Book Review: Animals as Teachers & Healers: True Stories and Reflections

Animals as Teachers & Healers:
True Stories and Reflections
By Susan Chernak McElroy
The Ballintine Publishing Group, 1997,252 pages
ISBN: 0345421175

Throughout the ages there have been stories of animals, some legend, some myth, and some as spiritual saviors. Ancient cultures worshiped animals and considered them spiritual guides, healers, and teachers. McElroy shows that we still seek and receive help from animals as teachers and healers through her collection of interviews and stories by people whose lives have been touched or altered by their connection with animals.

Starting with the story of herself and her dog Keesha (a Shepard-Malamute mix), McElroy describes her battle with cancer and the lessons of coping with the disease taught by Keesha who died of cancer (similar to hers) years before. This sets the tone for the stories that follow showing animals as our partners, guides, guardians, and healers thru a number of interviews with people who have been enlightened, saved, or healed (like McElroy) by the fortitude, wisdom, and guidance of animals.

Stories range from the man who learns humility, patience, and tolerance from his pet donkey, or the woman who is saved by her horse from an abusive relationship, to the stray dog that helps a mother cope with the unexpected death of her son (an emotional and thought provoking journey).

McElroy gives us further insight into the animal spirit with stories associated with animals as totems, dreams, and visions; ending with a chapter devoted to the wolf, one of the most symbolic, mythological, and legendary creatures in the animal realm.

She [McElroy] masterfully explains the plight of the wolf, the love/hate relationship with man along with some of the atrocities inflicted upon this misunderstood animal.

Guaranteed to take the reader thru an array of emotions and to touch the heart of all animal lovers, especially those having a special connection with their pet, this book will leave you with a different perspective and insight into the animal realm.