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Cold Noses #1
Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Pet
The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you'll ever endure. But recovery isn't only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone. After the intense, unexpected grief he experienced following the loss of his own companions, animal lover and biblical scholar Gary Kurz set out to prove that there are indeed pets in Paradise. After devoting himself to countless hours of research, he now shares his inspiring insights to bring you a richer understanding of animals and their souls. You'll finally find answers to common questions about animals and the afterlife-and you'll also get a thirty-day devotional to help you work through your grief. If you've ever loved and lost a pet, or if you know someone who has shared a special bond with a furry face and a cold, wet nose, you'll welcome this amazing book's reassurance that love and loyalty are truly eternal, and that someday, you and your pets will be together again.
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First published January 1, 1997
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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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August 11, 2020
This is a Christian theology book written by a Baptist preacher. As such, it embraces a literal view of Biblical teachings, and it holds the Bible to be the main resource for people who seek theological understanding. I have read many theology books, most of which affirm the principle of sola Scriptura, so this book might have been just one among many.
But it isn’t.
This book is altogether different from everything else I’ve read because Kurz is doing something different. He’s not using Biblical study as a way to reach people who don’t acknowledge the Bible, nor is he using it to enrich traditional practices and understanding. Rather, he’s using Biblical analysis specifically undo the damage caused by other Christian scholars in his same camp. He’s reaching out to fellow Christians—specifically to Christians who also interpret the Bible as the literal truth—in order to counteract the cruelty of previous Christian teachers. Traditionally, many Christian leaders have interpreted the lack of specific Biblical writings about animal souls to mean that there is no heaven for animals. Kurz disagrees, and he has the Bible passages that support his claim.
To anyone outside the faith, this might seem like a weirdly specific premise, but for people who have connections to this type of Christianity, this is a very common problem that borders on emotional abuse. I was raised Lutheran, but when I was very young, perhaps 5, I met a Baptist preacher. At the time, we had two cats, both of whom were young and healthy, yet somehow this man thought it would be a good idea to suggest to me that they would someday die. (I knew that, of course.) I remember him asking me if I knew what would happen when they did, and that’s when he told me that when they died, they would cease to exist at all. That God had no place for them in heaven, that they would be nothing forever, that God didn’t love them. Five-year-old me thought that was very sad, but I accepted it. But later, nine-year-old me thought it strange that Jesus would compare himself to a shepherd and his people to sheep, if sheep (along with all other animals) would have no share in the world to come. If we’re supposed to understand Jesus’ love for us because Jesus is comparing it to our love for animals, then what does that mean for animals?
My own experience is by no means unique. People have preached from the pulpit that there is no hope for pets, children have had their own expectations managed from an early age, and I remember reading in the newspaper not all that long ago about a little boy who had been crying because he was told his recently departed dog would not be allowed into heaven. (I mean, come on! This sort of thing was making the news!) People think of death as being one of the great tragedies of life, but my heart goes out to all those kids who have had to accept a death-beyond-death, a bleak despair that’s so terrible that Jesus died to protect humans from it, so now it’s reserved only for beloved pets. Excuse me?
Gary Kurz wrote this book in response to a rude comment he received on the death of one of his pets. Apparently, this sort of dismissal of animal worth is a widespread problem. And for people to use the Bible as a flimsy justification for cruelty is particularly vile.
Because here’s the thing: there is absolutely NOTHING in the Bible that says that animals will be forever separated from God.
From the first book, Genesis, which describes God’s delight in all of his creation, to the last book, Revelation, which specifically, literally, describes animals in heaven, there are many reasons to hope. This book looks closely at a few of those passages in order to console bereaved pet owners that God is big enough and powerful enough and loving enough to care for pets too. A tremendous resource for any Christian, but especially for fundamentalists or for anyone who’s been hurt. This book was amazing.
But it isn’t.
