I was recently fortunate enough to be involved in an animal totem ceremony, in which we were guided into our energy field, and one by one, into each of our chakras, where we presented ourselves to the animal essence within each one.
It was a remarkable experience, having these animals present themselves to me, and then once familiar, allowing my human consciousness to merge with the animal.
During this merging, I was the animal. I could feel each strand of fur, the length of my snout, my tongue, my tail.
My consciousness changed. I literally had the characteristics of the animal.
Once merged with each of the 7 animals, we introduced each of our animals to the others in ceremony.
Since then, in particular moments, one of my animals will make itself known to me, eg when my last relationship broke up, the wolf that is in my heart centre came to comfort me.
A warm presence that nuzzled into my neck and licked my face and reassured me telepathically.

I'm looking into the possibility of making a totem pole for my garden representing my animals.