We all need support in this world, and in my life, animals are essential. Recently, Zip has shaken my understanding of dogs and animals and support. Maria is, of course, my primary support system; no animal has come close to that. Still, my animals comfort, inspire, make me laugh, and teach me how to love.

They are essential to me and a key element in my spiritual direction. (photo above by Maria Wulf.)

Thomas Aquinas was one of my favorite philosophers who wrote about animals. He did not think animals are equal to humans, as so many people do now, but rather, he believed we needed to love and be kind to animals so that we could learn to love and be kind to people. I have tried to embrace this idea. Animals teach me every day, some more than others.

My animals have helped me to grow, love, listen, be patient, and learn; they have been around us for thousands of years and have a lot to tell us if only we can hear. They know me better than any human other than Maria and my daughter.

Animals have been a part of my spiritual direction from the beginning, from Julius and Stanley to Rose to my other dogs and now to Fanny, Zinnia, Zip, Fate, and Bud. Each dog has marked or opened something inside of me. I need to give them more credit.

To listen to animals, we have to live around them, which more and more of us are eager to do.

My animal support group keeps me grounded, peaceful, and patient. I am always learning something from them. So, I’ve listed my support group in order of importance because they are all vital to me. They are always with me, inside the house or out.

Right now, Zip is foremost in my animal consciousness, mainly because he is new and has taken me on as a project. We have bonded powerfully.

He has become my farm partner; he goes everywhere with me on the farm, and we are beginning (weather permitting) to meditate together every morning in the chairs by the pasture. He is into silence,  cuddling, curling up on my shoulder, and eventually going to sleep purring. He is my farm pall, my new buddy. We are always looking for one another.

No animal in my life will compare to Zinnia, my companion, supporter, and good friend. She is a beautiful therapy dog and a sweet creature; she has helped me through various surgeries and other difficulties.

She is always there, whenever I go, with whoever I go with. She has brightened my life, the Mansion residents, the refugee kids. She is patient and sweet. Whenever I look around, she is right by me,  waiting to love me when I need it, drive when I’m going somewhere, and meet the many friends she has won over in therapy work. She is my light and spirit dog; I smile and am warm whenever I see her. She is at my feet whenever I write and at my feet whenever I sleep. When I am sick, she never goes away.

Zinnia and Bud are close friends and companions. Very often, when I go anywhere (this is Maria’s studio), I see the two together. They are a central part of my animal support team. (Photo by Maria Wulf)

Bud is a complex creature. He is my resting companion; when I sit down to watch a mystery, nap, or read a book, he is in my lap, waiting to get his belly scratched or just wanting to sleep. He’s my buddy inside the house and a warrior outside, hunting relentlessly for mice, moles, and chipmunks. You can tell when he catches one. He farts long and loud. I’ ‘m very fond of Bud, a small dog with a huge personality. And a history of bravery and good nature. He has been through hell but has no anger or grievance.

Fanny (foreground) is my calm companion. She always comes to me for scratching and rubbing; her calm and wisdom calm, inspire and heal me.

Bud is getting older, as am I. We are getting older together. He loves sitting by the sun.

What can I say about Zip? He entered my life like a bomb and changed it. I love having him around; I appreciate his affection, devotion, and character. I know what it means when those ears go straight up. Something small is about to die. I love our meditation time; it’s a new thing that settles me. He has awakened something good in me. I am grateful for him.

Fate is more Maria’s dog than mine, but she is a fantastic dog full of energy and commitment to work the way she sees it. Fate never succumbs to human expectations; things have to be her idea, and she never quits her work. She inspires me to do the same.