Is it possible to love an animal?

4/17/2010 | Krankor

[Kickass Conservative]

We went through the same thing. God decided that we will outlive our pets, so I think the fact that we have to love them knowing we will have to grieve for them makes us more compassionate and enhances our Humanity.

We swore up and down we would never get another dog after we had to put BigBoy down a couple of years ago. Of all the Dogs I've had throughout my life, it was the first time I had to take one in knowing we wouldn't be leaving the Vet's office together.

As I write this, our crazy little Chow Chow, the first female I have ever owned BTW, is staring at me looking for a treat.

[LongElegantLegs]

It was just a question; does your daughter come before your dogs?

Of course I’m assuming the answer is yes, she does.

[bluecollarman]

Yes..his name was Butch. I still miss him. Sorry Chet99, Butch was a pit bull.

[Jay Howard Smith]

Yes ..... Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened .. !

[SatinDoll]

Oh, I know what you mean.

I am very attached to my oldest cat, she is 16-years old. It will be shattering for me when she dies.

[Earthdweller]

"God decided that we will outlive our pets.."

That's the worst thing about owning a pet. I couldn't tell you how many times I've had to go through that. Not fun.

At one time we practically had a zoo when my kids were little. Now we are down to two dogs and one is getting old already. It happens too fast.

[RegulatorCountry]

That question has been pondered for a very long time, by greater minds than ours.

Soloman, from Ecclesiastes:

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

So, don't get so bigheaded. Of course we're capable of loving other members of Creation. Our dogs model agape love for us, and we can learn a great deal from them in that regard, imho.

[BCR #226]

Of course she comes first... but that doesn't mean that I won't defend ALL the members of my family. I could never not love a dog that loves my daughter like this...

[LongElegantLegs]

Yeah, he’s not a great example of the breed, but that’s not his fault; I’m trying to find a picture of him goofing around with my dog, they’re pretty cute together...

[Domandred]

LOL never thought of that...but yep.

Had a boot heal disintegrate on me last year when I was up on the rim rocks and first thing I thought was “well I get to go home now”. Second thing was “ah crap now I gotta walk down this mountain with a busted boot”

[NavyCanDo]

And I guess that brings us to the next question. Will we see them again in Heaven?

There is a book on the subject called “Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost Pets”.

It is a comforting book and the author makes some good debate arguments that our pets can join us in Heaven if that is what our heart of hearts desires. Afterall God made them the first time, and its not to much for him to do it again.

[LongElegantLegs]

Here's he is!

Doesn't he look just as innocent as a babe?

[Earthdweller]

"...author makes some good debate arguments that our pets can join us in Heaven if that is what our heart of hearts desires."

You mean we get to pick the ones we want with us in Heaven? Wow...that's a lot of power. Sure helps with the worrying about whether the ones we ate will be whispering in God's ear.

[politicalamity]

he is, what a sweetie! I am a sucker for brindles too.

[LongElegantLegs]

What a pair! They look like Buttons and Mindy together.

I was just curious when you said your dogs were family, I didn’t mean to come off rudely. I hear a lot of people say they love their pets like their children, and I just can’t say that about myself; I wouldn’t put my family’s life or well being at risk for the dogs.

[T Minus Four]

I understand that any time you go hunting for chukar AFTER the first time, it’s for revenge.

[BCR #226]

No sweat, I took it the wrong way as well. My apologies. We rescued Max when our daughter was a year and a half old. He took to her immediately and to say he is serious about adoring her is an understatement. They'll cuddle a lot on the couch and if he thinks she's in danger, he can make Cujo look like a fluffy stuffed toy. Here's another one for ya...

[Quigley]

That pic is one of the neatest I have ever seen. It’s wallpaper quality. I can’t wait to show my wife.

[dagogo redux]

Define love.

[BCR #226]

Thanks. I hope she likes it. I want to find the one of the two of them cuddled up asleep on the bed. I don’t know where I saved it but my daughter has her head on his side and he’s curled around her... it’s a great pic.