Do Dogs Go To Heaven?
My good friends recently lost their beloved pet of 15 years. As the health of the little dog deteriorated in the last several years, they clung tenaciously to her with repeated trips to the vet, and accompanying medications and medical procedures. Misty was not designed to live any longer, so one day she passed away. My friends were truly broken. This dog had been a part of their family, far more than just an animal. Now almost a year later, they still get teary-eyed when the subject comes up. These people are educated, intelligent, and quite rational. And they insist that Misty has gone to heaven. They will entertain no other consideration, no other way to consider the matter.
In the understanding of the Christian faith, human beings are unique in being made “in the image of God”. Such is not ascribed to any other element of God's creation. Among other things, this at least means that we are infused with the quality of eternity. A human does not cease to exist at the time of death; his spirit moves on to a higher realm.
In considering the fate of animals, some will quote the passages from the Old Testament which refer to an idyllic time when God's rule is complete, when “the lion will lie down with the lamb...”. In my opinion, this is not meant to give details of the afterlife, but to describe it as a time of peace and tranquility.
It seems out of character, to me, when I hear a fellow-Christian insist that beloved pets just die, and that's it. And the case is so often made with so little feeling; a few scripture quotations and a smug blink of the eye. I wonder, how can you ascribe any specific pet (or, more importantly, any specific person) to an eternity that excludes God's love?
Here is my case for belief that beloved pets will be in heaven. It is not a scriptural argument. It is based upon my understanding of the nature of a loving God. I am convinced that God loves His children with a greater depth and intensity than we can fully comprehend. I think, in heaven, we will all be amazed at the extent of God's love from the very beginning. And, the afterlife experience prepared for us will be an expression of His complete love for us. We will find that the symbolic language of the Bible has barely done it justice. Heaven will be the complete and everlasting experience of pure love.
All are made by God to be unique, in life experience as well as personality. For some, that uniqueness has involved a deep connection with a beloved pet. So, for that person, surely heaven would include fellowship with such a dear friend. When my friends get to heaven, Misty will be there, all frisky and bouncing and ready for the reunion. I believe God will arrange it, because love is what He knows best. With a big smile, I believe Jesus will enjoy watching that reunion.
Blackie will be there. He and I explored ridges and woods as a kid. I wonder if he will still grin, like that silly dog did forty years ago?
And Bessie will be there, and this time frisky- not addled by old age and disease. Three weeks ago my big old brother cried like a baby when she passed away. It seems to me, if someone "made in God's image" can love a hound dog like that, then God can too.
“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Even the love of a pet!
09.08.06 (9:53 am) [
edit]
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (7:24 am)
Without a doubt, I could have written this...albeit not as well as you...where were you whe my Missy Blackdog was aged and sick...I wrote of this before I had to make that choice for her...in my opinion, heaven is love and what would heaven be without our beloved pets???? and of course, i know Missy is with Sam...they will be waiting for me : )
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (7:31 am)
Reply to: mimi
Pets bring so much joy to our lives. My little Bailey, Pomerannian/Fox Terrier mix, demands so very little of me; he just enjoys me. Our lives are richer because of such friends. I want to think that God knows that, and because of His love will give us these friends in the afterlife. Such would not be hard to do.
Now, let's consider that reunion scene in heaven. Sam may be waiting for you, but I'll bet Missy will make a mad dash and jump up on you, getting paw prints on that pretty white robe.
posted by:
radiohead (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (7:36 am)
I am so glad you posted this, my husband has tried convincing me with scripture that animals just...die, I don't buy it. I hope to see Patches, Cocoa, and Sebbie one day...they all meant a lot to me. This post has made me happy :)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (7:41 am)
Reply to: radiohead
I know what I have to say is not the final say on any spiritual matter. I'm at best just a fellow pilgrim trying to make sense of things. I base my convictions upon the concept of a loving God who desires what is best for us, for all eternity.
So, if someone disagrees with you, just smile and keep on with what gives you comfort. Then one day, when you guys get to heaven and all these pets are running around, you can tell him, "I told you so."
posted by:
TheRockSays (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (8:00 am)
Wow, 'lotta pet lovers here.
I see it in a completely
asensitive way. If you can presume that the "image" that man was created in is a soul, that would
almost imply that man got something unique. But it's even more presumptuous to say that animals got nothing where man got something. I know something that was created in the image of Mona Lisa, but that doesn't mean Rembrandt never got busy, or the Sistine Chapel doesn't have a roof.
posted by:
inkspector (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (9:38 am)
Nice post.
I hope to see all my dogs again someday in Heaven.
