Fr. S.J. Hardon: Question/Answer: Pets are brought to Heaven

[BarbaraTherese]

catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Faith/may-june99/Q&A.html

**Q. Is it correct to say that pets do not go to Heaven after death because animals do not have immortal souls? Are religious medals for pets wrong? Do they lead to misunderstanding about animals, souls, and Heaven? **

—I.R., Michigan

A. Pets, as pets, do not go to Heaven. But animals and such like beings may be said to be brought to Heaven because, after the Last Day, they can serve as part of the joys of Heaven. In other words, animals and such like creatures may be said to be brought to Heaven to serve as part of our…to read on: http://www.catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Faith/may-june99/Q&A.html

 

[johnstown_johnn]

catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Faith/may-june99/Q&A.html

We know from scripture that horses are in Heaven. On the Last Day Jesus, Lord of Lords, will come on a white horse. The donkey that carried the Blessed Mother during the Nativity and into Egypt is a good bet.

Isn’t there a verse that says, “…the sheep will lie down with the lion…” I think animals are part of man’s experiences in his earthly life and likely to be part of Heaven…in what capacity…it’s a mystery. Animals/pets bring joy to humans and that could extend to the next life as well.

 

[mommyof4]

I would love it it animals are in heaven! I can’t imagine heaven without cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, etc. I could do without the mosquitos and snakes, though.

 

[BarbaraTherese]

I would love it it animals are in heaven! I can’t imagine heaven without cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, etc. I could do without the mosquitos and snakes, though.

…blow-flies and coakroaches are of some concern to
me too! …

 

[Cran]

If the lion doesn’t touch the lamb, and the newborn plays with snakes, I think we can be reasonably sure that mosquitos and other stingies will learn to live on water or honey

(And we’lll earn to see beauty in coakroaches, too, I suppose.)

 

[BarbaraTherese]

If the lion doesn’t touch the lamb, and the newborn plays with snakes, I think we can be reasonably sure that mosquitos and other stingies will learn to live on water or honey

(And we’lll earn to see beauty in coakroaches, too, I suppose.)

Oh very well said!!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/18/18_1_103v.gifThe disorder of Original Sin has affected the whole of creation and “we groan in a common (shared) travail” (St. Paul).

St. Paul to the Romans - Chapter 8: 21 Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. 23 And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? 25 But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with patience.

 

[snowfly]

I wonder will Saint Patrick be happy with having to share Heaven with the snakes, oh ! no not another war in Heaven.:doh2:

 

[BarbaraTherese]

 

[dalesmom]

I have no proof or bible verses or whatever…I choose to believe that God allowed all of my pets to go to Heaven and St. Frances is taking care of them. And when I get to heaven, they will all be there to great me with tails wagging and lots of kisses. I will never believe that they have no souls. Have you ever looked deep into a dog’s eyes? There is definately a soul and love there.

 

[AngelRose81]

I can’t imagine heaven without animals. Yes, seeing God is all I truly want and need but… I think He in his infinite wisdom gave us pets and other animals here on earth for companionship and happiness and I hope and think He’ll see fit to have them there for us too.

I don’t know about the rest of you but there have been plenty of times that I think the only beings who are there for me and love me and listen to me are God and then my cats!

 

[BarbaraTherese]

…well said…and then there is Missie, my cat, who never listens to me and does whatever she likes:shrug: , and Buddie, my puppy, who always listens to me while he does whatever he likes:shrug: …oh what an empty, dreaded, place earth would be at times without God and our pets…