Over 2600 dogs are competing in this year’s Westminster Dog Show. We love our dogs. They afford us unquestioning devotion, protection and companionship. They are therapeutic for the ill and of aid to all manner of occupations. Several years ago we had Russian visitors and when they went to the supermarket they were astounded upon seeing an entire aisle dedicated to dog food. When I read the nutrition contents on the dog food bag I wonder if she eats better than I do.
Dogs don’t fare well when mentioned in Scripture. Even the last book of the Bible reads, “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” That isn’t an honor roll in which one would like to be included. Considering shepherds are mentioned and dogs are used to care for sheep one would think there would be one nice comment on dogs. But then again shepherds were near the bottom of society.
I doubt very much that God has such a poor attitude toward dogs as did people in Biblical times. He did create them for us. They were on Noah’s ark. Our stewardship of God’s creatures is an important measure of our characters and I am sure heaven notes our care or lack of for our canine friends. I have often been asked if we will have our dogs in heaven. While there is nothing in inspired writings to aid us with an answer and while I do not believe Jesus died for dogs. I do think heaven is to be heaven and if our specially loved dogs would make it a better place for us then we will see them again.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 12, 2013
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org