Introduction:
The Door Is Round and Open . . . 
Part
One: Beginning the Journey
Chapter
1 ~ Once Upon A Time
Did you know that the ability to talk with animals is nothing new? By
opening to myths and legends, we revisit an older time when the
relationship between humans and animals was much more fluid, when
spirits experienced different viewpoints by taking on different shapes,
bodies and forms. In this chapter, we look at animal mythology from both
the human and animal perspective, exploring the legend of the unicorn
and a myth told by a group of Musk Oxen. Also included are two
storytelling games and a meditation to encounter mythic consciousness.
Chapter
2 ~ Becoming Doctor Dolittle
Although
the good Dr. Dolittle is a fictional character, there is a surprising
key that is held within his name ~ Do little. It's true: to
become an individual who speaks with animals there is little you need
do. That
is because animal communication is not so much about thinking as it is
about sensing, not so much about doing as it is about being. This
chapter explores some of the different ways humans and animals sense the
world and how communication between species is not only possible but
easier than you think. The basics of animal communication are covered,
along with many helpful tips from a wide variety of humans and animals,
including cats, dogs, horses, hamsters, donkeys and wild squirrels. Many
games, clues, tips, exercises and projects are also included in this
very lively chapter! 
Chapter 3: Magical Meetings
This
chapter looks at synchronicity and opening to the signs that are all
around us, all the time. It is not so much a matter of searching for
signs, but of seeing the signs that are already here. With this chapter,
we look more closely at the animals that show up in our lives: What do they
have to show and teach us? What do they reflect that we might not want
to see? How do they mirror to us a deeper sense of who we are? We explore the power of magical meetings through projects and
exercises, ideas and stories from both humans and animals -- even beetles and flies. This chapter invites you to ‘be part of the
magic.’
Part
Two: Seeking Animal Wisdom
Chapter
4: Power Animals, Spirit Animals—Ambassadors of Awareness
This chapter
focuses on the Native American idea that each animal species holds a
unique “medicine” for the planet. As we connect at deeper levels
to various animal groups, individual animals, power animals, spirit
animals, totem animals, and animal spirits, we deepen our relationship
with the animal world and fine-tune our ability to take in different
forms of animal wisdom. Activities and exercises include creating an
animal altar, discovering our power animal and incorporating different
ways of opening to and working with animal medicine. Animal
contributors include rabbits, a group of animals from the Africa, and
a bumblebee.
Chapter
5: Animal Guides and Teachers
How can we know
that we have found an animal teacher, or what a specific animal guide
wants to teach us? As we open to
the teachings of animals on deeper levels, we become detectives,
apprentices, students and partners in the journey.
This chapter includes advice from several animal teachers, insights
from some Iditarod sled dogs, and conversations with a cow named
Christina and a wise little puppy named Riza.
Chapter
6: Animal Dreams
Another powerful way to connect with animals is through our dreams.
This chapter includes stories of how deep connections with animals are
often first made through the dream world. Drawing upon the previous
chapter, we look at how animal guides (as well as departed animals)
use the dream state as a means of communication. By investigating a
dream about frogs, we look at a variety of ways to work with our
dreams and deepen in appreciation of all the wisdom they offer us.
Also included are some "real life" examples from animals about the types of dreams that animals
dream!
Part
Three: Deepening in Relationship
Chapter
7: Animal Healing
This chapter
explores the nature of holistic healing and the power of touch. We
look at the notion of being “called” to assist with healing, as
well as the natural reciprocity of healing energy that occurs when two
or more beings form a deeply authentic relationship. Stories
illustrate how humans help animals heal and how animals help humans
heal. We investigate a variety of healing modalities and different
ways to access the “healer within” and expand our own healing
repertoire. Also included are directions for giving animal massage!
Chapter
8: A Look at Death
Many animals hold
a different view of death than humans do. This includes less fear and
more acceptance of the natural cycles of living and dying. This
chapter presents some deeply touching stories about and by animals
regarding death, and looks at questions such as: What happens at
death? Why is this subject so taboo for many people? What can animals
show us about death and lessening our fears around this issue? A cat
named Rooskie shares his experiences of the days before and after his
transition to the spirit world. Also included are ways to honor,
remember and connect with animals who have died or are in the process
of dying. As we approach death with less fear and more openness, we
are able to become ever more present with all those who are
transitioning.
Chapter
9: The Art of Shapeshifting
In many cultures
of many times, humans have embraced the art of shapeshifting –
transforming one’s bodily form or consciousness – in order to
perceive the world with new eyes, feel the earth in a new and exciting
way, and experience life from diverse perspectives. In this
chapter, a variety of stories, meditations and exercises look at how
can we move with a particular animal in consciousness and know the
world through or with that animal’s eyes. Shapeshifting contributors include a dog, a shark, a lion, some
finches and a flying insect.
Chapter
10: Center Being
How
can talking
with animals, working with animal guides, healing or shapeshifting fit
within your life? How might you use these abilities in a professional
capacity? What is it that calls to you most deeply? This
chapter presents several examples of human-animal working partnerships
and look at the many ways we can become ambassadors of deeper
understanding. In finding and living our passion, we increase our
authenticity in the world. In aligning ourselves with our "center
being," we tap into the flow of all life and
