I recently had 2 cancer surgery's and am now clean. But while thinking about dying, I wondered about my dogs. They would be going to the pound if I was not around? While facing death, you think about everything?:rolleyes: So I decided, if I lived to try to save the dogs being killed everyday for no fault of there's?:( So, do they have souls and spirits? Because I've had five dogs over twenty five years and I seen things that make me feel they are so misunderstood as creatures we live so closely with?

Also, is there any place you can find funding for projects like mine not being a nonprofit group? It's all with lawyers and above board, so that it's not seen as some scam. I have info at "BARK" (Tales From Doggy Death Row) (http://www.Barkthemovie.com)

Thanks for the time.

I have the same dream that you have, for all animals, not just dogs. I have two dogs, 4 rabbits, 1 bird and a goldfish.

Answer to your question, yes, dogs have souls, all animals have souls. I just have to look at my adopted animals eyes to see the souls they have inside. They show me everyday that they are so happy to be with me, and I am so happy that I have them.

I don't know about funding, most shelters (which is what you'd be) received their money through donations, I would look into it. Let me know how it goes.

Good luck and bless you for caring so much for those lovely wonderful animals that need us.

I recently had 2 cancer surgery's and am now clean. But while thinking about dieing, I wondered about my dogs. They would be going to the pound if I was not around? While facing death, you think about everything?:rolleyes: So I decided, if I lived to try to save the dogs being killed everyday for no fault of theres?:( So, do they have souls and spirits? Because I've had five dogs over twenty five years and I seen things that make me feel they are so misunderstood as creatures we live so closely with?

Also, is there any place you can find funding for projects like mine not being a nonprofit group? It's all with lawyers and above board, so that it's not seen as some scam. I have info at "BARK" (Tales From Doggy Death Row) (http://www.Barkthemovie.com)

Thanks for the time.

Your question is a most interesting one. You may wish to visit an Internet website that takes up the matter.

What does the bible say about animals/pets in Heaven (http://www.answers2prayer.org/bible_questions/Answers/animals/pets.html)

I really really really hope they do.. I love animals sooo much, they bring such a richness to our lives don't they? They are truly a blessing

Thanks for the feed back. I needed it. This is a really large undertaking. I'm sure of the out come, but some people have asked me why do I care so much about dogs? The only thing I can say in responses is, why not?

That's a good response! "Why not?" A gentle turnabout is fair play when someone else is putting you on the spot. By-the-way, I think that animals have souls. ;)

Congratulations on recovering from the cancer. It must have been really rough for you.

I think involving yourself in such a good cause will bring you much happiness and better health too. Maybe you could start with an ad inviting people to particpate in setting up some type of sanctuary for pets who are left without family. Great ideas come from groups of people. Best of luck to you!

I believe all animals have souls. I love dogs and cats too. They love me back and it shows in many ways. A soul is about love as that is the core of all human beings - ergo dogs and cats have all that we do.

I once saw two squirrels in the middle of the road trying to pull an inert third squirrel who had been struck by a car. I stopped my car to wait and watched them and they looked up at me with agony in their eyes... as if seeing their friend/brother/sister/parent lying dead was too awful to bear. They have a soul too. With all that - I must believe all animals have it.

I recently had 2 cancer surgery's and am now clean. But while thinking about dieing, I wondered about my dogs. They would be going to the pound if I was not around? While facing death, you think about everything?:rolleyes: So I decided, if I lived to try to save the dogs being killed everyday for no fault of theres?:( So, do they have souls and spirits? Because I've had five dogs over twenty five years and I seen things that make me feel they are so misunderstood as creatures we live so closely with?

Also, is there any place you can find funding for projects like mine not being a nonprofit group? It's all with lawyers and above board, so that it's not seen as some scam. I have info at "BARK" (Tales From Doggy Death Row) (http://www.Barkthemovie.com)

Thanks for the time.


