Can dogs go to heaven?

[tonywiltshire]

I think the conventional answer is “no dogs do not have a soul so they are unable to go to heaven”, even Rudgard Kipling in his wonderful poem Dinah in Heaven seems to accept there is no place in heaven for dogs other than Dinah, to even pose this question pre-supposes there is a heaven and if there is a heaven is there purgatory and hell. I have a very simple, perhaps even naive, faith that there is a God, despite the agnostics and atheists having the best arguments, but I do believe there is a God and this God would not have a purgatory or hell and would certainly let dogs into heaven.

[boxtops]

I see no reason why dogs and cats should not go to some sort of afterlife, whatever each of us believes in as individuals. I certainly found that thought comforting in the past when my dear cats passed on.

[jno]

would going to heaven be for the dog's benefit, or its owner's? If the latter then it wouldn't matter if the dog had a soul or not.

(Not that I really know what a "soul" is or why a dog wouldn't have one.)

[tonywiltshire]

Conventional faith jno seems to believe that animals do not have a soul. But some conventional faith claims that Newton was wrong and the entire Bible is correct. I find no problem in accepting Newton is correct and have serious doubts over some parts of the Bible but still have faith that there is a God and that this God would allow animals into heaven.

[jno]

you dont have to believe conventionally, tonywiltshire; everyone makes their own faith.

[tonywiltshire]

In my dogs Heaven there are no fines S-C but there may be fluffy white clouds.

[Old_Geezer]

You are inevitably only canvassing opinions since even the existence of heaven is under dispute. For the sake of discussion, assuming it exists and the dead go there, my take would be why would one self aware species go and another not ? As for dog poo well that does assume the form one takes is identical to the form one had during life, which seems unlikely. Why would one need food and so need to excrete in a spiritual heaven ?

[tonywiltshire]

S-C: You are right humans are a species of animal, not necessarily superior animals either.
O_G: Of course there is no proof heaven exists, I believe it does but I cannot prove it. Heaven would be open to all animals not just dogs, boxtops gets comfort thinking about her cats being in heaven, which I am sure they are, but I cannot prove it.

[Clanad]

Why would the question only apply to dog (or cats)? Plenty of people I know have a wide variety of species as pets that, at least to them, are as loved as Fido (and Kitty).

[sandyRoe]

I sincerely believe that an atheist who has led a good life will go to heaven. If there's a place at God's table for them I don't see why there can't be a place under the table for pets.

[tonywiltshire]

I agree Sandy that many atheists and most animals may end up in heaven.

[woofgang]

If pets don't go to heaven then I'm not going either!

[jomifl]

You can wish for what you like but ir won't alter facts.

[jomifl]

Tony you should have posted this in R&S, we could do with a bit of light relief from Eldermans blatherings.

[tonywiltshire]

Woofgang: I agree.
Jomifl: There are few facts only beliefs.
It was not meant to be light relief it was a genuine question.
I am not sure elderman helps, I think he means to.

[missprim]

When we go to heaven we are met by Saint Peter.
When dogs go to heaven they are met by Saint Bernard.

[Hopkirk]

If heaven is full of dogs, I don't want to go there, thank you.

[daisya]

Well you answered your own question tony as a believer.

[wendilla]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, 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; they each miss 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 begins to run 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 Rainbow Bridge together....