Dog Guardians

As a professional animal communicator, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazingly diverse number of animal species over the course of my career. And I have great respect, honor, and appreciation for them all. However, I’d like to take a moment to talk about those ‘Wonder Dogs’ in our lives that seem to always be there when we need them most.

BUDDY and SANDRA

Several years ago, before moving here to Texas, I lived in northern Wisconsin. On the streets of my hometown, I saw a little white dog running around with no collar or identification. I followed him, brought him home, and after unsuccessfully trying to find his people, he eventually became my dog. I called him Buddy. He was only about 23 pounds. He had a snaggletooth and serious underbite, but he was my boy, and I loved him immediately.

One day the cable guy came to my house to install the cable. Immediately, Buddy started to snarl, growl, and bark at this man. I asked him, “Do you not like dogs?” He answered tersely, “I do not!” In that moment I knew this person was not safe, and Buddy knew it too. He was clearly letting the cable guy know " if you try anything with my ‘mom’ you’ll have to go through me first and you’ll regret it!" After the work was done, I never saw the man again, but I never forgot that encounter. Buddy knew before I did - that I needed to keep my guard up with this cable guy. And I did.

From the moment I began taking classes to be a professional animal communicator, Buddy was always there with me and for me. I didn't know it at the time, but he was a really good communicator. He showed me early on that his purpose was to be here as a master teacher. Yes. You read that right - a 'Master Teacher' in animal communication and life. (I’ll share more stories about Buddy, his teachings and our journey in the near future) I quickly realized, finding Buddy was No Accident!

My parents, who also lived in northern Wisconsin, had a little dog named Princess. One day while my Mom was out in her garden watering flowers, Princess began to bark ferociously. When my Mom looked down, she saw a snake was in her path, and she was terrified of snakes! Princess was looking out for my Mom, and did the only thing she knew how to do - barked like crazy to warn her beloved Mom. Our dogs often display their guardianship and protection towards us in everyday life. We just need to tune in to how aware our dogs really are, and how much they are looking after us. Their unconditional love and protection is always present.

Are you old enough to remember the TV show Lassie? It’s one of my favorite childhood shows. It seems Lassie was always running for help when Timmy fell in the well or got into some other type of a dangerous situation. I know the show was a work of fiction, but how many stories have you heard where a dog has saved family members from life-or-death situations? And, why do they do this? Because their love for us causes them to watch us closely and pay attention to potential perilous situations that we might not be aware of or notice.

Not only are dogs our protectors, but they are also our comforters, healers, and best friends. After my knee replacement surgery, my dog Charlie did his best to lay gently beside me, sending me healing energy. My friends often tell me that Charlie goes where he’s needed. Whether someone is sad, feeling unwell, or in hospice care, Charlie has comforted many people in various degrees of need. He's a natural therapy dog.

CHARLIE and SANDRA

Dogs teach us so much about unconditional love. The only problem, they don’t stay with us long enough. When they’re gone, that’s when we really begin to remember all the gifts they brought while they were here. I believe, before we are born into our physical bodies, we make connections with souls on the other side, who manifest into this life to be our our friends, our family, our great loves, and to possibly be important guides. I call this a pre-birth plan. And during difficult times, these wonderful, unwavering companions do their best to remind us that we’re loved and lovable. And, that pure unconditionally loving soul often comes to us as a dog.

From the hundreds of dog souls I’ve connected with in spirit, I know the love dogs have for us doesn’t end when they leave their physical bodies. On the contrary. When they are on the other side in spirit, they continue to be our guardians and guides, always wanting the very best for us. Always sending us their love.

Keep in mind, when you spell Dog backwards you get God. Perhaps when we welcome beloved dogs into our life, we can also know we are welcoming in a wonderful loving aspect of God.

And Above all, please know the love you share with your beloved animal companions doesn’t end with physical death. All souls live on! I’ve often heard animal souls tell me that the way they will find you, and others in the afterlife, is by the ‘signature of love’ that you both shared in this lifetime. Isn't that Beautiful? 💜

Much love,

Sandra