Personally, I have had dogs my whole life. Our last dog, Geoffrey, was a small, Italian Greyhound, who was handsome, smart and uniquely special to us! From some random airborne dog virus, that had, at that time, been in 20+ states, Geoffrey went from playing, eating, taking a walk, to dead within 3 hours. We were devastated.  This scenario of losing a pet is not just our story. So many of you have lost a pet and your heart aches.  As our Lord loves us unconditionally, I think our pets, in many ways, love us unconditionally also.

Condolences were sent and spoken. Like-minded pet owners conveyed their feelings of understanding,…..but will we see our sweet pets in heaven.  Here are my thoughts.  I have not found a Biblical reference assuring me of their presence in heaven, but I ponder the Bible story of Jesus leaving the flock to search for the one lost sheep, that one lost sheep mattered. As humans made in God’s likeness, we have a soul.  Do I know if pets do? No, I do not.

I derive comfort from Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God understands each of us so completely.  Jesus in His sermon on the Mount, taught the Beatitudes.  The fourth one states: “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Knowing God understands, cares and will comfort me is enough. If we see our wonderful pets, it will be a bonus on our arrival in heaven. Until then, I am blessed that He understands and comforts all of us in our losses.

(FYI: Netflix has a documentary INSIDE THE MIND OF A DOG.  Quite informative)

Jill