Coping with the loss of a pet

[RosaryGirl25]

I have lost a beloved dog last summer, and still have a hard time coping with the loss. His death has been so difficult to bear--he was like my child (I have no human children). I am wondering is there is a possibility of immortality for animals. Will I see him in heaven? I am a bit conflicted on this matter. I hope to be reunited with him one day, as well as all the precious pets that have touched my life and loved me. If this was indeed true, it would make healing from this loss much easier. However, I do not know what to believe and would appreciate any of your comments.

Thank you and God bless.

 

[gladstone]

Hi

I have a guinea-pig who has been really ill this week and I thought it was the end for her. I was terribly upset so I understand how you feel, and it's natural. I'm sure some think we're crazy for caring about our pets so much, but God gave us our feelings. We just can't let our feelings stand in the way of our relationship with God.

I spoke to my minister about animals and heaven. I accept that animals don't have souls, that's a human thing, BUT I also believe that if God created animals for earth, then they're bound to be in heaven too, as heaven will be better than earth!

God's creation is such a wonderful, and amazing thing, and earth is just a small glimpse of what's to come, so I cannot imagine that paradise will be without all creation. Before the fall, the Garden of Eden had all elements of wildlife in it.

 

[ladylovesJesus]

Hello dear sister

I believe that we will see our pets again in heaven. I have lost so many cats since I started having them and they are indeed like children a real part of the family. The one I currently have is so cute and loving and will come to me when she wants a fuss and show me just what she wants as I taught her how to let me know by showing me. I always get woken at night when she wants a fuss and then settles down to sleep by me again.

I found this at gotquestions.org.

The Bible does not give any specific teaching on whether pets / animals have “souls” or whether pets / animals will be in heaven. However, we can take some general Scriptural principles and shed some light on the subject. The Bible states that both man (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Genesis 1:30; 6:17; 7:15,22) have the breath of life. The primary difference between human beings and animals is that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Animals are not made in the image and likeness of God. Being made in the image and likeness of God means that human being are like God, capable of spirituality, with mind, emotion, and will - and - have an aspect of being that continues after death. If pets / animals do have a “soul” or immaterial aspect, it must therefore be of a different and lesser "quality." This difference probably means that pet / animal “souls” do not carry on after death.

Another factor to consider in this question is that God did create animals as a part of His creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 1:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth (Revelation 21:1). There will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). It is impossible to say definitively whether some of these animals might be pets we had while here on earth. We do know that God is just and that when we get to Heaven we will find ourselves in complete agreement with His decision on this issue, whatever it may be.

God bless :rainbow: :rose:

 

[Sweet Violet]

God bless you, RosaryGirl.

I believe you will be reunited with your lost loved one again in Heaven.

My lovely dog Frankie passed away 12 years ago and I still miss him terribly - but I love to think of him running around in Heaven, and rolling around in the grass as he loved to do.

Big hugs xxxxxx

 

[Jonah2005]

I have lost a beloved dog last summer, and still have a hard time coping with the loss. His death has been so difficult to bear--he was like my child (I have no human children). I am wondering is there is a possibility of immortality for animals. Will I see him in heaven? I am a bit conflicted on this matter. I hope to be reunited with him one day, as well as all the precious pets that have touched my life and loved me. If this was indeed true, it would make healing from this loss much easier. However, I do not know what to believe and would appreciate any of your comments.

Thank you and God bless.

Hi, I understand your loss. And a loss of a loved one is always hard if you were close, whether human or pet.

Though they've past on your love for them still grows.

When I lost my dog, it wasn't to death but that we had to give her away.

It broke my heart, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I had dreams about her returning to me every now & then. And those dreams felt so real.