Pets afterlife?

[PaschalCatholic]

Sorry for your loss. This is something that may console you a little bit.

petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm

I’m a little confused. I don’t think anyone was trying to be insensitive, just factual. As a dog lover who had to put his dog down due to cancer a year and a half ago, I can understand the difficulty of losing a pet, but if we study the subject the Church’s stance is clear, well thought out, and fairly easy to understand (reading Lewis helps).
God bless,
B

 

[Yankeemanmp]

As a believer in a loving God, who created everything for some good, I have a broader view of this than the “expert” Apologists have. I agree that man was created in the image of God, and the salvation of man was God’s intention, and primary in the living creation.

God also loved animals and created them for our use, wild and tame. Even Jesus Christ uses lambs as an example of searching for lost souls of mankind. Saint Francis of Assisi was a person of love, whom even the animals recognized, especially the wild wolf. The in David 3:57-88, 56, there is mention “All beasts wild and tame, bless the Lord.” “You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.” “Birds in the air, bless the Lord.” God even knows when a bird falls from the sky. That is how much He loves His creation. When I pray the Liturgy of Hours, and David’s canticle, sometimes I may shed a tear remembering my pets. I am not ashamed of that.

We who have had pets, and I recently lost my dear pet cat of 21 years, due to old age, who was in his own way, loving, obedient, tame, and my friend. It is my hope that in heaven, should I be allowed to be admitted there, I will see them in their limited spiritual form, and though they may not be able to be petted or respond the same way, at least I know that my creator has the capability of letting us see our pets, as well as all our ancestors, and whatever else he will allow us to learn. No Apologist will reduce the simple life form tamed animals give in their behaviors toward we humans. We could share our love with them. They learned from us simple behavior responses, and demonstrated happiness with purring, and showing loyalty and so forth. I thank the Lord for all pet owners and the losses they feel when their pets pass on, hopefully to animal heaven. For this I will be happy just to know. The universe is so large, and the existence of other earths is not impossible with God. Only when we go to heaven will we learn everything from our Lord we need to know, and beyond our understanding, the goodness of His Love.

My pets were a part of my life, I know their place, their limitations, their obedience and love. I do forget them after a while as I go on with my life. I know too God has created them, in a specific time, purpose, and with love, for some reason. God is love. Amen.

 

[insideitall]

My mom always used to tell me that while they wouldn’t go to heaven because they didn’t have immortal souls, and that since seeing God in heaven would be enough, she thought that there would be another place for them… “dog heaven” or “cat heaven” where they would be happy. Always made me feel better, because of course from actual heaven you could get to either one to visit…

No one has explicitly suggested this, though people have kind of danced around it - presumably the “new heaven” is where we will be, so why can’t our pets be on the “new earth?” Several people mentioned that maybe st francis was watching over them somewhere, and that seems like a good place.

(On a serious note, I also just wanted to address some issues with anthropomorphism and canine behavior in partiular. Yes, animals and humans can share some emotions, but people often run into trouble when they talk about “anger” by saying things like “oh, my dog pees on the floor because she’s mad about such-and-such” or “he gets mad when you move him off the bed because he’s warm.” The first case could be something like a bladder infection, or an insecurity and a show of submissiveness. The second case could be something like joint pain, or a dog showing dominance and essentially telling you that it’s his bed, not yours. Another example is saying something like “my dog loves when I carry her around like a baby/let her sit on my lap.” When you have your dog at your level, you are communicating that she is important - which of course she is to you, but in terms of pack order, you never want your dog up top. This is a big problem with those itty bitty dogs because man it’s just so convenient - but it’s a HUGE reason why so many tiny dogs are nasty little buggers. They have been told, by your body language (and constant coddling), that they are high ranking, and they become very insecure when they feel they need to protect an alpha position. Insecurity may very well show up as aggressiveness. Definitely speak with your vet first and a trainer second if necessary! Here are two good articles about what a dog’s body stance means:

aspcabehavior.org/articles/50/Canine-Body-Language.aspx
pawsacrossamerica.com/interpret.html

and maybe this helps someone!)

