[ksen]

I was telling my Sunday school teacher that I was glad I was going to heaven so I could see him again. She laughed and said "God doesn't have room for animals in heaven!!" I remember thinking "Oh, I hope He doesn't run out of room before I get there!" Took me years to get over it and basically grew into a better understanding. But if someone says something like that to my child, I'll THROTTLE them!

My Father-in-law gave me a good answer for that question. He said to tell them that whatever they need will be in Heaven for them. So if God decides that they need Jake, then he'll be there. That comforted them some.

-Kevin

[carton253]

That reminds me of a story from the book Christy (wonderful book, by the way). Takes place in the Smokey Mountains around the turn of the century.

Creed's (a little boy of about 10) favorite hunting dog died. Creed was all upset and asked Christy (she was the school teacher/missionary) if dogs went to heaven. She replied sure. Well, a couple of days later, Creed put his head down on his desk and began to wail. Christy asked him what the trouble was. Well, Creed's dog hadn't gone to heaven yet.

"How do you know, Creed?" Christy asked. (paraphasing)

Creed replied that he didn't believe Christy about the heaven part, so when he buried the dog, he buried him with his tail sticking out of the "buryin' hole." On the way to school, Creed checked the grave and found the tail still sticking out of the grave.

As soon as school was out, Christy sent word to the Allens to bury the dog correctly... Next day, no tail, and one happy Creed.