Obviously, we don’t know the answer to this question, at least not yet. But I wonder.
There was a movie some years ago called “What Dreams May Come” in which Robin Williams played a man who died and went to heaven. Besides the wonderful way in which the movie portrays an artist’s canvas coming to life, my favorite scene in that movie is when the Williams character meets up with his precious dog.
First, he hears a bark that he recognizes, and suddenly the dog is running full steam at him, knocks him to the ground and starts playing and licking. Anyone who loves animals can imagine how joyful this would be. (The dog had been euthanized on earth by his family when she reached an advanced age, and now here she was, young and healthy again and so happy to see him!)
It made my heart sing and at the same time it made me cry. I have outlived several wonderful pets, and I still miss them terribly. Murphy, Buster, Butchie and Benson. And now I have Bella and I’ll probably (God willing) outlive her too.
I believe that our animals are a gift to us and they are here for our benefit in one way or another. Once in a while, I hear the discussion of our animals in heaven with us, and you know what? I think that whether or not they have souls, it just might be possible. Why? Because God is God, He can put anything He wants for us in our heavenly mansions. I think the question is, will they interfere with our whole-hearted adoration of Him?
In any case, I’m not ruling this out. I remain hopeful. And sometimes when I thank God for my little Bella, I ask Him to let her meet me there, in my heavenly mansion, if He wills it. Along with all the others I’ve lost along the way.
12 responses so far ↓
cumby // February 15, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I had a German shepherd who’s name was “Bella” when I was a boy. I believe it means “beautiful” in Italian.
I wondered for years where dogs go after they die. In 98 our beloved Malamute “Sammy” passed away one morning in the living room. That night my wife and I felt a rush of air pass by us and the sound of running feet. We were both filled with joy and wept because this was a sign that our earlier prayers of grief had been heard.
It was March and all the windows and doors were closed and the TV was off. Don’t know what that experience meant but I wouldn’t be surprised if we meet with our beloved pets again when we go on to be with the Lord.
novicechristian // February 15, 2007 at 2:11 pm
cumby, thank you for that. how wonderful about Sammy! I like to believe they’re all playing together till we get there. Catherine
krislinatin // February 16, 2007 at 8:20 am
i feel the same way as you.
We don’t know for sure, but we will.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
i got a little catch in my throat reading your post. i hope i see all my precious fur balls again.
momlovesbeingathome // February 25, 2007 at 7:20 am
Wouldn’t that be wonderful! Our family has had three dogs that we had to put to sleep. That is one of the hardest things (or actually three of the hardest things) I’ve ever done in my life. I still miss them so much. We have a new puppy that’s almost a year old now and I love him too. I think it’s possible that we could see our beloved pets again in heaven but only God knows.
kelly r. // March 28, 2007 at 1:16 pm
i would love for that to happen to me. i am a
12 years old girl and i went online to see if dogs go to heaven.then i found this. i hope when its my time i will be able to see my dog who just died 3/27/07. his name was coco my family,friends and I miss him so much it was hard for me to tell my friends what happen and now the only thing i have left of my dog is his collar. i put his collar on this toy dog that i have and it looks just like him. im praying that when its my time i will be able to see my dog in heaven
novicechristian // March 28, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Kelly, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your friend. The Bible doesn’t really say it, but we all agree that our pets will be there. I bet Coco is there, waiting for you. No rush, though, he’s having fun playing with all the other dogs till you get there. I’ll say a prayer for you, Kelly.
Catherine
kelsey // August 30, 2008 at 3:51 pm
i hope when i go to heven i see my dog that passed away 4 days ago 8/26/08, i am 11 years old and i have been searching like crazy to see if dogs go to heven and i just stop crying because most of the answers are they are going to heven with us.and i just ordered a book called dog heven and it was highly recomended for people who have lost there dogs and hopefully i can just think about her with out crying for hours
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hopefulyet // May 17, 2009 at 5:54 am
My beloved cocker spaniel died earlier this morning. I was sleeping, she was in my room, and i heard a yelp. I went to her and saw her on the floor clearly on her way out. I cuddled her and told her she was a good dog. I wonder if dogs can understand basic statements, because that same second she passed. As if she were waiting for it to be said. I am so terribly sad…. I loved that dog so much.
debi // July 2, 2009 at 5:40 am
I just lost my dog and I miss her so much. Her names is midnight we had her for 14 yrs. I cry everyday . When will it stop?
debi // July 2, 2009 at 5:41 am
I just lost my dog and I miss her so much. Her name is midnight we had her for 14 yrs. I cry everyday . When will it stop? Our family is a mess. I just want to know do you think she is still around us?
Katherine // July 18, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Sissy, my English Setter was 15 years old and very feeble and ill when I let her outside three days ago, she never returned. I have searched in vain for her. My heart is broken but
I have to believe I will see her again in Heaven.
Afterall, This was God’s first commandment to
Adam, to take care of the animals. He cares too.