I’ve never quite understood the debate, myself. Yes, human beings were and are special, created in the image of God, to have dominion over Creation. That is not a debatable point from scripture.
However, the lesser creatures have hope beyond pain, suffering and death, according to the Book of Romans. They were subjected to death due to the actions of man, not due to any sin of their own. There is ample scriptural support for animals having a spirit, man is even chastised for believing that only his spirit goes up while the spirit of the beast goes down into the ground.
So, they’ll be there. I don’t have to lean on some sweet, modern Rainbow Bridge poem to believe that. It’s there, in the Bible.
I agree, except that I believe that animals have a soul, which we also have. Those saved by Christ have a spirit that is made alive by the Holy Spirit when we believe. This is the element that makes us unique, and which I believe animals lack. That having been said, God can do anything He wishes to do. I believe our animal companions will be there. I’ve often wondered if every single sacrificial animal went straight to the Lord.