We love them all, our animal companions of every species. Of course we do. Each one is unique, special. Each has his or her own joys and frustrations, shared so willingly with us, their human friends.

There are some, though, who seem to reach a different level of “special”. We call them heart-dogs, or soul-companions or perfect-partners. They are the ones who, when we look into their eyes, we know they simply understand. We are certain that understanding reaches the depth and height of their soul…because we can feel it to the depths and heights of our own.

They are the “once in a lifetime” pets, the ones who stand out like novas among the stars. How many of us can tell the story of “that special dog” or “that special cat” or “that special horse” who lives on in the heart in ways to which none other can compare? As much as we have loved all who have come before or since, they “weren’t quite the same” as the special one.

Some of us have been doubly or even triply blessed to have celebrated that kind of bond with more than one, but even then, each of those special companions is different from the others. Although they each have touched us as special teachers, partners and companions, they have each touched us in different places, in different ways.

I think of these special ones as soul-anchors. They keep us firm, hold us steady, and their support and presence allows us to weather life’s storms. They are the beings who teach us the importance of being a part of all that is. They have shown us that we are not alone in the Universe, but we have the privilege to celebrate a special joining, one that keeps us safe. They have demonstrated beyond all doubt that this joining knows no barriers of species or time. Then, when they pass from the physical realm, they give us faith that there are more realms waiting. Though the physical body may die, the spirit lives on. Our soul-anchor still holds us firmly, for we never cease to feel their love.

Many of us would say that our soul-anchor animal friends have seen us through some of the hardest times of our lives. They offer shelter through pain, fear and deep depression. They bring us comfort and so very many reasons to laugh, even on our darkest days. They keep our spirit’s ship secure when the waters get choppy and the skies turn black. They are the sunshine that breaks through the clouds to remind us that all will be well again.

Almost everyone I know who has loved animals, or at least those people with enough years behind them to have relished in the experience, can tell the story of at least one soul-anchor.

Who are your special ones? Have you known more than one? Are they still with you in the physical? Or are they now forever with you in the beyond?

Reach out to them today, and give them each a soul-deep hug from me.