Animals as Teachers and Healers: True Stories and Reflections

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for a good animal story. If it's happy, I cry; if it's sad, I cry harder. Animal abuse distresses me almost more than anything else. One of my pleasures is to pick up every book I can on animals and the psychic realm. The books that focus on our intimate connections to the animal kingdom and how we may communicate with them through our intuitive thoughts and feelings are books to not only to learn from, but to savor. I remember that pioneer in the field, Beatrice Lydecker, whose book was revolutionary when it came out years ago. It was "What the Animals Tell Me", and I was thrilled this work was available to us. The fact that there are so many books about this subject on the market now testifies to the fact that as a people we are really ready to hear the wisdom and love that animals offer. They are not just a food source or slave labor to us any longer. Ms. McElroy does a beautiful job of bringing forth her message of healing the relationship between people and animals. She comes from a most compassionate, wise place in her understanding of why animals are with us as our companions. If you want an example of unconditional love, be in the presence of a beloved pet. Never have I, in my life, ever received even close to that level of unconditional love and acceptance that my animal companions have shown me. [Particularly my recently deceased, Francis, who was a very evolved being inhabiting a humble life form. I am planning a future book on this soul.] Animals are helping us evolve to the realization of our Oneness universe. We are taught by them that there is no separation between us and them. They feel what we feel. They see the spiral of life and death as part of the Wholeness of life. The author goes into several different topics: animals as guides or guardians, healers, in the dream state or shamanic state, and through the death process. There is no dead weight in this book---all is riveting, and should be read more than once through. Most highly recommended.

As an avid animal lover, I found Susan Chernok McElroy's book to be none other than touching and heartfelt. The material she used for her writings was a great teacher and healer in of itself for me, the reader. Every story leapt off the page and affected me deeply, evoking any number of a myriad of emotions ... joy, sorrow, relief, suspense, laughter. When I finished the book (which I did quickly), I felt more inspired than I had in a long time to make the earth's animal kingdom a greater and more important part of my life, whether by working for its welfare/well-being, or simply by giving my own pets more of the love they need and deserve! I plan to give this book to every animal lover I know.

This book really touched me. The stories are profound and touching beyond words. Animals are definitely "man's best friend" and it seems to be proven over and over again in this book, with each tale telling a compelling and poignent story of how an animal touched the life of someone in need. In my own perception of it......animals are true angels, put on this earth to help us and guide us along our own journeys. We should be thankful.

As an RN who has always owned and appreciated animals of all types, I was deeply moved by the documentation of actual events that could not be explained away by coincidence. I now give this book to my patients and their families who are in need of the intuitive wisdom and love that only an animal can provide

This book should indeed by "required reading for the entire human race". This book is filled with powerful testimonials from readers regarding their relationships with animals - sometimes their own pets- sometimes animals of the wild. However this book goes far beyond that and actually induces some intense soul searching. It forces the individual to look at the important things in a world where we get so caught up in fashion, technology, materialistic things...it takes you to a simpler place - inside of yourself and reminds you of what is truly important - the relationships we have with others, animals, nature - ourselves. For until we are truly comfortable and secure with ourselves, no amount of materialistic wealth will ever be enough to fill any void(s) we may feel. Animals love unconditionaly and accept us for what we are - no more, no less. They are our connection with nature and everything that is larger than life. We need to respect them and take the time to stop and truly reflect on life and our priorites rather than just going through the motions on a daily basis. This book not only reminds us to do that, but actually allows us a brief escape into a place where we can't help but do just that - because you won't be able to put the book down. This book made me laugh, cry and everything in between. I feel that I can now see the 'larger picture' and am changed for the better