This book is altogether different from everything else I’ve read because Kurz is doing something different. He’s not using Biblical study as a way to reach people who don’t acknowledge the Bible, nor is he using it to enrich traditional practices and understanding. Rather, he’s using Biblical analysis specifically undo the damage caused by other Christian scholars in his same camp. He’s reaching out to fellow Christians—specifically to Christians who also interpret the Bible as the literal truth—in order to counteract the cruelty of previous Christian teachers. Traditionally, many Christian leaders have interpreted the lack of specific Biblical writings about animal souls to mean that there is no heaven for animals. Kurz disagrees, and he has the Bible passages that support his claim.
To anyone outside the faith, this might seem like a weirdly specific premise, but for people who have connections to this type of Christianity, this is a very common problem that borders on emotional abuse. I was raised Lutheran, but when I was very young, perhaps 5, I met a Baptist preacher. At the time, we had two cats, both of whom were young and healthy, yet somehow this man thought it would be a good idea to suggest to me that they would someday die. (I knew that, of course.) I remember him asking me if I knew what would happen when they did, and that’s when he told me that when they died, they would cease to exist at all. That God had no place for them in heaven, that they would be nothing forever, that God didn’t love them. Five-year-old me thought that was very sad, but I accepted it. But later, nine-year-old me thought it strange that Jesus would compare himself to a shepherd and his people to sheep, if sheep (along with all other animals) would have no share in the world to come. If we’re supposed to understand Jesus’ love for us because Jesus is comparing it to our love for animals, then what does that mean for animals?
My own experience is by no means unique. People have preached from the pulpit that there is no hope for pets, children have had their own expectations managed from an early age, and I remember reading in the newspaper not all that long ago about a little boy who had been crying because he was told his recently departed dog would not be allowed into heaven. (I mean, come on! This sort of thing was making the news!) People think of death as being one of the great tragedies of life, but my heart goes out to all those kids who have had to accept a death-beyond-death, a bleak despair that’s so terrible that Jesus died to protect humans from it, so now it’s reserved only for beloved pets. Excuse me?
Gary Kurz wrote this book in response to a rude comment he received on the death of one of his pets. Apparently, this sort of dismissal of animal worth is a widespread problem. And for people to use the Bible as a flimsy justification for cruelty is particularly vile.
Because here’s the thing: there is absolutely NOTHING in the Bible that says that animals will be forever separated from God.
From the first book, Genesis, which describes God’s delight in all of his creation, to the last book, Revelation, which specifically, literally, describes animals in heaven, there are many reasons to hope. This book looks closely at a few of those passages in order to console bereaved pet owners that God is big enough and powerful enough and loving enough to care for pets too. A tremendous resource for any Christian, but especially for fundamentalists or for anyone who’s been hurt. This book was amazing.
March 5, 2013
This IS a review, but I want to give you a bit of context about why I needed this book review the actual book.
In September 2007, I had a rough time. I was alone away at school and my father had been battling cancer. My mother's service dog passed away as well, and though we had another dog and a bird, being alone at college after the majority of my friends had just graduated, I wanted something to rescue. While at home, I dropped something off at the vet's office and mentioned I wanted a cat. The vet's office actually had two cats: one a kitten that no one wanted, and one was the mother, that a staff member was going to adopt. I asked to see the kitten. The tech came in with this tiny little runt that was incredibly shy with everyone but me. We bonded at first sight and I took her home that day. A few months later, there was an incident in which I'd almost died and I had to leave school. I was back at home and the only thing that saved me was the love of that little cat. The past few years have been stressful to say the least, but she was always there.
Exactly a week after Valentine's Day, my cat was kneading her bed. I laughed because she'd been sleeping all morning. Suddenly she bolted up like she was scared and ran under the bed. When she didn't make a noise after a few minutes, I checked under her. She had passed, and though I tried everything, my best friend and furchild was dead. She had an aneurysm that was never detected and was lucky to even live this long. Still, since that day I'd been beside myself with grief, and worried about if I would see her again.
While browsing the local library in search of something distracting to read, I found this book on a single shelf. I took it as a sign.
