Animal Voices is a journey in a book. Dawn Brunke begins an exploration of animal communication and takes you with her down a long and winding path, leaving nothing out - not even her own doubts and fears. This is what makes her work unique.

Dawn shares her initiation into the world of interspecies communication, describing how she "got out of her own way" and opened herself to the consciousness of other creatures. The wisdom of the species represented in this book are not identical, though similar themes prevail. A common message from many animals, for example, is that we are all truly one. By deepening ourselves to accept all aspects of life - even (or perhaps especially) those parts of others or ourselves we think are ugly, strange or frightening - we open to a more conscious and responsible view of the interconnected web of life.

Many prominent animal communicators are interviewed in Animal Voices and their varied experiences communicating with horses, dogs, whales, dolphins, llamas, elephants, birds and many others, including smaller creatures like spiders and mosquitoes, help Dawn to appreciate and fine tune her own gift. This also gives the reader additional perspectives about the world of animal consciousness.

Some of the information Dawn received was so out of the ordinary that she was hesitant to include it in the book. However, her determination to accurately record the information she and other communicators received gives us an unusual glimpse into the lives of many animals - even the ordinary goldfish in her living room, who, surprisingly enough, liked being in their tank and enjoyed watching television. This was not at all what she expected them to communicate, but including the odd and sometimes unbelievable comments keeps her work genuine.

While reading Animal Voices, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the change in yourself the next time you encounter an animal. Nothing is ever quite as it seems, and any animal - from your dog or cat to a fox in the bushes or even the smallest creature buzzing by - may have an important message for you to hear.

~Review by Sherry Stultz

Those who are dying are often the best equipped to teach us about the mysteries of death and the wonder of living. This is no exception with animals. Rita Reynolds has worked with sick and dying animals for over 20 years at her animal sanctuary in Virginia. Not only has she comforted a wide variety of animals in their final hours, helping them to die with peace, grace and dignity, but she has listened to them and learned.

The day before Rita's beloved dog Oliver died, he communicated to her the importance of sharing such moments rather than drowning in grief. "Everything is as it is meant to be," reassured Oliver. "And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come." As Rita was to learn in all matters of life and death, there is only the moment - and, "love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters."

Reynolds' book is both a spiritual and practical guide. Including her personal story of creating a hospice as well as the stories of many animals who have shared their wisdom and insights, Rita also suggests a variety of tools for helping sick, old or dying animals - from prayers and flower essences to massage, chants and healing music. As we help our animals to be comfortable, to lose fear and transition effortlessly, gracefully (or, as each body needs to do - sometimes with noise and fanfare) across the bridge called death, we lessen the fear within ourselves.

Rita covers some difficult topics as well: how to know when euthanasia is appropriate; how to let go of a beloved animal companion; what to do once an animal has passed; and how to open to the larger understanding that death can be beautiful and that each being, human and animal alike, brings us a unique gift. In all cases, Rita offers many ways to deepen our connection, not only with the dying but with the living, and with the deeper aspects of ourselves.

~Review by Dawn Brunke

Do you have a book to recommend? Would you like to write a guest book review? Please call or e-mail Dawn Brunke at (907) 373-4667 or brunke@matnet.com.