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Wagging Tails in Heaven: The Gift Of Our Pets Everlasting Love
The Truth About Cats And Dogs And Their Existence In Heaven…
Will our departed pets greet us on the other side? Are their spirits watching and protecting us right now? Will they be happy?
If you've ever loved and lost a pet, you understand the power of a truly special bond. Animal or human, we are all God's creatures-and the love we share must surely be eternal. In this enlightening book, author Gary Kurz offers surprising and comforting evidence of an animal afterlife. You'll discover what the Bible says about the souls of animals; how pet angels devote themselves to humanity; what your dog or cat might look like in heaven; and what to expect when you're reunited on a spiritual plane. You'll also hear amazing firsthand accounts of "ghost pet" visitations, animal communications from beyond, and heartwarming tales of heroism, loyalty, and everlasting love.
Deeply moving and truly inspiring, Kurz's book goes beyond his acclaimed Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates -proving once and for all that the pets we cherish will stay with us throughout eternity…
"For those of us who love our pets so passionately, Gary Kurz thoughtfully and thoroughly gives hope that death is not the end for our furry, scaled, and feathered friends."
—Francine Hornberger, co-author of So You Think You Know About Cats?
Will our departed pets greet us on the other side? Are their spirits watching and protecting us right now? Will they be happy?
If you've ever loved and lost a pet, you understand the power of a truly special bond. Animal or human, we are all God's creatures-and the love we share must surely be eternal. In this enlightening book, author Gary Kurz offers surprising and comforting evidence of an animal afterlife. You'll discover what the Bible says about the souls of animals; how pet angels devote themselves to humanity; what your dog or cat might look like in heaven; and what to expect when you're reunited on a spiritual plane. You'll also hear amazing firsthand accounts of "ghost pet" visitations, animal communications from beyond, and heartwarming tales of heroism, loyalty, and everlasting love.
Deeply moving and truly inspiring, Kurz's book goes beyond his acclaimed Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates -proving once and for all that the pets we cherish will stay with us throughout eternity…
"For those of us who love our pets so passionately, Gary Kurz thoughtfully and thoroughly gives hope that death is not the end for our furry, scaled, and feathered friends."
—Francine Hornberger, co-author of So You Think You Know About Cats?
247 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
188 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Gary Kurz
8 books33 followersGary Kurz is a retired Coast Guard officer who served his country faithfully and honorably for over 30 years. He and his wife have a love for animals and a concern for others who share their love. He lives in Topeka, Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 31, 2011
I don't like this book, but I'm giving it a three. Not that I agree with what's in it, but for what's here it is well written and the author does support his inferences, suppositions and assumptions with Bible verses and passages which was his intention. As such, he's done a good job.
Whether or not you agree with him or even think his viewpoint is worth consideration will likely depend on your thoughts about the Bible. If you believe that all the questions from all the people for all time are answered by the Bible and only the Bible then you may find something here to satisfy you.
If you don't believe that or if you believe that possibly throughout it's myriad translations with editing and additions that it is a book about beliefs written by men and controlled by men who were guided by their belief in God, then you may find yourself irritated.
The blurb on the back cover of this book is very misleading. There aren't "heartwarming tales of heroism, loyalty and everlasting love" in this. What there is mostly is proselytizing and sermonizing from a fundamentalist viewpoint, although I'm sure the author would consider it testifying and sharing the good word. I didn't enjoy this as it wasn't what I thought this book was about and I prefer not to read this type of work or enter into this kind of discussion.
The first few chapters seemed to be on point, or what I thought was the point, but around page 144 the subject seems to change and the rest of the book mostly deals with evil and demons. That's close to half the book not devoted to helping pet owners deal with their loss, but examining religious beliefs regarding the Fall, the nature of good and evil and the amount of power and abilities on each side.
One of the things that really bothered me is that the author informs us that visitations or signs from beyond the grave that our pets are still with us or are fine and happy once they've crossed over aren't signs from heaven, but are, in fact, created to deceive us by the great deceiver. Creepy right?
