Might sound like a stupid question, but do you think dogs go to heaven?

[Lori Jordan]

I hope they do!!!I treasure the day i go and have all the animals i have loved and lost will be there waiting to reunite with me!!!

[popcornbird]

I don't believe dogs, or any animals will ever go to hell. Animals are not accountable for their deeds, so they will not be 'punished'...therefore, no animals in hell. I do believe animals have a soul, but it is different from our soul. I believe human beings are accountable for the deeds they commit in life, and the good will be rewarded with heaven, the evil, punished with hell. For animals, that is not the case. They don't need to be punished for anything.

As to animals being in heaven...for people who make it to heaven, I know that God has promised them complete happiness and bliss there, and they will get whatever they wish for in heaven. If a person in heaven wants his/her pet there, while religion doesn't explicitly mention it, I do believe God will give that person his/her pet. I do not believe animals will be in heaven as a 'reward' for THEM, as they don't do any wrong or right in this world...they don't have freedom of choice as humans in deeds and actions, but if a person wants his/her pet there, I'm sure God will bring that animal there for the good person's happiness.

[sirrahved]

Just a question for all of you that said my pets are waiting for me, looking down on me, etc... How would it be heaven for THEM if they were watching you suffer, cry, replace them...

[Jessika]

Just a question for all of you that said my pets are waiting for me, looking down on me, etc... How would it be heaven for THEM if they were watching you suffer, cry, replace them...

The same concept would apply to family members who have passed on, if you think about it. If you believe humans go to heaven/hell, then apply the same concept to pets and there you go

[sirrahved]

The same concept would apply to family members who have passed on, if you think about it. If you believe humans go to heaven/hell, then apply the same concept to pets and there you go

That's why I was asking. I DON'T believe family members/friends look down on us from heaven.

[cali]

if my pets dont go to heaven, then as far as I am concerned I will be in Hell. I firmly belive that all animals have souls, that includes Humans, if there were no animals in heaven then humans would not be in heaven, because we are just another species of animal, I will never understand people who insist that animals are a lower lifeform, because humans ARE animals, humans are primates, so are monkeys, monkeys are animals, so are we.

[lbaker]

sarrihdev, I'm surprised and disapointed in your response. Riptide, hopefully someone will attach the link to the Rainbow Bridge thought for you. Of course there is a special place for our special friends... four legger, two legger, feathered and scaled even ~ if they live in our hearts they live. Bless your heart dear and always feel the love.

[cyber-sibes]

A man realized that he had died when his old dog, lost many years earlier, came up to him, wagging his tail. So the man walked down the road with his beloved dog, wondering if the road led to heaven. After a while, he saw a fine house, and approached it, hoping for a drink of water for himself and his dog. He asked the man working outside if they could have a drink, and that man went into the house, saying "follow me" but turned at the door and said "sorry, you'll have to leave your dog outside. we don't allow dogs in here."

The man was stunned, and shook his head, turning to leave. He continued down the road, and eventually came to a farmhouse with an outdoor pump. He approached an older gentleman working outside, and again asked for a drink.

This man looked up, smiling - "Sure, help yourself. And there's a bowl next to the pump for your dog, too. He looks thirsty." He patted the old dog's head.

Overjoyed, the man and his dog drank their fill. They all stood in the cool shade and talked. Curious, he asked the older gentleman about the other house - "I thought maybe that was heaven, but now I don't know."

The older man smiled, "No, how could that be heaven? After all the love you've shared, why would God want you to leave your best friend behind?" The man hugged his dog and smiled. He knew he had found heaven after all.

Look to your heart for the answer. I believe every creature is God in a different disguise, and as such, possesses a soul. Love doesn't die. We all go on to whatever is next.

[WolvesRawk]

They go to heaven. God loves all of his creatures. All of them go to heaven or hell(however, since animals are born good, I doubt there are very many in hell. If there were, it wouldn't be hell, would it? )

[Rio&Nickysmommy]

I personally have no doubt that all of my past furbabies and relatives are waiting for me and looking down over me. Yes I am sure pets and loved ones see us morning them and crying. Yet within our hearts over time that mourning turns to great memories till we reunite. I belive this with my whole heart. I have seen so many people die being a Hospice Nurse (retired now) but I do belive in Heaven. The God I know and love would never ever take away something we love and that loves us for eternity. Do dogs and animals have souls. Just look into any animals or humans eyes and you can see their soul. At least thats what I have seen. Hugs and I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful baby.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[flamepony12]

I also believe they go to heaven. There's a beautiful Rainbow Bridge poem that's been written about losing an animal and then being reunited, gives me goosebumps every time.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
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.

And then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

- Anonymous

[K9soul]

This is a very poignant flash/music version of the Rainbow Bridge.

http://indigo.org/rainbow/

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I don't believe dogs, or any animals will ever go to hell. Animals are not accountable for their deeds, so they will not be 'punished'...therefore, no animals in hell. I do believe animals have a soul, but it is different from our soul. I believe human beings are accountable for the deeds they commit in life, and the good will be rewarded with heaven, the evil, punished with hell. For animals, that is not the case. They don't need to be punished for anything.

As to animals being in heaven...for people who make it to heaven, I know that God has promised them complete happiness and bliss there, and they will get whatever they wish for in heaven. If a person in heaven wants his/her pet there, while religion doesn't explicitly mention it, I do believe God will give that person his/her pet. I do not believe animals will be in heaven as a 'reward' for THEM, as they don't do any wrong or right in this world...they don't have freedom of choice as humans in deeds and actions, but if a person wants his/her pet there, I'm sure God will bring that animal there for the good person's happiness.

That's basically what I believe.
For a long time I was told animals didn't have souls therefore didn't go to heaven, nor did they go to hell. I learned that I needed to stop believing what others believed and what they told me and I needed to start believing what was in my heart. I didn't believe in some of what my church taught me or how they did things, neither did Justin. We left our church and have since found we have a stronger relationship with God. With that said I now believe in my heart that animals do have souls. I believe that their souls are innocent and like babies and young children they do not have a day of judgment, they just go straight to heaven.

[Barbara]

I'm with Will Rogers: If dogs- or cats BTW- don't go to heaven I don't wanna go there either.

[shihtzulover850]

I have wondered that for a long time to. Especially after Snuggles had a close call and almost got hit by a car. I have prayed very hard for her and other dogs that they may go to heaven. I will pray for yours to.