Are you still unsure as to whether your pets that have passed on are waiting for you in heaven? Still not convinced that our Divine Creator has made a place for all His creation with Him in heaven?
Read this excerpt from Susi Pittman’s book, Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!:
One of the most powerful, spiritual times in my own life, came by way of a wild marsh rabbit, a baby bunny that was being carried in the jaws of a large six-foot coach whip. By divine providence, I became the charge of that little creature, a story I share in my new book.
The first thing I learned was that rabbits are endearing, intelligent animals that are capable of being an active family member. My bunny, Miss Bunny Blueberry, was certainly the “alpha” pet of the house, with the dogs and cats catering to her whims. Wherever she chose to rest, play or eat, she was accommodated. When it was house cleaning day, she would gather under the loveseat with two of the house cats to escape the vacuum cleaner. She also loved to make cameo appearances at our dinner parties, thereby thrilling our un-knowing guests with her presence.
The last thing I learned was that God moves in creation in mysterious ways. Bunny’s life was a paradox….she was handicapped in her mobility, yet she found a way to move about carefully. The snake had damaged a nerve to her left rear leg, causing it never to move. It remained in that condition right up to Bunny’s death.
It was in death that God showed me that “Behold, I make all things new!” Having taken Bunny at the end of her days to be euthanized at the veterinarian’s office, I was prepared to let Bunny go. God in His goodness gave to me a marvelous miracle at that moment. Bunny lay quietly and without fear as I stoked her ears. Everything in her eyes said she was “good to go” and was ready. As the injection was made, Bunny slipped peacefully away. I stayed with Bunny for eight or so minutes before my Veterinarian returned. As he put the stethoscope to Bunny’s heart, he said, “She’s gone.” And I said, “I know.” And then, her left rear leg began to move in a running motion….astonishing both me and the doctor. I asked him if this was maybe a spasmodic thing, and he said “no.” As we watched, that leg continued to run, beautifully, rhythmically. The doctor said, “This is really something!”
It was then that I realized that Bunny was home. She had made it! God had taken care to be sure that I knew that! Bunny was finally perfect!
This is not the only such story of mobility-impaired or even paralyzed pets suddenly regaining the use of their limbs at the time of their entrance into heaven.
There are people who have been pronounced clinically dead and “come back” from their near-death experience reporting seeing and petting family pets before being brought back to life here on earth.
There are even less dramatic but still significant events like the bunnies that gathered around Captain Oliver’s grave last winter.
If you are grieving, take comfort from the experiences of others. You may want to join a support group for grieving pet owners (whether “in person” or online), locate a faith-based support group locally, and read – and re-read - Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!
It’s not just Catholics that want to know, and this book provides comfort for all of us.
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If you would like to talk to some understanding bunny owners live and in person, the Dayton Area Rabbit Network's monthly meeting will be held this Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at Christopher's restaurant in Kettering.
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