that the pet is in heaven? why or why not? and if not, what do you tell them?
2007-11-16 08:53:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
on an unrelated note - to all the morons who reported my last question, i was only trying to lighten the mood in here. get a life
******GULPS BIG GIANT DRINK THAT REPORT MONKEYS GOT THE BILL FOR******
2007-11-16 08:56:39 · update #1
I think it would depend on the age. If they were old enough to understand that the pet was, as you said, loved and its time to let go, then they probably wouldn't buy (or it wouldn't be of much comfort) that the were in Heaven. But if the child were of a younger age, im sure i would reassure them that their pet was waiting for them "up above", just as i reassure them now that they can count on Santa Claus every year.
[fyi: im not comparing heaven to Santa, im simply saying (indirectly) that i dont believe animals go to heaven]
2007-11-16 10:43:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Riegan AM,
Off course first and foremost you do your best to comfort your children. i think you have to tell them the truth that animals do not have souls-- but, they sure do teach us a lot about loving others without condition!! i think it's a chance to encourage those positive traits that our animals show us- mainly love- while understanding that even though they don't always behave right (they just act on instinct- and not on any type of moral compass). i mean my dog stays away from the trash because i bop her on the nose- but it's not because she has a sense of right/wrong- she's just looking for food.
So i think the timing is important. When your child is bawling might not be the time to have that conversation- it might just be a hug and let her know that its better than the animal suffering and focus on the positive memories you had together.
Growing up i always had a dog- and now that my dog is 7 years old- i get sad just thinking that sometime in the next 5-10 years i may have to face losing my best buddy... but i know she truly is a gift from God.
Feel free to email me if you want to give me specifics and i can try to counsel you accordingly...
Hope that helps. Kindly,
Nickster
2007-11-16 09:08:15 · answer #2 · answered by Nickster 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of course I tell them that fluffy is in heaven. Not only is it a great teaching moment about faith and eternal life, I can't imagine hanging around the pearly gates without a Frisbee and a pooch, or sitting on the porch of my mansion without a dog and a glass of Knob Creek.
Jim Cosgrove
http://www.PrayTwice.Com
2007-11-16 09:04:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course I'd tell my kids ____* (insert animal's name here) had passed on to a better place. I personally believe all creatures have a *soul* (or energy). So we're all going to the same place.
Note: I do not have kids @ the moment, but in 6-10 years when I decide to breed, I shall tell them this. lol. ^_^
2007-11-16 09:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I tell them they aren't getting another one of those filthy stink magnets.
Then my wife and the kid go to the pet store, and lo and behold there's another one.
2007-11-16 08:59:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
How about the ignorant fundies that don't think animals cross over.
2007-11-16 08:58:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
no i don't tell them that the pet is in heaven. i tell them that they just die and we have to let them go
2007-11-16 09:11:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
my parents always told me he was in "dog heaven" he he he* little did they know i didnt even believe in heaven
)o(
2007-11-16 13:41:11 · answer #8 · answered by Pluto VT 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, i think i would....
cause I believe it so I would tell my kids that (if I had any!)
2007-11-16 09:05:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Strangely enough, mine never said anything about it. They just told me it died and that was it. :(
2007-11-16 08:56:08 · answer #10 · answered by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