It is true, that the author goes off on a few tangents. Such as evolution. And it could have been a bit shorter. But what he DOES do is use scripture and studies to point out the argument of why animals go to Heaven. His scripture uses are backed by fact and evidence and not just opinion. And unlike the other grief book I borrowed on losing a pet, this one comforted me in ways that soothed my soul. I still grieve, but now its because I miss her. And its not as bad. This book gives me confidence that we'll see each other again, and that it wasn't an accident we found each other. In the newer version, there's also a few humorous animal stories just to help you out, AND he includes a 30 Day Devotional. That has helped as well. So if you want to know about an afterlife for your pets, or if you're a Christian that wants to know if animals have souls, then definitely read this book. Its not that long, but its worth it.
In September 2007, I had a rough time. I was alone away at school and my father had been battling cancer. My mother's service dog passed away as well, and though we had another dog and a bird, being alone at college after the majority of my friends had just graduated, I wanted something to rescue. While at home, I dropped something off at the vet's office and mentioned I wanted a cat. The vet's office actually had two cats: one a kitten that no one wanted, and one was the mother, that a staff member was going to adopt. I asked to see the kitten. The tech came in with this tiny little runt that was incredibly shy with everyone but me. We bonded at first sight and I took her home that day. A few months later, there was an incident in which I'd almost died and I had to leave school. I was back at home and the only thing that saved me was the love of that little cat. The past few years have been stressful to say the least, but she was always there.
Exactly a week after Valentine's Day, my cat was kneading her bed. I laughed because she'd been sleeping all morning. Suddenly she bolted up like she was scared and ran under the bed. When she didn't make a noise after a few minutes, I checked under her. She had passed, and though I tried everything, my best friend and furchild was dead. She had an aneurysm that was never detected and was lucky to even live this long. Still, since that day I'd been beside myself with grief, and worried about if I would see her again.
While browsing the local library in search of something distracting to read, I found this book on a single shelf. I took it as a sign.
It is true, that the author goes off on a few tangents. Such as evolution. And it could have been a bit shorter. But what he DOES do is use scripture and studies to point out the argument of why animals go to Heaven. His scripture uses are backed by fact and evidence and not just opinion. And unlike the other grief book I borrowed on losing a pet, this one comforted me in ways that soothed my soul. I still grieve, but now its because I miss her. And its not as bad. This book gives me confidence that we'll see each other again, and that it wasn't an accident we found each other. In the newer version, there's also a few humorous animal stories just to help you out, AND he includes a 30 Day Devotional. That has helped as well. So if you want to know about an afterlife for your pets, or if you're a Christian that wants to know if animals have souls, then definitely read this book. Its not that long, but its worth it.
October 20, 2014
I just recently lost my dear and faithful companion of 10 years, my dog Panzer. As a Christian, I have heard many pastors say that animals do not have souls and therefore do not go to Heaven. After all, Heaven was created for people not animals. This obviously creates despair among Christian pet owners that when a pet dies they are gone for good, we'll never see them again.
However, I had always held on to the hope that our beloved pets--as well as all animals, wild or domestic--do indeed go to Heaven and those pastors were biased or ill-informed. Gary Kurz has given me the assurance with 'Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates' I so desperately needed to finally have peace in my heart that one day I will see my beautiful pets again.
I have loved many pets, and have lost many, but knowing that they are doing well and are with God takes away some of the pain.
This book is heavily steeped in Biblical scriptures, beliefs and ideals. If you do not believe in the Bible or God as the Creator then this book may not be for you. Mr. Kurz uses scripture to back up his beliefs so it is plain for the reader to see and understand. The Bible does indeed refer to the soul/essence of an animal in several passages, proving that the soul is not exclusive to only humans. God loves animals too...after all, they are His creation and they belong to Him.
"Life is not bodies with souls, but rather souls with bodies." Gary Kurz
However, I had always held on to the hope that our beloved pets--as well as all animals, wild or domestic--do indeed go to Heaven and those pastors were biased or ill-informed. Gary Kurz has given me the assurance with 'Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates' I so desperately needed to finally have peace in my heart that one day I will see my beautiful pets again.
