Will We See Our Pets Again? Hope, Grief, and the Heart of God
I can't say for sure if pets go to heaven. After losing our loyal German Shepherd of ten years, I really hope they do. There's an empty spot in my heart that just wants to see him again. Every time I pulled into the driveway on our farm, he would come running, tail wagging, to greet me. If he did something wrong and I scolded him, he would hang his head, go lie down on one of his big dog beds, and let out a big sigh. Then he would look at me with those sad eyes until I gave in and said, "Ohhh, okay, come on over here." He would jump up, run over, and rest his head on my leg, leaning against me, and just like that, all was forgiven. At 100 pounds, that's a lot of dog to lean on you, but I never really minded. Sometimes I wonder if we treat our dogs better than we treat our family or friends.
Now, when I get out of the car, he isn't there to greet me. I walk across the back field to our garden, where we made an Asian-style grave and memorial with his picture, and I feel that empty space in my heart. I really hope there's a place in heaven for him. Here’s what I do know, and I hope it brings you as much comfort as it brings me.
The Christian Bible says that God created humans in His image, which is distinct from that of animals. But the Bible also shows that God loves us deeply and cares for all creation. It says not even a sparrow falls without God knowing, and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. We have the ability to care and love deeply, so if we can love like that, imagine how much more God loves and cares. If we can get so attached to an animal, don't you think God cares about them too, and about whether we see them again?
We are made in God's image, and I like to see that reflected in the way we live. Think about soldiers who are away from their families for months or years. When they come home and surprise their kids, the children leap into their parents' arms, crying with joy. If we can feel so much love and compassion, wouldn't God feel even more? Doesn't He see our tears and keep track of them? Doesn't He understand our pain even better than we do?
I believe He does. With all of God's love, care, and compassion, I think He would make sure our homecoming includes our beloved pets too. Hope is a powerful thing. There are some things I hope for that may never happen, but my hope is based on history and my own experience with God. He not only walks with me but also carries me through hard times. So I hope that one day I'll see my dog running toward me again, tail wagging, and pressing his head against my leg. My hope comes from God's goodness, mercy, and love. If I, just a human, can love a dog so much, God must love even more.
A good friend heard that Sun Tzu had passed away and sent me this message. It meant a lot to me, and I really appreciate her kindness. It doesn't stop the grief, since it reminds me of my buddy, but it does help me remember a question from the Bible that I always return to: "Will not the God of all the earth do right?" I believe He will, and I believe He does, even when we don't understand.
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Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal that has been especially close to someone here dies, 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: each misses 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 runs 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.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....
[Author unknown]
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