Dogs in Heaven?

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” 
― Mark Twain

After losing his beloved dog, a little boy asked the minister, “Will I see my dog again in Heaven?”  With somewhat surprising sensitivity and compassion, the minister said something like, “This you can be sure of:  If you would be happier with your dog than without him, he will be there.”

Our loving God is generous and kind.  He would not give us these ones we so cherish who have supported us so well and have loved us so finely in this life and then take them away from us forever.  Who can truly look in their eyes and deny their souls? 

And, so, I like to imagine those companion animals I have been so fortunate to have in my life sitting among people who loved me here, waiting together, anticipating the time we will all see each other again—and not have to worry about losing each other.  It comforts me, this image of my family--human, canine, feline, and even avian--looking forward to reuniting with those who loved me.  Not, of course, that they should not expect me soon, though time certainly flashes by more and more quickly

Experts might roll their eyes at my theology; but then, “experts” used to say the world is flat!  I look forward to their surprised faces.