Stop for a moment and think of an activity that makes the cares of the world magically melt away – replacing them with pure joy. For me, it’s spending time with my darling doggies – Boo Radley and Maisey.

Those of us who have pets can relate to the feeling that we are the ones who actually have been saved. I will never forget the story of how Maisey came into my life. Years earlier, Brian and I had adopted Boo Radley, a spunky chihuahua, and Boston terrier mix, and we thought our little family was complete.

Then, one day I was driving in downtown San Diego. Pulling up to an intersection, I saw a little girl standing in the corner waiting for the light to change. She was holding a puppy in her arms. The thought flashed into my head “that little dog should be on a leash!” when seconds later the puppy leaped from her arms and raced into the street. The inevitable occurred: a car made its way into the intersection and drove over the poor puppy. “Oh no.” I got out of my car and ran to the puppy, knelt down and saw the poor baby writhing in pain. I remember feeling so powerless – wishing I could heal it, turn back time, something to not make this animal hurt anymore. There was nothing anyone could do, and within seconds the little dog had crossed over. The poor little girl was crying, “Just let me say goodbye!” I was so angry at the mother for allowing this to happen, because I knew this event would scar her daughter’s heart.

I eventually left the scene, but my spirit was badly damaged as well. I couldn’t wait to get home and hold Boo in my arms. That scene plagued me for two weeks, and I couldn’t do anything to shake it off. I kept playing that scene over in my mind, so I asked the Spirit world to help me.

That night, I had a dream. I was with an angel, and we were walking in a park near the shelter where I had rescued Boo. The angel told me to go to the shelter – that there would be a dog there that would heal me and that I would recognize her immediately.

The next morning, I drove to the rescue shelter and looked in each one of the kennels, but I didn’t feel the connection that the angel had promised. I walked back to the lobby feeling distraught and more depressed than ever. Had the angel been wrong? As I sat in the lobby, I noticed a volunteer bringing a dog back from a walk. I spotted shiny black button eyes and a sweet little white muzzle. My heart skipped a beat as I went over to look. I felt the dog was calling to me. The moment I got near her, she wagged her tail and rolled on her back to show me her freckled belly. That was the same position that I had seen the wounded puppy in! This was my dog! We immediately bonded, and she could not stop licking me!!

Today, she is the loving sister of Boo Radley and a wonderful addition to our family. She has brought my life back to me and continues to heal me every day. I’ll never forget that poor dog in San Diego, but Maisey has filled the void in my soul that was opened that day. She is a constant reminder that everything happens for a reason and that for her, I am perfect and loved.

Do you have a pet that means the world to you? Here are some ways to deepen the  spiritual connection between the two of you:

• Tune into your pet energetically – don’t stare into their eyes, because animals can find intense eye contact threatening, but gently focus on them while stroking them or touching them and imagine a flow of love and light traveling between you.
• Imagine your pet as a beautiful soul inhabiting a physical body. Ask if they have a message for you, then invite them to connect with you psychically or to visit you in your dreams.
• Look at the world from your pets’ point of view. If they’re close to the ground, get down next to them so you can see the world from their level. When you’re walking or driving with your pet, be mindful of the sights, sounds and smells that are getting them so excited! Take the time to imagine what they are experiencing.
• Journal or write about your pet – ask yourself what has brought the two of you together. In my situation, Maisy came into my life to heal me from a trauma that I couldn’t shake.
• Let your pet know how much you appreciate them. Make them feel taken care of and understood. They can’t speak, but they’ll give you signs to let you know if they are happy, healthy and comfortable.

In addition to healing me from a terrible experience, Maisey also made me realize that love is ever expanding. Brian and I thought our family was complete until Maisey came along to teach us that we had even more love to share!

I’d love to hear about the animals in your life – please share your favorite pet story on my Facebook Page.