Do Animals have Souls?

Mar 20 2008

Published by Steve N. Lee at 1:35 pm under animal rights

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If they do, so many of them must be crying for all eternity after how we treated them!

What is this?

A special effects creation from the latest Hollywood monster movie?
A newly discovered species from the depths of the Amazon jungle?
An alien hoax?

No.
This is ‘Dany the dog’.
Yes, dog!
As in ‘man’s best friend’. As in a ‘licking your face, jumping for joy when it sees you’ dog. This ‘thing’ could be bringing you your morning paper or chasing your Frisbee in the park. Unfortunately, as Dany learned all too well, Bangkok’s streets are not overflowing with Frisbees, beaming smiles, or loving pats… just pain, suffering, and anguish.

Say hello to Oogy. Or what’s left of him. He’s not Oriental, but as American as mom’s apple pie. When he was a puppy his owner staked him to the ground so he couldn’t run, couldn’t hide. couldn’t fight, then used him to train pitbulls how to rip apart other animals. When Oogy could take no more punishment, he was thrown in a cage and left to die.

This is ‘Dog’. No one knows his real name. No one knows his age. No one knows where he came from. We know how he died though - starvation. He was a living ‘sculpture’ in a Nicaraguan art gallery. A Costa Rican ‘artist’ decided that the easiest route to fame was to do something outlandish - the curse of the talentless! He caught poor Dog on the streets of Managua, tied him up in a gallery, and never fed him ever again, so visitors could marvel at what it was like for a living thing to die of starvation. I’m sure Picasso would be jealous of such genius!

Science would have us believe that there is no soul as there is no evidence to support the existence of such.

Religion would have us believe that only Man is important enough to possess a soul as everything else is subordinate to him and, therefore, utterly inconsequential.

Philosophy would have us believe that there is no logical argument to support the existence of the soul, therefore, it does not exist.

Science, religion, philosophy - the three great pillars of Mankind that define who we are and what we could become…

Yet still most of us believe in a human soul without question.

When animals suffer such hell on earth, ALWAYS at our hands, isn’t it arrogant of us to believe that only we are destined to defy the laws of logic and science so we can revel in some glorious afterlife?

And if there is a God, would He lovingly populate His world with creatures knowing they’d suffer their entire lives and only receive release by being wiped from existence? Or would He believe that ALL His creations deserved to be embraced by His love in heaven?

Thanks to a successful international appeal, Dany was saved. She was fed, received medication, and sent to live out her life on the paradise island of Ko Samui. Or that was the plan. Unfortunately, her years of untold suffering had wreaked such a toll that she died just hours away from a life of luxury.

Oogy was rescued, underwent extensive reconstructive surgery, and finally… adopted. He’ll never again be clawed or gnashed or beaten in the name of sport, but will be loved and pampered and played with as if he really has died and gone to heaven.

Dog is dead. No one stormed the art gallery to rescue him. No one ignored the gallery’s instructions and threw him food. No one put a bullet in his head to release him from his agony. The ‘artist’ is rumoured to have another animal ready for exhibition. Will anyone act this time?

So, are Dany and Dog in heaven? Are they basking in paradise after a life of hell on earth with us? Do animals have souls?

When you look at the atrocities visited upon every living thing on this planet by Mankind, the answer is only too obvious: the question is not do animals have a soul, the question is do we!?

So, go. See. Feel. Live.
Steve
Steve-N-Lee.com
P.S. This post is particularly poignant.
In 1996, I met a quirky Polish woman whilst holidaying in Spain. Unlike most holiday romances this one flourished and Ania now lives with me in England. Back home in Warsaw, a few weeks after we’d met in ‘96, Ania found a tiny ball of black fluff in her garden - a kitten. She took it in and named it after the nightclub in which we’d met - Papa Whisky.
When she moved to England, Papa stayed in Warsaw with Ania’s mum, but he’s always been ‘our’ cat and very, very special to both of us.
Poor Papa has been sick recently with kidney trouble so we’ve been researching relatively cutting edge treatments to help him - plans to be finalized during an Easter visit this week.
Unfortunately, no one appreciated the urgency of the matter. I finished drafting this post around 2:00pm on Sunday; 2:35pm Papa collapsed and died in Ania’s mum’s arms.

“This post is for you, Papa. There’ll always be a bowl of Felix waiting for you.
We miss you, little Black Cat.”

What do you think? Have your say - leave a comment!

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43 Responses to “Do Animals have Souls?”

# Glendaon 20 Mar 2008 at 2:51 pm

I really hope to meet my dearly departed fur friends when I leave this earth and I do believe they have a soul.

I can’t understand why anyone would hurt, mistreat, abuse, torture an animal. My cats and dogs are like my sons and daughters and I would do anything for them.

I’m sorry to read of the passing of your Papa. I know how devastating it is. I hope you both heal quickly and maybe one day find another cat that needs you both.
# isilson 20 Mar 2008 at 3:05 pm

It depends on what religion you believe I think.
In my religion we believe animals do have souls, our pets will be incarnated as primitive humans. Since we no longer have primitive humans on this planet they’ll be incarnated on a non-civilized planet of course and go thru the lessons that we’ve gone thru.
Animals bigger than a salamander have individual souls while others have group souls.
Minerals evolve to plants, plants evolve to animals, animals evolve to humans, and humans evolve to celestial begins this simple and mandatory process (with few exceptions) takes eons of eternities but who has a rush anyway…
I hope I added a broader perspective to the discussion:))
# Deannaon 20 Mar 2008 at 6:08 pm

This post especially touched me because I’ve written about two of these babies, Oogy and Navidad or ‘Dog’ as you call him. Dany’s story was touching and sad. I never cease to be amazed at people’s cruelty and heartlessness.

