Expand To Show Full Article
Do Pets Go to Heaven? Blessings, Fellowship, Pet Talk & Books!

Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Do Pets Go to Heaven? Blessings, Fellowship, Pet Talk & Books!

by | Sep 29, 2019 | Appearance (Theater, Signing, Talks), Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care | 4 comments

Sunday, October 4 is the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar who loved animals and believed they were God’s beloved creatures. He rejoiced in the value and beauty that animals bring to God’s creation. He was even known to preach sermons to animals. Of course, many pet lovers like myself ask the question, do pets go to heaven?

“It’s no surprise that his feast day (Oct 4) became naturally associated with the blessings of animals,” says Pastor Craig Sturm, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sherman, Texas. “Francis found ways to incorporate animals into worship, organizing the first live nativity scene.”

Do Pets Go to Heaven?

On October 4, 2019, Pastor Craig Sturm preached on a question he gets asked often: “Do my beloved pets go to heaven?”

Different religions have various ideas of heaven, paradise, nirvana, and life after death. Few spiritual leaders answer this question directly, probably because religion focuses on people and not animals.

The Greeks believed that animals had souls. Some students of Islam say that all animals are submitters to the will of Allah, which makes them “Muslims” and that Muslims come to this earth for a period of time, determined by God, and then they return to Him for eternity. In this way, they say the Quran makes it clear that all the animals will go to Heaven.

Native American traditions say there is an afterlife for animals, and that all of life goes “home” after death and back to the Creator. But the Hindu religion says animals live on a different plane and do not go to heaven. Instead, they reincarnate into higher forms and ultimately live as humans, and thereby attain paradise.

Christianity and Judaism question whether a soul is required to get into heaven or if “spirit” is the same as a soul. Christians believe redemption and faith to be necessary to attain heaven—but can animals sin, have faith, or be redeemed? Seeking answers in Bible scripture can be frustrating because it focuses on human redemption, not animals.

UPDATE: What a wonderful message and day–we had a lovely time both at the pet talk event and the sermon itself. For those interested in hearing Pastor Craig’s message, you can watch the recording of the Facebook Live event here.

do pets go to heavenFree Pet Talk with Q & A

Those of us who love them, spoil pets while we have them. We consider them part of our family, and deeply mourn their passing. Many of us take comfort in a lovely story of the “rainbow bridge” where we all will be reunited on that future, happy day. But is it wishful thinking?

I believe that ultimately it comes down to faith. If you believe in a Creator that made all things and loves all that was created—why would animals be left out? If heaven is a place of delight and enjoyment for humans, and animals bring us great joy, I have no doubt that the Creator of such marvels designed heaven to perfectly satisfy us all.

introduce dogs to cats

Bravo-Dawg and Karma-Kat need all the blessings they can get!

Trinity Lutheran Church, Sherman is located at 1515 N. Travis Street (just south of Albertson’s), and you can call the church office for more information at 903-893-3906 (tlc-sherman.org).

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

4 Comments

  1. Deb whis

    Trinity United Methodist at 101 E, 69 in Denison will also have a blessing of the animals on Oct 12 at 10-11a.m. Any donations (pet food, toys, bes, money, etc) will be divided between DAWG and another rescue.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Wonderful! Great to take donations.

      Reply
  2. Franklin Steele

    Not just pets, but I believe all creatures go to heaven, even spiders.

    Reply
  3. Crystal

    Yes. I believe all pets go to heaven. Think of the companionship they could could give.

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Ghost Cats, Ghost Dogs, and Visitations From BeyondAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] It wouldn’t be heaven without them. In fact, one of my Pet Peeves radio programs discussed whether pets go…
  2. Black Cats & Halloween: Cat Myth-Teries ExplainedAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Many religions include cats (and dogs) in their history. Do pets go to heaven? This post considers the question. …
  3. How to Deal with Pet Loss Grief: Love Lives ForeverAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] And I also reached out to my pastor. Maybe you wonder, too, so I share his comments about whether…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Author Audio Books: How to Self Publish Audio Books

Do you love audio books — and thrillers? Yep, I also self publish audio books, including my nonfiction and my thrillers. And since my latest thriller DARE OR DIE released yesterday on all Ebook platforms, plus paperback and hardcover, I’m now planning the audiobook version.

And, that’s MY voice reading the story. How (and why) am I the one reading the book? And for authors out there, how can you do it? What mic do you need, what software…and if you want to hire someone, where do you find the perfect person to “voice” your book?

Read on! Here are the highlights. And if you want or need more step-by-step details, you can check out my on-demand webinar on the subject.

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day: Tips for Cat Adoptions & Dog Adoptions

Will you adopt a new furry friend soon? There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. With Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, I wanted to share some sobering adoption facts. In the ASPCA alone, 6.3 million dogs and cats enter their shelters each year, and only about 52% get adopted. I wrote about my pets’ adoption days here, and they chose me more than I chose them. But you don’t need to wait for happy accidents to get your pet, and can adopt shelter pets anytime all year long.

