Dead pets (dog) interceding for one in Heaven?

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JamalChristophr

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Hi All, (long time since I’ve posted here, been on a long sabbatical of sorts)…Anyways…

I have this friend, a new convert, very very dedicated to prolife ministry whose dog recently died, a pet of 17 years or so…Weimereiner or however you spell it. Anyways, he’s a bit of a loner and was deeply attached to the dog. So he had to put his dog down. But now…

He seems to have gotten the notion that his dog is certainly in Heaven and even goes so far as to believe and espouse that his dog is interceding for Him and his causes in Heaven. He is pretty constant in mentioning his dog. This idea really isn’t in harmony with Catholic Doctrine is it?? Should I try to correct him which I already have or let him remain in his error or simply leave him alone and let him go through his grieving process which he is denying that he is even doing?? Thanks for your insights…it just seems llike excesive attachment to one’s deceased pet that I suppose is somewhat common in peaple. Thoughts??
 
This probably not a good time to discuss it with him. Let him grieve for a while longer and then when he is a better frame of mind you might speak with him about it. You are correct; animals do not have immortal souls and the dog is not interceding for him in heaven and I’m sure he will realize that soon.
 
In an interview linked to below, His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony talks about his cat Miguel. He says that his cat went to cat heaven. I don’t know what cat heaven is and if there is a different heaven for dogs. I thought that cats and dogs did not have immortal souls and do not go to heaven. But apparently His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony thinks otherwise.
Here is the question and the answer:
"Jillian J.: what happened to Miguel?

Cardinal Mahony: Miguel went to Cat Heaven in 2004."

recongress.org/chat2007s.htm
 
we don’t know if “pets”/ animals go to heaven

that is up to God almighty

most likely they don’t

animals only have mortal souls, not immortal

one thing we can be pretty sure of; if God wills them into heaven they are not capable of prayer
 
Tomdstone said:
In an interview linked to below, His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony talks about his cat Miguel. He says that his cat went to cat heaven. I don’t know what cat heaven is and if there is a different heaven for dogs. I thought that cats and dogs did not have immortal souls and do not go to heaven. But apparently His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony thinks otherwise.
Here is the question and the answer:
"Jillian J.: what happened to Miguel?

Cardinal Mahony: Miguel went to Cat Heaven in 2004."

recongress.org/chat2007s.htm
Click to expand...
Are you referring to this innocuous chat conversation with elementary schoolers?? I dont think he was invoking doctrine, just an offhand remark about the deceased status:

Cardinal Mahony: Animals are a great gift of God for all of us! Our pastor at the Cathedral has a dog, and he gets along great with my cats.
Jillian J.: what happened to Miguel?

Cardinal Mahony: Miguel went to Cat Heaven in 2004.
Jillian J.: o may he rest in peace
 
if any of us actually make it to heaven ; everything you need to be happy will be provided for you

if that includes animal companions; trust me God the Father has got that covered
 
SyroMalankara said:
Jillian J.: what happened to Miguel?

Cardinal Mahony: Miguel went to Cat Heaven in 2004.
Jillian J.: o may he rest in peace
Click to expand...
I did not think that cats had immortal souls and that they went to Cat heaven.
What is Cat heaven and how does it differ from heaven for humans or is it the same place?
It brings up a lot of other questions. For example, is there also a Dog Heaven? Which dogs get to Dog Heaven? There are reports of vicious dogs attacking and killing young children. It seems unjust for them to go to Heaven.
 
Tomdstone said:
I did not think that cats had immortal souls and that they went to Cat heaven.
What is Cat heaven and how does it differ from heaven for humans or is it the same place?
It brings up a lot of other questions. For example, is there also a Dog Heaven? Which dogs get to Dog Heaven? There are reports of vicious dogs attacking and killing young children. It seems unjust for them to go to Heaven.
Click to expand...
animals go to heaven only if God wills it

there isn’t such a thing as dog/cat/ box turtle heaven
 
Roger Cardinal Mahoney’s judgment has been called into question on prior occasions, once by Mother Angelica as to the Eucharist.
  1. Humans = rational souls
  2. Animals = sensitive souls
  3. Plants = vegetative souls
Only rational souls are immortal, as they belong to humans, who are made in the image and likeness of the immortal God. As I recall, Colin Donovan explained the different types of souls on a Catholic Answers Live radio show. To my way of thinking, can someone who elevates animals to immortality have a basic grasp on the faith, such as the unfathomable reality of the Beatific Vision?

To be face-to-face with God and still want fluffy by your side? AYKM?
 
Catholic1954 said:
This probably not a good time to discuss it with him. Let him grieve for a while longer and then when he is a better frame of mind you might speak with him about it. You are correct; animals do not have immortal souls and the dog is not interceding for him in heaven and I’m sure he will realize that soon.
Click to expand...
👍 Very wise advice.
 
Tomdstone said:
I did not think that cats had immortal souls and that they went to Cat heaven.
What is Cat heaven and how does it differ from heaven for humans or is it the same place?
It brings up a lot of other questions. For example, is there also a Dog Heaven? Which dogs get to Dog Heaven? There are reports of vicious dogs attacking and killing young children. It seems unjust for them to go to Heaven.
Click to expand...
Dogs have no morality. If they are not socialised and trained ot trained to attack;owner;s fault not theirs. We carry full responsibility for the behaviour of out critters. So by that criterion?the owners of vicious dogs?

I have a small dog.As I live alone and do not take her into public places?She barks loudly when anyone unusual comes near. That is her job. BUT she is trained and obedient and when I call her in she obeys Always…

Dogs are not people.We imprint them.
 
re the photos;words fail, they really do .

OP;let time pass and do its healing. Dogs and cats are very special especially when the owner is alone and hurting. The loss is as great as a person dying and they need to mourn,

Read the ," I have a cat who…" thread in Back Fence!

Not wrong to love and care. Critters are given to us to care for and to support us.

I have often seen the Rainbow Bridge idea used to console people but it does not appeal to me.
 
I wouldn’t discuss it with him at all. I’d just be sympathetic. If he wants to believe his beloved pet is in heaven, why should that bother you? Lots of people believe this. Why should it be important enough of an issue to have a serious theological discussion which might only crush his hopes? Right now his heart is still hanging on to his dog, trying not to let go. Just let it be.
 
A while ago on a dog forum there was a long long thread started by a man who lost his dog. His overwhelming and yes, “unhealthy” attachment to the dog had taken over his entire life. and he was all but suicidal. “all but” as the forum members rallied round , listened, let him vent and rant and repeat the same laments over and over again and gradually his posts became calmer and fewer.

It made very painful reading.

This was not and is not a religious thing. It is a bereavement issue and needs treating as such,. so please, stay away from any religious ideas and let him vent and rant if he needs to.

That is the kindest thing anyone can do and thus the one most of Jesus
 
po18guy said:
Only rational souls are immortal, as they belong to humans, who are made in the image and likeness of the immortal God. …To my way of thinking, can someone who elevates animals to immortality have a basic grasp on the faith, such as the unfathomable reality of the Beatific Vision?
Click to expand...
I agree, but that is not what many Roman Catholics such as Cardinal Mahony have said. Further, if you look at post #11, there are pictures of a Roman Catholic Church marquee
from Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church which says:
“All dogs go to heaven.” and
“Catholic dogs go to heaven.”
I don’t see how this teaching by Cardinal Mahony and by Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church can be true. First of all, dogs are not baptised and do not take part in any religious rite. They are not given Catholic funerals. Secondly, there are vicious dogs out there which have committed terrible atrocities on small children. I would think that they would be punished in the afterlife and not rewarded as the marquee from Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church indicates.
I think that the Protestant teaching as indicated on their marquee is correct about this (post #11) and if a Protestant converts to Roman Catholicism, I don’t see how the Catholic Church can give the dog a soul.
 
Tomdstone said:
I agree, but that is not what many Roman Catholics such as Cardinal Mahony have said. Further, if you look at post #11, there are pictures of a Roman Catholic Church marquee
from Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church which says:
“All dogs go to heaven.” and
“Catholic dogs go to heaven.”
I don’t see how this teaching by Cardinal Mahony and by Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church can be true. First of all, dogs are not baptised and do not take part in any religious rite. They are not given Catholic funerals. Secondly, there are vicious dogs out there which have committed terrible atrocities on small children. I would think that they would be punished in the afterlife and not rewarded as the marquee from Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church indicates.
I think that the Protestant teaching as indicated on their marquee is correct about this (post #11) and if a Protestant converts to Roman Catholicism, I don’t see how the Catholic Church can give the dog a soul.
Click to expand...
The Cardinal is in need of prayer, if you Google a little history. As to the internet photos, I believe those were photoshopped.
 
Tomdstone said:
In an interview linked to below, His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony talks about his cat Miguel. He says that his cat went to cat heaven. I don’t know what cat heaven is and if there is a different heaven for dogs. I thought that cats and dogs did not have immortal souls and do not go to heaven. But apparently His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony thinks otherwise.
Here is the question and the answer:
"Jillian J.: what happened to Miguel?

Cardinal Mahony: Miguel went to Cat Heaven in 2004."

recongress.org/chat2007s.htm
Click to expand...
There is no “cat” heaven or dog heaven or any animal heaven!! Otherwise why would we be able to kill and eat animals. Jesus himself went fishing and cooked and ate them. As well as lamb etc. Over the years we have had to “put down” several beloved pets,( dogs). While it’s not easy to loose a pet, it is only bound to happen since they don’t live as long as we usually do. We took good care of our pets, they gave us much joy and we thank God for the time they spent with us. I have a loving, loyal German shepherd that is 8 years old, I am nearly 80, I often wonder who will go first. I do NOT question God’s wisdom!! God Bless, Memaw
 
Memaw said:
There is no “cat” heaven or dog heaven or any animal heaven!! Otherwise why would we be able to kill and eat animals. Jesus himself went fishing and cooked and ate them. As well as lamb etc. Over the years we have had to “put down” several beloved pets,( dogs). While it’s not easy to loose a pet, it is only bound to happen since they don’t live as long as we usually do. We took good care of our pets, they gave us much joy and we thank God for the time they spent with us. I have a loving, loyal German shepherd that is 8 years old, I am nearly 80, I often wonder who will go first. I do NOT question God’s wisdom!! God Bless, Memaw
Click to expand...
Amen! This is true wisdom. His Eminence should read your post and ponder it.
 
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