I do the same- I call upon certain animal spirits (totems) to help with issues such as strenghth of a tiger , wisdom of an owl etcc.
I have my own religion- i beleive all creatures and elements are connected- u cnnot have one without the other and they all coorilate together.. I fully believe in the animal spirits and others- I consider myself wiccan(though i know others don't particularly like that term it is the only religion i connect with)