DEAR ABBY: “Missing My Cat in Georgia” (June 20) was advised by his Catholic pal that his cat wouldn’t be becoming a member of him within the afterlife.
I’ve been an ordained pastor for 27 years. Final summer time my cat, Fred, who had been with me for 11 years, died. I declare no deeper or greater connection to God than anybody else, however I do know this: The Bible says that God is a God of affection — certainly, that God is love.
I do know of no extra loving companions than pets. Canines and cats specific their love for us people much better than most of us people do for one another. I additionally know that Fred, who simply confirmed up at my home one evening and adopted me, taught me many classes about find out how to love and be cherished.
I’m sure God despatched Fred into my life to arrange me for marriage after 55 years as a bachelor. I’m a greater husband (and pastor) due to Fred. Due to this fact, I can’t think about God not inviting, even welcoming, Fred into some form of heavenly afterlife, no matter which will seem like.
Love by no means dies, and I don’t consider that the loving relationship between a pet and their human ends at dying.
— PASTOR STEVE IN WEST VIRGINIA
DEAR PASTOR STEVE: Thanks for reinforcing the feelings I expressed to “Missing.” The mail poured in after that letter ran. All of it refuted the pal’s opinion. Learn on:
DEAR ABBY: When my women have been rising up, we had a German shepherd named Woman. We regularly had our Catholic priest over for dinner and, one night, the ladies requested him if Woman would go to heaven when she died.
He responded by asking them, “Do you want her to be there when you get there?” “Of course!” they answered. He then responded, “We are told that heaven is everything and more than we want or can imagine. If you want Lady there, she will be there.”
— BRENDA IN MICHIGAN
DEAR ABBY: I’m a seminary-trained, theologically educated, ordained Protestant minister at a big mainline church smack in the midst of the Bible Belt. I’d like to inform “Missing” that the Bible has many Scripture verses that depict animals in heaven.
An incredible many individuals who’ve died and been resuscitated have written about their experiences and mentioned they noticed their long-deceased pets on the opposite facet. I would like “Missing” to know I’m certain there’s a cheerful, purr-fect reunion ready for him when his earthly life is completed.
— PET-LOVING PROTESTANT MINISTER
DEAR ABBY: There’s a narrative about an previous gentleman who misplaced his life in a sudden accident, which additionally took the lifetime of his very previous canine. Afterward, they discovered themselves on an extended street, which lastly led to a tall and superbly embellished gate guarded by an official-looking man with an impressive grey beard and lengthy white gown.
“This is heaven,” the bearded man mentioned. “Come in. We’ve been expecting you. But you’ll have to leave your dog outside. No animals allowed.” The previous man thought of it for a second earlier than saying, “That’s OK. We’ll keep walking.”
Ultimately, they got here to a small turnstile, the place they encountered a scruffy previous man with a large grin sitting on a stool. “You passed the final test,” the smiling man mentioned, pushing open the turnstile. “My name is Peter. Welcome to heaven!”
“But … I thought we passed heaven a few hours ago. They wouldn’t let me bring my dog in,” the previous gentleman mentioned.
“No,” replied Peter, “that was the Devil you met back there, trying to tempt you one last time. Deep down inside, you knew better. Pearly gates or not, how could any place be heaven if you couldn’t bring your dog?”
— JEFF IN OHIO
DEAR JEFF: If I recall accurately, that heartwarming story was written by Earl Hamner Jr. (of “The Waltons” fame) and appeared on the TV collection “The Twilight Zone.”
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