Hi, glad to hear your now OK.You remind me of my dear Mum... bless her... who passed away not long ago, she loved all animals and would have had every single one warm by the fire side on a wet and windy night, she always had dogs throughout her life and worried constantly about them.
Mum always had a minimum of two yorkies... named polo and brandy, her ultimate life companians who were treated to the best of all things, sadley brandy died aged 19 years about a year or so before Mum, she was absolutely heart broken.

Brandy had a proper casket after his creamation which was kept in a glass cabinet and I had to promise that I would put him with her when it was her turn, this I did,Mum new that in the end they would be back together.

Dogs do have a soul like any living creature and it comforts me to know that she is now surrounded by all of her animals gone before.

There are animal santuaries that will look after animals until their natural death but I'm thinking that it may be down to charity funding... not sure.

Mum many years ago made sure that there was always someone to care for the dogs in the case of an accident or alike, in this case my brother now looks after the other yorkie.


I am sure if you made your wishes known to maybe family or friends or perhaps make some kind of provision via insurance policy, it would set your mind at ease.

Takecare

Well I know you love your animals and that is great, they are wonderful friends, but no, in the Christian faith, animals do not have souls, and if they did, since they can't accept Christ, they could not be saved anyway.

Animals were created but not given the soul that God gave man. Now God created the animals by his word, he spoke them into being.
So there is no reason that God could not have animals in heaven. But please remember your idea would be all of the animals, but for many, having a cat or a dog around would be hell for them.

Well I know you love your animals and that is great, they are wonderful friends, but no, in the Christian faith, animals do not have souls, and if they did, since they can't accept Christ, they could not be saved anyway.

Animals were created but not given the soul that God gave man. Now God created the animals by his word, he spoke them into being.
So there is no reason that God could not have animals in heaven. But please remember your idea would be all of the animals, but for many, having a cat or a dog around would be hell for them.

Well it's the same in life ,not everyone wants an animal around. I'm sure literally your absolutely correct and I've no intention of arguing the point, only to say that Mum's dog would sit on her bed every night. I know several other people who have had the same experience.

We'll agree to differ on this one

And I have to say "All dogs go to heaven" :)

Look into my dogs eyes and tell me they don't have a soul, trust me, you won't be able to do it.

The kindest eyes I've ever had the opportunity to peer into was that of my longtime companion and friend... the sad eyes of my golden retriever. I saw her eyes as a newborn puppy and that of a crippled long time loyal friend when I had to put her down. Yes, she did have a soul, just as scripture notes directly from the Bible. "Whatever the man would call it," the Bible says, "each living soul, that was its name."

19 "And out of the ground Jehovah God formed every beast of the field, and every bird of the heavens; and brought them unto the man to see what he would call them: and whatsoever the man called every living creature, that was the name thereof". 20 "And the man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the heavens, and to every beast of the field; but for man there was not found a help meet for him." Genesis 2: 19,20 (American Standard Version)

Dogs are often mistreated as pets, although that's how they are the are also a companion for you, a loyal friend. An living creature has a soul.

In case there are any doubts;

A Dogs Soul

Every dog must have a soul, somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.

Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right,
And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place, where every thought abides,
A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.

And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak,
Rebuked, He finds within his soul, the comfort he must seek.

He'll love, tho'he is unloved, and he'll serve tho'badly used,
And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.

Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole,
Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!

Unknown

Can't help it, this is one of my favorites, makes me cry every time;

My best friend closed his eyes last night.
As his head was in my hand.
The doctor said he was in pain
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms
Were of his younger puppy years
An oh his many charms.

Today there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze"
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an angel just appeared to me
And he said "you should cry no more!"
GOD also loves our canine friends
He's installed a doggie door!


And a really sad one. Dogs aren't the only ones with souls, we people have them too, and it breaks are hearts sometimes;

Bye Baby


No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I'm bad
No more growling belly from the meals I never had.
No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that's dry.
No more complaining neighbors about the noise when I cry.
No more hearing "shut up", "get down" or "get out of here"!
No more feeling disliked, only peace is in the air.
Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see
Why I was ever born If I weren't meant to be.
My last day of living was the best I ever had.
Someone held me very close, I could see she was very sad.
I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me as she cried.
I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died.

Written by an Animal shelter volunteer in Massena, NY

That is really heart wrenching. I lost my Bichon after 16 years and dreamed of him and felt his presence for two more years. It still hurts my heart to think of him.

My Lab, My sammy lived for 18 years. I can not believe that God only gave us souls but none of the other creations that he has made. We all have a life giving force that was put there and created by God. That includes all living things in my own opinion.

Look into my Niki's kind and caring eyes, and tell me she doesn't have a soul. I believe all creatures were created in God's name, and we are their protectors. They hurt when they have pain, they smile and wag their tails when they are happy... which is more than I can say for some humans who go about their days begrudgingly.

Pets of all kinds have helped people overcome cancer, and other diseases. The Dr.'s say that a positive attitude, and loved ones, and especially the ones that love unconditionally like your pet, can aid greatly in your prognosis, and progress. That is why they have programs at places where they have elderly people, disabled people, mentally challenged people, inmates, and so on, where they bring in pets to help, and rehabilitate humans.

I believe God put them here to help us! Therefore, I don't believe he wouldn't had given them a soul. The words in the bible are often subject to interpretation, and I choose to believe that all the creatures of God have a soul.

YouTube - Feed Jake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDKAyorx1uU&feature=related)

I for one will be very happy to meet Jake, and all of my beloved pets in heaven, when the time comes.

The poems that you have posted on this thread are really awesome, Altenweg! They touched me in a special way! Thanks! :)

Thanks Clough. I love those poems, even though they make me cry I do have to say that they speak volumes. I love all my pets so much, well, to me they're not pets, they are members of the family, and boy do I have a big family. ;)

Here's my old dog Indy, he's 13, you can see his soul through his eyes, it's there, and he is my big sweetheart, never fails to be there when I need him, I hope in the end he can say the same about me.

8986

Awww. I love Indy. What a sweetheart!

Nice pic of Indy! Niki sends schmoozes and licks to her Indy cousin! Kisses Indy! Kisses Jasper!. Oreo, Thumper, Kelala,. oh gosh... I'm forgetting a bunny! Gentle kisses to Marty, yes Niki, he's a little bird, and oh... can't forget Goldie... no fish for you Nik, goldfish aren't good eating! ;)

Very beautiful dog, and beautiful soul within Alty.

Thanks all, and yes, he is. Indy is the sweetest gentlest dog I've ever known. He is great with our kids, so is Jasper (my little shelter rescue, gets into everything, stinker) :)

Love them all so much.

Starby, you missed Cotton, my sweet little fluffy bunny. Yes, I have four bunny's as well, and a cockatiel and a gold fish. I am the house of pets, I really should charge admission. ;)

Here's Jasper;

8995

Woof woof woof Jasper! I'm so sorry Cotton tail bunny boo, please forgive me? Auntie Starby had a brain freeze moment!

Well I know you love your animals and that is great, they are wonderful friends, but no, in the Christian faith, animals do not have souls, and if they did, since they can't accept Christ, they could not be saved anyway.

Babies go to Heaven don't they? They are innocent just the same as animals and cannot be "saved".

Animals do have souls and they do go to Heaven.There have been many reported cases of animals "stuck" just the same as a spirit would be stuck.(Ghost)

Not only that, what kind of Heaven would it be if animals were not there? Not the kind I would want to live out for eternity! My animals are just as important to me as a human is.In life and death.

Interesting question. My source for the matter is the Bible. God speaks the message of eternal life to humankind. I know of no Biblical reference to animals as having the same provision. I would be interested if someone finds such a reference.

Well, I am a spiritual person. I also have a lot of respect for organized religion.

Although it might ruffle some feathers, I certainly don't believe that animals don't have souls because it says so in a translation of a translation of a bible.

Animals DO have souls, and anyone that can intimately share their lives with one AND even imagine that they don't have a soul makes me think that they're missing a big part of the experience. This is especially true if the reason they think so is because it's written somewhere in a book. Any book.

