Do pets have a spirit?

[Officershitty]

My cat was put down today. I would rather like to think that he has a spirit that will return to me. What do others think?

[MumnGran]

I believe so. It is the one thing which has pulled me through more losses than I want to count, over the years.

Please read this link
I hope it will help
x

[Italiangreyhound]

I'm a Christian.

I am not sure what traditional teaching about this is.

Personally, I like to think that animals have a spirit. I mean I am not sure but I like to think they do because they certainly have a personality. I don't think they come back to us, I think they go on to a better place.

The Bible in Isaiah 11:6 (New International Version ©2011) says
"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them."

Sorry for your loss.

[MostlyLovingLurchers]

I absolutely believe they do. I've had some odd experiences that would suggest that they are still around from time to time. It makes sense to me that if you believe that we have souls that other sentient creatures do too. Look how close we are genetically to other species - I don't think humans are particularly special, just better equipped to ponder the world around us.

If you haven't come across it before, the Rainbow Bridge poem has some lovely imagery - was going to copy it here but see Mumngran has already linked. Hope it brings some comfort - made me blub reading it again.

[marmiteandhoney]

We've had many a pet funeral in our family. My husband-the-vicar did a particularly great one for my son's beloved pet Kevin the Cockroach. 'Thank you, Lord, that Kevin was such an interesting creature. He was the loveliest cockroach I've ever known.'

[Officershitty]

Thank you for all your replies. They have been very helpful.