Photo by Tina Valant

WHAT: “Communication with All Life: Revelations of an Animal Communicator”

WHO: Joan Ranquet, author and animal communicator

WHERE: Kimball Ballroom, Stephens College Campus

WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 7 p.m.

EVENT COST: Free

BOOK PRICE: $10

CONTACT: 876-7111

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog won’t stay off the couch or away from your best leather shoes, animal communicator Joan Ranquet offers an explanation: It might actually be your fault.

Ranquet, an internationally known animal communicator, or pet psychic, makes her living helping people understand and better communicate with the animals in their lives. She will speak at Stephens College, her alma mater, this Thursday about her skills in dealing with furry (and feathery) creatures of all kinds.

Although she’s literally written the book on the subject, Ranquet maintains that animal communication isn’t that mysterious.

“The main thing I’ll be talking about is how much we all already communicate with our animals, and I’m not really that special,” she says.

The presentation, which carries the same title as her best-selling book, Communication with All Life: Revelations of an Animal Communicator, will incorporate some of the mental exercises Ranquet uses when working with an animal and owner. She teaches that owners need to improve communication with their pets using telepathy. For example, an owner who commands a dog to get off a couch while believing the dog will jump right back on the couch after he or she’s out of the room is mentally allowing the pet to do just that.

“We’re constantly sending mixed messages,” she says of this disconnect between speech and psyche.

In addition to working with pet owners, trainers and vets, the animal guru teaches weekend workshops and founded Communication with All Life University, an animal communicator certification program.

Although she works primarily with dogs, cats and horses, Ranquet has worked with a baby elephant at a Seattle zoo and a group of eagles, upon request.

Ranquet graduated from Stephens College in 1982 with a BFA in Theater Art and worked in the film industry initially. She made the switch to animal communication after working with communicators when she took up her childhood horseback riding hobby once again.

A Q&A will follow the presentation. Copies of Ranquet’s book will be available for purchase and signing.