And yes, I do believe that animals do go on beyond life and they have a ‘heaven’. One day I hope to be reunited with the souls of my dearest departed furbabies and all those who faced hell here on earth and see that they’ve found a better place. I believe that ‘God’ made animal souls special which is why so many of them, like my dogs, can love so completely and unconditionally. They truly have a special place.
# Lewis Alemanon 20 Mar 2008 at 10:46 pm

Wow. Moving stories. It’s truly sick how some people treat animals. I’m very sorry to hear about your cat, Papa Whisky. My little black lab is now 15 years old, so I’m sure I’ll be going through the same thing very soon.
# Steve N. Leeon 21 Mar 2008 at 4:44 am

Hi,

Thanks for your comments.

Lewis, I feel for you, too, man. You might be lucky - I’ve heard of dogs living into their twenties, but that’s unfortunately not the norm. From your comment, I know you’ll revel in every minute you share with your dog, though, and that’s all you can do for the pair of you. (Shark fin soup - I intend to cover things like that in a later post, by the way [re: Top 10 Wildlife Conservation Triumphs of 2007/8] comment].)

Deanna - yeah, I saw you covered Dog (I linked to your article). I know just what you mean about ’special souls’. Animals have personalities, just like people, and yet, unlike people, they are inherently good for the entirety of their lives without even trying. We could learn a lot from their unconditional love.

Yes, that’s an excellent contribution, Isils. I did research Buddhism and Hinduism for my book as there’s a strong philosophical element, so I’m aware of non-Western thought on the subject to a degree, but the limitations of a blog post don’t allow you to expand on topics as much as you’d like. Thanks for giving us an insight into another culture.

One question, though, Isils - as you can see from the other comments, Westerners generally believe in animal souls in the hope of being reunited with their beloved friend in the afterlife - does your culture hope for such a reunion, in whatever form the soul has become, and if so, would that soul be recognizable as the one you had loved previously?

Glenda and Lewie, thanks for your kind words regarding Papa Whisky. I really didn’t know whether to include that postscript. Why?

Firstly, I thought it might be viewed as me milking the situation.

Secondly, it seemed disrespectful to Papa - it seemed to cheapen his life. I ran this past Ania and she said he was always the boss at home (his ‘underlings’ consisted of two other cats, two dogs, birds, fish, even exotic insects…) so he’d like the idea of being so important that he was posted on the internet.

Finally, I’m an incredibly private person, as anyone who knows me will tell you, so sharing this was a major effort. The reason I decided to do it was because I think it’s important that people see there is a living, thinking, feeling person on the other side of their computer screen, someone just like them. If we all appreciated that, that others have just the same dreams, vulnerabilities, needs as we do, I’m sure the world would be a much happier place.

Thanks again. Hope you call back for my next post.
Steve
# Amber Zoon 21 Mar 2008 at 11:15 am

I believe that these beautiful souls will live on. We are all made up of energy…you, me, the dogs and the trees… and as we all learned in grade school, energy just transforms itself, energy cannot die or just disappear, but it goes on forever. Our energy and the vibrations we put out into the universe will radiate for an eternity. These precious furbabies will always live on in our universe, their beedy little eyes watching down on us from the stars above :o)
# DianeMarieGon 21 Mar 2008 at 12:14 pm

I know that I will see all of my pets again! If you read or believe in God’s word, the Bible, it says ………….
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb,
And the leopard will lie down with the young goat,
And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little boy will lead them.
Also the cow and the bear will graze,
Their young will lie down together,
And the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra,
And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den.
(Isaiah 11:6-8)
Second, the Bible suggests from beginning to end that animals may have souls. In Genesis 1 20, 24, for instance, the Hebrew word nepesh is used to refer to animals. While this word can simply mean “creature” or “living thing,” in the Old Testament it is often understood to mean “soul.” And in Revelation 8:9, the Greek word psuche-which can mean heart, mind, or soul-is used about sea creatures.
Of course, the soul of an animal would be very different from the soul of a human being. But the biblical suggestion that animals have souls may indicate that they too will be resurrected in the afterlife.

I plan on seeing 5 dogs, a dozen cats…and so looking forward to that day…

Why people abuse, mistreat, hurt animals, I will never understand their mentality, cruelty..To me they are part of my family…I hurt for the suffering creatures out there…Everytime I read one of these horrible tragedies it breaks my heart…I do what I can to make a difference, but I know it’s not enough….

Steve and Ania, please accept my condolences on your Papa, I know this is a hard time for you both…..

And thanks for this Blog, well done, I did need kleenex, but that’s ok….

DianeMarie
# TerrahDawnon 21 Mar 2008 at 7:00 pm

Steve hello,

I saw your post on Care2. I am now a subscriber to your blog. And will make a link from my blog to yours. [Thanks]

I personally believe in energy which is also the soul/spirit. I think after death everything lives on as energy or the soul/spirit. Anything that is alive: Humans, Animals and Plants.

These poor babies here deserved so much better. Dany and Dog are gone, but will forever live in the ‘afterworld or afterlife’. Oogy will live on as well when his body is dead…. I’m glad he has a good life now.

I feel nothing for those that do horrible things like this to animals. I don’t even think hating them is the right feelings - goes so much deeper.
# cathy txon 21 Mar 2008 at 11:01 pm

Heaven would not be heaven to if our animals were not there!!