I agree 100% linnealand, I believe my bunnies have souls too, so does my bird. The gold fish, well I'm not sure, all he does is eat. ;)

People, I have the opportunity to get a third dog. We are taking care of my friends dog Bear, she hinted that she doesn't want him anymore, they are having a third baby and she doesn't have time for Bear now. Where I live you have to get a special license in order to get a third dog, it can take months, only to find out that you've been rejected. I think I can bypass the system, leave Bear in her name but pay for all his expenses and keep him with us as our third dog. Should I do it? Three big dogs, 4 bunnies, a bird and a fish, am I crazy? Here's a picture of Bear. What should I do?

10278

Keep in mind that my oldest dog is 13 years old, he's okay, but going down hill health wise. I have a 7 year old border collie cross and he and Bear get along great, have a great bond. I can save this dog, give him a better home, and help save my Jasper (7 year old) from heartache when Indy (13 year old) goes to the rainbow bridge. Jasper and Indy are very close, I'm worried how Jasper will handle Indy's death. Also, I adore Bear, he's such a good dog, he just needs some love and attention, and he'll get it here. My friend says he barks all the time, not here, she says he's hyper, not here. She keeps him outside all day long, doesn't get the fact that dogs are social animals, here he's part of the family, and we love him so much. I can't bear (hee, hee) the thought of giving him back, I love him so much. Help!

I told you Alty... hide himmm! Say he ran far far away from home, and he took lots of food with him, so it doesn't look like he'll be coming home soon! Tell them you think he met a poodle on the internet, so you think he went to find her! LOL!

Hee, hee, tempting Starby.

The sad thing is, I don't think it would be hard to convince them to let us keep him, she's already hinted (not so jokingly) that she's done, stick a fork in her.

He's such a sweetheart, such a big fluffy lovey, he deserves a good home. My friend is a good person, she just got in way over her head when she got Bear. It was a case of "Oh, look at the cute puppy, gotta have him", and then "I don't know what to do with him, he won't listen", and then "I yell, I scream, he doesn't get it". They really have no idea how to raise a dog, it's not meanness or uncaring, it's a matter of lack of education and understanding. He's been here a week and has learned more than he has in 3 years with them, that has to tell you something. Patience and understanding, caring, love and companionship, that's all this pup needs, and he's getting it here, he deserves all that.

He needs to stay with us. Oh, Starby, Bear could be Niki's big furry brother, don't you think? ;)

Alty Your heart has already decided... "just do it":D

Btw you are a understanding friend... I hope she learns form this dog and doesn't jump to get another one without thinking about it.

Your right he is very cute and would make Nikki a very handsome boyfriend.

Bushg, you actually mentioned my main concern, her getting another dog.

I've only known her for 3 years, they got Bear because of our dogs. We went camping together, and they saw how well behaved our dogs are and decided they wanted a dog too.

Now, around 6 months after I met her she got rid of her two cats, gave them away, they were spraying everywhere and she was done. She swore that she wouldn't get another cat or cats, she'd learned her lesson. Well, she's had 4 cats since then, one died and she has three others, bought as kittens, and they are quickly becoming a nuisance now that they are full grown. I do worry that she'll get another puppy, she loves baby animals, but isn't capable of putting in the time and effort required to raise them.

I can't think about that right now though, I hope she won't get another, but I can't stop her if she does. My main concern is Bear, he deserves better. Here he is loved. I've spent the last week working with him, and he learns quickly, just needed someone to spend the time to teach him. I've also been brushing him, he is a long haired pup and is full of mats, I've had to cut allot of his hair because there's no brushing through it. If he becomes ours he's going to a groomer, and then I can start from scratch with daily grooming. I don't have the tools to brush away all the mats he has, poor pup.

He's a high maintenance dog, not because of his behavior, but because of his coat, he needs daily brushing, and she doesn't do it.

I have already decided, he's mine, now I just have to convince her 100%. ;)

What a face! Fantastic! It sounds to me like bear is heading towards a bright future as a member of the altenweg family. It also sounds like his current owner is like a crack-mom with pets. She just keeps getting "pregnant" with them, and then she doesn't take care of them like she should. Although you are certainly not to blame for her getting a dog because she liked yours so much, I bet you feel especially concerned about his well-being. You've got a huge heart, and it's in every one of your posts.

