Soul Dog: A Journey into the Spiritual Life of Animals

183 Pages·2018·2.55 MB·English

by  Elena Mannes

To Brio
Yours was the heart I cared most for in this world,
and yours was the heart that cared most for me.
HAFIZ
Soul Dog
“Soul Dog is a very thought-provoking book. Steeped in science and
heart, Ms. Mannes passionately shares her own experiences with Brio.
This book opens the door for wide-ranging musings about what dogs can
teach us if we open our minds and hearts.”
MARC BEKOFF, AUTHOR OF CANINE CONFIDENTIAL: WHY DOGS DO WHAT
THEY DO
“Do you have a dog and wonder about your relationship? Then this is a
must-read. A touching, insightful, and thought-provoking book that
compels you to look at your animals in a new way. It is a wonderful
example of just how deep and mutually enriching the dog-human
relationship can be.”
DIANE BUDD, ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR AND HEALER AND AUTHOR OF
ENERGY MEDICINE FOR ANIMALS
“Elena Mannes writes eloquently of her unfolding journey of awareness
with soul dog Brio. With gentle nudges and congenial canine humor,
Brio guides Mannes through the mysteries of animal communication and
ultimately helps her awaken to the magic that occurs when we learn to
trust and listen to the truth of our deeper self.”
DAWN BAUMANN BRUNKE, AUTHOR OF SHAPESHIFTING WITH OUR
ANIMAL COMPANIONS, DREAMING WITH POLAR BEARS, AND ANIMAL
VOICES, ANIMAL GUIDES
“Elena and Brio's soul story showcases the precious trans-species
adoration and communication in life and the afterlife between a woman
and her dog. Discovering Brio's creative and original mind, Mannes's
own testimony, both reflective and humorous, weaves science and
personal experience into a kind of Tao of dog. She shows that sentient
animal kin are teaching humans how to sit, walk, stay, and lie down in
reciprocal respect, love, and joy. This book sparkles with delight.”
ZOHARA M. HIERONIMUS, D.H.L., AUTHOR OF WHITE SPIRIT ANIMALS:
PROPHETS OF CHANGE
“Hidden in the fabric of a curly coat, Elena Mannes discovers a real, in-
the-flesh angel whom she comes to know as her soul dog, Brio. She
teaches us that a soul dog connects us with our own all-knowing soul,
the indestructible force of God that lives within us and within the
animals that we may take for granted. This brave author beautifully
balances incredibly precise messages from animal communicators and
psychics with scientific studies all directed at the same discovery—we
are more connected than we might think. May every reader be inspired
to listen to the far-reaching wisdom of a trusted pet and be blessed to
have your heart blown open by the healing power of their unconditional,
and forever, love.”
BELINDA J. WOMACK, AUTHOR OF LESSONS FROM THE TWELVE
ARCHANGELS: DIVINE INTERVENTION IN DAILY LIFE
Acknowledgments
THIS BOOK WAS BORN OUT OF MY OWN EXPERIENCE, yet it would have remained a
mere seedling struggling to bloom without the talent and support of many
people. The extent of their generosity seemed truly miraculous.
I am profoundly grateful to my wonderful agent, Jane Lahr, and her partner,
Lynn DelliQuadri, of Lahr & Partners. Their efforts on behalf of Soul Dog have
been above and beyond what any author could expect of an agent, providing
faith, enthusiasm, and Jane's invaluable and profound knowledge of spiritual
teachings relevant to my subject.
To Maria Cooper Janis, who introduced me to Jane, I owe a great debt of
gratitude. She too helped sustain the creation of this book with her understanding
of my story and my intent in working to bring it forth.
The journey that I've recounted in this book is one that I took in the company
of animal communicators and psychics who became my guides and my friends;
their voices are inextricably woven into the fabric of the story. They opened
doors to new understanding—of our fellow beings and of myself. I am deeply
grateful to Alecia Evans, Dawn Hayman, Donna Lozito, and Silvia Rossi. You
know what you did.
There were many others who contributed their time and expertise by
allowing me to interview them for this endeavor. I am very much in their debt.
(For more information about the many contributors to this endeavor, please see
the interview credits at the end of this book.) I also thank Dr. Jennifer Chaitman,
Brio's wonderful veterinarian, who gave her support and time. I'm grateful to
Brio's other longtime caregivers—Stacey Baum, Sally Hastings, Jim Moran, and
Micky Niego.
For their friendship, advice, and support over the years of my life with Brio
and then through the writing of this book, I am so very thankful to Michael and
Susan Batcheller, Susan Buckley, David Buksbaum, Bob and Arline Prince,
Giuliana Robertson, and Arnulfo Vargas.
I want to thank Jamaica Burns Griffin, my editor at Inner Traditions • Bear
& Company, for her hard work and valued input. I'm grateful as well for the
support of the superb team at Inner Traditions. I thank Jon Graham, who
championed the book; John Hays for his marketing wizardry; Manzanita
Carpenter Sanz for her skill and dedication in promoting the book; and publisher
Ehud Sperling for bringing this book to readers.
I am also fortunate to have received invaluable advice from Carmen and
Alexandra Harra and Beverly West.
To Robert Thurman, who wrote such a beautiful and profound foreword, I
give great thanks for his understanding of the book and of what our relationship
with dogs and other fellow creatures truly means.
Finally and forever, thank you to Brio—my inspiration.
Contents
Cover Image
Title Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Robert A. F. Thurman
Prologue: An Unbroken Bond
Chapter 1: Your Name Is Brio!
Chapter 2: Why Doesn't My Puppy Love Me?
Chapter 3: Wake-Up Calls
Chapter 4: When Another Door Opens
Chapter 5: A Dance that Becomes a Song
Chapter 6: Multiple Sources
Chapter 7: The Invisible Cord
Chapter 8: On the Far Side
Chapter 9: Something behind the Eyes
Chapter 10: Days of the Hummingbird
Chapter 11: Out of Thin Air
Chapter 12: To Reincarnate or Not to Reincarnate
Chapter 13: Learning to Listen
Chapter 14: In Mind's Eye
Epilogue: Wonderful and Secret Messages