Where Do Pets Go When They Die RIP Chippy - Died August 13, 2013

"If there is no heaven for dogs, then I want to go where they go when I die."

 Anonymous

Where do pets go when they die?  This is the question my young son Jeff asked after the pet cat died.  He drew pictures of the cat to cope with his grief.  I think this may be the biggest mistake I made as a parent.  Instead of telling him that the cat would go to heaven, I gave a more direct and biblical answer that I was not sure if the animals went to heaven.  How could I have been so cruel?  It is the equivalent of saying there is no Santa Claus.

My dog Chip died today and I would like to ask my mom where she thought  Chip went when he died.  I am pretty sure she would say she thought he had no business in heaven.  She is not a dog or cat lover.  I think of Chip as a child that I will always love dearly.  He was the most beautiful dog.  My regret is that I was unable to say goodbye to Chip.  I hope he was not looking for me.  I am heartbroken thinking of the way he loved walks and chasing rabbits.  When I put on walking shoes he twirled around in circles and it was difficult to put his leash on.  He was a good dog, and everyone admired his unusual blonde color.  While on his walks people would comment that he was a beautiful dog.  

So if I ask my mom where dogs go when they pass away I would hope she would say they go to heaven.  Surely if animals were put on earth to be our companions there must be a special place they go when death comes.  How could an animal give such pleasure and companionship without a reward?

I recently was informed that service dogs are used for a variety of disorders like anxiety.  When a student claimed that his small Westie was a service dog I thought that was impossible.  Although the Westie was not a service dog I discovered that a variety of breeds and sizes of dogs can be used as service dogs.  I was secretly hoping I could take him home, and was not too concerned that he was breaking the rules.  

So where do these precious companions go?  I hope a compassionate and loving God sends them to heaven.  There is nothing that would make me happier than to see Chip again.  Love to Chip for being a wonderful companion.  My heart is broken for the loss of Chippy.  

 Loved him as much as a human.  He loved to chase rabbits and go for walks.