I've never heard about a 2 dog limit. Why does it exist? Unless you have some really horrible neighbors who are after your jugular, I don't think you will run into any major problems. If the unofficial "adoption" goes through, you might want to establish some agreements with her in case of legal complications. For example, if the wrong people start poking their noses where they shouldn't, you can use her as a back-up, like you said.

I don't know this woman from eve, but you might want to get something unofficially in writing so that after a year with you, when his manners are famous, she doesn't decide that she wants him back. That happens every now and then with baby adoptions, which is a total nightmare.

Maybe there's a way to sway her into not getting another dog, but in an artful way that makes it look like it's her own idea. Don't say anything offensive - maybe you can tell her how difficult it is to go on vacation, or how they pee in the house or something. That might make you sleep easier at night. :)

Kudos to you for being such a hero to your fuzzy soulmates!

I don't know why they have the two dog rule, I find it a bit weird myself, but I guess some people do go overboard and this rule helps prevent that.

I will put something in writing, because like you said, after a year with us she might decide that she wants him back. Also, I want to make sure she knows that we will be responsible for all his costs, he will be ours, even though he'll stay registered under her name until I can make it official.

She does love to buy new pets, loves baby animals, but they grow up and she starts yearning for a new baby animal. I hope she doesn't get another puppy to replace Bear, and I will try my best to persuade her to not go that route. I'm hoping that the fact that she's pregnant with her third child will dissuade her from adopting any more animals, she has her hands full as it is.

Bear is just a big sweet softie, and he fits in so well with our family, kids and other fur babies alike. He even likes my rabbits. He's afraid of the bird, which is a bit funny, but he's slowly getting used to her. I think in his puppy mind he's probably wondering what the bird is and that it must be vicious, that's why it's in a cage. ;) The bird loves Bear though, and will climb to the bottom of her cage so that she can see him better, it's very sweet.

He belongs with us, and I'm going to do everything in my power to keep him here.

I really am the crazy pet lady, I need a farm. :)

I don't know if dogs have souls, but my dog, who has been gone for 18 yrs, certainly had a personality. She would obey with a nod or gesture of my head, you didn't even have to speak.
In Genesis 9:5, it says that even animals have to give account before God, and in Isaiah 65:25, it says that the wolf will graze with the lamb, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
They may not be in heaven, but they will probably be on the new earth.
There will be 2 resurrections, make sure that you make the first, that is, consider your life now and determine that you cannot make heaven by your own works of goodness. (Eph. 2), (Rev 20:4-6) If you make the first, you judge yourself as in need of a Saviour now, and submit the rest of your life to Jesus. Or you wait until the 1000 yrs are up and are judged on your works.
Make sure you are born again, (John 3) it is the only way to see or even enter the kingdom of God. Get baptized by full immersion and then seek for the baptism in the Holy Spirit with signs following. ( Read Acts) (Rom 10:9-10)
You may already be born again, but this is for those that may read this.
Love, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost be yours in abundance.

Fr Chuck. If there is no animals in heaven like you say. Then we'll just say they are in another kind of Heaven. We'll just call it Animal Heaven and be done with it. :) p

Well I know you love your animals and that is great, they are wonderful friends, but no, in the Christian faith, animals do not have souls, and if they did, since they can't accept Christ, they could not be saved anyway.

Animals were created but not given the soul that God gave man. Now God created the animals by his word, he spoke them into being.
So there is no reason that God could not have animals in heaven. But please remember your idea would be all of the animals, but for many, having a cat or a dog around would be hell for them.

