Hello all. I am new to this board. I have to say it is nice to see like minded people on here. I guess I could start out with a subject that some have withheld laughter from. It is upsetting to me because..it is painful what I am going through. So here goes...What is your opinion on pets/animals? Do they have a soul? I have a precious dog that has been in my life for 8 years. He is very ill, and this time my gut says he won't make it. He IS my child. I have been crying off and on for a week now. I can't even completely function or concentrate at work..or anywhere. Someone asked me what was wrong and I told them, and I could tell they were trying to hold back laughter or thought that I was overly too sensitive on this matter..it hurts. So I saw this place and thought that maybe someone in here can help shed some light..because I surely need it. He cannot be replaced. He has brought so much joy to my life. When I left him at the vet for a few days, at home I unknowingly would look down at my feet to see that he was not standing there beside me. This is just some of me I am sharing about myself right now..because it consumes me so.  Thanks, L

     Hello , first of all my heart goes out to you, for yes he is your child. He has a soul and he has a spirit body that will always be able to visit you. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen animals there on spirit side, they are soo loved there and well taken cared of. What have you given him here while he was on the earth plane, a big spiritual jump that is what. His soul has learned so much from you, he has evolved because of you and yes he has taught you as well. You have given of yourself and loved him for eight years, remember that, for its not the amount of time but the quality of what you have given him. When we cross to the other side, our beloved pets greet us, but do not be surprised if he pays you visits while in spirit body before then.  We all are eternal , each living thing  is  treasured,,,, I wish you well and much peace  love linn  splinnusa@aol.com  http://www.spiritlinnusa.com

Pets have been a large part of my life for as long as I can remember.  We always had dogs when I was growing up, and they were always special animals.  I now have kitties; and yes they are your kids!!  Ours are to us!  Animals are all so special, and I find they enhance my life like no one else can. I thank the "powers that be" every day for their presence in my life.

But, like all of us, at some point our pets must move on.  They are a huge part of our family and it's been my experience that the loss of a pet is much like losing a family member.  Like a family member or special friend, you can never replace them-- but new friends can be made.

Like what has been mentioned here already, they will visit you, of that I'm quite sure.  Just keep in mind that it wouldn't hurt so much, if the love wasn't this strong, and isn't that love beautiful!!

Much love,
Joan

Wow, nice post Bob.  very fascinating. 

I would love to contact my old cat Mozart who lived with our family for over 20 years! (although those early memories of me flinging him round in a sleeping bag when i was a kid would probably prejudice any chance of a cosmic relationship now...) 

Err bob, how can a cat have a obe? just curious, and how can you have a laugh, as in telling jokes with a cat?

it seems to me more and more that, people in a obe state experience things which lie in there own mind, as people never see anyone from the physcial plain while having an obe.

L: I want to give you my support and tell you I know the pain of losing a beloved pet. I had Gallagher for 15 years and his parting was terribly painful for me. I used to tell him he was my first grandchild.

It is the love that creates the bond so you will never really be without your beloved dog.

Blessings to you L.

LightSeeker

My mother once heard two loud barks inside the car, that sounded exactly like a dog we had fifteen years ago.

She and a couple of friends were returning from a mountain trip, and one of her friends is a bit psychic. The friend said that she was visited by a (deceased) member of our family, and his message was that our dog was doing allright. At that moment they heard 'woof woof'.

Dear L,

My heart too goes out to you.  In truth, when a beloved pet passes they do continue to be with you.  They still need you as much as you need them.

Quite often I will sense all of my beloved pets near me though not all at the same time.  Sabrina often comes to the kitchen as I wash dishes or prepare a meal.  Occasionally I feel her long fur brush against my bare feet.  Charlie who almost never left my side and followed me everywhere is still beside me much of the time.  He always slept on the bed next to my feet.  I still feel him sleeping next to me much of the time.  He is laying next to my feet even as I write this. 

I could go on and on, but my point is that... you and your pet will continue to be companions as he/she does not die, but is only changed in form as it is with all of us.

Love, Kathy