#animalmuse

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owls are the most formidable of all North American Owls. They are nicknamed "tiger of the woods" because they are a fearless apex predator. Jack is not just a doctor, he's a trained soldier, vaillant in the face of Death. He carries those monsters still with him and every day combats them fearlessly.

The "horns" of the great horned owl, gives them sometimes a grumpy or silly expression, they do match Jack's dry, cynical exterior. Unimpressed and rarely very expressive when in the presence of strangers. He does rarely give a franc smile or even laughs. Those are truly just for private and intimate moments that only few can witness.

There is something nostalgic and comforting in hearing the hoots of an owl in the night. It's a steady low unmistakable sounds. Jack's voice is rarely high or elevated. No it's a low, calm, raspy voice that carries a weight. When things are spiraling, he is the anchor in the storm. Also the voice of the night shift.

Speaking of the night shift, if Robby is the Prince of the Day shift, Jack is the Guardian of the Night shift. Like the owl, he thrives when the rest of the world is asleep. The night is a shield for him, what you consider chaos is a controlled environment. He hides well , because the day is just too bright for many things and the dark allows for peace and respite from it all. It also equips him to guide those lost there , in the middle of the night for them to find their light back.

And like the owl, Jack is very perceptive, sees it all with a clinical eye. He's hyper-focused, no-nonsense and does not get distracted when focused on something. Though his hyper vigilance makes him sometimes too aware of everything and there are times he wishes to not see all these things.

Almost there I swear. In folklore owls are the symbol of wisdom, but are often lonely , that wise mentor with a heavy heart. Jack as a veteran has another view of life and death, he is an anchor to others, guides them, but is a creature of few words. He carries authority, but is guarded. Coach for many of his night residents.

Furthermore there is something haunting about Jack. He does sometimes seem to haunt the ER, appearing out of nowhere and vanishing when not needed. He's also silent when hurting too much , because his nature is not to harm, he just retreats and flies away. Now owls are one of the only birds who have a complete silent flight, you do not hear the flapping, their feathers are designed that way.

And last, from a more mystical point of view owls are a symbol fo the transition between life and death. Jack finds comfort in that edge between both, in that call of the void where he just feels so alive. And while he flirts with the abyss , he is bound by his word and his duty. Last symbol of the Owl. The Moon. Faithful and silent watcher of the night, always there, always a beacon , always a duty of silent and cooler comfort. That is who Jack is, for his people, he is just that presence that never goes away, that rock so unmovable.

@pittnights

Sea otter

Now maybe it' s because she is from Long Island, or maybe because he sees her as very coastal, but the animal that comes to mind is the Sea Otter. Bigger and with a thicker skin that the river otter, sea otters are known for also being playful and loyal. Ally has still that connection to her inner child, she approaches life with curiosity, finds happiness in simple moments.

Sea otters are also known to tether themselves to each other with kelp. They represent strong family bonds, community and affection. In a way, much like Ally sticks close to loved ones and gives a particular importance to social connections. She cares about her people, want to avoid any drifting apart and cares deeply about those she has formed bonds with. Sometimes to a fault.

Funny thing, sea otters float, and while they look fluffy and chunky they are extremely flexible, able to twist and navigate the ocean currents. It is a learning curve for pups who are often being held on their mother's stomach before being encouraged to swim in the safety of kelp. Well Ally's mother did push her to apply all over, wanted her daughter to gain her independence, and finding her way to the PTMC ED, she did grow and learned to navigate this particular ED, but much like the ocean, the healthcare system is not a forgiving one, thick skin is needed to survive.

Now, sea otters are also a symbols of emotional healing, they represent balance, nurture the environment around them by being the guardians of the underwater kelp forests. Losing her father who took her as his own, it takes time to heal.

Finally in the spiritual and cultural world, sea otters represent for the native American and pacific northwest coastal tribes, good fortune, peace, kindness an friendship, all applying to Ally as well.

For Celtic and European traditions, the sea otter is seen as a friendly, helpful "water dog" associated with healing, patience and performing small acts of kindness. Things Ally's medical career is built on.

The African Wild Dog

No, no hawk, no golden retriever comes to mind when Jack thinks of Kate. African wild dogs are the most social and altruistic hunters in the world. Unlike many predators, they prioritize feeding the weak, the old and the young of their pack before themselves. They are known for extremely tight-knit social structure where they represented the ultimate team player. While Kate does not really have a family system, her found family is all for her. Much like the african wild dog, she makes sure everyone is ok and safe and forgets herself in the process.

African wild dogs are also the african predators with the highest hunt success rate (higher than lions or leopards) because they are persistent and relentless hunters. They symbolize endurance, intelligent and a positive attitude towards challenges. That's Kate exactly, even if she's scared she goes for it, her skills are undeniable and she is truly a hero in that aspect.

Finally those animals are untameable, they are free spirits and guardians in some cultures. Kate is the glue of the Young Avengers, the one who refuses to leave anyone behind, even when it hurts her.

And that's the problem, those dogs are tough, look tough , but they are more fragile than it appears.

The wolverine

A wolf would have been too obvious. No there is more nuance to Eli than meets the eye. Wolverines have a nasty reputation for being grumpy animals. They are solitary and incredibly guarded. Only because they are known to be able extreme conditions. Eli has endured , persisted and fought against overwhelming odds during his active career. He's very independent and protective of his space. An untamed spirit that does not want to rely on others and likes to traveling harsh terrains just because they can.