I have loved many pets, and have lost many, but knowing that they are doing well and are with God takes away some of the pain.
This book is heavily steeped in Biblical scriptures, beliefs and ideals. If you do not believe in the Bible or God as the Creator then this book may not be for you. Mr. Kurz uses scripture to back up his beliefs so it is plain for the reader to see and understand. The Bible does indeed refer to the soul/essence of an animal in several passages, proving that the soul is not exclusive to only humans. God loves animals too...after all, they are His creation and they belong to Him.
"Life is not bodies with souls, but rather souls with bodies." Gary Kurz
January 27, 2011
This book was just awful. It jumped all over the place and the author simply could not stay on topic. He went on so many tangents, I was nearly growling at the book. It did not, in my opinion, address the topic fully, of pets going to heaven.
Personally, I think most people who pick up this book already believe pets go to heaven; they are simply looking for some support in their grief. This book does NOTHING to satisfy a grieving person's wounds. This said, taking 200 pages to argue his point on WHY pets go to heaven, and insufficiently, I might add, was a waste.
The book is heavily religious based, which was not a problem for me, as I am quite a faithful and spiritual person, however, he draws in so many irrelevant facts and theories from elsewhere - Darwinism, etc. that I just couldn't wait for the book to end. The only decent part of the book was the personal animal stories, even some of which seemed inadequate space fillers.
Personally, I think most people who pick up this book already believe pets go to heaven; they are simply looking for some support in their grief. This book does NOTHING to satisfy a grieving person's wounds. This said, taking 200 pages to argue his point on WHY pets go to heaven, and insufficiently, I might add, was a waste.
The book is heavily religious based, which was not a problem for me, as I am quite a faithful and spiritual person, however, he draws in so many irrelevant facts and theories from elsewhere - Darwinism, etc. that I just couldn't wait for the book to end. The only decent part of the book was the personal animal stories, even some of which seemed inadequate space fillers.
November 18, 2012
A whole lot of redundancy & fluff. The good points in this book could be summed up in about 10 pages. But then you couldn't get $12.95 a pop, could you? I was very disappointed with this book. Not only is it not worth the money, it wasted time that could have been spent on reading some of the more meaningful books on the topic of pet loss. The author kept apologizing for mentioning his Christian views while giving the book a title clearly referring to Heaven's pearly gates. You can't please everyone & still be embraced my friend. Pick which stance you're taking & have the courage to stick with it.
January 12, 2016
I am halfway through this book and I am still waiting for something ..... So far I am so disappointed that I don't know if I will even finish. The author has a very rambling style with no connections between chapters or to the basic premise.
February 20, 2016
A friend gave me this book after my horse died. I did not read it until now. There are many problems with this book. The first problem for me was I do not agree with Kurz's religious beliefs. He believes only in creationism and not evolution. He only uses the Bible to explain how animals are in heaven. Although I am not a very religious person, I did take a theology class in college at the Catholic university I attended. I actually enjoyed that class and I learned a lot. We did spend some time reading parts of the Bible, but we mostly read scholarly works on theology. Also, the class was taught by Sister Catherine and since she is a nun she knows a lot about theology. I also did not like his writing style. It was too simplistic and it seemed like he was writing in that style as if people would not be able to understand what he is trying to say. I do not need this book to tell me that my horse is living an afterlife somewhere. My horse has sent me several messages by finding crow feathers where he died and also in my neighborhood. I also thought of this author's house I have been to a few times who has regular visits by ghosts who are human and animal. The last time I was at her house I could feel the energy there. Those are the experiences I look for to know that animals or people I have lost are still around. I think we need to open ourselves to these experiences and we will find that our animals are sending us messages.
August 27, 2009
Heavy-handed evangelistic agenda, overly folksy. The author has dumb ways of arguing his points, goes off on irrelevant tangents (e.g., defending creationism against evolutionism) which are not comforting to someone who has just lost a pet. The best part is the relatively agenda-free and comforting devotional section at the back, but the rest of the book is a waste of time.