He's taken the one thing that might actually give grieving pet lovers comfort; the feeling that in some spiritual way their beloved pet might still be with them and replaced it with fear.
And after spending close to one hundred pages on this subject, he then goes on to relate how he, the author, himself, received such a sign, but that as he is a born-again Christian who bases his life completely and totally on the Bible, that the sign that he received was from God.
I can't recommend this book for what it's intended. I don't think there is comfort here for the casual reader, only for those who want an in depth Biblical discussion. I mean no disrespect to the author for his beliefs.
Please don't give this book to a grieving friend thinking this will help them. Unless they share the author's viewpoint, it will likely make them more upset.
If you're looking for heartwarming and uplifting animal stories, I'd suggest any of the Chicken Soup books. There is one for the pet lover's soul, one for dog lovers, cat lovers, horse lovers and in those books, there might be a story or two to ease the pain of the loss.
(Please note, I'm reviewing this book only and do not want to enter into a debate on what are or are not my own personal beliefs.)
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways.
Whether or not you agree with him or even think his viewpoint is worth consideration will likely depend on your thoughts about the Bible. If you believe that all the questions from all the people for all time are answered by the Bible and only the Bible then you may find something here to satisfy you.
If you don't believe that or if you believe that possibly throughout it's myriad translations with editing and additions that it is a book about beliefs written by men and controlled by men who were guided by their belief in God, then you may find yourself irritated.
The blurb on the back cover of this book is very misleading. There aren't "heartwarming tales of heroism, loyalty and everlasting love" in this. What there is mostly is proselytizing and sermonizing from a fundamentalist viewpoint, although I'm sure the author would consider it testifying and sharing the good word. I didn't enjoy this as it wasn't what I thought this book was about and I prefer not to read this type of work or enter into this kind of discussion.
The first few chapters seemed to be on point, or what I thought was the point, but around page 144 the subject seems to change and the rest of the book mostly deals with evil and demons. That's close to half the book not devoted to helping pet owners deal with their loss, but examining religious beliefs regarding the Fall, the nature of good and evil and the amount of power and abilities on each side.
One of the things that really bothered me is that the author informs us that visitations or signs from beyond the grave that our pets are still with us or are fine and happy once they've crossed over aren't signs from heaven, but are, in fact, created to deceive us by the great deceiver. Creepy right?
He's taken the one thing that might actually give grieving pet lovers comfort; the feeling that in some spiritual way their beloved pet might still be with them and replaced it with fear.
And after spending close to one hundred pages on this subject, he then goes on to relate how he, the author, himself, received such a sign, but that as he is a born-again Christian who bases his life completely and totally on the Bible, that the sign that he received was from God.
I can't recommend this book for what it's intended. I don't think there is comfort here for the casual reader, only for those who want an in depth Biblical discussion. I mean no disrespect to the author for his beliefs.
Please don't give this book to a grieving friend thinking this will help them. Unless they share the author's viewpoint, it will likely make them more upset.
If you're looking for heartwarming and uplifting animal stories, I'd suggest any of the Chicken Soup books. There is one for the pet lover's soul, one for dog lovers, cat lovers, horse lovers and in those books, there might be a story or two to ease the pain of the loss.
(Please note, I'm reviewing this book only and do not want to enter into a debate on what are or are not my own personal beliefs.)
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways.
December 27, 2012
If you read this book thinking that you're going to read sweet stories about pets and be comforted at their loss, you'll be sadly disappointed. Gary Kurz knows the scriptures and shares his insights and knowledge through his writing. But there is little to do with pets, and to get to his point he does manage to wander around the block a few times before reaching his destination. Though I found the book scripturally uplifting, I was disappointed in his lack of direction as far as pets are concerned, for I read the book thinking he would lead me through the scriptural indication of pets in heaven. I personally believe in the Rainbow Bridge. I believe that animals have souls and do have a heaven. I know of scriptures that indicate this and that God cares for His creation, all of His creation. But I find the title to this book misleading, but I would recommend the book to anyone who cares to read books on scripture. In that respect, it's very good.
