Peppermint Patty Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Our Miniature Shnauzer recently died, after being part of our family for 8 years. My two youngest children are having a very difficult time getting over the sadness and sorrow without him in the family.He was an exceptional animal, very patient, gentle and meant the world to them. They have been very curious about our dog's place in the eternities. I told them that all things were created in spirit before being made in the flesh and that they would see him again.However, after searching the internet for LDS articles/quotes on animals and their place in eternity, but haven't really found what I am looking for. Is there any offical LDS Doctrine about animals and their place in the eternities? I would appreciate it if anybody could share their knowledge with me on this subject.I feel a little embarrassed writing this, but I still worry about him and I want to feel comforted that he knows how much we love him and that he was a very important part of our family. I never thought that an animal could have such an effect on my family's emotions and life.
CV75 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Our Miniature Shnauzer recently diedLook at D&C 77:3, which I think offers much hope in a situation like this. 1
blackstrap Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Had dogs all my life. My hope is to see them again but I am under no illusions that they will have a need to be with us in the eternities. Unlike some of us,they have fullfilled the measure of their creation. 1
cinepro Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 (edited) Gerald Jones knows:While revising the Bible, the Prophet desired further understanding concerning the four beasts mentioned in Revelation 4:6 [Rev. 4:6]. Section 77 of the Doctrine and Covenants contained the response from the Lord. The answer revealed that “heaven, the paradise of God,” contained beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air, and “every other creature which God has created.” (D&C 77:2.)The exact status of animals in the resurrected state is unknown except as revealed in verse four, where they are credited with being “full of knowledge” and having “power to move, to act, etc.” [D&C 77:4]-------------------------------------------------------------------The tenth President of the Church, Joseph Fielding Smith, has also expressed concern for animal welfare. In 1928, as an apostle, he stated in a general conference of the Church: “So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth and the heavens, not only man who dwells upon the earth, but all things which he has created. The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.” (Conference Report, October 1928, p. 100.) Edited February 26, 2012 by cinepro 1
Maidservant Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 We had a bunny I would call my sister. She is gone now too. She knew I was mama, knew the baby was the baby and was patient with him, and she hated the little boy next door, ha ha. 1
Peppermint Patty Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 The exact status of animals in the resurrected state is unknown except as revealed in verse four, where they are credited with being “full of knowledge” and having “power to move, to act, etc.” [D&C 77:4]If animals will be "full of knowledge" then I guess it would be safe to say that our dog probably will not want to be treated as a pet by us. I wonder what kind of relationship we will have with our animals?
Grundelwalken Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 (edited) My belief is that dogs are so faithful and loyal that they will surely be celestial. Cats,.on the other hand, are definitely telestial. No cats in heaven. MW Edited February 26, 2012 by Grundelwalken 2
Storm Rider Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 My belief is that dogs are so faithful and loyal that they will surely be celestial. Cats,.on the other hand, are definitely telestial. No cats in heaven. MWI am almost certain I heard an angel confirm that cats do not go to heaven. It was hot day and the neighbors cat had a particularly nasty scowl as he sat in the window ignoring everyone. The cat had an owner, but really did not have a lot to do with him as long as the cat was fed regularly. When he was not he let it be known by scratching the door framing to the kitchen. By the time I came on the scene that door frame was shredded down to raw wood. Anyway, the angel said they don't go to heaven and I have been much gratified since I have always owned small dogs. There is no doubt they will be with us and we will share the same commitment to one another we did here. One dog, Cocoa, a particularly loyal miniature dachshund died after twelve years with me. He went everywhere with me and I miss him still. He was a very noble spirit and I don't see how that could change in the eternities.
altersteve Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 (edited) My family had to put our black lab to sleep about a year ago; we also had her for about 8 years. It was very tough so I know how you feel, Patty. I've always believed that people will see their pets again, but I don't know of anything from the Church saying specifically if this is true or not. I think this idea is very consistent with other LDS teachings, though. Edited February 26, 2012 by altersteve
CV75 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 If animals will be "full of knowledge" then I guess it would be safe to say that our dog probably will not want to be treated as a pet by us. I wonder what kind of relationship we will have with our animals?I think where Adam's stewardship and dominion over all the earth is patterned after Heavenly Father's, our relationship will continue to be the same, where knowledge is part of the steward-stewardee relationship.
Duncan Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I know a great joke about animals in heaven but in light of the recent events in Peppermint Patty's life I will refrain
Peppermint Patty Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 I know a great joke about animals in heaven but in light of the recent events in Peppermint Patty's life I will refrainDuncan, please tell.
LeSellers Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Joseph Smith said he expected to have his (favorite) horse with him in the Celestal Kingdom. Lehi
CV75 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 If animals will be "full of knowledge" ...I also think the kind of knowledge they possess is that which will further the purposes of exaltation and the continuation of the "eternal round" for stewards and the stewarded alike.
