When a person loses a beloved animal companion, the question often arises,

where have they gone?

One moment they are here, sharing your life, giving you love and

participating in your daily existence. Then they are suddenly absent. It’s

hard to grasp. It seems impossible.

Organized religion does not generally address this question of what happens

to pets when they let go of their bodies, and this can leave pet owners

feeling stranded, misunderstood and alone.

Things are changing, however, as people begin to realize that our pets are

not that different than we are. They live in different types of bodies, but

our animals do have souls, just like all other living things.

I want to assure you that where your pet has gone, there really is no death.

Leaving the body is a natural part of the cycle of life and does not signify

"the end." Rather, it’s a doorway into the next plane of existence in

the spiritual realm.

Your pet never leaves in spirit. On a subtle level, your animal friend still

stands beside you. If you get very quiet, you may even feel its continued

presence.

It’s very difficult to let go of the physical relationship you had with

your pet. You miss interacting with them and cuddling with them. You miss

stroking their fur and looking into their eyes.

Feeling their subtle presence requires letting go of the physical attachment

and tuning in to their continued spiritual reality. You always did have a

spiritual relationship with your pet. That hasn’t changed.

You can even still talk to them, both silently and aloud. And if you get very

still and allow yourself to do so, you may even hear their answer.

It’s important for grieving pet owners to know that their pet is OK, that

they are in a better place and not suffering. This can really help you knit

back the pieces of your life and find the light at the opposite end of the

tunnel of heartache.

Life is a continuum. It changes but it doesn’t end. Just as the sun

doesn’t cease to exist when it goes behind the clouds and we can’t see

it, the spiritual reality of your pet doesn’t end either, and neither will

you when you depart your body.

We all have something wonderful to look forward to in the Great Beyond.