Once again, you know what you READ, but have no first hand knowledge. None of us KNOWS. I was taught by my christian up bringing that dogs do not have souls. Now, I LOVED my dog Dixie that was my only support through my parents divorce when I was 10. When she died, I could not imagine that this vessel of pure love just dissolved into nothing and if she wasn't with me again, in "heaven" I'd be very sad. ( I put " " around heaven because it sounds like I believe heaven to be a location and I do not. )

When I started having my own mind, and quit falling for everything they told me in church, I came to believe that all dogs have souls, and they are the purest souls on earth. I look into my dogs eyes and I see God. There is nothing jaded or judgmental, or pretentious, or conditional, there's no resentment, no vengeance, or hatefulness in any way. If we revealed our souls half as much as a dog does, and leave our ego at the door, this world would be so much more "heavenly".

Cozk, I couldn't have put it any better than you just did! You described my dawgs exactly. Thanks for writing. Hugs patti

If having a dog or a cat in heaven would be hell for some, then this is a totally different place than I've been taught. I know some people where on earth, to have them around is hell for me. I am sure I wouldn't want to be in a heaven where anyone would think having an all forgiving creature like a dog around, would be their hell.

Interesting question. My source for the matter is the Bible. God speaks the message of eternal life to humankind. I know of no Biblical reference to animals as having the same provision. I would be interested if somone finds such a reference.

Maybe your source is inaccurate. Or maybe they just left that part out. Or maybe the animals don't need to be "saved" because they are not sinners. Think outside the bible box :rolleyes:

It's our prerogative to believe anything we want to. I chose to believe that all animals have souls and that's it! Done and over with! P

Do dogs have souls? I'll answer with a question:

Were dogs created in the image and likeness of God?

If not, then NO, they don't have souls.

Do dogs have souls? I'll answer with a question:

Were dogs created in the image and likeness of God?

If not, then NO, they don't have souls.

Have you seen God? If not, how do you know he/she/it isn't a dog?

After all, God is dog spelled backwards.

Have you seen God? If not, how do you know he/she/it isn't a dog?

After all, God is dog spelled backwards.

I need to spread the rep. but I will definitely have to agree on this one for sure. Until I see with my own my own two eyes that there will be any dogs in heaven, I will not believe that there are not. If in fact they are not, that is not the all loving God that I choose to believe in, and I'm not going to reley on a man written book to tell me this is so. :)

I've always noticed that the God in the Bible is very "limited" or EXclusive. Not INclusive. It's one of the many reasons I don't put a lot of store in it. It doesn't mesh with an all loving God,

I agree Cozyk and Starby. The God I believe in loves all his creations, big and small, animal and human.

My dogs do have souls, so do my rabbits, heck, even the bird, the gold fish, not so sure, he eats his own poo. ;)

Rusty... I, one of the jury, by listening to all the evidence above, have determined you are wrong and cannot tell us different that our beloved animals are not in heaven. Your sentence is... ::drum roll:: you must read stories about animals and their parents for 1 yr everyday. It's either you have never had a pet or you didn't have a love affair with a pet.

We had a friend who died of cancer several years ago. On the last night of his life on earth, his family including his beloved cocker spanial, Buddy, were all gathered around his bed. As our friend took his last breath, Buddy immediately started howling. I don't know if animals have souls, but they must have some sense that is able to recognize them.

We had a friend who died of cancer several years ago. On the last night of his life on earth, his family including his beloved cocker spanial, Buddy, were all gathered around his bed. As our friend took his last breath, Buddy immediately started howling. I don't know if animals have souls, but they must have some sense that is able to recognize them.

The concern for wheather or not animals have souls seems to come from our desire that the ones we love will be with us for eternity. The Bible states that only man sinned, but the whole earth suffered the consequences of physical death. God will do what He will do regarding taking animals to heaven. Your most important consideration is not wheather your animals will be in heaven. If God takes them to heaven, the only way that you will see them is if you are in heaven. You can be sure that you will go to heaven when you die. Start by reading John 3:16 in your Bible and then pray for God to show you what you need to do.

I don't know if anyone heard the story about the dog who was very meticulous with his many many toys. Human mom was very sick and when she woke up one day she felt a heavy chest and thought she was dying. She was that sick. Well it came out that her dog had laid every single one of his toys over her entire body to make her feel better. That was why her chest was heavy. Now you tell me why something like that happened? You just get out of here if you don't think a dog has a soul.