“...they would be judged in the next world by how they treated G-d’s four-footed creations in THIS world.”
I totally believe that. I’m sure He notices how Christians treat children, animals, and challenged people — the least among us — and He will judge appropriately. I love the song, “Bless The Beasts And The Children” (but it makes me cry so I don’t listen too often).
My ex-husband’s family were Norwegian farmers in Minnesota. No human ate anything until all the animals were fed.
It is rather striking to discover how many ‘from away conservatives’ are involved with helping out with the shelters and assorted cat colonies around this region. My charges are spoiled...they get treats like tuna and ‘Greenies’. Unusual to see ferals/abandoned cats come running when the goodie wagon pulls up.