In honor of Monty, the giant Schnauzer winning Westminster Kennel Club, I'd like to introduce you to my childhood miniature Schnauzer, Archimedes.
Archi was a very special friend to me during my teenage years, when I felt alone, misunderstood, and uncertain.
He offered the love and companionship I couldn’t feel from traditional sources like family or church.
We ran through the obstacle course I made from scrap wood and old exercise blocks. I hugged him, walked him, brushed him and fed him. He gave me purpose and grounding during a time of shifting friendship, self-doubt and learning to become “and adult.”
He made life manageable. His happiness, energy, and adoration reminded me to keep going.
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Archi’s time with me was brief, but his impact was immeasurable. I begged for six years before my mom agreed to let me adopt a dog from the pound. This matted, stinky supposed 3-year-old mutt quickly became my everything. He provided many laughs and some upset - sneaking dark chocolate, tomato sauce, and even whole pizzas off the kitchen table!
Losing him while in High School was the first time I remember crying.
In my family, it wasn’t safe to show emotions. I kept up a front of strength, perfection, hard work. Archi was the only one who saw through it and let me be vulnerable, gentle, and silly.
I cried for two days straight and skipped school. Often, I’d think of him but it didn’t feel safe to share how deeply I felt connected with my dog and how intensely his death rocked my world.
Life moved on but I never forget Archimedes and my dormant love of animals. Over time, I began rediscovering my connection with animals and found myself in Telepathic Animal Communication training.
I’ll never forget how I scoffed at the assignment to “connect with a pet who had passed.” Archi had been gone over 10 years and I was so skeptical that I asked our teaching assistant to do the homework for me.
What she shared made it feel like Archi was right here with me – he remembered our games, my struggles, and most powerfully, he understood his purpose. He was sent to teach me the love that I couldn’t find from my parents. It was our soul contract.
Despite his failing health—bladder infections, surgery, kidney and heart disease—his spirit endured long enough to fulfill that mission. Thinking of him now, I see the profound gift he gave me: unconditional love, at a time when I needed it most.
Our animals are more than companions. They are friends, healers, teachers and guides. Archi was all of that for me, and I am forever grateful for the love and lessons he shared.
Even if your animal friends have left the material plane, they are always with us in Spirit.
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