Hello Dee,
First, I’m very sorry for your loss. As an “animal person” myself I feel your pain. Please accept my sincere condolences and you will be in my prayers.
Second, please be aware that this topic of pets going to Heaven is a controversial one on CAF, many people here do not like to post about it for that reason (especially when a person is in grief), and you may see some posts that don’t make you feel better right now. It is usually better for a bereaved pet owner to converse with other bereaved pet owners at a time like this, rather than come onto a general purpose religious forum where many people will approach the issue as a purely theological one because they themselves don’t have a particular attachment to animals or feel bereaved when they die. (Sad, but not everyone is an “animal person” as I’m sure you know.) If you still want to read about the topic I would suggest you read the past threads that are linked as well as this one.
Third, also remember that none of us know for sure what God does in the afterlife, apart from judging human souls and sending them to heaven, hell or purgatory. Animals are not human and do not sin, therefore they are not judged, but we do not know what God might do instead. We do know that animals are part of God’s creation and that God’s creation is good and he cares about them, to the point of even knowing when a sparrow falls, so I am sure God is aware of your loss of your precious dog and is taking all necessary steps. Your dog is in good hands, entrusted to the mercy of God, who made her and sent her to you especially to be your friend and be an example of God’s love for you on earth. Trust God to handle both you and your dog, He will do what is best.
Fourth, regarding Church teaching on animals in heaven, all I can say is three of the recent Popes (Francis, John Paul II, and Paul VI - and I note that the latter two are saints) have suggested that they have a place in the afterlife, and one Pope (Benedict) has said they do not even though he is a great lover of cats. Perhaps one day the Church will clarify this position more, but for now entrusting the matter to God is best. Feel free to pray to God thanking him for the time you had with your Jelly Bean and asking him to take care of her and take her into his loving arms. And ask that if God wills you would get to see your Jelly Bean again one day.
You may also wish to read about some of the great saints who loved animals, such as St. Francis di Paola, St. Philip Neri, St. Martin de Porres, and of course St. Francis of Assisi.
God bless and once again I am sorry for your loss. I hope after you have mourned and are feeling better, you might be able to open your heart to another animal, perhaps one in a shelter who is in need of a good home.
