[Traveler]

Originally Posted by JcDean78

This might seem like a silly topic but I have never heard about a position from the Church on what happens to animals when they pass on.

Are animals,like dogs, simply organic machines that are here to be with us while on earth only or since they are alive do they too continue on in some way?

I ask because we recently lost a very beloved dog who was very much part of the family. My mother, who is a non member, was asking about going to Heaven and if our dog would be there waiting for us.

Personally, I would like to think the answer is yes but I have absolutly no understanding of how animals fit into any sort of plan nor do I know if such answers have ever been given to us.

Does anybody have any insight into this or perhaps some opinions for discussion?

I believe it is important to recognize the difference between animals and people and not get either mixed up. G-d gave man dominion over animals and has commanded man to love his fellow man as himself. It is most foolish to seek dominion over other people and have love and compassion for animals. We can and should have compassion over animals but not the same love and compassion we should have for children and neighbors.

To be honest I am disappointed with the value some have for their children when they consider animals as like members of their family. I grew up with deep respect for my childhood dog that saved my life. But that relationship is not the same as my eternal partner and wife to whom I am married to for eternity nor my children and parents to who I am sealed to for eternity.

I would also point out that it is man that is fallen not animals. Animals need no salvation or saving ordinances – they were not excommunicated from the garden of G-d nor have they violated G-d’s commandments.

The Traveler