I used to wonder if our animals would be there but I wonder know more.I truly believe in my heart they are there and since I did doubt for so long guess I kinda needed a hit in da butt to realize they are there waiting for us.Long story short five years ago I lost the love of my life.Puddy (black cat)die at 18 1/2 yrs of CRF.I hand raised him at three weeks old.Puddy always hated going to the vet so I promised when the end came I would not take him to the vet I would find a good vet to come to my house so Puddy could go in my arms at home.When the time came I had a vet come to my house and lets just say the end was not at all wut it should of been.I went into a horrible depression I couldn’t eat,sleep and I pushed everyone away.In my heart I had failed Puddy I had let him now.I was to protect him to the end and it just didn’t happen that way.On Puddy’s one month anniversary at 11:00 p.m I was on the puter and my front sensor light outside came on I looked out and didn’t see anything.It came on again and I looked out and I remember yelling for my teenage son to hurry and he came in and I pointed outside and told him to look and said do him do you see wut I see and he goes yes and I said lets go look.I remember slowing and quietly opening up the front door and looking out and there looking back at me was this beautiful long hairred black cat and just kept looking at me then the cat slowing turned away and started to kinda prance away kinda like a rabbit hops.We followed that cat he never looked back he/she just kept prancing away from us.Then he like just was gone.My son looked at me and said why is it so foggy out and I said I thought it was foggy too and it was like everything was in slow motion but it was a clear July night.I asked my son is there any cat that looks like this in the neighbor and he said no he hasn’t ever seen that cat before.After replaying that over and over in my head that night I realized the cat I saw looked just like my Puddy when he was young and big and healthy not the frail old sick Puddy who had died.I called a friend to tell her wut happened and I will never forget her words when I told her wut had happened.She said my God Puddy really did give you a sign and at that moment I realized even after death my Puddy gave me the best gift of all he let me know that he is o.k and though he is gone in a way he really isn’t..I never saw that cat again but I will some day when I die for I know that was a sign from Puddy and that sign made me never doubt again that are furbabies are truly waiting for us!!!!!!
# Steve N. Leeon 22 Mar 2008 at 4:44 am

Hi,

More great comments - thanks.

‘Energy’ is something that I’ll be considering in a later post as it is a very interesting subject in itself.

DianeMarie - I’ve read the New Testament and much of the old, but I’m afraid I didn’t pick up on it referencing animals having souls. Sorry. The Old has a lot of animal sacrifices as I recall so I couldn’t see how God would sanction the sacrificing of one of His creatures if it had a soul. That said, I read it alone, without any guidance on what some of the more obscure passages might actually mean. Of course, the New is totally different and, for me, has a much better philosophy, which might just have a little to do with it becoming one of the great three faiths of our time. Something of an understatement there! ;-)

That’s a touching story, Cathy. Thank you for sharing it.

Steve
# Avri Kettleon 22 Mar 2008 at 6:53 am

Yes animals do have soul`s and we will meet again in heaven one day
the three dog storys are heartbreaking, every time i see the pictures or read the story, i just cry it breaks my heart. A animal deserves its place in heaven and its soul is purer than ours, its us who does wrong and will not learn. I hope its a dog at the pearly gates not st peter, because the dog will be fussy who it lets in, I hope that it will let in, i want to see all the animals and my pets again.
# pamelaon 22 Mar 2008 at 8:17 am

All living things have a heart and soul and feelings. I wonder sometimes if humans do. If they do they sure have a cruel way of showing it.
SOME TIMES I FEEL I LOVE ANIMALS BETTER BECAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE A CHOICE OF HOW THERE TREATED.SO PLEASE JUST LOVE THEM AND TREAT THEM LIKE YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED.
# Brennan Kingslandon 22 Mar 2008 at 8:45 am

Dear Steve,

My condolences to you and Ania on the loss of your Papa Whisky. Thank goodness you had time to share with him and provide him love in return.

We’ve maintained a private, no-kill animal sanctuary for over 15 years and I could tell you horror stories of the things that supposedly “nice people” do to helpless animals.

Yes, animals have souls! It is only unenlightened man in his egocentricity who sees himself as the only form of life that is important or eternal.

I understand your pain and I’d like to share a couple of stories with you from my rescue blog:

http://rescue4furbabies.com/animal-rescue/tell-china-to-stop-skinning-dogs-cats-alive/

http://rescue4furbabies.com/furbaby-family/cocos-gone/

http://rescue4furbabies.com/animal-rescue/more-about-the-heartaches-horrors-of-puppy-mills/

There is so much cruelty! All we can do is all we can do.

Brennan
# Petreaon 22 Mar 2008 at 9:39 am

Steve, I couldn’t even read the whole post, so perhaps I’m not qualified to comment. But I know this much. Cruelty is not art. Cruelty is a complete lack of erudition. Cruelty is base.

Boz, my dog, is not my child or my brother, but he’s a contributing member of my family whom I love and respect. I can’t bear the thought of mistreating any animal.

Keep posting. You’re doing a service.
# ingridon 22 Mar 2008 at 10:47 am

I don´t need a God to know that animals have a soul, I see it in their eyes.

At least they have more soul than those who abuse them.

