I'm so sad I think I want to kill myself! I had to give away my little dog, only a month old, and I miss him so much. After two months my parents told me that they didn't want him in our house, so I had to give him away. I'm devastated right now. I've cried a lot and can't concentrate on my daily tasks. I'm studying in the university right now, and I realized that having a dog required too much time and attention. Just the same, I haven't been able to sleep normally because of my insomnia, since I miss my little dog so much. I have some questions about animals, especially dogs. Does God protect animals? Is it true that dogs can see spirits? Will dogs and other pets be resurrected, and will they be with us as members of our families in the next life? Is it a sin to mistreat animals? I'd really appreciate it if you sent me a message or something, to answer my questions and bring me some peace. I feel so bad. I miss my little dog so much.

Anonymous, 3/15/2010

Share/Save/Bookmark

El Santo Gringo from La Jolla, California:




Hi friend. I'm very sorry to hear that you had to give your little dog away and that you're so sad about your loss. Let me answer some of your questions about animals.

Are animals protected by God?  Animals are not the same as human beings. Humans are the children of God and so have divine potential. Nevertheless, even though animals are not given the same intelligence and divine potential as men and women, they are given a certain measure of intelligence and are certainly among God's most precious creations.  Christ taught that God  watches over even the sparrow (Matthew 10:29,31),  a comparatively simple animal, so I'm sure He's aware of your little dog as well.  I invite you to say a prayer, asking God to protect your little dog. Hopefully that will bring you some peace.

Can dogs see spirits?  I don't think the church has an official position regarding this question, but I personally think that dogs cannot see spirits. They are mortal beings just like humans are. Since humans don't usually see spirits, I think dogs don't either.

Will animals be resurrected? D&C 77:2 clearly teaches that animals have spirits. D&C 77:3 teaches that animals will have eternal happiness after death, which indicates to me that they will be resurrected. In a sermon given by Joseph Smith, the prophet also spoke briefly about the resurrection of animals, although he did not elaborate much on the topic (History of the Church 5:343). The church does not have an official position regarding whether or not pets will be with their owners in the next life, but Elder Orson F. Whitney one time said that the Prophet Joseph Smith believed that he would have his favorite horse in the eternities (Improvement Era, August 1927, page 855).

Is it a sin to mistreat dogs? Mistreating animals is certainly a sin. In fact, lesson 35 of the official primary curriculum is entitled "I Can Be Kind to Animals."

I hope this message helps, and I hope you feel better soon. If you don't recover from this loss in the next few weeks, I encourage you to get professional help. God bless you during this challenging time in your life.

Would you like a free copy of the Holy Bible?

Vivian from Chile:


I love animals and I love my pets but it has not spared me from the saddest experiences I've lived. I've lost them in some many ways and I loved each one of them in ways that words cann't explain, I cried for months, even years. But I always knew that life must go on.

Also I lose my father two years ago... Which is worse? What hurts more? I think there is not a correct answer. Pain is a word, feelings are different.

I'm sorry for your lost. I understand your sadness. All you can do is let the tender mercies of the Savior spoke to you, to your mind and heart and listen earnestly.
Return to the "Question and Answer" Page