When something is wrong with a beloved pet, many owners will try just about anything to figure out what’s going on. Generally, that means testing and costly vet visits. But there are those people who go the extra mile.
No, not flock cameras or drones, but something as seemingly well-informed: a pet psychic, or pet communicator. Florida woman Allison Thompson (@allison.m.thompson) was desperate to get her dog to eat. Cashew, a white mini poodle or Bichon-adjacent canine, apparently did not like his food. Too much turkey, not enough sardines. She’s posted more than 10 videos unpacking their journey to dinnertime bliss on TikTok. Her most popular dog-centric post has over 150,200 views.
Picky Eater And Problem ‘Child’
Cashew doesn’t go outside to go potty when “dad” tells him to, because he thinks he does a good job of letting everyone know when he has to go. He’s also worried about his stinky breath and doesn’t like the ground turkey he gets served at dinnertime. This is all according to pet communicator Lanif Lopez.
Lopez also advertises herself as a pet shaman. On her website, she says her job is to “focus on strengthening bonds between people and their pets throughout all stages of the pet’s life cycle.” Practically that seems to mean making sure an animal’s needs are being met, from meal preferences to anxiety-causing alone time.
When Thompson asked her husband what he wanted Cashew to tell them, he said, “Why do you not eat your food?” Then he goes on to speculate that it’s because he knows if he holds out long enough, Thompson will change his food. And that’s what he really wants. Her husband thinks Cashew is a f—— “scammer.”
After the session with animal shaman Lopez, the meals seemed to get appreciably better. Sardines are on the menu, but there’s some confusion about whether Cashew likes them packed in water or oil. Ground beef patties served with scrambled and raw eggs also make an appearance.
Are Dog Communicators Legit?
In a video after the communication session, Thompson says she thinks it’s legit since Lopez told her some specific things—including the aforementioned cooking notes and bathroom break opinions. But he also let everyone know that Thompson’s driving makes him nervous, and he thinks his diet should include more chicken feet.
The internet totally listened. Hundreds of users are currently invested in Cashew’s dietary journey. Many of them are noticing when and how Thompson has deviated from his request of ground beef with an egg yolk (no white). In several subsequent videos, she details his meals, trying different versions of hamburgers and eggs, with varying results. It is noticed.
TikToker @taryn7188 is sympathetic but writes, “I want to be on your side here but he clearly said the yolk on top. I’m betting he meant raw.”
User @tegdodge backs it up, saying, “Girl. You paid all that money and you didn’t even listen. No egg white!!! I’d be so pissed off at you right now.”
Then, @haleighd24 tries to clear things up, saying, “I’d put money on it that bro wants steak tartare.”
It begs the question: Does it take a pet shaman to tell you a dog would love a pile of raw steak?
How Effective Are Pet Communicators?
According to the one review on Lopez’s site, the session one pet owner booked “was great!” And Annemarie Conte, writing for the New York Times, says she thinks there’s something to it. After an article in the style section ran about animal communicators, she decided to give it a try.
The communicator she worked with told her that Buddy, her canine companion, wants more stimulation like playtime and learning. He also wants to enjoy a bully stick next to the fire “before he dies.” For her part, his owner wants him to greet guests more calmly. Not everyone thinks getting jumped on, even in friendship, is great.
After the interaction, Conte reports that she felt “it helped to further build my relationship with my dog, and that’s a real win.” Buddy also said he wanted spray cheese treats and a ride on a big boat. Who doesn’t?
Other recommendations both communicators mentioned were enrichment toys, secure crates in the car, and lots of customized meals. So it might matter less if they’re actually having conversations with the animals or just helping improve relationships. Day-to-day, lives are improved. And possibly made tastier: sardines and all.
BroBible reached out to Thompson via TikTok direct message and with a comment on the post. We will update this if she replies to us.
@allison.m.thompson He hasn’t eaten any of his actual meals in two days #cashew #pickyeater #dog #dogcommunicator #friedegg