A Little Reiki, A Little Love: How Skelly the Albino Rat Reminded Me What Healing Truly Is

Yesterday, a dear friend visited and brought along her beloved pet—Skelly, an elderly albino rat who has been part of her family for almost twelve beautiful years. Skelly wasn’t eating well, and his energy seemed low… the quiet kind of low that only comes with age and the tenderness of a body growing tired.

As soon as I saw him, my heart softened. He was small, gentle, and so trusting. I placed a soft towel on my lap, held him carefully, and offered him five minutes of simple hands on Reiki—just my hands, my breath, and a prayerful intention of love.

There was something sacred in those minutes.

Skelly settled into stillness, as if he understood exactly what was happening. His little body relaxed, and for that moment, we were simply two beings sharing a field of peace.

About an hour later, something beautiful happened.

Skelly became hungry. Truly hungry—bright-eyed, eager, and ready to eat again. He enjoyed a full meal, and then three more small meals with surprising enthusiasm. Each time he ate, I felt the warmest joy bloom in my heart. It was like watching life return in tiny, hopeful waves.

I don’t know exactly what Reiki shifted for him—perhaps a soft clearing of discomfort, perhaps a gentle return of vitality, perhaps simply the feeling of being held with unconditional love.

But I do know this:

Sometimes healing doesn’t have to be grand or complicated.

Sometimes it’s just one small touch of Reiki-love.

One quiet moment of connection.

One soul saying to another, “I see you, I care for you, I’m here.”

Skelly reminded me of the magic that happens when we offer presence without expectation. Even the smallest creatures feel it. Even the oldest bodies receive it. And even the tiniest change—like a renewed appetite—can feel like a blessing.

My heart is full… because of a little rat with a big spirit… and the gentle whisper of healing energy that moved through him.