Ingrid
# Cher Isbellon 22 Mar 2008 at 11:33 am

I believe every living creature that God created on this Earth has a soul, they can feel pain, love, sorrow, sadness. We are supposed to be in charge of every living animal that God put on this Earth, but man are we doing a pitiful job!! For a person to knowingly hurt an animal, whether it’s long term such as dog and Dany or short term, such as Oogy, is not what God intended. I know he has been disappointed in us for a very long time! Think about it this way, he gave us dominion over all animals of the Earth, which means that we are supposed to be above them, yet we are the ones killing each other off faster than any animal I have ever known, before people came along, what animals went extinct (except maybe the dinosaurs)?? For us to treat his children (and yes the animals are children too) like we are, is beyond comprension, it would be like if you asked someone to watch over your child, you would expect that person to make sure your child was safe and no harm would come to them, correct?? How would you feel, if when you saw that person again, they said that they had hurt that child or even worse killed them? wouldn’t feel too good would it, well anyone thinking about hurting an animal intentionally needs to think about that before laying a hand on another child of God..Karma will get you…
# DianeMarieGon 22 Mar 2008 at 12:03 pm

Steve,
I am sure I read that, what you refered too, but I will read up on it again, because if I am wrong, I need to get that straight…..:-) I do not in anyway want to misquote on the Bible…..

DianeMarie
# Jaclinon 22 Mar 2008 at 12:21 pm

Every living things is energy - when the receptile that energy lives in dies - the energy goes on - it can never die - energy is.

Animals should always be treated with loving, caring and attention - if you feel you cannot give this 100% then it is best not to take on a pet. It is the same I feel with children if you cannot give 100% or more then do not go there - do not have children because child or pet - if love is not readily given major damage occurs.

In Love & Light I thank you Steven for your beautiful soul.
Blessings
Jaclin
# Brandy D. Ramoson 22 Mar 2008 at 3:04 pm

Yes animals have souls. Unfortunately a lot of people do not care if they do or not. They want to get rid of animals when the animal becomes an inconvinance to them. I feel sorry for the animals that are abandon or mistreated by their owners.
# Eleanor Boydon 22 Mar 2008 at 4:08 pm

I believe animals, the non-human animals, are infinitely superior to perhaps most human ones. They live by instinct whereas the species that now controls the earth lives by and large for greed and the lust for power. Those who are in control do anyway. Who said ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely?’ Animals do not knowingly inflict suffering. They certainly don’t torture one another. The non-humans did not invent the means to wipe out every living organism on the planet. They don’t drop bombs. As for having a soul, I don’t believe in an after life. If there is one, the animals will be there happily living for all eternity in the company of very few humans. It is a nice thought. Bush, Blair and their ilk will be consigned to hell. If only!
# Barbon 22 Mar 2008 at 4:57 pm

Oh yes. They have the most pure souls of all. I am somewhat of an “expert” on souls since I’ve written a manuscript on the subject. I can assure you that sweet innocents such as babies, children, and animals, even young adults who are retarded, go to Heaven; animals go to Rainbow Bridge. Animals and people both have souls.

Our souls-and animals souls-are a big bubble like the bubbles kids blow through a bubble wand!
# DianeMarieGon 22 Mar 2008 at 6:43 pm

I know some people are upset or offended by my mentioning GOD…I can’t apologize, because that is what I believe, just like I would not expect you to apologize to me because you don’t believe in GOD…That is the great thing about our country, FREEDOM! To believe and speak what we want and feel…..
We all on this agree about animals, how precious and wonderful they are!
I would only hope that we can come together, and make a difference for them……

DianeMarie
# Penelope Phillipson 22 Mar 2008 at 9:31 pm

We are it seems to me part ofmother/father god comong from that energy and returning to it and if we are luck consciously commiunicating with it.
If unlucky communicating with it but unaware that we are doing that.
For me this applies to plants and rocks as well as animals- everything animate and inanimate.You can call the entity that exists after oblivion a soul I suppose
# BRENDAon 22 Mar 2008 at 10:15 pm

I ABSOLUTELY THINK THEY DO AND ONE DAY, ALL THE HORRIBLE ABUSERS WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN WHAT THEY DID AND THEN PAY RETRIBUTION FOR THEIR CRIMES! WHAT GOES AROUND–COMES AROUND!
# Steve N. Leeon 23 Mar 2008 at 5:55 am

And yet more great comments.

DianeMarie - please don’t feel you have to apologize for your comments/beliefs - you don’t!

Eleanor - as with those people talking about ‘energy’, you’ve touched on an interesting subject which I fully intend to write about at a future date. As have you, Barb and Brandy. And Cher. And Jaclin… Everyone in fact.

Unfortunately, it seems we are all wrong, though! Or at least wrong in believing we are having an intelligent, meaningful conversation. It’s been kindly pointed out to me that we are all exploiting Dany, Oogy and Dog.

I received a private message from someone yesterday, who’ll remain nameless. I don’t mind objective criticism or negative comments that are intelligently made, but sometimes… well, you just want to strangle someone, don’t you?

See what you think to her remarks about this blog and, therefore, our conversation. Here are the most relevant parts of her message.

Of the stories of Dany, Oogy and Dog she says:
“You post them/use them but are not helping at all.”

It’s a little difficult to help two dead dogs and another that’s living a life of bliss! As for Papa Whisky? I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I imagine Ania can throw a wicked punch!

She goes on:
“I don’t think you are here to help. I’m one of the people that if your blog was different I would go there and suggest it to others.”
“I have to say I would not go to your blog again.”

“… consider changing it instead of usng/condoning these poor animals in need of help and we have the information you can post. You have a great chance to make a change in another venue off of Care2. Which is needed severely!!”