Dare Or Die RELEASES: Amy Shojai Thriller Book #7

DARE OR DIE RELEASES

It’s a book baby birthday today–DARE OR DIE releases, thriller #7 in my THRILLERS WITH BITE series featuring September and Shadow. Get your copy from any of the Ebook platforms.

Or if you prefer physical copies, I gotcha covered with trade paperback and also hardcover versions, available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, or (maybe) if you ask your librarian nicely to order a copy. For all the audiobook lovers out there–yes, in the works, so stay tuned. I hope to have the recording finished and sent to the editor for a late May release on all audiobook platforms.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR DARE OR DIE!

“Wow—what a ride! I cannot express how much I loved DARE OR DIE. I enjoy thrillers, but you gave new meaning to the genre with this one. Now I have to go back and read the entire series!” ~Mary H.

“Such a great page turner. Twisty.” ~Carol S.

“This might be the best one yet! As always, you are the queen of the (chapter ending) cliffhanger…” ~Kristi B.

“Another great addition to the Thrillers with Bite series.” ~Nicola A.

Get your copy now…Ebook, paperback, or hardcover. Ya know ya want to…

Cat Urinary Blockage, Feline Urinary Tract Disorders & The “Stoned” Cat

Do you know the signs of a cat urinary blockage? Do you know about FLUTD? Maybe you’re puzzled why your cat suddenly pees outside the box? Or maybe he strains and strains but can’t elminate. Is it constipation? Or does he have a cat urinary blockage? How can I stop my cat from peeing on the carpet?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD) can cause deadly cat urinary blockage. It frustrates cat owners—and also the cats! A cat urinary blockage can be deadly, so it’s vital to recognize the signs of a feline urinary tract disorder. This post is dedicated to my friend Susan Richardson-Cripps and the memory of Heathcliff, her fun-loving orange kitty boy.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

How to Get the Most from Vet Visits: What to Ask & How to Ask

When I worked as a veterinary technician many years ago, pet parents ask questions all the time, but rarely to the vet. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the doctor when they take pets to the back, or feared their questions were foolish. Maybe the busy schedule of the clinic offered little opportunity to ask.

Whatever the reason, remember that there are no foolish questions for your beloved cat and dog. Does your dog hate the vet, or is your cat fearful of vet visits? That can increase your own worry and stress.

As your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear free when asking your vet questions.

Calling All Pet Professionals: What to do about Dr. Google

Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, I spent much of my time “translating” the doctor’s medical-speak into language that pet parents more easily understood. I can’t complain, because that gave me my career. But why turn to the vet tech instead of the doctor? Well, clients felt intimidated to ask the veterinarian for clarification, embarrassed they didn’t understand, and reluctant to “waste the doctor’s time.”

My, how times change. Today, many pet parents arrive at the clinic with the leash or carrier in one hand and a printout in the other, courtesy of “Dr. Google.” Pet professionals applaud their advocacy and determination to self-educate and provide the best care for their animal companions.

But pet professionals become frustrated when this information is at best inapplicable, and at worst, downright dangerous. Yet, you don’t want to appear condescending or “hiss off” your clients, so they stop coming altogether. And pet lovers–you don’t want to be discounted in your hunt for best practices for your cats and dogs.

Don’t bump heads. Here are some ways to manage Dr. Google without driving each other away.

Earth Day for Pets: How to Celebrate Responsibly

It’s Earth Day! Now, we have to be responsible because the Earth is the only place that has dogs and cats. Am I right? So how will you make Earth Day for pets a fun celebration? Shadow-Pup, Karma-Kat and I are encouraging everyone to do their part to help take care of this gorgeous planet we share.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Environment

Do you get bored? How do you know when your cat feels bored, just like we do? Cats may sleep more (and they already sleep a LOT!). If you free feed leaving out food all the time, a bored cat fills up their empty feelings with a full tummy. Or, they may act out by scratching the wrong object, or–in my Karma-Kat’s case, he torments the dog.

I’m a huge proponent of environmental enrichment for cats. Think about it–while dogs more typically get outings with walks in the park or car rides, we keep cats safe inside. No wonder they get bored. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, think about some eco-friendly ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money, either, or a lot of time. Here are some easy and fun “green” projects to try and see if that turns on the kitty purrs.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. I struggle not to binge on snacks and bad TV. Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and environmental enrichment elevates your dog’s physical and emotional health.

When Shadow-Pup feels bored, he terrorizes Karma-Kat. Oh, they love to play together, but he overdoes things and can get too rough when he feels bored. He’ll also demand more attention from his humans. That takes the form of staring and barking at us (READ MY MIND!), or bringing toys to play, or even indulging in zoomies–racing around and around the house l

There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world. That doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this spring.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships