I understand the Buddhist belief that all life goes back to its source, but I do not agree with that concept in its ultimate end. We do have a personal God, our Creator, who has chosen to reveal himself to us and who took on human flesh to live among us. His name is Jesus and he is "God with us". He lived a perfect life and then gave himself to die for our sins so that all those who trust in him would have eternal life with God. He took all our sins upon him and died in our place to pay the price for all our sins. God did this because of his great love for us but not everyone will accept this gift.
Because God is love and because he is holy and just, those who reject him will separated from him for all eternity. We do have souls and these souls, once created are eternal, will live somewhere after life on earth is over.
I don't know the answer about if our beloved pets will join us in Heaven but I choose to rest in the goodness and mercy of God Almighty to do what is good and right. I trust him, completely. I loved what you said about our dear pets who die and how we continue to love them through other pets that come into our lives. I remember having to say a heartbreaking goodbye to a kitteh I had for fifteen years. She was a real comfort to me that I honestly believe God brought into my life while I was separated from my boyfriend (who now is my husband). He joked that I replaced him with a cat, but he loved her just as much. It broke his heart, too. Within a few weeks we got another kitten - though I was adamant that I still needed time to grieve. She really helped me heal and we now have another.
I don't know how long we will be blessed with their presence, but I do know our hearts are healed by loving again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Yeah, I admit I’m also influenced a bit by my interests in the paranormal, Hinduism/Jainism, Buddhism and toss in a little science fiction ala Robert A. Heinlein, Star Trek and Star Wars along with a pinch of Ray Kutzweil where he says all of this is basically a part of singularity with the Universe. I do believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour, still I’m a bit of Universalist to where the main religions of the world are like spokes on the wheel leading to God and the truth.