Condoning!!!

Of Care2 (an 8.6 million strong network of people raising awareness of environmental, conservation and rights issues, plus providing donations and petitions), she says:

“Care2 is horrible. Ive been here since 1998.”

I replied politely, but forcefully, and suggested that if she didn’t like my blog and knew how to create a better one that she spend her time and money doing just that.

Later, I reflected on what she’d said – ‘we have the information you can post’ – and figured this could be very useful for a future blog I intend to write dealing with ways of stopping animal abuse. Unfortunately, when I went to her profile to see which groups she was actively involved in, I got this message:
“The profile you are looking for could not be found.”

She obviously objected so strongly to me having my own opinion of what to do with my own blog that she deleted me! And this is someone who is supposed to be passionate about helping animals!

I can’t help but wonder how many other people she may have ‘helped’ in this way – were they confident enough to continue trying to make a difference or did they fold under the onslaught and simply give up? It’s precisely this kind of ‘help’ that we can do without. As for her comments about Care2? Well, I’m sure all of her 1000+ friends would be most impressed if they really knew how she felt.

This is not me having a go at someone – why I’ve kept her anonymous – this is merely an illustration of the kind of blatant stupidity that we are likely to encounter every step of the way as we try to make a difference in the world. And this from people who are supposed to be on our side! Imagine what the others have in store for us.

Good luck out there, my friends. It’s a vicious world!
Steve
# Jacqueline Lloydon 23 Mar 2008 at 6:16 am

I know absolutely that my son is in heaven along with all of our beloved animals.

We are now going through the agony of losing our wonderful 16 year old cat, but I know she will be joining the others.

How animal abusers can live with themselves is beyond me.
# Karenon 23 Mar 2008 at 3:08 pm

I’m sorry for your loss of little Papa Whisky. My cat died a few years ago from kidney failure as well. The night before she died, I could see how much she had declined, and felt a helplessness because for ten days, since she first was sick, I did everything I could to save her. I was determined. When I saw finally I had failed her and how bad it was for her, I had this moment when I just started crying and begging her to forgive me. I had needed to apply some IV fluids and force feed her (the worst), and there she was doing so much worse and it seemed she did not trust me the same way. That just killed me, because I didn’t want to harm this little animal.

Ok, well, what I’m getting to is that, there I was, grief hitting me hard, begging my cat to forgive me. All of a sudden, she turned around and gave me a look that was full of love and forgiveness and knowing she was going to die. She showed me her soul. Now, I know this is melodramatic. It’s the kind of thing we don’t want to talk about normally from our connections with animals. But it was a magnificent moment in my connecting with this other being. I would never trade that by deciding to not bond with pets.

Dany really effected me because, even though I could see she was so close, I was hoping the best for her. Many did.

I think something you wrote above is very important, Steve. You said, “And if there is a God, would He lovingly populate His world with creatures knowing they’d suffer their entire lives and only receive release by being wiped from existence? Or would He believe that ALL His creations deserved to be embraced by His love in heaven?” Exactly. When I see undercover photos of animals being tortured to death, I see the sorrow they feel for each other when they can’t watch each other die. They have to turn away. I don’t think it’s only fear. They see what is spiritually wrong in their experiences and in their tormentors, I think.

I like to see animals getting along and seeing the joy in each other. Sometimes I see different sorts of animals, who see it and are joyful at seeing each other. It is beautiful, and it is spiritual.
# Ewaon 24 Mar 2008 at 2:42 am

Steven, bardzo piekna stworzyles strone. Dziekuje! A zwierzeta dusze maja! Ja wiem o tym bardzo dobrze, spedzilam wsrod zwierzat cale zycie swoje. Dziekuje Ci w imieniu zwierzat za poruszenie tego tematu!

Steve, I love your blog! Thank you! And yes - animals have souls!I know it very well. I’ve spent all my life amongst them! So I would like to thank you for this post on the animals’ behalf.
# Steve N Leeon 24 Mar 2008 at 4:54 am

Great to see such a passionate response. Thanks.

Karen, thanks for sharing your story. I can imagine it wasn’t easy. It sounds like you know first-hand exactly what Ania and I experienced. My sympathies on your loss, too.

Ewa - thanks for the ‘thanks’. Yes, I’m sure Papa will be absolutely delighted at being world famous now!

Jacqueline, unfortunately those who abuse animals have no problem whatsoever with living with themselves afterward. (That’s already a topic for a future post.) And that’s why I’d crucify them, physically and mentally, so they understood the suffering they’d inflicted on others. But, as I said, that’s a conversation for another day.

Thanks for all your contributions, guys. Not to mention the kind words for the trauma Ania and I have had to deal with.
Steve
# Brenda Pon 24 Mar 2008 at 10:21 am

