"Why Brother Gary, what seems to be the matter", my pastor's wife asked as I made my way to my usual pew on Sunday morning. I didn't respond immediately, because I just didn't feel like talking. My beloved dog of 16 years had passed away the day before and my mind could focus on little else but the terrible void and sense of loss I was feeling. I probably shouldn't have been out in public so soon, but I thought support from those of like faith might help ease the pain I was feeling.
Before I could respond, she added, "You are always such a happy person and today you look so glum." As I sought for something to say I felt tears welling up in my eyes and I knew that I had to squeeze an answer out quickly or risk blubbering incoherently as my emotions took over. So I quickly blurted out "My dog died yesterday."
Sure that she heard the quivering in my voice and saw the tears beginning to flow I waited for the compassionate words that I knew only a pastor's wife could find. To my horror, instead of offering sympathy and compassion, she sarcastically, and if I might add, gleefully asked "Oh, and I bet you think your dog went to doggy heaven don't you?"
I didn't know what to say or do, so I resorted to the tactic most people resort to when they find themselves in an awkward situation; I chuckled and walked off. I didn't want to chuckle. I wanted to lash out and admonish her for her callousness; but I didn't. I didn't have it in me. It just was not that important at the moment. I couldn't handle a confrontation. I just wanted to be left alone and so I chuckled and walked away.
Outwardly I erased any sign of hurt or anger toward her, but inwardly I was mortified. She had taken one of the most traumatic experiences of my life and heaped more grief and pain upon it. Her undeserved cruelty to me was bad enough, but the sentiment she expressed was even more disturbing. I was to find later in my studies and work that many in ministry share her erroneous view of animals and the afterlife.
In my work I have received hundreds of letters and e-mails from exasperated church-goers who have suffered similarly at the hands (or words) of their ministers and their spouses. Sometimes it was from direct dialogue about a specific pet, but more often it was just hurtful comments made from the pulpit that suggested animals were not important and did not have souls.
Overwhelmingly, mainstream denominations hold to this opinion. They hold that animals are temporal creatures without souls. The usual premise for this belief is that the Bible says that God breathed life into Adam, but does not say that he did this for animals. Hence, in their mind man has the Spirit of God in him and animals do not.
I find this position theologically immature and wholly unsupportable. That animals have souls is an unimpeachable teaching in scripture. First of all, the word "soul" is used in over 20 different ways in scripture. When it comes to animals, the Hebrew word "nephesh" is used. This word "soul" means "essence" or "life". The word confers permanence to that life. It is not and cannot be temporal.
Moreover, God is the one who gave animals their essence or life, whether he breathed into them or not. Adam couldn't do it. All life comes from God. This alone refutes the erroneous notion that God did not somehow give life to these creatures. Just because it is not recorded does not mean it did not happen. We are not told that God breathed life into the woman. Are we to assume then that women have no souls?
If we follow this erroneous view it becomes more outrageous. We must conclude that only Adam had a soul, for God did not breathe into every man, only Adam. Adam may have been able to pass along physical traits to his offspring, but the soul comes from God. So, if God did not breathe into each man, each man did not receive a soul. How foolish an idea is when you follow it to the extreme.
The whole idea that animals do not have souls is erroneous. There is no Biblical support for such a position. Indeed, there is overwhelming evidence that proves that they do have souls and are eternal creatures. This is not a conclusion that is hard to arrive at. A simple, elementary study of pertinent scripture is all that is required. It is egregious that those who need to have answers do not make the effort to reach this understanding.
Many ministers need to revisit their ideas about animals and animal afterlife. Trusting what they heard from their Seminary Professor or a previous pastor is not acceptable. The onus is upon them to know the facts for their flock. Their calling is one that puts them in a position of trust. They are in ministry to serve and help when members of the flock have need. Losing a beloved pet is indeed a time of great need. It is not a place where a minister wants to fail or trust their responsibility to the ideas of others.
It is a lazy and dangerous practice to disregard the Bible's instructions for those who minister "to search out whether these things are true". Ministers take on an obligation to have ready and sound answers for their congregants, in particular when it comes to matters of the heart. People go to church to "know" what God says, not what a Seminary Professor thinks. A minister must know, not hazard a guess.
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The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with over 32 years of service. He is also a Baptist Preacher and Bible Teacher. He helps those grieving the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit at http://www.coldnosesbook.com for more information and tips.
