My rescue cat was attacked by my dog, a miniature pinscher still a puppy himself obeying instinct. I got on him so bad he understood exactly what I was relating and forever loved and protected the cat after that. Cat (Roscoe by name) went on to be the revered rock star of all the other cats the crazy cat lady who married my room-mate allowed in.
Insanely affectionate, I usually woke up with Roscoe or Dobby the dog licking me. I am absolutely certain animals do have souls because their pure capacity to love often surpasses humans - some of whom needing put down themselves.