 

[ccarter]

When I was in RCIA my first question was will our pets be with us? Then I began to wonder and doubt being able to see them again. A few years went by and my Grandson asked a high authority about whether his Grandma’s dog went to Heaven. His answer was loud and clear “Absolutely”. Since that time I have asked our Blessed Mother Mary to intervene and end their pain. three times I have seen this happen. I always pray first to our Heavenly Father and when that wasn’t fast enough I asked Blessed Mary to help. Now I pray sometimes for out Heavenly Father to take care of my little Pit bull until I get there. He was my baby. I think the gift of nature butterflies, doves, and dogs are blessings for us. I thank out Heavenly Father and believe in his goodness. Anyone that has responded to these messages with understanding has loved a beautiful companion and I thank you for your kind words. For those that don’t understand I can only think they have not had the blessing of a wonderful animal. My husband is one of these. Never experienced the intelligence and miracle in these creatures. :

 

[severus68]

Amen.
To add to the comment about animals being sentient and made in God’s image. Whether you believe that or not, there is no evidence to support it in Scripture or Tradition, or even science for that matter.
Scripture and Tradition tell us that man was made in God’s image, not everything. Yes, in all creation we see bits of God just as you see bits of someone’s personality in the artwork they create, but not every piece of art is intended to image its creator.
Science tells us that yes there are intelligent animals (chimps, dolphins, etc.) however, none of these are able to move beyond tasks given to a child. Sentience only means that an animal can feel or perceive which is not involved in being received into God’s kingdom. Even if animals could move beyond menial tasks, intelligence also has nothing to do with salvation. Please don’t get me wrong, I am in no way saying animals are bad or something to be abused. I am however saying that there is no rational explanation within science or the Church which would indicate that animals on Earth are first of all capable of many of the things we do and second of all able to receive Christ’s saving grace.
God bless,
B

I don’t think anyone who posted here said that animals are made in God’s image. Yes, humans have superior intellect. Animals do not need Christ’s saving grace as they cannot sin. The fact they do not need salvation does not mean they will not be in heaven, perhaps some in their own heaven.

 

[DrFloyd]

How could you even think of missing a pet when you have that sort of love reflected back at you from your fellow brothers and sisters among the heavenly saints!

It is obvious that you’ve never had a pet you were very close to. I’m sorry that you’ve never been able to experience that manifestation of God’s love. Maybe you should get one and then you’ll understand.

 

[DrFloyd]

There is a crucial difference, a difference that arises from the fact that humans have immortal souls whereas lesser creatures have finite souls.

I spoke to a priest a few weeks ago who said, and I quote, “frankly, we don’t know”.

Now what makes you think you know more than he does?

 

[LilyM]

I spoke to a priest a few weeks ago who said, and I quote, “frankly, we don’t know”.

Now what makes you think you know more than he does?

What makes you think your priest knows more than St Thomas Aquinas, who was positive on the matter?

 

[LilyM]

It is obvious that you’ve never had a pet you were very close to. I’m sorry that you’ve never been able to experience that manifestation of God’s love. Maybe you should get one and then you’ll understand.

You couldn’t be more wrong. I grew up for 20 years absolutely surrounded by dearly-loved pets of all kinds. I even once slept on a beanbag downstairs with a new puppy when it came home, rather than upstairs in my bed, because the puppy wasn’t allowed upstairs and I didn’t want it to be lonely.

The only reason I don’t have a pet at the moment is because my landlord won’t allow one, and I travel too frequently. I do miss having a dog or cat around.

My parents’ dogs run straight over to me rather than my parents when I open the door because they know I’ll always make time to play with them, and visitors have commented on how much I love their dogs - and how much they love me.

At the same time I love animals for what they are - animals - and don’t project the whole range of human-like or human feelings and attributes onto them. Not when there is no evidence at all that they have those feelings or attributes.

I don’t deny the attributes they DO have - of course they feel pain, and so other emotions such as contentment and happiness as well. They need care, love and affection,and I certainly feel for animals that are in pain. None of which gives me the slightest reason to believe that they have immortal souls or will go to heaven.

How come everyone looks forward to seeing their pets in heaven, and doesn’t express similar thoughts for all the flies or mosquitos that annoy them, or sorrow over the cockroaches or spiders they’ve killed? Are these other animals less worthy of attention, less worthy of heaven, simply because they aren’t petted and loved?

 

[DrFloyd]

What makes you think your priest knows more than St Thomas Aquinas, who was positive on the matter?

Why confuse the issue? My priest said something; why answer my question with a quesion? Why not simply address what he said? Can anyone know for CERTAIN?

By your response, you basically implied “your priest knows nothing compared to St. Thomas Aquinas, so why listen to him at all?”. I don’t think that’s very charitable.

 

[DrFloyd]

At the same time I love animals for what they are - animals - and don’t project the whole range of human-like or human feelings and attributes onto them. Not when there is no evidence at all that they have those feelings or attributes.

The evidence is there, if you choose to look for it. You seem to be simply disregarding it because it does not fit your worldview – much like how atheists disregard all of the evidence of God’s existence simply because it does not fit their worldview. (I’m only using that as an example, I’m not saying you are an atheist.)