March 26, 2015
The author repeats himself over and over and over and over. But I did enjoy the stories if the animals
April 26, 2020
This is an Evangelical Christian Creationist book. The author spends time arguing against Darwinism and science. This book is for a VERY narrow population and the few that can stomach a creationist perspective. The moral of this story is that you find relief from the pain in G-d, which is a palatable idea to me. I could handle the Bible verses, but I couldn’t handle the preaching of Evangelical principles throughout the book. Also, there were rambling stories about animals that had nothing to do with grief and loss. The number of comforting passages could have fit in a greeting card. I got little from this book to help me with my grief.
July 20, 2009
I read the scriptural analysis in this book twice -- the second time, to make sure I hadn't succumbed to wishful thinking the first time through. But much to my relief, the author really DOES make a sound biblical case for our pets going to heaven! I submit that we won't know for sure until we get there ourselves, but at least I now have reason to hope.
Of course, to actually see our dear pets, we have to make sure we'll be there ourselves. I'll bet this book has already encouraged many grieving pet owners to investigate in the same place Gary Kurz did his study -- the Bible.
Of course, to actually see our dear pets, we have to make sure we'll be there ourselves. I'll bet this book has already encouraged many grieving pet owners to investigate in the same place Gary Kurz did his study -- the Bible.
Currently reading
December 9, 2008So glad this book exists. My little Benji dog died and some people said some ... not so nice things. The lion and the lamb will lie down together... they are animals. This is a well thought out book, both scriptural and cultural.
May 17, 2009
This book is for anyone who has ever loved an animal. Gary will surprise you with his study of what the bible says about animals and their spiritual life. You will be happy to know you WILL see your much-loved furry friends again.
May 26, 2012
This book was helpful to me when I lost my Max. It helped give me hope that I would see him again. The Biblical references seem sound and I've shared this book with others who've just recently lost a pet.
September 10, 2009
I'm not a religious person, so I didn't get very far in this book. The entire book is tied to God.
September 10, 2011
I must say I'm reading this under duress! I have to evaluate it and already the preface shows some red flags!
May 8, 2017
Author Gary Kurz is a Baptist preacher and bless his heart, preaching and witnessing is in the preachers DNA. So be it. Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates is written from his heart and his grief over loved and lost critters that shared his life. The book can console and does answer questions many of us have asked about the afterlife of our pets. He soothes our souls with the hope one day we shall romp and stroke these friends once more.
Cold Noses is biblically based. It is an excellent choice for non-Christians or novice Christians. For seasoned Christians Cold Noses could read weary with reminders Revelations is the last book in the bible or that Job is the first book written. Repetition is the mark of a good teacher and Kurz repeats often because people hear and read differently and his varied statements are certain to reach the learning curves of all his readers, though at times for the rest of us it tends toward monotony.
I agree with other reviewers that Kurtz should not apologize for any stance he takes in the novel. He backs up his beliefs. And isn’t contradiction the hallmark for an outcast and the outcast the hallmark of a true believer? So if he steps on someone’s beliefs…too bad. Don’t apologize. This attitude could become cumbersome for him as straddling the “hurt feelings” fence and we know the lukewarm syndrome doesn’t bode well.
He does stray from the theme of Cold Noses — the afterlife of our pets. But I attribute this to his DNA as a preacher and witness for Christ. We all have our calling. Preaching and witnessing belongs to Pastor Kuntz. He uses this subject matter to witness and that’s OK. He’s doing what God has called him to do so I read through these sections using them to reaffirm my own belief in God and Christ. I should question myself if I took a negative attitude — why did this bother me and perhaps this is the reason God led him to witness through Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates.
Chapter 6 Examining Scripture, he gives bible verses to prove his thesis. On page 148, I debate two-point he made.