May 1, 2013
Perfect book for today, the day I parted with my beloved Chow Chow, Rosie. Great hope and comfort in this book! A must read for any animal lover.
October 8, 2012
I was a little disappointed in this book. My sister-in-law gave me this book when my 17 year old daschund passed this last June. But rather relating to how we will be reunited with our beloved pets it seemed more like a sermon and bible education with personal histories of the author and his conversion. Wasn't really thrilled with this one.
December 1, 2013
I couldn't finish this book. While I agree with it's basic premise, the book itself was way too religious for my taste. Of course, all dogs go to heaven. I also believe I'll be reunited with all my beloved dogs who have gone before me. I didn't need this book to tell me what I already know.
did-not-finish
November 14, 2016Not what I expected. This book seemed really odd and didn't seem to pertain to pet loss - why I wanted to pick up this book - and seemed to be more of a sermon to save human souls. I read almost the first 50 pages and then skimmed through the rest. Very disappointing.
August 30, 2011
Gary Kurz, uses Bible scriptures to support the theory that our pets have souls and go to heaven. The title Wagging Tails in Heaven; The Gift of Our Pets' Everlasting Love draws-in the pet lover. The cover has an engaging picture of a kitten and pup. Kurz's writing style is so personal that it seems he is speaking directly to the reader.
The book isn't as soft a read as the title and cover might lead one to expect. It reads as though each chapter could be a Sunday sermon. Kurz researched his subject. Though the book is written with compassion and heart it is also written with knowledge and supportive detail. The book has substance.
Kurz writes "The Bible speaks to each reader on an individual basis knowing the thoughts and heart of the individual turning its pages. One passage can say one thing to a reader and something completely different, yet appropriate, to another. Whatever it says to the reader will be personalized to reach into that individual's presence and stir his or her soul. What other book can claim the perfection and power of the Bible?" (p. 207) Wagging Tails in Heaven shares some of these same qualities.
The book isn't as soft a read as the title and cover might lead one to expect. It reads as though each chapter could be a Sunday sermon. Kurz researched his subject. Though the book is written with compassion and heart it is also written with knowledge and supportive detail. The book has substance.
Kurz writes "The Bible speaks to each reader on an individual basis knowing the thoughts and heart of the individual turning its pages. One passage can say one thing to a reader and something completely different, yet appropriate, to another. Whatever it says to the reader will be personalized to reach into that individual's presence and stir his or her soul. What other book can claim the perfection and power of the Bible?" (p. 207) Wagging Tails in Heaven shares some of these same qualities.
January 6, 2012
I would rate this book 3.5 stars. A good majority of the book is pretty much common sense if you know anything about the Bible and believe it. (I do believe it). It seems like a good portion of this book is about finding faith with God instead of actually helping the reader find comfort in losing a beloved pet. The reason I wanted to read this book was because my family's pet (a Dachshund named Heidi) passed away November 1, 2011 at the age of 14 1/2. I called her "sister". Being an only child and growing up with her, she was like a best friend and sister to me. I was feeling guilt for not being home when she died, and was hoping this book would give me knowledge and comfort. The author could have written the last three chapters as the book and I would have gotten the comfort I needed, instead of having to read the first 150+ pages before them. The end of the book gave me the answers I needed to know. I will see my "sister" again someday and she is happy in Heaven. :)
May 30, 2017
It was a truly interesting book. I agreed with many things Kurz believes and I found what he wrote very enlightening and uplifting. If you have lost a pet dear to you, I would definitely recommend this book, think it will offer much needed comfort about where your pet goes. (heaven)
August 9, 2011
I won this book. Quick read and very inspirational!
September 6, 2014
This book gives you some interesting details and references to think upon. Enjoyed reading it. It is definitely for animal lovers who have lost a pet.
July 7, 2017
It was sweet. Some ideas a bit odd. Theology seemed bad.