I don’t deny the attributes they DO have - of course they feel pain, and so other emotions such as contentment and happiness as well. They need care, love and affection,and I certainly feel for animals that are in pain. None of which gives me the slightest reason to believe that they have immortal souls or will go to heaven.

Again, this is your worldview, and you chose to live within that construct of reality. That’s fine for you; it is not for others. Why put limits on what God is capable of?

How come everyone looks forward to seeing their pets in heaven, and doesn’t express similar thoughts for all the flies or mosquitos that annoy them, or sorrow over the cockroaches or spiders they’ve killed? Are these other animals less worthy of attention, less worthy of heaven, simply because they aren’t petted and loved?

I personally feel EVERY animal will be there – spiders, cockroaches, chickens we’ve eaten, beef cows. Why not? Again, why put limits on what God is capable of?

 

[ccarter]

I wanted to thank you for your comforting words. If no one is saying for sure then I trust in our Father in Heaven. I don’t want to adopt bugs as pets. I wouldn’t have to consider their social needs, nutrition, bad behaviors. or have them as constant companions. So if bugs don’t make it to a heaven with us I don’t think anyone can compare them to a dog.

 

[Yankeemanmp]

OK, let’s look at the book of Genesis, the two accounts of creation. Give or take a billion years to develop, etc. The Garden of Eden had everything in it. Even Adam named the animals. These were a part of the Divine plan to have man, with all of God’s creation. Now there may not be intelligence, or a soul in animals, compared to man, but they can learn behaviors, and even the Ape that was trained sign language could communicate with man.
Why in heaven’s sake would heaven be empty of his creation in a spiritual sense, so that the wonder and beauty could be seen closer by man there? Thus our pets would be there too.
Man will want answers to all the questions he sought on earth, in heaven the scientists, who believe, will be able to sit with the lions, and the lambs and learn even more. Are not some of these things not part of the rewards in heaven. I for one cannot be swayed to believe anything less. Most of all to see Jesus my Savior, and all the Prophets, martyrs, and saints, and billions of people, including my ancestors, and all of God’s creation, even the bird that fell out of the sky he knew about, and then, my pets. Amen. :hug3:
Pax et Bonum
Paul

 

[Purple_Junebug]

Both humans and animals have souls, but our souls are different. Humans have reason and know right from wrong, animals just go by their animal urges. Also, only humans have eternal souls. So we live on after we die but pets, they just die and that is it, sorry.

 

[DrFloyd]

Both humans and animals have souls, but our souls are different. Humans have reason and know right from wrong, animals just go by their animal urges. Also, only humans have eternal souls. So we live on after we die but pets, they just die and that is it, sorry.

A lot of atheists would say the exact same thing about you and me.

 

[504Katrin]

Dear Deacongs,
How I would love to believe that! I have lost many wonderful loyal pets over the years…they just don’t have immortal souls. How would they fit into Salvation …Jesus came for our sins…What sin does an animal commit? We were created above the animals and the rest of creation…all will pass away and there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth…sorry…

Annunciata

I can tell that my ex fiancés´ dog knew exactly when she committed a sin lol. Like waiting till we all fell asleep then walking over to the table steeling our cookies haha

I´m hoping that we all will meet our beloved ones in heaven. I lost my rabbit 11 years ago and I still miss her sometimes. She was an awesome rabbit, she was trained to come back in when I turned on the lights in the house and things like that. My mom used to say that she probably didn´t even know that she was a rabbit as we got her when she was only six weeks old and whenever I got her company she didn´t even like to associate with other rabbits. I´m hoping I will hold her again one day in heaven.

 

[phil8888]

Jimmy Akin said if you need a pet in heaven in order to be happy, God will provide it.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

A couple weeks after our dog died we were walking out of Mass and stopped to shake Father’s hand. One of my daughters had been having a harder time with it than she let on and as she was shaking his hand she told him that her dog had died and she wanted to know if she’d be in Heaven. Father said, “If you loved her, she’ll be there waiting for you.” I liked that answer and figured I’d stick with it.

 

[runwaymodel]

I lost my dog who was over 15 years old. I had her since I was around 5…more than half my life! It truly and literally broke my heart. Just broke it. I was so sad and crying for days. My Mom actually sent me this beautiful piece of information ages ago, something about Rainbow Bridge. I searched my email forever when I saw this topic and finally found it!

"When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

 

[Litcrit]

Haven’t read the replies, sorry if repeating, but Christ promised God doesn’t forget a sparrow… and what exists in God’s memory exists outside of Time, so…