I have not read that article, but will look into it. As I stated in my post, it was "a large plot point." The reference in the book is not just passing-it is a major plot point for the entire first day of the project and is referenced over and over again throughout the next couple of chapters as she acts like a dog in different ways.

And I would argue that a passing incident is in fact enough to guide selection decisions as harmful "throwaway" references embed themselves into the psyche of kids and are what lead to much of the appropriation that we see in our society.

Donyae Coles' article is especially good on the subject, explaining the difference between the harmfulness of "spirit animal" and the more general "totem." In fact, what many authors and others who use "spirit animal" mean is actually something much looser, akin to totem. The comments and her responses are excellent too, notable for their sticking to facts and avoidance of polemic.

http://www.spiralnature.com/spirituality/spirit-animal-cultural-appropriation/

Also, how big a plot point was this? Does the plot of the book turn on this incident, or is it more of a throwaway? Does the reference recur on multiple pages? That would influence what teachers and librarians might do in a particular case or book. A passing incident in a book is very different from something that drives the narrative.