Most animals live in the wild in their own particular habitat. Some live in the water, others in forests, deserts, plains, and mountains. Some spend time in the sky and others underground burrowing and digging their home inside the earth. A few live in our homes with us and are our special companions, like cats and dogs. But what most of us don't know is that animals live in our hearts, because we are all connected in a magical way.

The elders of almost every ancient tribe on earth, believed that we are all a part of a great dream that the Creator envisioned. Where man and animal would live together connected, serving each other in the balance of life. Animals were on earth before man, setting the stage for a creative miracle. This miracle is called evolution. Species of animals changed, grew and evolved in order to refine the chain of life on earth. And when humans arrived, the animals were here to serve us. We were here to honor and respect their lives and what they had to teach and to give to us. And we were to give thanks for their intelligence as much as our own.

Some animals give of themselves, their bodies, so that man may have food. While others show us through their animal behavior something that is also true for us. Teaching us animal wisdom. They teach us how we can honor our unique gifts and talents amongst others who are unique too. Animals are our wise brothers and sisters. They have a lot to tell us and advice to give, if we could learn from their example and listen with our hearts.

Can you imagine what it would be like to talk to the animals? Maybe you could imagine that you were like Dr. Doolittle, helping sick animals to heal. Or talking with Mr. Ed or the GEICO Gecko. What a gas! Life would definitely be more interesting.

Some people do communicate with animals. But in a little different way than you and I talk to each other. They listen to their intuition and make room in their hearts. They listen with love and can hear the messages that the animals want everyone to understand. These are special people who have special abilities. And they honor animals as much as they honor humans. Some generous people work hard to protect animals and their natural environments. It is their life missions to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that their homes are protected.

So many species of animals are endangered because man has disrespected them and their homes on earth. Their lives are threatened and their habitats destroyed by pollution, construction and the invasion of too many people into their homelands. Animals like the bald eagle and gray wolf have been forced out and almost eradicated in some places. Some animals are put in zoos, which is not their natural habit. They suffer in captivity.

It is important to acknowledge life on earth as including the varieties and species of animals that were here before us. If we are to honor ourselves in the future as good earthlings, we need to honor the Creator's other creatures too and protect their lives and their homes.

The intelligence of animals is something that we can all learn from. Their behaviors in the wild can be turned into examples of how we can all live in harmony with everything and everyone, especially with ourselves. Many animals live in groups and teach you about getting along with others. Others prowl at night displaying how you can see into the dark places within yourself where you hide your fears and unhappy feelings. Some like lions and tigers have become symbols of leadership and pride. While other like Pandas and Possums teach us about the kinder things in life. The language that they speak you can only understand when your heart is open. And their messages may come to you in your dreams at night.

Animal wisdom is something that anyone can understand with an open mind and a loving heart. Your animal allies are with you now waiting for an introduction. You can have many wild and fantastic journeys with them from this time on, when you greet each day knowing they are at your side.