Lucky, it's true that animals can be symbols, yes...
But I have to agree with LPC from what I have learned. What has been or appears to be an animal in this physical world is in reality a Soul.
And as all Souls are at different stages of spiritual awareness, it is perfectly possible for a Being who was an animal in physical incarnation, to be a guide, helper, spiritual companion, and to be highly aware of spiritual realities.
Yes, humans and animals in physical incarnation have different intellectual abilities, and the human would be able to design buildings or work on mathematical equations....whereas an animal wouldn't. But that is not the same as Spiritual ability. We mustn't confuse the two