Does Your Dog Have a Soul?

Does this dog have a soul? The answer is…YES!

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know the hand of the Lord has done this?

-Job 12:7-9

Hi Yappers,

As we get ready to celebrate Easter Sunday, I wanted to take the time to reflect on a topic/question  that animal lovers have probably been pondering for years…Does my dog (pet) have a soul? The answer is YES.  At least according to the Pope. In a December 2014 article in “The Christian Science Monitor“, Pope Francis gave audience to a little boy who was grieving the death of his dog. The Pontiff comforted the grieving child with these words: “One day, we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.”

I once went to a Pet Blessing with Bella. The Minister who performed the blessings gave a beautiful speech that I will never forget. He said that he personally does not know whether or not pets have souls but in his heart, he truly believes that “they know who their creator is and they praise him in their own way.”

St. Francis -Patron Saint of Animals

St. Francis of Assisi is the Patron Saint of animals. In fact, “the Blessing of the Animals” is done in remembrance of St. Francis and his love of all creatures.So, when you pray, don’t forget to offer up a quick prayer for the little “Yapper” in your life. I think that any animal lover would hope and agree with The Pope’s declaration that we will be reunited one day with those pets that we have lost. I know that sounds good to me!

Until next time,

T.K. – YapTalk

Animal Blessing Prayer:

O Lord, give us the humility to thank you for the creation of all animals, who can show affection which sometimes puts us to shame. Enlarge our respect for these creatures, of whom we are the guardians. And, give us the a sense of responsibility towards all your creatures, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Pet blessing: Courtesy of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Arlington Texas.