Well I know for sure animals have souls,but I’m not so sure of the people that are so evil and so very cruel to a innnocent animal no matter what it is,even wild life.
For me well I was always told I have a gift,even by phyic’s.
I can’t tell it all for it would about a books worth. So I will tell of some of my pets and my friends pets.
First there is Twinky,she has been gone now for about 30 yrs. She was a little calico,she was my little girl, I use to call he little girl. She died at 12yrs in my arms. I cryed for a yr at least.One morning I was up but yet still in a somewhat sleep,she came to me,cuddled under my chin and I knew she was telling me not to cry anymore,she told me she was happy and healthy and she left,well coarse I cryed harder. But when I got up I was so relieved she was ok and happy. That is what I really wanted for her. To be happy.
Then there is Pal. Pal was a feral cat,my Brandy[collie] was a gentle dog and so kind,Pal found Brandy and became friends,Pal and Brandy would sit outside and Pal would be laying inside Brandy’s to front legs just both watching the birds,Pal would not let me touch him in the 3 yrs he was here and being fed. He would not come in the house so I had a box in the breezway with a heating pad and warm blankets for him,he really did love his bed.
One day I noticed Pal was not himself, I got the cat carrier and wow he let me pick him up and put him in. I took him to the vet right away, I promised him I would take him home back to Brandy. Well I got the call they wouldn’t neuter him for he had full blown kitty aides. He was dying and he was in the final stages and in pain. I let them put him down with me there and holding him. I could kick myself now for not taking Brandy with me that day, for Pal would of loved that. They were truely good friends. They loved each other so much.
I did bring Pal home, he is still here he was cremated,well about a wk. Later I wasn’t thinking of anything, It was nice out,the sun was out and when I opened the back breezway door,Pal ran in and went behind the couch. I couldn’t believe it.He came back not to me but to Brandy.
Then Willy, Willy was a little pug of my best friend pat. He use to love it when I went over to there home because I always brought him a goody,mostly tomatoes from the garden,boy he loved tomatoes so much and if not that a huge carrot.Willy was 15 when he got ill and pat had to put him down,what a sad day.he was such a love and always wanted to sit on my lap.
Well about 2 wks later I was doing dish’s, I have a window looking out into the back yrd. Our yrd is all fenced in,no dog can get in and no one can get out.
The sun was out beautiful day, I again wasn’t thinking of anything and I saw this pug walk by my window his tail was a wagging, I said what the heck how did that dog get in the yrd. I ran out maybe 2 sec. After and there was no dog, I said out loud, oh willy you are here,willy I love you, I told him his mommy misses him so much. I saw him like I am looking at my sissy right now. Touch’s my heart.
Then there was Ricky,he was my 20 yr.old kitty, I love being outside, I was putting a blue tarp cover over the fence to dry, It was flared out,a cat ran under the cover and out the other end, I looked at the back door for I didn’t want my Flicky to get out on me they did look alike. The door was closed I relized it was Ricky,he had been gone for at least 2 yrs. He loved the yrd. So much. I said oh Ricky Mommy is so glad you are here and you look so good and healthy,he had developed seizures and had gotten so skinny from being old and sick.he looked so good. I could tell he was happy. I was so overwelmed that he visited me, I was crying with happiness for him. He was my Rick,he use to put his face along side my face and just love me that way. He was so sweet.
Now Brandy my baby, my boy,my shadow,we got him at 3 months old. He was a beauty,he was so proud,he was so gentle, I could go on and on and never stop. Brandy came down with bladder cancer.He died when he was 12. Boy that was a bad day. It will be 4 yrs this june. I held him,before he was gone I asked him to please come and see Mommy and let me know you are with god and lass,his girlfriend[collie] we had. I asked him for a rainbow, I said Bran ask god 1st if it ok to give Mommy a sign. I asked him for a rainbow something easy.
The next day I was laying in bed, I was so depressed and just so sad and crying. It was about 4:00pm, It did not rain, It was a nice day,my husband came into the bedrm and said Bren there are alot of people at the end of the driveway, we live on top of a little hill. I said how come,he said I don’t know but cars are pulling over from the main rd. Well we went out my eyes all swollen, I said to my neighbor jenny what is it, Brenda she said look up it is a double rainbow, It was so beautiful so colorful. It was truely amazing. Well that was it I fell apart,part of me sad part of me smiling. I didn’t tell anyone not even my husband about asking Brandy for a rainbow. It was so amazing for me. Also one night I had, a half up,half alseep that Brandy was with this oh maybe 9yr. Old little girl,they both looked up at me,she smiled and they kept walking,Brandy looked so good he walked like he did so proud. I knew she was also over to the other side, I knew they developed a bond. I guess I was a little upset I wasn’t the one with him. If I could have given my life to her I would have.
Then there is Flicky. I can’t write the whole story of Flick, It is my fault Flick is gone,he was 7 yrs old, he was healthy, he was a very happy cat.he was my smoochie kitty.my husband loved that boy so much like no other. I let him out for a run around the house, It was only done once a day. To make a long story short I let him out for the 2nd time,big huge mistake. A raccoon got him it was about 10:00 am. I ran him to the vet. But the vet I brought him to was a no good vet. Anyhow he died,about a 2 days later I just saw his fluffy orange tail go into the bedrm. Then I saw him outside in the woods looking at me.he was so beautiful, I wanted to run and get him and hold him so bad.
So yes animals have souls,the poor abused animals to me there souls have to be healded by good people that have gone on themselves. They have to be healed like alot of children that have been abused.
I have 4 experence’s with my mother,aunt,dad and grandfater. Too long for sure.
So Steve and Ania your sweet Whiskey is with you. He is only in a different dimension. I am so very sorry he has gone ahead of you, I really don’t like to say die, I never say I will never see them again,for me they have gone ahead of us. We will be with our pets again,for me I can’t wait to hold and love them again. I for now have to think of the ones that are here with me now, I know they need me. I need them too.
I love my pets sorry to say more than some people. They give unconditional love,they don’t care if I’m fat,they don’t care if I didn’t brush my hair and so on. They just plain love me no matter what. They are my life. They are in my heart and my soul. They are my true friends.
Brenda
# Adam Thompsonon 24 Mar 2008 at 10:52 am

“Religion would have us believe that only Man is important enough to possess a soul as everything else is subordinate to him and, therefore, utterly inconsequential”

I’m sorry, but that statement is entirely false. The Bible teaches that a righteous man “cares for the needs of his animals”.

