When I was a kid, we were taught that animals have no soul. That they act on instinct alone. Without a soul, they would not follow us into heaven. As I grew older, I came to understand God’s love by my interaction with these pets. They seemed to better understand the relationship between God and His creation in a way that people did not. They love and trust unconditionally. They are grateful for all that they have, are obedient, loyal, joyful and understanding in a way that man has never learned to be. Still, there was this doctrine that kept them out of heaven. And then one day, it was explained to me. Heaven is a place of perfect happiness and if you need your dog to be happy, then of course they will be in heaven.
I can’t wait to see Rusty, Amigo, Charlie, Sid, Annie, Tyson, Tillie, Big Sam, Little Sam, Porthos, Cory, Scooter and Angel again.
For we walk by faith and not by sight 2 Cor 5:7
The Soul of a Dog
Lord,
make me more like my dog
she walks through this world
full of wonder
taking in your creation
moment by moment
she is always faithful
never straying from her love for me
she remains close to my side
at every hour
free to roam but ever obedient
when she is away from me
she is anxious, seeking me in every place
and when I return
she is overjoyed by my presence
she finds comfort in me
trusts in me without question
and understands that I will look after her
she never worries for want
never takes more than is needed to satisfy her
and knows that I will always provide
she will not go to war
except to defend her home
and is ever vigilant
guarding against evil
ready to defend me with her life
she does not complain about her infirmities
she simply accepts them as a part of her life
and moves forward with faith
that joy will find her as she is
how could such a living being have no soul?
she is more faithful,
more loving,
more trusting,
more giving
than any person I have ever known
and she has taught me the lesson
that love can be unconditional
Copyright 2022 by Jose Antonio Ponce