Friday, February 1, 2013

Beloved Pet Attacks

Hi,

A friend of mine gave me your address after she had written to you about a dream she had. Your analysis was right on. I am hoping that you could provide some insight into a recurring dream that I have been having lately. It has only happened a handful of times over the past few months, but each time it has disturbed me. While the dream has been different each time, a certain occurrence remains almost the same.

Just a little background. When I was growing up my family had a pet cat named Sam. He and I had an instant bond, as people with pets often do, and he was soon known as "my" pet more than any other of the family. I loved Sam, and I knew he loved me.

Now on to my dream:

The first time I had the dream I was alone. I was sitting on my couch and Sam was under the coffee table. He was in a playful mood and I was putting my hand down and quickly taking it away as I often did when I played with him. Suddenly, he got a malicious look in his eye. He jumped from under the coffee table and bit into my neck, his paws wrapped around me, claws digging into me. I was terrified! I tried to get him off without hurting him but knowing that I would have to hurt him to do so, but his grip was too strong...I woke up with a gasp at that point.

Last night I had another dream. I was sitting in a kitchen chair that my family had as I was growing up. I don't think I was in my childhood home, however. I remember there being someone around, a friend, but I cannot say who and I don't think it was very important in the dream. Sam was there again. But instead of attacking me, he jumped and attacked the back of the kitchen chair. Still I was terrified, it was almost as if he was attacking me and not the chair. I had the same feelings--not wanting to hurt him because I loved him and he didn't know any better because he was just a cat but needing to hurt him to make him stop. He had changed and I didn't know what to do. At this point I woke up.

I almost feel as if it's a trust issue, here's this thing I love but it ends up hurting me. I have been hurt plenty of times before, and I have a really hard time opening up and trusting men that I date. I just started a new relationship, but I cannot remember if the first dream I had was before or after it began. I am also growing apart from a friend that brought me much comfort when I was going through a bad spell. I don't feel that bad about it though, it just seems natural that we are going our own separate ways. Anyhow, I just thought this might help with the analysis.

This recurrence has been very disturbing and I am not sure what to make of it. Can you help?

Thank you,

Stephanie