correction to my post about whether dogs might go to heaven

I've just read an article suggested by proud womon, who added the recommendation in a comment on my post  do dogs go to heaven?

In my post I had  written that Pope Francis comforted a boy whose pet had died, and said we can expect to see beloved animals in heaven. It turns out this was not said by the current Pope, and may have been said by Pope Paul VI. See this NY Times 'Correction' for details.

According to Vatican Radio, Francis did say, in speaking of heaven, 'The Holy Scripture teaches us that the fulfilment of this wonderful design also affects everything around us.'

The article discusses the way in which humans tolerate the terrible treatment of some animals - especially those raised to be killed for eating - yet lavish love on a few species chosen as companions.  It's a confronting topic, but the article is well worth reading.

do dogs go to heaven?

No one who lives with a dog could doubt dogs have feelings, but some doubt they have a soul.

So I was interested to read this report in the New York Times about what Pope Francis said recently to a grieving little boy whose dog had died. Reportedly the Pope said, 'Paradise is open to all of God's creatures.'

The implications if we believe this are huge, in terms of how we deal with other species. I guess it doesn't automatically suggest we should be vegans - though I know some would think so - but at the very least it directs us to deal ethically with animals under our control.

I hate the exporting of live sheep from Australia to other countries.

I hate the torturing of chickens in cages.

I hate the evil treatment of sows in sow pens

I hate...

Oh, there are so many practices that I could now regard as not only disturbing, but as a sin against God's creatures.