Dogs in Heaven

[LutheranHawkeye]

So I was just wondering what the scriptures say about our beloved animals and pets when they pass. I recently lost my childhood dog and I asked my pastor for insight, and he told me the story about the Canaanite woman being called a dog and then the woman replying that even a dog would eat the scraps from the master's table referring to Jesus. What is the confessional Lutheran position about our pets after they die? I know there will be animals in heaven because of creation being restored, but will our pets be there as well?
Any info is appreciated!

 

[DaRev]

So I was just wondering what the scriptures say about our beloved animals and pets when they pass. I recently lost my childhood dog and I asked my pastor for insight, and he told me the story about the Canaanite woman being called a dog and then the woman replying that even a dog would eat the scraps from the master's table referring to Jesus. What is the confessional Lutheran position about our pets after they die? I know there will be animals in heaven because of creation being restored, but will our pets be there as well?
Any info is appreciated!

In short, the answer is a "cautious maybe".

We need to remember that our eternal destination is not heaven, but rather the "new earth" (Isaiah 65:17ff, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). Scripture certainly does allude to their being animals present on the new earth. As to whether our household pets will be there or not, that's one of those open questions that Scripture does not address. So the Confessional Lutheran position is "we don't know".

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

Thanks Rev.

 

[Studeclunker]

I sure hope so! Having just lost a dear friend to kidney failure at twelve years old and another just celebrating her fifteenth... Then again, the people who don't like animals wouldn't want to be around my place in the New Earth. I mean, with a herd of horses, gaggle of geese, fair sized pack of dogs, cats, etc... it wouldn't be a quiet place, LOL!
Edit:
Well, here I am now in the same position as you, Hawkeye. Nana died on the 22nd of March. The only consolation I have is that Scripture promises that Christ will, 'dry every tear.' As much, though, as I will painfully miss my dear friend, there are many unsaved human friends who won't be there either. I honestly don't know which hurts more.