Dog Figurine Collecting
What makes dog figurines one of the most popular collectibles in the world? Well it's not that difficult to figure out. Dogs have always been known as man's best friend. They are enjoyed and appreciated by all who are able to keep them as pets, and use them as help. Children especially love dogs, and when they are given a fluffy Pug or plastic dog character to play with, they are kept happy and content for hours. There are such a large variety of dog breeds to choose from. The figurine world has captured them all in their various types, sizes, colors and natures.
Dog figurines are the perfect gift for the dog lover, and are great for any occasion. I am certain you won't have a problem finding the dog that goes with the receiver, for example a Pug figurine. Some artists enjoy making amusing ceramic dog figurines that capture human characteristics and portray them in their dogs. Other artists who make detailed crystal or pewter figurines, like to capture the characters of that particular dog breed, such as the Pug or the Schnauzer, or even the Dalmation. One of my favorites is the English sheep dog figurine with its long shaggy coat, and my German shepherd dog - a replica of my own faithful Shadow.
Here are some other types of figurines you could get: owl figurines frog figurines elephant figurines gargoyle figurines border terrier figurines eagle figurines buddah figurines great dane figurines
I remember a time in my childhood where two of our female Dalmation dogs had puppies within days of one another. The one had nine puppies and one had eight, and they all lived. When we counted them we had 23 dogs on the property. It was delightful for us as children, but hard work for my mother. We had to take turns trying to keep the two mothers from visiting the other ones puppies, and then still as they grew older trying to stop them from getting out of their little pen we made. We had really come to love each one of them, so it was very sad when the time came when we had to find homes for all of them. This is when we come to realize that dogs are our companions, our shadow and our friend, and why so many people enjoy collecting dog figurines.
Dogs have been an inspiration to many artists. My mother is also an artist. She used to sit down with her drawing book and make sketches of the dogs on the farm. It was what brought her pleasure and watching her enjoy creation was a big part of our life. I remember when she became interested in pottery and started sculpting animals out of clay, especially Pug or Dalmation figurines . They were beautiful but very fragile, so I was not allowed to play with them, just look at them and admire them. This is when I learnt to appreciate the value of art. Being a dog lover myself I'd started collecting many different kinds of dog sculptures made mostly from clay, plastic and crystal. Later I started collecting figurines made of glass, crystal, brass and pewter. I was proud of my collection. Eventually my friends and family would buy me dog figurines for my birthday and any other occasion until my collection grew so large I didn't know what to do with them all.
No matter what type of dog figurine you are looking for, you will be able to find it on the Internet. Many figurine enthusiasts are browsing the net for different styles, such as crystal figurines skillfully handcrafted into necklaces, or beautifully painted ceramic statutes, or bronze trophies for dog shows etc. There are too many types to name them all. My advice would be to spend some time walking through the different gift shops and deciding what would suit your collection. It would be to your benefit to make a note of what interests you first, and then searching specifically for that breed, and then compare prices. Your effort will be worth it.
If I may give you a friendly word of advise on cleaning your figurines - dust or wipe your figurines gently once a week if you can. This will keep them looking clean and shiny and your display will be highly appreciated by all your friends and visitors.
Dog figurines can be cherished keepsakes for generations to come.
Article written by Jarad Nelson.
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Understand The Low Appetite Of Your Pet Turtle
Most of the tortoises are aquatic reptiles, which need to be in the water while feeding, in order to be able to swallow. In most of the cases, even if you put their food on land, they will drag it into the water and only there eat it. You can leave alive animals in the turtle’s water, in case those are aquatic, too. In case you feed your turtle on insects that are not aquatic, don’t let the food on land for more than a few minutes. You should remove it and than place it again on the ground next time you feed your turtle. Adult tortoises need to eat about three times in a week, but cubs must be fed every day.
* Make sure the temperature is sufficiently high; if not, your turtle will not eat.
* Keep in mind that tortoises may live for entire weeks without feeding themselves; when it feels better, its appetite will return. In case you suspect a more serious problem, address to a doctor.
* The lack of appetite may signal a health problem, especially if it appears out of nothing. You should take a sample of your turtle’s feces and have it examined by the vet. This sample must be fresher than four hours and kept cold, in water inside the fridge.
* Try to change the food you usually give to the tortoise. They may not like the aliments you used to feed them. The favorite food of the turtles consists in live little earth worms. In association with these you may gradually give them other aliments too.
* In case the tortoise is stressed by traveling, tank mates or handling have a lot of patience and be perseverant.
You don’t need to worry in case a baby turtle, a hibernating one or a female with eggs don’t eat for several weeks. In other cases, it is extremely important for a veterinarian to examine your turtle.
More information about turtle care and the various types of turtles is available on our website, http://www.turtle-care.com .
