[Traveler]

Originally Posted by JcDean78

There are some people in this world who hold the value of animals to be equal and in some cases greater than the life of a human. That is not at all what I am talking about here though.

I certainly am not trying to elevate a dog or cat to the same position as my children, parents, etc. But these loyal and lovable creatures as their own personality and bond with us. They do become just like family but that does not mean they are equal to that of my children or even close.

Again I totally understand where you are coming from because I have met people who do value animals over or equal to humans but that is not what I am talking about here.

What I want to know is if the dogs from my life can be with me in Heaven and I believe from what we have found in this thread the answer is yes.

I am very fond of dogs and for a part of my life I worked in a kennel as trainer. The bond and companionship with an animal can be good and valuable but often people mistake loyalty in dogs with their pack instincts. As much as someone may be fond of their pet, abandoning many dogs while you go to work can be very hard on the dog. Often pet owners see such relationships only from their side of things and what they get out of it; thinking that their pet has no adjustments. Often children, especially toddlers are difficult adjustments for pets. Not long ago a 2 year old child was mauled by a dog and the parent said they would keep the dog because the attack was the fault of the child. Likely true but such a parent should not be attempting to mix the two in a family setting and should get rid of either the child or the dog.

Would you mind clarifying what you mean when you say a pet is part of your family? For example do you have pre-determined limits for your pet?

BTW: I believe we can and should exercise beneficial stewardships over the animals G-d has blessed us with - but I believe it is important to recognize that they belong to him and not us - both while we are here on earth and if we someday exercise the opportunity to live with our Father in heaven.

The Traveler