. I won’t do a session to prove somebody wrong. I have a long enough waitlist, and I don’t need to prove myself ... So what I generally [tell] people [who] are skeptical is to have an open mind. The worst that’s going to happen is you might think the animal communicator doesn’t have the ability to connect with your animal. But the best that’s going to happen is you’re going to have a life-changing experience — and it’s going to greatly enhance the relationship you have with your animal. Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Meet Nikki Vasconez, a former lawyer who’s communicated with hundreds of pets #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening ❤️ In relationships… If you’re looking to spice up your love life, consider [radical pleasure](. Or, check out these [adults-only hotels](. Speaking of things heating up, see [slow burns](. Don’t have time for that? Perhaps you can squeeze in some “[stack dating](.” --------------------------------------------------------------- 🛍️ In style… Bye, bye blazers — [bomber jackets]( are the smoothest way to wear leather. Meanwhile, [Vera Bradley]( has a new generation in the bag. And the stars are aligned for [zodiac jewelry](’s return. Same with “[dad-core fleeces](.” --------------------------------------------------------------- 💅 In beauty… While makeup lovers are [perfecting their puppy eyes]( and softening up to “[red velvet](,” others are trying their hand at [unapproachable looks](. Case in point? [Freaky nail art](, which may — or may not — gel with [“embo” nails](. Forward this to a friend. [Click here](mailto:?&subject=Check out this Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter&body=Check it out . Bookmark'd Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends… [The Other Ozempic Revolution](…how weight-loss drugs are tipping the scales in relationships. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Damar Hamlin on the Night That Shook Football](…the Buffalo Bills safety opens up about his game-changing incident — and coming up with a new play. --------------------------------------------------------------- [The French Bulldog Revolution](…Frenchies have long been loved for their wrinkly faces and adorable size. But so-called “unofficial colors” are sparking a ruff debate. --------------------------------------------------------------- [The Truth About Social-Famous Surgeons](…instead of being surgeons to the stars, surgeons are now the stars themselves. That may — or may not — be a prescription for success. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. The mixer you need before your next cookie exchange. And any other holiday shindig, tbh. [This six-quart stand mixer]( can mix, whip, and knead at 10 different speeds. But don’t wait, ‘cause we hear these are selling out fast.* [Get it now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. The best Black Friday sales to shop right now. Thanksgiving leftovers + the couch + scrolling through [these deals]( = our ideal Sunday afternoon. [Get shopping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Drugstore beauty products that actually work. Our go-to products that look and feel beautiful and cost less than $20. [Bookmark this page]( for your next Amazon session. [Check them out]( Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Gifts of the Day A [cookie subscription](, an [arts-and-craft box](, and lots (and lots) of [wine](. Save the Date Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about... The seasonal shopping spree continues with [Cyber Monday](. Then keep the sweetness going on [Giving Tuesday](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Clarkson, Cher, and more musicians will be rockin’ around the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree during [the annual lighting ceremony](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” movie]( is in theaters. Tellin’ everybody. --------------------------------------------------------------- PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it [here](. 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