Pet Loss

 

The grief that follows the death of an animal companion  can be crippling emotionally, mentally, and even physically. This book can help anyone discover the many emotional reactions and responses to the loss of a pet, learn what happens at a pet cemetery burial, cremation, or home burial and help you to find out arrangements that are legally available.

Animals in Religion, Science, and Ethics

 

This is a fabulous book on animals and spirituality, and it covers other topics relating to animals as well. Leading animal experts "consider how major religious traditions have incorporated animals into their belief systems, myths, rituals, and art...Their findings offer profound insights into humans' relationships with animals and a deeper understanding of the social and ecological web in which we all live....They explore issues such as animal consciousness, suffering, sacrifice, and stewardship in innovative methodological ways. They also address contemporary challenges relating to law, biotechnology, social justice, and the environment."

For more information on this book, check it out here:

A Communion of Subjects: Animals in Religion, Science, and Ethics

Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi is an inspiration to the love of all animals. He had love for the creatures and respect of all life.

October is the month of his Feast Day (October 4). For more information about Saint Francis and his love for animals check out: Saint Francis of Assisi--Patron Saint of Animals

Animal Emotions

Many animals display emotional and moral intelligences. An essay on animal emotions gives more detail here, at:

Morality in Tooth and Claw

Magpies Grieve for Their Dead

With its aggressive behaviour and appetite for young chicks, the magpie doesn't have a particularly good image when it comes to compassion.

But according to some experts, the predator may have a tender side, feeling grief and routinely holding 'funerals' for fallen friends.

Dr. Marc Bekoff claims the rituals-- which involve birds laying 'wreaths' of grass alongside roadside corpses--are proof animals feel complex emotions.

Read more about the story here:

Magpies grieve for their dead (and even turn up for funerals) |

Spiritual Animals

Do animals have spiritual experiences? Check out some answers here:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/200911/do-animals-have-spiritual-experiences-yes-they-do

http://io9.com/5659502/animals-can-have-spiritual-experiences-just-like-humans

http://news.discovery.com/animals/animals-spiritual-brain.html

Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates

 

 

The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you’ll ever endure. But recovery isn’t only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone.

After the intense, unexpected grief he experienced following the loss of his own companions, animal lover and biblical scholar Gary Kurz set out to prove that there are indeed pets in Paradise. After devoting countless hours of research, he now shares his inspiring insights to bring you a richer understanding of animals and their souls. You’ll find answers to common questions about animals and the afterlife—and you’ll also get a 30-day devotional to help you work through your grief.