First with regard to Colossians 1:15 “who is…the firstborn of every creature… .” Kurtz writes creature in this reference is strictly to humans. I disagree. Christ was firstborn to EVERY creature in that He was created before all creatures. Kurtz is (I believe) referring to the birth of Christ. I refer to his original becoming that definitely was before anything else.
Second, same page 148, Kurtz again attributes creature to humans. I disagree according to his own definition of the word soul, which I agree with…that we are Souls inhabiting a body. That being true, so is Souls inhabiting creature bodies. If it is the Soul that lives eternal, then the Soul must embody a kernel knowledge of God, man or beast. Whether we remember on this plane is debatable— wickedness abounds. Certainly, those human Souls are forgetful of their true self. Following logic, if my Soul is knowledge of a creating God and I came with that knowledge then his example from v. 23 “the gospel was ‘preached to EVERY creature’” had to be BEFORE birth. In that instance, even the creatures would have been preached the gospel. The difference he points out, and I agree, is that only humans need to remember God and only humans need redemption (though I think roaches and ants might fall into that category).
On page 150 (and other examples throughout the book) Kurtz argues that “…every is an all-inclusive term meaning all. …Not part, not some, not many, not even most, but all creatures.” By virtue of his own quoted belief, he cannot then say Col. 1:15 refers strictly to human beings.
In chapter 7 Kurtz writes, “…when you rely solely on the ideas of someone else without ensuring scripture supports those ideas…” and, “God warns…‘search out a thing whether it be true… ’” and, “A shortcut around God’s method of ‘knowing a thing’ will…lead…to an erroneous view.” I challenge Pastor Kurtz to ‘search out’ that Christ was not born Dec. 25, or in a stable. He was born during Tishri (Sept.—Oct. nine months after conception during the Festival of Lights, or Hanukah. He is the Light of the world.), and during Sukkoth, while his family lived in a sukkah — no problems with animals being in or around the temporary structure. I agree scripture bears out that Christ was two years old when the magi came.
In a couple of references, Kurtz refers to using the word S-T-O-P in communicating or training your dog. My beloved Moshé was intelligent with a good vocabulary for a canine, but could never comprehend STOP. We resorted to NO! And that he understood well. He was also one of the 25 percents that after neutering became more aggressive. S-T-O-P didn’t work (p. 175-176).
Kurtz ends Noses on a positive note with Stories of Humor, my favorite, Bearing It All At The Coast Guard Academy. I laughed my way through the seven and a half pages and still the story wakes me up laughing seeing some twenty men in Service Dress Blues recapturing the academy mascot, a rambunctious bear that outsmarts them all. His description in detail is hilarious, i.e., when describing the bear up a tree and Fish and Game Commission agents tied a rope to the tree and bumper of their truck with the idea of “rocking the tree back and forth” a plan they “assured…was a tactic that always worked.” However, this made the tree a catapult and “That poor bear was thrown some fifteen feet through the air and forty feet down” …still laughing at this visual.
Humor and laughter were an excellent finish to the 238-page book that left readers laughing and comforted that their beloved pets — with a soul — live with them, eternally.
Perhaps not for everyone, but Pastor Kurtz includes a thirty day Daily Devotional that he encourages readers to “Please discipline yourself to read only one entry each day…”
Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates is what it is. It may not meet all our expectations for the subject and I was disheartened Pastor Kurtz did not include the elusive bible passage I stumbled across years ago and unable to find since — that the archangel wraps his wings around animals escorting them to heaven. It’s there…somewhere.
— end —
Cold Noses is biblically based. It is an excellent choice for non-Christians or novice Christians. For seasoned Christians Cold Noses could read weary with reminders Revelations is the last book in the bible or that Job is the first book written. Repetition is the mark of a good teacher and Kurz repeats often because people hear and read differently and his varied statements are certain to reach the learning curves of all his readers, though at times for the rest of us it tends toward monotony.
I agree with other reviewers that Kurtz should not apologize for any stance he takes in the novel. He backs up his beliefs. And isn’t contradiction the hallmark for an outcast and the outcast the hallmark of a true believer? So if he steps on someone’s beliefs…too bad. Don’t apologize. This attitude could become cumbersome for him as straddling the “hurt feelings” fence and we know the lukewarm syndrome doesn’t bode well.
