These are some of the animal / birds that have personal meaning for me. Growing up in the colder part of North America and having mostly Northern European ancestry may have some influence on this. Of course the dog is domestic but a very old breed- Norwegian Elkhound - I'm on my 3rd and They are my choice for a companion animal.

Epona is a Pan- Celtic goddess to whom inscriptions and dedications are found throughout Europe. She is depicted either riding on a horse or else seated with horses around her or with foals eating from her lap. She was the only Celtic deity officially venerated in Rome, her feast was in mid December. On that day, draft animals , such as horses, oxen and donkeys were rested. Spina is the matron of life's circuit from cradle to grave and beyond, often depicted holding the scarf which starts the race and the key which opens the gates of the underworld.