I think youmight be thinking about a 'Totem animal' This is in First Nations peoples curture.. If it is the First animal you come across in a vison etc then for me it was an Eagle.. so Think of the characteristics of an Eagle..Strong, high flying, eagle eyed... Maybe when I was not having the sight problem

In native culture we also have Birth sign animals as totems my birth animal is a Deer.. Coincidentally, my native drum is Red Deer skin.I saw 2 ewd deer only last month in France to.
Re Shared Guides, yes this does happen as I have a 'Shared Guide' for Reiki Healing. lot of Reiki Masters share a guide.
It is my only shared guide..
Not everyone knows or recognises their guides.. It does depend if they show any kind of Intuition or choose to be spiritually aware and undertake some development. That path is not for everyone..
As to what each guide does.. Its as described eg. a Doorkeeper keeps Elementals and other lower forms away..
A Communivator helps youget messages,a Facilitator bring Spirit forward for you.. See what I mean..