Animals do not have souls, are not made in the image of God, and are subordinate to man. That is true. But animals are not utterly inconsequential, and abusing them is inexcusable.

I would challenge you to interview 100 religious leaders (pastors, rabbi’s, etc) and ask them if they believe animals are “utterly inconsequential and may be abused and driven to extinction since the have no souls”. I doubt you will find a single one who would agree with that statement.
# Steve N. Leeon 24 Mar 2008 at 11:25 am

Brenda, that’s some tale! I’m sure many people will be reassured by it. Thanks for sharing.

Adam, I get your point, however, apart from the fact that my ‘inconsequential’ statement was in reference to them not ‘deserving’ a soul, being subordinate, I’ll say one thing:

The U.S. is the mightiest nation on Earth. It more or less gets what it wants when it wants it. If memory serves, there are over 100 million church-going Americans. If one third of the population believes in stewardship, as in proctecting God’s creatures, then why aren’t they protected? Why do so many of them still suffer? Why is Bush, a Christian president, constantly undermining legislation put in place to protect animals in favour of making a buck?

I did look into this while conducting research for my novel and I was quite surprised to learn that some theologians look on the Bible’s reference to stewardship as instruction for us to protect, while others consider it an invitation to dominate - two VERY different concepts.

Thanks for adding to the conversation, Adam.
Steve
# Terrie Won 26 Mar 2008 at 11:40 am

Thank you, Steve, for this blog.

I have started this post over several times because there are some comments posted here that I feel strongly about, but, who am I to judge. So I will not comment on the comments.

All I will say is this…I firmly believe animals DO have souls. I need only look into the eyes of my dogs to KNOW that.

Only animals are capable of unconditional love. Especially dogs. Man will never attain that ability. No need to agrue, it is just my opinion!

Dog spelled backwards is….God. Just think about it.

My heartfelt condolences to you and Ania….you WILL see Papa again.
# Liz Don 27 Mar 2008 at 9:46 am

Thank you Steve for this poignant blog.

It upsets me so much how mankind can do so much harm to innocent creatures who only give unconditional love and devotion.

How animal abusers can look into those soulful eyes as they torture them and hear their cries of pain is beyond me….their hearts must be devoid of feeling! They will pay the price in due time when punishment is metered out by God, but its up to the rest of us to put an end to this abuse.

In my religion we are asked to treat animals and all creatures with care and kindness, God expects that from us. I will tell you a brief tale passed on down from the Prophet Mohamed.

There was a women that used to give charity and help her neighbors doing good works. But she kept a cat that went hungry and did not treat it well. When the Prophet was asked about that women he replied that she would spend some time in Hell as punishment for not taking care of her cat that was dependent on her for its well being. So we are all accountable for out actions.

We share this earth with them, by Gods leave and they should be treated with respect and kindness, live and die with dignity.

I too recently lost a beloved cat to illness, and share your grief for the loss of your cat.

Liz
# Sc B. McKinneyon 28 Mar 2008 at 9:22 pm

Well, I actually had this post done, and when I clicked “summit” the popup blocker came on and I lost everything. As it was quite long and I was “on a roll” I can’t remember everything I wanted to say. I read the above posts and several of them referenced many of the Biblical verses I had so I won’t repeat them.

Then one also referenced the Hebrew term used to described animals in the Old Testament “nephesh”. Nephesh stands for the force that animates the body - whatever makes a person or an animal a conscious, sentient individual. Another word “chayah”means living. In the many different translations of the Bible into English, different words are used depending whether animals or people are being discussed. Of course this depends on the translator.

“nephesh chayah” is translated as “living creature” in Genesis 1: 21 & 24, yet the same words are translated as “living soul” in Genesis 2:7. It is interesting to note that the original Hebrew shows no such distinction between the two.

In Revelations we read about many strange creatures worshipping God. To us they are strange and they are not man so we conclude that they are animals. I think the point is that they are living, breathing creatures, and we, mankind, have the interpretation that we are superior because we were made in the image of God. God is just and all His creation is good. If all of His creation is good, and God is just and all living, breathing creatures are His creation, then it would reason that all, man and beast, and bird, reptile, etc. would have their place in heaven. I believe one soul may not be the same as another soul but God expects all things in heaven, on earth and under the earth to bow at the name of Jesus and every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. ( I paraphrased Philippians 2:9-11.) To me that means every living, breathing creature with a tongue, man or beast. I believe God created all things to worship Him, the true, living God. Only man thinks of himself as being the only living, breathing creature to worship God. Yet the same people who believe give exception to the strange creatures described in Revelations that are in heaven worshipping God. If these strange creatures are in heaven worshipping, I would reason that all living, breathing creatures would have that right. God loves His creation and I don’t believe only man has a soul - the animals do too. Maybe the same as ours, maybe not but I do believe they have a soul.

I often think about the dragonfly. Some dragonflies only live 24 hours. Imagine your lifetime, the entire life that God gave you was only 24 hours. Yet the dragonfly lives its life to its fullest in those 24 hours. God’s purpose defined in that dragonfly to complete its mission that it was given. To us, a lifetime in 24 hours would be devastating but to that dragonfly, it is a joyful lifetime and hopefully he/she accomplishes the mission God gave it. How much more so we should cherish our lifetime when God gave us so many more hours than the dragonfly.

