return to list of articles by Donna Palmieri D’Amore   A few months ago I wrote an article about visitation dreams, those dreams in which loved ones who have already passed over come calling to pay a visit. One aspect which I did not address in the earlier piece was the phenomenon of when pets who have gone before us appear in dreams. In reading the book “Uncommon Friends” for this month’s review section, the spiritual bond between humans and animals was made abundantly clear. It dawned on me that this topic warranted further exploration. So many of us have been blessed with wonderful, long-lasting relationships with dogs, cats, horses, birds and all sorts of the amazing creatures with whom we inhabit the earth. Often we do not realize just how much these special pets mean to us until they are no longer here. The grief and sadness which we feel when our pets die is genuine. They share our homes and become members of our families, so it is perfectly natural that when pets pass away, we experience a tremendous loss and experience a grieving process similar to that which we undergo when a human loved one crosses over. Just as we sometimes receive dreams in which our departed relatives appear, wondrously, our beloved pets at times also come to visit us in dreams. As with other spiritual visitors, these special beings visit in order to offer comfort and to let us know that their connection with us is still there and it is real. That strong bond which is formed when animals share our human existence continues on into the spiritual realm, and this is manifested when we receive such a dream visit. A friend of mine, Samantha, once had a cherished dog who was a very important part of her family. Her dog Tessa passed on while she was out of town, which in actuality helped to cushion the blow a bit for Samantha. It was a surreal experience, as Tessa had been there when she left town, then was gone when she came back. Samantha missed the funeral due to being away, and was inconsolable until something extraordinary occurred. She received a dream in which she was in the yard, and her dog came running from around the other side of the house, which is where she is buried. In the dream, Tessa appeared healthy, beautiful and frisky - and was delighted to see Samantha! She tried to catch her, but Tessa eluded her at every turn. Samantha tried to hold and pat her, however she managed to escape her grasp each time.  Eventually, Tessa ran to the corner of the house, where she stopped and turned around. She wagged her tail at Samantha, and then vanished to the other side. Although in the dream, Tessa disappeared to the other side of the house, she actually quite literally dissolved back into “the other side,” meaning the spiritual realm where she now exists. Samantha awoke from this heartwarming dream filled with the understanding that her precious dog was happy and healthy, and this was all she needed to assist her in getting past the enormous grief she had been experiencing over the loss of her dear Tessa.  In this beautiful manner, Tessa was able to come through to Samantha, to comfort her and let her know that she was well. Tessa gave her human friend a gift of love by visiting in a dream, and imparting to Samantha’s spirit that their bond was as strong as ever. The love which we have for our pets, and which they in turn have for us, does not end with the passing of one or the other. Indeed, that love continues on into the next level of existence. It is remarkable to consider that animals are spiritual beings and have souls just as humans do.  If you have ever been enjoyed the companionship of a beloved pet in your life, don’t be surprised if in the future you receive just such a dream visit. Many of you likely have already experienced dreams in which your pet has appeared, and perhaps you may now reflect upon those memories with a different perspective as to the significance these special dreams hold. Embrace the feelings of joy, wonder, happiness and affection which are evoked during these dream visits. Remember that your spiritual visitor loves you very much, and with the permission of our Creator, has been allowed to come to you in this remarkable way. Consider yourself blessed, and enjoy the visit with your old friend!