Animals as Guides and Teachers

By Mary Marshall

One question that comes up frequently in the workshops I teach is the diverse roles that animals play in our lives. It seems there is always one person who has the privilege of living with an unusual pet, one that seems to know more than the average dog, cat or horse. The comments made by these owners run along the lines of “my dog seems to understand everything I say,” or “my cat goes over to the phone when my husband calls—before it even rings.” These are the cats that sit quietly with dying nursing home residents in the final hours, and dogs that sense a child’s seizure is imminent. Perhaps even more remarkable are the truly rare animals who are able to give guidance to humans on health, personal or spiritual matters. These creatures do indeed exist; I have had the tremendous fortune to share the last 13 years with a Medicine Horse by the name of Natalie.

Most of us understand the concept of an immortal soul, that which is the essence of the being and which transcends death. Animals also have souls and, like humans, these souls evolve and grow with the experience gained over many lifetimes. To further their growth toward divine perfection these lovely souls choose to take on bodies that will allow them to fulfill their soul contract of guiding, nurturing or assisting on a variety of levels.

We use the phrase “man’s best friend” to describe our canine companions; an apt phrase indeed when these canines become the trusted partner of a search and rescue worker or Seeing Eye dog. Through their service to their human compatriots, these four-legged friends teach compassion, trust, and respect. For some, the lessons go beyond the traditional. I have had the opportunity over the years to work with a highly trained search and rescue dog who has a knack for giving detailed descriptions of where to find victims in locations she has not visited. It took me several different cases to realize that the dog worked in tandem with her spirit guides who fed her the information she needed to successfully complete her missions. Cats seem to have a special affinity for teaching Reiki practitioners and massage therapists how to heal more than the physical body. They often become co-healers with their human counterparts, shifting energy round the room or assisting as needed.

I have found that, without exception, there is an unusual depth to the eyes of these special animals. Looking into their faces one sees and senses wisdom and an old soul. This is true even when the pet is quite young. I have often recounted my experience when I first met Natalie; gazing into her eyes I felt I was looking into the soul of the universe. Nothing else mattered; I just knew that we were meant to be together. I had no idea at the time I purchased Natalie that she would turn my life upside-down and show me a world in which animals “spoke.” There are many special animals out there. When you have the great blessing of meeting one, thank them for being a part of our world. And, if you are one of the really lucky ones who share a home with a special teacher, thank the universe.

Contributed by Mary Marshall