I grew up with cats inside my home and outside a host of creatures from round the world. My father's job meant I grew up in Australia, Africa and the Far East. The animals I met always delighted me with their wonderful colours, delightful sounds and intriguing behaviours.

I had the brain haemorrhage in Australia, and unexpectedly I found out that my "darstadly" cat Paddy was in fact a friend! His favourite game was hiding behind the sofa till I walked in. Then he ambushed me sinking both claws and teeth into my leg! I can still hear my Mum's laughter as she peeled him off me again! For the month I was in hospital he though had stationed himself on my bed waiting for my return. He taught me that though something might appear to be negative there is always a positive side to it. It was my Elephant who went on to introduce me to the beautiful and powerful images I now have instead of the ugly scars of a brain injury.

My favourite "Get Well Card" came from my babysitter. It said "If you are feeling unwell, the best thing to do is to go to the window and open it wide. Then stick out your head and scream at the top of your voice. It wont cure you but it'll certainly startle the neighbours". Out of the many cards I received his is the only one I can remember word for word and that was because it made me laugh! He always knew when laughter was needed. That taught me that no matter how dire the circumstances you cannot abandon laughter. It is too good a healing tool !

My brain injury had quite an effect on my schooling. Academia was no longer an option so I went towards another love of mine, theatre. This led to a wonderful decade of learning the skills of acting, directing, storytelling, clowning and teaching.

Then on a Saturday afternoon in September I met an Elephant.
He was introduced to me by a lady who was trained in the Totem Pole Therapy work of Stephen Gallegos. (www.deepimagery.org/trainers_web/gallegos)

I was fascinated by my new friend and wanted to know what it all meant. Yet I was quietly guided back to my Elephant and told that he would tell me what I needed to know when I needed to know it!

My Elephant went on to introduce me to all my other animals. They are a snake, a dragonfly, a phoenix and its fleas, a goldfish and a black panther. I walk with them on a day-to-day basis. They are always there when I need them and I know they always will be.
Every day I thank my animals and as I introduce others to their Heart's Animal, I teach them to do the same. My life has not been an easy one, the injury I sustained when I was nine almost took my life, but I would not change it. It has enabled me to meet and begin wonderful relationships with an amazing group of inner guides. I hope that when you meet your Heart's Animal and your relationship begins that you too will see it as the most important in your life, for it is the relationship with your Heart!