There is a children's book out called "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant (She wrote Cat Heaven too.). Check it out at local library.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
09.08.06 (10:42 am)
You mean there will be cats in heaven? Hell, here I come!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.09.06 (6:07 am)
Reply to: TheRockSays
It is almost impossible to truly be asensitive when it comes to your pets. A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time in a local tourist spot, and saw an elderly couple pushing a cat around in a baby carriage. I thought it looked silly, but they obviously loved that cat like a child. You and I tread on dangerous ground when we try to deal asensitively with such people.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.09.06 (6:08 am)
Reply to: inkspector
I want that book. It would be a great book to read to my grandaughter, and perhaps to give to those truly grieving the loss of a pet. Thanks.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.09.06 (6:10 am)
Reply to: bawdy
Woa... Wait a minute. I get excited about the prospects of dogs in heaven, but let's please leave the cats behind. Not a cat lover!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.09.06 (6:11 am)
Reply to: LadyG
I vote there will be pets in heaven. Maybe some pets are more qualified than their owners.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
09.09.06 (12:56 pm)
Reply to: TheRockSays
I really love your concept...that is what I have always thought but just couldn't quite put it into words...sorta like a soul is a soul is a soul...and/or a rose...right? thanks for your thoughts.
posted by:
techwise (
reply)
post date:
09.10.06 (9:30 pm)
My kids still do not get this yet.
posted by:
graceshaker (
reply)
post date:
09.11.06 (7:31 am)
im really disappointed in this post.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.11.06 (8:02 am)
Reply to: graceshaker
Not just disappointed, but "really disappointed". You've peaked my curiosity. Can I ask why?
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
09.12.06 (1:03 pm)
God love us. We love our pets. Therefore, proof positive that all dogs and cats and lizards and any pet goes to heaven.
and, don't ditch the fire hydrant. It may be transported up there as well. We just never know.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
11.10.06 (5:43 pm)
Reply to: graceshaker
Well, I ask again, because I truly want to know: Why does this post disappoint you?
posted by:
graceshaker (
reply)
post date:
11.14.06 (11:03 pm)
back when i frequented tblog i looked forward to your posts. i read them with enthusiasm. you are a fantastic story-teller dave and ive always appreciated your ability to draw me into the meat of your post by relating it thru narrative. this coupled with what i consider to be your genuine heart have produced post after post of interesting and thot-provoking material. from struggling with the various hot topic issues of the day to dealing with everyday people that pass thru your lifespace - you are an atypical blogger in that you offer a kernel in almost every post.
and then theres this post. its kitschy and laden with emotional pleading. its full of disheartening statements such as:
"This dog had been a part of their family, far more than just an animal."
im sorry dave but no animal will ever be on par with my wife or children in any sense. the very idea is completely ludicrous to me and ive had many pets that i thoroly enjoyed.
"...we are infused with the quality of eternity."
in all my days of theological study and discussions ive never heard anything like this. from what i understand of your post - eternity is a quality and both humans and animals have it. i would ask if this is some sort of scriptural view that perhaps i have overlooked but you openly admit:
"It is not a scriptural argument."
ok. no argument here. i agree its not a scriptural argument.
"A human does not cease to exist at the time of death; his spirit moves on to a higher realm."
this one we could prolly spend quite a bit of time on. in rejecting these statements i contend they are far more heavily influenced by hellenized greek philosophy than scripture. if you want to tackle this we can but i think its bigger than the comment section of your blog ya know?
"It is based upon my understanding of the nature of a loving God."
so you admit that your argument has no scriptural basis and now you openly reveal that the basis for your argument is completely subjective - revolving around your personal perspective of what a loving god is like.
i mean no discourtesy when i ask what then gives it an ounce of weight…?
a very close charismatic friend of mine was entirely convinced not very long ago that the nature of a loving god included gold dust appearing on her hands and in her fillings during worship. that doesnt make it so and even if it happened that doesnt make it from god.
"...surely heaven would include fellowship with such a dear friend."
since when did non sequitur become your modus operandi? why is this the logical outcome of people having emotional attachments to pets?
so ultimately tho i dig your posts most of the time – these ideas coming from a pastor are quite disappointing. i fear my honesty in replying here will drive a further wedge between us tho i pray thats not the case. hopefully we can talk thru it and rejoice in our brotherhood above it all. i look forward to your response.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
11.15.06 (6:38 am)
Reply to: graceshaker
There is no wedge between us. I don't think there is anything you could say in our blogging exchange that would cause me to break connection. I think we have much in common.
I appreciate the kind words. I am probably a better storyteller than theologian, as you've noticed.
The focus of this admittedly somewhat-shallow writing is the amazing love of God, and not anything so especially wonderful about pets. I do believe with all my heart in eternal life, and heaven. How can you read the scriptures and not? I'm thinking heaven will be God's eternal and complete expression of love to us, and so it seems logical to me that He can include our love of pets in that experience. And if Fluffy does not make it, that's o.k.
Many times I have spoken to the dying about what will soon happen. I've quote Paul, "...absent from the body, present with the Lord" and "...in a moment, in the twinking of an eye..". To those who grieved the death of Lazarus, Jesus replied, "I am the resurrection and the life, He who liveth and believeth in me shall never die." And that's not Greek philosophy!
Thanks for your kind and thorough reply. I very much hope you continue to be a part of t-blog.