July 7, 2017
Loved the cover! The topic seemed interesting but the author's writing style did not hold my interest. Left off on page 101.
March 6, 2023
Evangelical Creationism
This book has some good things going for it, which is why I went ahead and gave it a star for that. The author is extremely compassionate for animals and does hold the belief that we will see our pets in heaven! Someone with such a sweet spirit, I know I would like to know personally.
However, there was so much that turned me off that I could not give more than 2 stars. For one, his writing style is so redundant! He says the same thing over and over for page after page, and it often comes out as rambling thoughts. I would be able to get past that, though.
What really turned me off is that he frequently seemed to forget what his book was to be about, going into page after page of how he became a Christian, or telling how Satan is alive and active in our world. He views the Bible as the final say when determining facts....even trumping science; thus, his disbelief in evolution. In one chapter he says that animals do not have a sixth sense or instinct. Their behaviors are all learned. Humans though have that extra sense which is what leads us to seek God. From there, the rest of the chapter (pretty much all of it) is about God working in various people's lives. There is nothing wrong about writing inspirational stories, except they overshadowed the reason why I wanted to read this book! While he says that animals are souls that go to heaven, they do not communicate with us in our dreams or appear as apparitions. He may be right, but he says it's the same with people. No communication from the other side even in dreams. He then goes into a long explanation on how Satan makes us THINK we had a dream visitation...with pets OR people.
I have read reviews from people who read this book AND his first book, and while they had the same impressions as me on "Wagging Tails in Heaven," they claim the first book is so much better, that he doesn't get on a preachy soap box. I will likely give that a try someday.
At the end of this book there is a sneak peak chapter to the next one about talking to children when a pet dies. I read that chapter and agree with everything he said! So, the author does have comforting words to say about pet loss, it's just that "Wagging Tails" is much more than that topic. It did not resonate with me when he got off topic which was a huge portion of the book.
This book has some good things going for it, which is why I went ahead and gave it a star for that. The author is extremely compassionate for animals and does hold the belief that we will see our pets in heaven! Someone with such a sweet spirit, I know I would like to know personally.
However, there was so much that turned me off that I could not give more than 2 stars. For one, his writing style is so redundant! He says the same thing over and over for page after page, and it often comes out as rambling thoughts. I would be able to get past that, though.
What really turned me off is that he frequently seemed to forget what his book was to be about, going into page after page of how he became a Christian, or telling how Satan is alive and active in our world. He views the Bible as the final say when determining facts....even trumping science; thus, his disbelief in evolution. In one chapter he says that animals do not have a sixth sense or instinct. Their behaviors are all learned. Humans though have that extra sense which is what leads us to seek God. From there, the rest of the chapter (pretty much all of it) is about God working in various people's lives. There is nothing wrong about writing inspirational stories, except they overshadowed the reason why I wanted to read this book! While he says that animals are souls that go to heaven, they do not communicate with us in our dreams or appear as apparitions. He may be right, but he says it's the same with people. No communication from the other side even in dreams. He then goes into a long explanation on how Satan makes us THINK we had a dream visitation...with pets OR people.
I have read reviews from people who read this book AND his first book, and while they had the same impressions as me on "Wagging Tails in Heaven," they claim the first book is so much better, that he doesn't get on a preachy soap box. I will likely give that a try someday.
At the end of this book there is a sneak peak chapter to the next one about talking to children when a pet dies. I read that chapter and agree with everything he said! So, the author does have comforting words to say about pet loss, it's just that "Wagging Tails" is much more than that topic. It did not resonate with me when he got off topic which was a huge portion of the book.
November 14, 2020
I read this book after we had to euthanize our much loved, almost 15-year-old siberian husky. I'd hoped it would bring me some comfort and perhaps help comfort my husband who was having an even harder time than me. The first few chapters were fine, other than not liking this guy's extremely long-winded, often formal (old-fashioned?) writing style. I also didn't like that he makes repeated references to his other "best-selling" books.
