Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Pet

ITS good enough

Having experienced a fair amount of loss, I can say without hesitation, that nothing has been as hard as the loss of my Jack Russell, Trevor. It was the first time that anything affected me so much and for so long. It has now been more than a year, and I still have moments or days that I feel like I just lost him. Many people don’t understand or think I should get over it. I’ve been told I shouldn’t feel what I feel and that The Bible tells us that we are not to love animals as we love each other. Well, The Bible tells us a lot of things, and the great thing about it is that at any time, any one passage can be interpreted differently depending on the reader who applies the lessons to their life and current situation.When Trevor died, I was completely heartbroken. I’m 40, single, and have never had children. That little guy was the one constant source of goodness, innocence and joy for me during nearly 13 years that saw a lot of change and upheaval. When he had a stroke coming out of anesthesia, it was a shock and unexpected. My life forever changed because of a mistake in dosing by a new vet who didn’t listen to me or look at his previous surgical notes. She did everything wrong, but I still felt so guilty that I hadn’t been able to protect him. I found myself not questioning faith, but feeling a deeper understanding of it and looking to find proof in scripture that I would be able to be with this most important friend again.I didn’t care for responses from my usual people sources on Biblical citations. So, I searched Amazon and found Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates. Admittedly, it’s a bit slow to start, and the author is very repetitive to the point of frustrating when apologizing if his views aren’t inline with the readers. I’d like to scream out “Hey, people are reading this for comfort and possibilities in the hereafter, quit apologizing for your opinion and get on with it!” It’s a fairly long preface that takes you down strange paths talking about evolutionary theories and theology studies. I get that writers need to establish their credibility and give you an overview of what your about to read, but it could’ve been done a lot more effectively and efficiently. For me, he’s a preacher, he lost a pet unexpectedly, found hope in several passages and here’s what they are. My point is that if you get through the beginning, which can be lengthy and mind numbing, the rest of the book does cite specific verses that actually talk about our animals and their ultimate faith. I haven’t really found another record that is this fact-based and thorough. I appreciate the way it is laid out very straightforward and easily referenced. The work gave me great comfort in my lowest time, when not much else could. For me, Heaven wouldn’t be the perfect infinite utopia without everyone I’ve truly loved and received love from, and that includes my sweet Trevor, who taught me what perfect, unconditional love, can be.

A good read for those who have lost a pet that was a close friend. The author has convincing evidence that our pets will be there to great us when we cross through to the other side.

I just lost my 18-year-old cat who was born in my home. I never really believed that pets went to heaven. I honestly always just kind of believed (by my own thinking on it) that God brings pets into our lives to teach us to be better people, to make us happy, and to provide us with great companionship. I still believe those things of course, but the author of this book gives you a lot more to think about regarding animals in general, and how much God really cares about them. It does seem almost obvious now (after reading this book) that God likely will be sure we see our animals again. I'm not sure if we will recognize each other, or if their bodies will still be in the form of the same animal they were on earth -- seems obvious they would -- but there's so much that we don't know, so how can we assume? After reading this book in one day, I do feel like I will see my best buddy again, and I'm hanging on to that hope. Though I still miss him terribly and would do anything to have him back, I have faith that God is giving him the best love and health he can have.This book didn't spell it out for me in this way, but it made me realize after reading it, that if I love my pets so so much, and if God is a much better person than me (He is, no doubt!) God must love my pets even more than me (which is hard to fathom), enough to see that they're taken care of even after their earthly lives have ended.I do want to make one point to someone who may want to read this, but may feel hesitant, thinking the book may make them more sad than they already are. I bought and read this book a day or two after I lost my cat, and I was incredibly sad. A few parts made me cry, of course, but it really wasn't as heart-breaking to read as I expected it to be. So if you need some comfort, and you're searching for an answer, this book may help open your eyes and increase your faith some, while providing some gentle comfort.I truly appreciate the author for writing this book. I think it took a great deal of time and reflection, and prayer, and wow, what a gift this book is for people who love their pets as much as -- or more than! -- the humans in their lives. I truly hope God blesses this author in ways he can't even imagine. I know this book has touched my heart when I needed comfort unlike any I have ever needed before.This book would also make a great gift.PS - I absolutely love the title of the book!!!

This book was so helpful in my grief! Well more than helpful, it carried me.To run along Gods word. It gave me strength and Hope! I felt this mans true love of God,A true love of God and His creation.Not a religious man but a Godly man! For any one can be religious. For religion is something to say and do, Jesus is someone to know and trust ...... a relationship!A book to treasure I’ve read next two books.Thank you for saying it like it is, Thank you for feeling my brokenness, thank you for being a man who cares for both the human heart and the creature heart. +

This is a wonderful book and it has given me overwhelming comfort at dealing with the death of my beloved dog. For the negative review here who claims the author is too preachy - well the clue is in the title isnt it?! The author states right in the introduction that he is a Baptist minister and that the book is written from a Christian perspective- if you arent comfortable with that then the answer is simple- dont read it! The author has been completely transparent about his stance on spiritual matters and the point of view he is coming from. The fact the book addresses the concept of heaven and the after life (even in the title!) should be at least a clue to the observant reader about the spiritual nature of this book.I also refute the assertion that he claims animals "arent intelligent"- this is nonsense. He goes into great detail to assert that animals have an inherent intelligence and are born with an innate and instinctive knowledge of the world around them (e.g.- dogs know that eating grass will cause them to be sick which purges whatever bacteria or toxin is causing them to feel discomfort in their stomach). It is very clear that the author adores animals and greatly values their presence in his life.If you are grieving the loss of a pet and enjoy a discussion from a Christian perspective then you will find this book amazingly helpful.

This is just something very different. A definite must have for me....Have since purchased two others by same Author. Came at just the right time, having r3cently lost my own dog......

truly excellent book that was a real comfort to me when I lost my beloved cat last year...a must read for all of us that have lost a dearly loved pet

Lovely book; very encouraging and straightforward purchase.