Totems

I have heard that one definition of a totem is an animal that you have a connection with. Thinking about that is interesting to me because there have been several animals that I have called myself/pretended I was etc. So here are a few and some of the reasons why:

• Shrike: one of my computer/avatar names. I actually wrote a whole essay about why I choose the name shrike. Some of the reasons being a shrike is a tough, resourceful, little bird.
• Griffin: the mythical creature I would most like to be. I always liked the fierceness of the lion but with the freedom that wings would bring.
• Hedgehog: They just seem super cute. I want one. They are all prickly on the outside but cute and cuddly when you get to know them... I'm not exactly sure I would call myself cuddly, but still. I think I like skunks for similar reasons. (I have a beanie baby hedgehog named Prickles).
• Dog: When I was little I constantly played dogs/puppies. I was told my bark was quite convincing - maybe they were just being nice. I don't know very much about dogs but I have always preferred the bigger ones like dalmatians (because of 101 Dalmatians), Rottweilers (I like their markings), and labs. (I have quite a few stuffed animal dogs including Wonder, Floppy, Bones, and Glowie).
• Tiger: If I wasn't pretending I was a dog or a griffin I was a tiger, especially a white tiger. "Tiger tiger burning bright." Tigers are fierce, strong, mysterious loners. They have always been intriguing. (Sharrie is my orange tiger and Quittle is my white tiger).

Anyway, those are some of my favorite animals, and I think favorites often tell you something about yourself.... or maybe just what you want to be yourself. So now the question stands.... what is your favorite animals? or if you were an animagus what would you be?