Then he takes a crazy turn and goes completely away from talking about pet loss and gets really preachy, even sounding a little extreme at times. He goes off on so many tangents that I often lost track of the point he was trying to make. He even acknowledges multiple times in the book that he takes a long time to make a point. (So stop doing that and make the point already!!!)
I ended up skimming through the first few paragraphs of a chapter (since that's where he laid out his entire point that he'd blather on about for 20 more pages) and skipping the rest from about 40% on. At least half the book was totally off-topic rambling and then he contradicts himself. Probably because he forgot what his point was, too.
This book would be better as just the first few chapters (edited) and maybe published as an article or something. I found When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt to be a lot more helpful for grief. I for sure won't be reading any of his other books that he raves about. Lol
Then he takes a crazy turn and goes completely away from talking about pet loss and gets really preachy, even sounding a little extreme at times. He goes off on so many tangents that I often lost track of the point he was trying to make. He even acknowledges multiple times in the book that he takes a long time to make a point. (So stop doing that and make the point already!!!)
I ended up skimming through the first few paragraphs of a chapter (since that's where he laid out his entire point that he'd blather on about for 20 more pages) and skipping the rest from about 40% on. At least half the book was totally off-topic rambling and then he contradicts himself. Probably because he forgot what his point was, too.
This book would be better as just the first few chapters (edited) and maybe published as an article or something. I found When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt to be a lot more helpful for grief. I for sure won't be reading any of his other books that he raves about. Lol
June 12, 2019
This was exactly the book I needed for a friend who had recently lost her dearly beloved cat. This Bible based book connects our pets with God’s love and with his promise of life everlasting. Using scriptures from the Bible, the author shares God’s love of our pets., states how our pets have personalities which differentiates them from other creatures, and identifies their personalities as their soul.
The author shares scriptures from the Bible where God promises everlasting life to not only humans but to our beloved pets.
This may not be the book for those who are seeking comfort after losing a pet if they are not looking for spiritual texts. However, if you are seeking a Bible-based reflection, this is it. The second half of the book does tend to wander to other subjects besides pets, but overall, this book does provide comfort and hope for grieving following the loss of a dearly loved pet.
The author shares scriptures from the Bible where God promises everlasting life to not only humans but to our beloved pets.
This may not be the book for those who are seeking comfort after losing a pet if they are not looking for spiritual texts. However, if you are seeking a Bible-based reflection, this is it. The second half of the book does tend to wander to other subjects besides pets, but overall, this book does provide comfort and hope for grieving following the loss of a dearly loved pet.
August 26, 2018
Every Pet Parent Needs This Book
A very well presented school of thought regarding departed pets. Written in a conversational way, it will make you laugh, make you cry but will aid your understanding of how God views his creation....all of it. Yet, it deals with more than just the passing of pets. Chapter 9 is a powerful presentation of the Gospel message. Gary, the author, is Quick to respond to emails & it is evident he has a great love for people. I highly recommend this book especially to my fellow animal lovers.
A very well presented school of thought regarding departed pets. Written in a conversational way, it will make you laugh, make you cry but will aid your understanding of how God views his creation....all of it. Yet, it deals with more than just the passing of pets. Chapter 9 is a powerful presentation of the Gospel message. Gary, the author, is Quick to respond to emails & it is evident he has a great love for people. I highly recommend this book especially to my fellow animal lovers.
August 15, 2022
Through tears and sobbing, this book helped me after I lost my little buddy Rome . My orange triangle brought our family so much joy and gave us so much love. He was a constant living presence for the last 17 years and it is heart-wrenching for home to not be waiting in the porch. Wagging Tails in Heaven was a perfectly timed, unexpected gem just waiting for me on the bookshelf at Goodwill. I have hope…
November 18, 2023
If you ever lost a pet, you understand the power of a truly special bond. In reading this book you will discover what the bible says about the souls of animals and how pet angels devote themselves to humanity what your dog or cat might look like in heaven and what to expect when you're reunited. You will also read heartwarming tales of heroism loyalty and everlasting love. Truly an inspiring book!!!