Often the wolverine is seen as small but mighty as it takes much bigger prey on than itself. Eli often does tasks that require courage of to exceed may it be in his work or as a military man.

And while wolverines do look terrifying they are deeply and fiercely devoted to their offspring. For his small circle Eli would do anything to protect them. He has a golden heart which he does not show because of his guarded nature, but once you're in. There's no leaving.

The Raccoon @pittsass

Now I know, tik tok make them appear clumsy and cute. However, this is an animal that is a master of survival, and has adapted to urban and natural environments. They do symbolize using available resources and ingenuity to thrive. This resonates with McKay's past and present. Having to live on the street she had to become resourceful to survive while being pregnant. In current days, she uses her ingenuity not only in the ED but during Street Teams missions. "Scrappy" as they say.

Raccoons are curious animals and problem-solvers. They get themselves in trouble because of their curiosity, but they are also known for their dexterity. Cassie always takes the time to take a closer look at things, tries to find solutions, and in general, despite having started her residency later than others, proves that a bright mind has a high potential.

Raccoons mothers are some of the best in the animal kingdom. They take the time to instruct their kits and slowly wean them off. Much like Cassie with her son. She is a mother and despite everyone trying to question that, she proves over and over again that she is his mom and provides what the needs.

Of course Cassie has a more mischievous side, and in Native American tradition, the raccoon is a cunning trickster, combining intelligence and mischief. So that's where you get the tik tok side of the raccoon and the silliness.

Despite the playfulness, raccoons are an elusive animal. Some beliefs consider the mask like a disguise, something to hide behind or adapt with. Cassie did have to reinvent herself, did have to heal and grow. It allows her to be now that hand that allows to navigate difficult situations.

People also forget that raccoons can bite, even if they choose not to. McKay has clear boundaries, and while she is willing to negotiate, she will tell you to fuck off. Shall she need help, she'll turn towards the people she trusts most.

Emperor Penguin

They symbolize the devoted parent, protecting their egg and symbolizing deep commitment and sacrifice. It reminds of Mel's parentified role to her sister Becca, she is her egg, one that must be protected, her responsibility. It's that loyal unconditional love for her family that reminds me of the emperor penguin.

Furthermore, while they appear clumsy on land, they are formidable on the ice and in the water. They are resilient and withstand extreme hostile environments. Much like Mel has to navigate the chaos of the ED, she socially clumsy and appears awkward at times, but when working she's a marvel and a very skilled doctor. He was forced to learn how to adapt to be able to be of service to her community.

Now Emperor Penguin are social animals, they thrive when they are together, singled out or having lost their partner they wither. Which the same can be said for Mel. Without her structure , she's lost and the ED really becomes a sea to drown in.

The Meerkat

Meerkats often appear to be these full of energy creatures that seem to be anxious all the time. Which is not the case. They centre around vigilance, community and adaptability. An archetype that highlights teamwork and protective awareness. Which Dennis is too. Community means a lot to him in Jack's eyes, he cares deeply for the people around him and as he grows into his role as a resident, the confidence grows too.

Dennis takes initiatives, he's watchful, and aware. He is trying to balance his individual role within a group. Meerkats also embody intense loyalty and hard work in a close knit or family structure. May it be helping Amy, living with Santos or working in the ED, Dennis has stepped into a cooperation role, following his mentor's teachings to be present, but also look out for the other.

Meerkats are very vocal, they do have a clear communication. Now Dennis is still growing into his voice, but since his med student first day, he has come quite a way.

Meerkats are funny, their behaviour is full of life and a bit awkward at times. So is Dennis, it is easy to get him flustered or unsure, however even so, he does fall on his feet and if you closely pay attention, he's quite the funny guy himself. Still easy to startle at times though.

Orca

The wolf of the Sea , what a better tribute to a Navy veteran. Orcas are extremely intelligent and use complex tactical manoeuvres to hunt. Pressure points, precision in understanding how to get to a result. Weylen is much like that, as a surgeon, he understands the anatomy, thinks quick and adapts. It saved many lives when being the field surgeon.

Orcas are nicknamed the wolfs of the sea not only because of their talent to hunt in their pod, but also for the strong family bond they have. They stay with their family (pod) their entire life and display deep social connections. To the point that they are one of the few species who will actively go against a great white shark to protect their own. Weylen does become a force of nature that no one wants to tangle with when it comes to protecting his own, even if it's from themselves. Not always in a hefty way.

And that's where the symbolism of the orca comes in. They symbolize protection and guidance, intelligence and communication. They are seen as the guardians of the sea, often guiding or protecting people traveling on water. For indigenous peoples, the orca is a powerful spirit animal, often seen as a reincarnated, honoured chief or guardian. Much can be said about Weylen taking up that role for people who need it. In our case, most often Jack. Mostly because if Jack falls, then that would be the greatest loss. Who better suited to navigate the depths of that man's ocean of a mind and get him up again. That's how Jack does view Weylen.

Have you ever seen the eye of an orca? Hidden with that white spot, from far away such majestic creatures, but only those who can get close enough see its eye. It's so soulful, complex and watching the world with a curated knowledge that is their own. Those blue eyes have seen many things, yet still hold the same truths for the few people Weylen decide to love deeply.