I'm guilty.

I love my dog, and am big enough to admit that I can sometimes take her for granted. 

She notices.

In subtle and often very direct ways, she helps me return to the present.  I'll get overly engrossed in a task and am suddenly startled to reality by a sharp bark that seems to say, "Hey, did you forget about the outdoors and fresh air." "Let's go for a rejuvenating walk!" Or I'll wake up to a few animal toys strewn across the bedroom floor or on the bed, seemingly reminding me that there is always time for play! Theirs nothing like stepping on a high-pitched squeaky toy to induce a surprising chuckle early in the morning.

Over the years I've found that animals can be some of our most powerful and simple spiritual teachers. They can provide great lessons on love, loyalty, compassion and benefit our health.

It's scientifically proven that pets are therapeutic and reduce stress simply through touch and presence.  According to various studies compiled by the Delta Society, a national animal assisted therapy organization, pets are proven to help reduce blood pressure, anxiety and behaviors of children up through seniors.


No devoted animal owner needs a study to prove the heartfelt swells generated by the thumping of a tail, arch backed curl around the leg or doe-eyed-soul-filled look received from their animal companions.


We all know of great and wise people whom walk the earth with service, love, and charity. We observe their kindness and wisdom, and that inspires us to want to be more like them, because we see something in them that we have not yet attained in our lives.

The Universe sends us such great men, women, prophets, and masters to inspire, evolve and encourage growth. Thus it is with our animals. They share a life with us, and a perhaps even a little bit of us rubs off on them encouraging each other to grow and move along in our journey's.

I remember Duncan, a spirited young Weimaraner who started out as a rescue dog, struggled through a case of heart worms in the loving embrace of a foster home and touched the lives of everyone he met on his journey from Alabama to Arizona where he now resides as a therapy dog.

Who doesn't get misty over the decades old video of Christian, a full-grown lion joyously embracing two young men like an affectionate house cat in the middle of the African bush?

And one of the most amazing and touching stories that I've ever encountered, was the bond between Bubba, a 275 lb 8 1/2 foot alligator and Jim Nesci, a reptile educator from Chicago.  Bubba visited schools, events and even hospitals for the make-a-wish foundation.  He responded to Jim's commands, was gentle beyond words and carried little kids on his back.  He undoubtedly changed perceptions about reptiles and helped redefine the term pet.


I believe that all animals are very special beings and when given an opportunity and a platform, they are able to enhance our well being and build bonds through sharing a deep, rich and rewarding spiritual life.


What is your story?