May 16, 2017
I really liked Wagging Tails in Heaven by Gary Kurz. Kurz does an excellent job of writing about the afterlife of pets and backing it up using the Bible. Kurz does a great job of setting your minds at ease about the loss of a much loved pet.
I highly recommend this books to readers who: have lost a precious pet and wondered about pets and afterlife and books about Christian faith.
I highly recommend this books to readers who: have lost a precious pet and wondered about pets and afterlife and books about Christian faith.
January 28, 2021
I appreciated the author providing scriptures to back up his beliefs. His views lined up with my bible study and I agree with his conclusions on whether or not dogs, cats and other animals go to heaven after their death. It was comforting to read after the recent loss of my sweet 13 year old dog and I look forward to being reunited with her again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
I really didn't cared for the book at all. May God Bless him for his belief in God. He really was no help when it came to the animals and what will be. I really thought he knew something but mostly he talked about himself.
August 20, 2021
Bible Study
75% of book felt with religion and bible study. Not objecting, it brought back many memories of Sunday school and the many religious sermons I’ve listened to in my long life. Well written and researched.
75% of book felt with religion and bible study. Not objecting, it brought back many memories of Sunday school and the many religious sermons I’ve listened to in my long life. Well written and researched.
April 17, 2024
This disappointed me. I hoped for philosophical spirituality, but what this amounts to is bible thumping and Christian proselytizing. I have a degree in religious studies and spent time in seminary. I neither need this nor agree.
August 31, 2020
Why
I did enjoy the book at first but then I seemed to get mixed messages from what I was reading
I did enjoy the book at first but then I seemed to get mixed messages from what I was reading
April 19, 2024
I just lost my dog after 14 and 1/2 years. She was my constant companion and best friend. Grieving a pet is very painful. I found this book a source of comfort.
May 12, 2020
This is not as good as I hoped as he is too "preachy" and I tend to disagree with him as he is against New Age type thinking. However, he does believe that animals go straight to heaven and he backs it up with some Bible verses. They don't go to the "Rainbow Bridge" but to heaven. I hate that Rainbow Bridge idea as it got on my nerves when I first heard about it.
June 7, 2021
This is a non-fiction book about pets specifically dogs who have passed away. It’s more of an explanation of the Bible by the author’s point of view and what he thinks happens to animals when they die.
If you have lost a pet this book offers some kind of comfort but not what I expected to read. The book starts well about pets dying and/or euthanized and how one should feel about it. But the middle of the book is more of a translation of the Bible and not about pets in heaven. It picks up a bit about animals in heaven towards the last two chapters.
If you have lost a pet this book offers some kind of comfort but not what I expected to read. The book starts well about pets dying and/or euthanized and how one should feel about it. But the middle of the book is more of a translation of the Bible and not about pets in heaven. It picks up a bit about animals in heaven towards the last two chapters.
October 11, 2025
I read this after the death of my beagle, Freckles. He was my favorite. I loved him down to the depths of my soul. When he died, I was inconsolable.
I had made an appointment with a psychic/medium to contact Freckles.
Reading this book, I was reminded of what the bible says about psychics and how we should not dabble with them as they conjure up evil. I cancelled my appointment with the psychic.
Since Mr. Kurz email was in the book, I contacted him about my change of heart. I expressed my gratitude for reminding me to stay away from psychic readings and such. He appreciated my email.
I had made an appointment with a psychic/medium to contact Freckles.
Reading this book, I was reminded of what the bible says about psychics and how we should not dabble with them as they conjure up evil. I cancelled my appointment with the psychic.
Since Mr. Kurz email was in the book, I contacted him about my change of heart. I expressed my gratitude for reminding me to stay away from psychic readings and such. He appreciated my email.
July 21, 2011
I won this book on goodreads. My daughter absolutely adores animals and we read this book together. It was really a lot of fun and inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews