For thousands of years, the dog has been mankind's best and most loyal friend. The first drawings by man indicate that the dog was the first domesticated pet on Earth. Even in prehistoric times, the wildest of wolves found a common bond with man in their quests to discover and share the world together.

When the life of a dog passes, grieving is often deeper and more devastating than when people close to us die. Perhaps this is because the dog gives us unyeilding, unconditional love and devotion through its entire lifetime. No other species of living thing on Earth, including human beings, possesses the capacity to give so much, demand so little, and forgive so quickly. What a unique blessing this is. Ironically, it is often the unaccomplished mission of our lifetime as people!

When we lose our friend and companion, we inevitably ask ourselves, 'does this dog have a soul? Was his life on Earth his last? Does this spirit move up and on to a higher place?' After having given us the rare gift of his life, surely the dog must move on to an eternal place. Theologians and religious scholars are reluctant to decide, so for most, the question remains unanswered. As for me, I have known too many dogs in a special way that I have never known people. My heart knows the answer.

If you have any doubt, be comforted by this belief. The loving creator of all universes and creatures would not have blessed us with them, if He had not blessed THEM first. Is it a coincidence that this is revealed to us so clearly by the simple reflection of the word DOG in a mirror?

Cleveland Wheeler