Hi.........I find when I have dreams of saving/protecting someone, it is actually a part of myself in waking life I need to save/protect.....
Also , the animals in your dream.......we have animal guides that will appear in our dreams and can learn from their strengths of that particular animal....for instance...Bear's strength is  protective mother Hidden strength. Inward looking. To know ones self ......Wolf's strengths are......The Wolf is the Teacher it will guard you as it teaches you, sometimes strongly sometimes gently, but always with love. Wolf can teach you how to use ritual to establish order and harmony within your own life. Wolf helps us to understand how discipline within a group can create true freedom, find new paths, and take new journeys. Able to maintain balance. Ability to teach advise others, is loyal, Is independent, is a solo worker but is able to join others as the needs arise...........
 It is helpful too to pay attention to animals we see alot of in our day to day life. I find by realizing the strength of that particular animal it can help us in our spiritual needs in our day to day lives.  Here is the link to animal shamanism  that I particularly like.  Hope this helps you out  . Angels with you
http://www.mysticfamiliar.com/library/shamanism/animal_totems.htm