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

[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.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Carly was such a beautiful girl! I really believe that if humans have a soul that survives death, then dogs most certainly do too. And if there is a paradise waiting after death, then what kind of place would it be without other creatures? I can't imagine exisiting anywhere without all the creatures of our world- trees, birds, dogs, cats....

[shihtzulover850]

I agree.