Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea that some animals experience what I call “shifting timelines.” By this, I mean they transition from one life path to another—sometimes in truly dramatic fashion, as if stepping into a completely new existence.
This way of thinking likely comes from my lifelong love of science fiction and fantasy. One of my earliest and most influential reads was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. I was especially drawn to the book because Meg, a young, unassuming girl, takes center stage as the protagonist.
Another author who captured my imagination is N.K. Jemisin, in particular her novel The City We Became, a fascinating fantasy set in New York City.
And of course, there’s Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein from 1818 —a foundational work in fantasy.
Yes, Virginia (and Virgil), there are—and always have been—great women science fiction/fantasy writers!
I’ve witnessed many of my adopted dogs shift timelines after we rescued them. Over time, their personalities blossomed as they realized they were now part of a loving household.
My first three dogs were street dogs that I adopted while being stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico (Pee Wee) and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Timmy and Missy). They adapted to their new timelines by showing affection and understanding that they were now members of our pack.
For example, these dogs learned the rules of our home—like where they should relieve themselves. And when we had kids, Timmy and Missy learned how to enjoy them, which was truly a blessing.
Much later, we adopted Tibor, who had been a bait dog used in dog fighting. Tibor embraced his new timeline wholeheartedly, taking cues from our dog Stella about how to fit in with the family. The transformation was astonishing—Tibor became a happier, better version of himself.
I support farm animal sanctuaries like Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue. For animals, moving to a sanctuary is a monumental shift—it’s as if they’ve landed on a new planet! Reading about or visiting these sanctuaries lets you share in the joy of these rescued souls. My science fiction and fantasy-loving mind can’t help but see these as dramatic shifts to entirely new timelines.
Recently, I helped a wonderful family in a Swiss village who were adopted by a feral cat. This cat had lived there for 15 years, largely disliked by the other villagers. But the family welcomed him when he showed interest in joining them.
The cat, George, faced many health issues, and the family made sure he received the best medical care. After 15 years of rejection, he stepped into a new timeline filled with love and respect—and even became friends with the other cats in the household.
George passed away a couple of months ago, and his family wanted to know how he was doing. He shared that this new life with the family was the gift he had always hoped for. He met his life goal because of this family.
I was reminded by my Guides that when animals shift into a new timeline, they choose to let go of the past. Yes, we humans gave them the opportunity to shift. But they also choose to step into this new timeline. What a beautiful experience for all of us.
Have any of your animals’ timelines shifted when they became part of your life? Please share in the comments section!
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