Ian Wallace Interpretation:
Instinctive ability to voice my concerns so others can understand my needs and help me feel more fulfilled
Dream: You hear a whimpering sound from a box or a cupboard and when you open it, are saddened to find a terribly neglected animal inside. The animal is often a domestic pet, which has somehow been forgotten about. It is usually terribly thirsty and hungry, so you rush around, bringing it food and water to revive it. Although you are worried that it is going to die right in front of your eyes, you begin to get really angry as you try and work out who could neglect such a beautiful animal in this way.
Meaning: If you dream about finding a neglected animal, there is some instinctive part of your nature that you have been unconsciously ignoring in your waking life. Finding the animal in a box or a cupboard suggests you have been trying to conceal your natural instincts for some reason. This is often due to a situation in daily life where it seems that you need to hide your real feelings in order to peacefully coexist with other people. The neglected animal is usually a domestic pet and this can indicate that you have been neglecting your need for unconditional love and affection. It can often make you angry if you feel that the people closest to you are starving you of affection. The type of animal you find reflects the kind of emotion that you feel is being neglected. Dogs and puppies represent your feelings of loyalty and affection, so a neglected dog can indicate that you feel someone close to you is being disloyal. Cats and kittens show your need for some independence and rabbits are your potential for healthy growth. Fish are your need to fully immerse yourself in your feelings now and again. Larger working animals, such as horses, symbolize your ability to harness your unconscious energy and put it to work for you. As well as reflecting your need for love and affection, the neglected animal can also suggest that you have been ignoring your more playful animal side.
Action: This dream is calling your attention to the areas of your life where you may be neglecting your needs. You have probably been spending much of your time looking after the needs of others, rather than attending to what you really need for yourself. You might have hoped others would recognize the care and attention you give them but they might seem to be just taking you for granted. Animals are unable to voice their deeper instincts and needs but you can give voice to your concerns by speaking up and saying what you really need.
Background: After our parents, one of the first things we learn to show affection for is usually a soft cuddly animal toy, such as a teddy bear. This animal becomes the object of our unconditional affections and we often feel unequivocal love is reflected back to us from the toy. As we grow older, we may have a pet animal, which we care for in the same unconditional way, and we expect it to love us unconditionally, too. These cuddly toys and pets have come to represent our instinctual human need to love one another and be loved.