Dear Brothers and Sisters: I would like to take this opportunity to offer my deepest condolances to all who have had their beloved fuzzies leave this world and go to the Rainbow Bridge. I know how much it hurts to have these delightful little love bugs depart this existance, having gone through it many times myself. And even though I strongly believe in a spiritual existance after this life, I too cry many tears in sorrow, for I miss their physical presence, just as you miss your ferts. But, I wish to bring you hope and peace. In the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament, written by Moses), it is written that only Mankind fell from grace by sinning. Therefore, the Great Creator, who is LOVE beyond all human knowledge, would not condemn those creatures to eternal death just because of what mankind has done. In the New Testament (of the Christian Bible), it is written in John 3: 16, "For God so loved the World (in Greek the word was Cosmos, meaning all of Creation), that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." What this is saying is that the Great Creator LOVES all of Creation, and is willing to give of Himself for all of creation. Therefore, our beloved animals will have a place in Heaven, where their spirits will live forever, without pain or suffering. Jesus said, regarding the end of time, that the Lion will lay down with the Lamb, and the Child will put his hand into the Adder's den, and not be harmed. This also tells me that the spirits of all animals will live in heaven and be there when we arrive. Being of Native American descent (my ancestor, Chief Joseph Brandt, was chief of the Mohawk at the time of the American Revolution, and my Grandmother was full blooded Mohawk), we also believe that all living things have a spirit, and that the Great Spirit watches over all of what the Great Spirit created (not much different than that of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, is there? And also similar to other religious faiths not written here). And what the Great Spirit created will live again in the Happy Hunting Ground for all eternity. Finally, also being well versed in science (Psychology major/Biology minor), I find a law of Physics that states: Energy cannot be created nor destroyed by ordinary means, but it will change form. Life is energy. And when the body dies, that life (energy) changes form, just as a tree has energy, when burned, it changes form by giving off heat, and light. I realize that these are my beliefs based upon my limited knowledge and faith. I only hope and pray that these words will bring comfort and peace to each of you who have gone through the pain of losing the physical presence of your beloved animals. I would also like to thank everyone for your kind prayers and e-cards and words of encouragement for my healing. I am getting better, healing slowly. Peace and Dooks to one and all. And may the Peace of God which surpasses all human understanding, be with you now and forever. Rev. Ronald L. Sims, D.D. & Family: 2 hooman beans owned and operated by 3 ferts, 3 canines, and 4 felines. [Posted in FML issue 4673]