Humans are animals, and the only species, as far as I know, which posits a concept called 'god' in order to regulate its behaviour. All other animals seem able to do this automatically.
When meditating, my aim is reach that state of being where my spirit seems to be at one with the universe. My feeling is that other species are in that place most, if not all, of the time (when unmolested by humans and their activities). They may not know it, or appreciate it, but they are there nevertheless.
I don't wish to criticise any traditional beliefs, Sivitri, but I find the religious sanctification of man's dominion over other animals provides a convenient excuse for ill-treatment on a scale which should be, in my view, unacceptable in a supposedly spiritually-superior species.