Animals as Angels
By Janine C. Hagan
Janine is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of EcuMiniNet™ Online! and Founder of FaithShapes.com. She sings in the choir, teaches an International Bible Study, and is a member of Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

It is my firm belief that angels travel incognito, many times as animals. Don and I have a grandcat that I fully believe is the angel that was adopted by our son when he lived in Texas. In fact, I know that Mikey (Michael is the name of an archangel in the Bible) is an angel by the very fact that I felt more relaxed when he appeared on the scene. The fact that I had prayed and an angel appeared in the form of a cat did not distress me at all.

In the story of Genesis, man was created not only in the image of God but to be the care-taker of the creatures. I believe that I have taken that mandate personally. Perhaps that's why I was not surprised when Mikey arrived. He seemed to be quite a natural answer to prayer for me. For me, an animal, the "creature," is the messenger of a feeling that is unconditional and pure in a sacred sense. So I began to trace those feelings and experiences that have brought such a sense of The Creator to my life.

While I did not have much experience with cats, I knew and helped to raise/care for young English Sparrows, Barn Swallows, Screech Owls, parakeets, Western Box Turtles, Green Turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and a few other animals that I rescued from time to time. It is hard for me to determine which of these gave me the greatest understanding of love, or as "messengers of love." I expect that my great affinity for small animals is in the connection-with-God-feeling when I am holding, feeding, or just being with one of those tiny creatures. I am a different person. I become authentically "me." I am one with that little being.

I don't think that I am alone in this feeling. I have noticed that "Blessing of the Animals" Ceremonies are on the rise. New pet markets/stores are a witness to the booming business of animal lovers. Pet Therapy is offered to nursing homes where the residents can give and receive love with dogs, cats, birds, and other animals. Studies have shown us the value of pets and how they can not only improve the quality of life, but the actual length of our life. I have heard stories of "animal-care" alongside those with the care of hospice.

To show you just how sacred some these creatures can be I am sharing a picture of Mikey. It is interesting to note that Mikey's favorite spot in our home is to sleep beside The Jesus Doll with my doll collection. It is a constant point-of-laughter for us to talk about the fact that Mikey has "gone to Jesus." Seeing is believing, so here is a photo of Mikey, our angel.

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