Calm Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 If animals will be "full of knowledge" then I guess it would be safe to say that our dog probably will not want to be treated as a pet by us. I wonder what kind of relationship we will have with our animals?I see no reason that those animals who enjoy human companionship now would not continue to do so in the future, more likely the companionship will be one of friendship rather than servitude.
thesometimesaint Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 We don't have any doctrine on pets in the next life. But I can't see it as Heaven without them. 1
LeSellers Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 This from lds.org.Where do animals fit in the eternal plan of things?Gerald E. Jones, director, Institute of Religion, Berkeley, California“Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration.” Thus the General Superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church, and Elders David O. McKay and Stephen L Richards, members of the Council of the Twelve, editorialized in the April 1918 Juvenile Instructor. Recognizing that the “love of nature is akin to the love of God” they reminded the members of the Church that “men learn more easily in sympathetic relationships of all life than they do in the seclusion of human interest.” (P. 183.) Many families recognize the importance of pets and the resultant loving and sharing among their children. Caring for pets can also develop a sense of responsibility.Devotion of animals to families can be inspiring as well as practical. A recent news item related the bravery of a dog in saving the life of a small girl by breaking the window of a burning automobile and pulling her to safety.A number of questions have been asked concerning the place of animals in the gospel plan:Do animals have spirits and are they resurrected? Yes. The Prophet Joseph Smith received information concerning the eternal status of animals. Answers to questions he posed are in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 77. He also spoke about the resurrection of animals in a sermon but did not expand on the subject. (History of the Church, 5:343.)To what degree of glory do animals go? The scriptures speak only of animals being in the celestial kingdom. Whether they go to other kingdoms is a matter of conjecture. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith on one occasion said the distribution of animals into all three degrees of glory is “very probable,” (Improvement Era, Jan. 1958, pp. 16–17.) To my knowledge, no other prophet has published an opinion on the subject.Are animals judged and resurrected according to their obedience to laws? According to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, animals do not have a conscience. They cannot sin and they cannot repent, for they have not the knowledge of right and wrong. (Man: His Origin and Destiny, Deseret Book Co., 1954, pp. 204–5.)Can animals be with their owners in the hereafter? There is no revealed word on this subject. Reason would tell us that a rancher or farmer may not want all of the cattle he has owned during his life. On the other hand, emotional ties may be honored and family pets may well be restored to their owners in the resurrection. Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. (Improvement Era, Aug. 1927, p. 855.)Just what is the relationship between men and animals? Men are children of God. Animals are for the benefit of man. This does not mean, however, that man is not to have a concern for this part of his stewardship. The prophets in all ages have indicated that man will be accountable for his treatment of animals and that justice and mercy should be exercised concerning them. Alma encourages us to pray over our flocks. (Alma 34:20, 25.) There are numerous examples in Church history of animals being administered to by the anointing of oil and their resultant healing. In the best-known incident, Mary Fielding Smith’s oxen were spared to bring her pioneer family, including a future President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, to Utah. (Preston Nibley, Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book Co., 1959, pp. 234–35.)Though the prophets have spoken frequently about man’s responsibility to show proper treatment to animals in this world, very little detail is known about the states of animals in the eternities. Greater emphasis is rightly placed upon man’s need to live the gospel and be worthy to return to his Heavenly Father where he will then learn the answers to such questions. Quoting again from the editorial cited at the beginning of this article: “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1918, p. 182.)Enjoy,Lehi 1
CV75 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 We don't have any doctrine on pets in the next life. But I can't see it as Heaven without them.I think D&C 130:2 might allude to "master-pet" relationships.
thesometimesaint Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 CV75:While I love my pets, I don't see that verse having anything to do with them. Sorry.
Duncan Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Duncan, please tell. well, you got it out of me. Admitedly I despise dogs and cats but not as much as rats and mice and possums. I was bit twice in the mission field by two different dogs. So be that as it may Moroni tells us that no dogs will be in heaven , he says this in chapter 10:33 when he says "without spot"!!!!!!!! 1
ERayR Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Our Miniature Shnauzer recently died, after being part of our family for 8 years. My two youngest children are having a very difficult time getting over the sadness and sorrow without him in the family.He was an exceptional animal, very patient, gentle and meant the world to them. They have been very curious about our dog's place in the eternities. I told them that all things were created in spirit before being made in the flesh and that they would see him again.However, after searching the internet for LDS articles/quotes on animals and their place in eternity, but haven't really found what I am looking for. Is there any offical LDS Doctrine about animals and their place in the eternities? I would appreciate it if anybody could share their knowledge with me on this subject.I feel a little embarrassed writing this, but I still worry about him and I want to feel comforted that he knows how much we love him and that he was a very important part of our family. I never thought that an animal could have such an effect on my family's emotions and life.Not the mean ones. There have been a couple of dogs I have encountered that surely won't be able to make it. 1
blackstrap Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 The mean ones are just Karma for all the mistreated ones.
zerinus Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 My belief is that dogs are so faithful and loyal that they will surely be celestial. Cats,.on the other hand, are definitely telestial. No cats in heaven. MWCats are my favourites pets. Dogs require a lot of looking after, and they have that funny doggy smell about them. Cats are clean, don't need a lot of looking after, and don't have a funny smell. All you need to do is to feed them, and they will be your friend forever. They definitely belong to the celestial kingdom. 1
Duncan Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Cats are my favourites pets. Dogs require a lot of looking after, and they have that funny doggy smell about them. Cats are clean, don't need a lot of looking after, and don't have a funny smell. All you need to do is to feed them, and they will be your friend forever. They definitely belong to the celestial kingdom. cats don't have a funny smell? do you not watch Hoarders?
zerinus Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 cats don't have a funny smell? do you not watch Hoarders?I don't actually; but I have been around cats quite a lot, and I haven't noticed any peculiar smells about them. Some people say that they have a smell, but I haven't noticed any. Some people say that tom cats smell; but I haven't notices that either.
Recommended Posts