My conclusion is that how sad God must be that mankind is so greedy, abusive and refuses to serve the one true living God. How many tears has He shed over the abuse mankind has inflicted upon other living, breathing creatures He created? How many more tears will be shed for the abuse before mankind changes? If mankind serves God, there will be no abuse. Mankind has free choice, serve God or serve Mammon. We make that choice as individuals and with the evil choice, other creatures suffer because evil is cruel, abusive and only for oneself. Only love cares about other creatures besides oneself.
# Kent Butleron 30 Mar 2008 at 11:33 am

Thanks, Steve.

The more I learn about “lesser” animals. the more convinced I become that they do, indeed, have souls. I do not believe the same is necessarily true of the so-called “humans” who inflict abuse and torture upon them - like the pseudo-artist who starved Dog. They may well be demons. God, Our Father, has angels; satan has demons.
# Karen Stillwellon 30 Mar 2008 at 5:21 pm

Thank you so much for inviting me to this lovely website of yours. I will be viviting often as my time will allow meot. It is wonderful to come here and to learn about allthese wonderful topics. indeed the world needs to know and to hear about all the atrocities committed against our animal friends. We need to be that voice for the and try and help as much as we possibly can. I intend to do just that. thanks again. Wonderful website. keep up the great and wonderful work that you are doing. it is great appreciated and together we all can make a big difference.. Love it. k
# Steve N. Leeon 31 Mar 2008 at 12:15 pm

Wow, and the comments just keep on coming and coming.

Liz, thanks for sharing that about Islam. I’m sure many readers here have no idea what your religion entails, except that force-fed them by the media, so thanks for a very valuable contribution.

Karen, Kent and Terrie, thanks too. Yes, all valid points, which echo my own feelings.

Sc B. sorry to hear your popup blocker blocked your comment. I’ve lost comments in the past so I know how frustrating it is.

A soul is a soul, as all the animal lovers here will appreciate, so if you water it down so that an animal can have one, then it stops being a soul and becomes something else.

Don’t forget that to your dragonfly 24 hours isn’t a paltry 24 hours but it is a lifetime. Yes, I’d be devastated if I only had 24 hours to live because that isn’t a human’s normal lifespan. Many living beings have life spans that make Man’s look pathetic - the giant tortoise, trees, some species of whale. You see, we haven’t been given any ‘extra’ time, relatively speaking, that we should cherish more than another creature cherishes its. We’ve merely been given a lifespan the same as any other living being. It isn’t how long a life is that matters but what is done with it.

There are some interesting points there which, if this was a theological blog, I’d love to explore but that’s not possible here I’m afraid.

But, yes, I imagine you’re right - if there is a God, then He must be absolutely mortified at what His prized creation is doing to the rest of His beloved world.

But then that leads us into yet another theological debate - Godly love aside, can an all-knowing, all-powerful being feel? Doesn’t the act of incontravertibly knowing something, its history, present and future, exclude the entire ‘feeling’ process?

Yes, there’s much opportunity for theological debate if only there was time and space available.

Thanks you, one and all, for such wonderful contributions.
Steve
# LITTLEWINGon 26 Apr 2008 at 8:45 pm

THANK YOU STEVE…………………………………
# Elle Jordanon 22 Jun 2008 at 9:19 pm

I have rescued 10 animals in all. I have never been to a shelter. They have all found me. I am not sure that animals have souls but they do have a deep understanding of being rescued and being safe. It was very obvious to me. The 5 dogs, 1 french lopped-eard rabbit, and 1 cat have all gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I believe that there is such a place created by God where animals go to wait for us to join them, never to be parted again. God promised us that we would have everything in heaven that makes us happy and He would never make such a promise if it were not true. I have 2 cats and a cockatiel and I love them all dearly. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your little cat, Steve. I know the sadness and emptiness you feel. I have felt that before. I tend to humanize my animals. They are always kept in the house, yes even the 5 dogs but they weren’t huge dogs. I don’t understand how anyone could mistreat an animal. You can be at ease knowing you gave your little cat a very good home and lots of love. I am sure you will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge
# Steve N. Leeon 23 Jun 2008 at 9:21 pm

Hi Elle,

Thanks for your comment. And for being such a good person and bringing so much kindness into the world. Though I know you won’t do it for this reason, it must give you a wonderfully warm feeling to know you’ve brought so much life where there would only have been suffering and death.

Yes, I hope we meet all our loved ones, not just human but of all species, again one day. And what a truly wondrous day that will be. In one way, I really can’t wait!

Thanks again, Elle,
Steve
# Margaritaon 24 Jun 2008 at 10:51 am

Just imagine what it is like to live in a country where bullfighting is so popular and bullfighters sort of national heroes. It is the type of thing that makes me ashamed of being a Spaniard.
# Steve N. Leeon 24 Jun 2008 at 11:34 am

Please don’t beat yourself up. Margarita. The Spanish are not the villains here.

In England, we’ve only just banned fox hunting in which a group of riders on horseback and a pack of dogs used to chase a poor little fox all over the countryside till it was exhausted and terrified, and then rip it limb from limb.

In the U.S., where most of this blogs readers seem to live, they still have hunting seasons for various animals.

And don’t even get me started on the Far East! You won’t believe the things I’ve seen on sale in their food markets and supermarkets.

We all have skeletons in our closets. Yes, bullfighting is barbaric, but the Spanish are not alone in their deplorable treatment of animals.

Steve