“Tails” of the Afterlife – True Stories of Ghost Pets (Peggy Schmidt, Schiffer Books), is an absolutely wonderful book that talks about our connection with our pets, and about how they can and do visit us from the afterlife. This is a very positive, uplifting, and at times funny book – and I cried my way through it! (More than likely you will too – it is that well written.)
Peggy Schmidt is a tour guide for ghost sites, and helps to research and write storied for Ghost Tours of America. The stories in this book are those of dogs, cats, horses and birds – so that we can see that the phenomenon presented is not specific to any one species. They are presented with a short explanation of the specific type of animal involved, along with a few tidbits about their personality and traits. There are many incredible pictures, but the ones that attracted me the most were presented in a lovely golden heart frame – they are just so very special!
Mixed in with the stories about beloved pets is information on communicating with our pets, and specifically on animal communicators. One thing that interested me was that our pets can tell exactly what is wrong with us physically (this is exemplified in the story of a horse that refused to left lead cantor, because he realized that his rider had a problem with her left hip that she was not aware of).
Animal communicators can do so many things that are helpful to us, and to our pets. They can help to locate missing pets, bring us guidance on health issues that our pets are facing, show us the reasons behind behavior problems, and strengthen our bonds with our pets. One thing that Schmidt talks about is our “heart” animal. This is the one pet that stays with us over an entire lifetime – even after they have crossed over. They have a greater impact on our life that any other animal ever will. I found this an interesting concept because I have experienced it myself, and was always concerned that I was “short-changing” my other animals. Now I can rest assured that this is normal, and not a selfish thought on my part.
Schmidt tells us that one of the reasons that our pets may return after they have crossed over is that we have not learned the lessons that we have to learn. Sometimes they come back to protect us – such as
One animal communicator shared the story of a dog that had crossed over. When asked where he was, the animal replied that he was in a black velvet box, surrounded by pinpoints of light. When asked what the pinpoints of light were, the animal replied that they were others who were on their way (other animals that were crossing over). The animal was not sure where he was going, but he knew that it would be good!
Schmidt talks about animal reincarnation, animal walk-in’s, when to let our animals move on, and many other things – including Animal Message cards. There are many personal stories here – and many lessons to be learned. For me, this book is a part of our evolution in understanding the animal kingdom, and how we connect with it (and them with us).