Do dogs cross over?

I'm so sorry for your loss. Here's a story that might make you feel better. I don't know the origins. I apologize for the length.

"An old man and his dog were walking along a country road, enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to the man that he was actually dead.

He remembered dying, and that his dog too had been dead for many years. He wondered where the road would lead them, and continued onward.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill a tall white arch that gleamed in the sunlight broke it. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He was pleased that he had finally arrived at heaven, and the man and his dog walked toward the gate. As he got closer, he saw someone sitting at a beautifully carved desk off to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, but is this heaven?"

"Yes, it is, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The gatekeeper gestured to his rear, and the huge gate began to open.

"I assume my friend can come in?" the man asked, gesturing toward his dog.

But the reply was "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought about it then thanked the gatekeeper, turned back toward the road, and continued in the direction he had been going.

After another long walk, he reached the top of another long hill, and he came to a dirt road that led through a farm gate.

There was no fence, and it looked as if the gate had never been closed, as grass had grown up around it. As he approached the gate, he saw a man just inside, sitting in the shade of a tree in a rickety old chair, reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"

"Certainly, There's a pump over there," the man said, pointing to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. Come on in and make yourself at home."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog "He's welcome too, and there's a bowl by the pump," he said.

They walked through the gate and, sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a dipper hanging on it and a bowl next to it on the ground. The man filled the bowl for his dog; he then took a long drink himself.

When both were satisfied, he and the dog walked back toward the man, who was sitting under the tree waiting for them, and asked, "What do you call this place?"

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "It certainly doesn't look like heaven, and there's another man down the road who said that place was heaven."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates?"

"Yes, it was beautiful."

"Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it offend you for them to use the name of heaven like that?"

"No. I can see how you might think so, but it actually saves us a lot of time. They screen out the people who are willing to leave their best friends behind."

I was told in Sunday School that pets don't go to heaven, but I truly believe they do. I think I've even heard some churches say that now too. I know how hard it is to deal with the loss of a pet...he sounds like an amazing dog. Here's a poem that helped me with the thought that my dog possibly died (we never found her)... 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....

Author unknown

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....

Author unknown...

This is a question that I have asked many Vets and Pastors.We have had to put down 3 of our dogs this year due to Medical problems arising from old age16-18 yrs of age.I believe they go to heaven and are with my son and Mom waiting on us.If being with your pets after your death is your vision of Heaven, then Yes they will be waiting for you to join them. So sorry for your loss.

I had a golden he was rescued from a family who didn't want him I changed his name to shadow had shadow since I was 10 I had gone off to school on 10-8-08 he died of an aggressive form of cancer never did I get to go home to say goodbye to shadow he was my best friend my only friend because I had no human friends I was always being bullied so I was always making friends with animals shadow was my best friend so I know what its like to lose a family member I still to this day get teary eyed on the day that he died and I keep his collar next to my bed I even sometimes feel his spirit the day he died I swear I heard him bark in my head and it sounded like he said I love you and ill never forget that

I sure hope so. I have several dogs waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. I've had dogs all of my life, and have wonderful experiences with all of them.

I am so sorry for your loss. The last time I had to put a dog to sleep was about 8 years ago, and it still hurts to think about him.

I dread the day that I loose either of my dogs I have now.

Non dog people don't understand what they do to and for us.

When it's time, you will know, go get yourself another dog.

All dogs go to heaven...I've seen ghost photos with dogs in them.

I think that you should spend the money on a puppy...reliving a memory is no substitute for that love of another dog and you would be helping another poor animal with you giving it love.

I'm sorry to hear that. You must love and miss your dog. Of course dogs cross over to a pet heaven, when he also joins your loved ones and friends. As long as he was a good dog, he's in heaven. Maybe he's with mine.

I just lost my dog the same way you did.... I've wondered the same thing... Will my baby be in Heaven waiting for me? And wondering hoe God could denie me my awsome pet? I don't have an answer but I know how you feel..... Pray about it.... much ♥

yes they do cross over I did have a near death exp.and I did see my best friend of 15 years,,my pet dog bowser,,he saved me from being alone in that car that night ,,until some one came by 6 hours later and saved me from sure death,,just have peace in knowing this,,(he has been dead for 16 years)