He does stray from the theme of Cold Noses — the afterlife of our pets. But I attribute this to his DNA as a preacher and witness for Christ. We all have our calling. Preaching and witnessing belongs to Pastor Kuntz. He uses this subject matter to witness and that’s OK. He’s doing what God has called him to do so I read through these sections using them to reaffirm my own belief in God and Christ. I should question myself if I took a negative attitude — why did this bother me and perhaps this is the reason God led him to witness through Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates.
Chapter 6 Examining Scripture, he gives bible verses to prove his thesis. On page 148, I debate two-point he made.
First with regard to Colossians 1:15 “who is…the firstborn of every creature… .” Kurtz writes creature in this reference is strictly to humans. I disagree. Christ was firstborn to EVERY creature in that He was created before all creatures. Kurtz is (I believe) referring to the birth of Christ. I refer to his original becoming that definitely was before anything else.
Second, same page 148, Kurtz again attributes creature to humans. I disagree according to his own definition of the word soul, which I agree with…that we are Souls inhabiting a body. That being true, so is Souls inhabiting creature bodies. If it is the Soul that lives eternal, then the Soul must embody a kernel knowledge of God, man or beast. Whether we remember on this plane is debatable— wickedness abounds. Certainly, those human Souls are forgetful of their true self. Following logic, if my Soul is knowledge of a creating God and I came with that knowledge then his example from v. 23 “the gospel was ‘preached to EVERY creature’” had to be BEFORE birth. In that instance, even the creatures would have been preached the gospel. The difference he points out, and I agree, is that only humans need to remember God and only humans need redemption (though I think roaches and ants might fall into that category).
On page 150 (and other examples throughout the book) Kurtz argues that “…every is an all-inclusive term meaning all. …Not part, not some, not many, not even most, but all creatures.” By virtue of his own quoted belief, he cannot then say Col. 1:15 refers strictly to human beings.
In chapter 7 Kurtz writes, “…when you rely solely on the ideas of someone else without ensuring scripture supports those ideas…” and, “God warns…‘search out a thing whether it be true… ’” and, “A shortcut around God’s method of ‘knowing a thing’ will…lead…to an erroneous view.” I challenge Pastor Kurtz to ‘search out’ that Christ was not born Dec. 25, or in a stable. He was born during Tishri (Sept.—Oct. nine months after conception during the Festival of Lights, or Hanukah. He is the Light of the world.), and during Sukkoth, while his family lived in a sukkah — no problems with animals being in or around the temporary structure. I agree scripture bears out that Christ was two years old when the magi came.
In a couple of references, Kurtz refers to using the word S-T-O-P in communicating or training your dog. My beloved Moshé was intelligent with a good vocabulary for a canine, but could never comprehend STOP. We resorted to NO! And that he understood well. He was also one of the 25 percents that after neutering became more aggressive. S-T-O-P didn’t work (p. 175-176).
Kurtz ends Noses on a positive note with Stories of Humor, my favorite, Bearing It All At The Coast Guard Academy. I laughed my way through the seven and a half pages and still the story wakes me up laughing seeing some twenty men in Service Dress Blues recapturing the academy mascot, a rambunctious bear that outsmarts them all. His description in detail is hilarious, i.e., when describing the bear up a tree and Fish and Game Commission agents tied a rope to the tree and bumper of their truck with the idea of “rocking the tree back and forth” a plan they “assured…was a tactic that always worked.” However, this made the tree a catapult and “That poor bear was thrown some fifteen feet through the air and forty feet down” …still laughing at this visual.
Humor and laughter were an excellent finish to the 238-page book that left readers laughing and comforted that their beloved pets — with a soul — live with them, eternally.
Perhaps not for everyone, but Pastor Kurtz includes a thirty day Daily Devotional that he encourages readers to “Please discipline yourself to read only one entry each day…”
Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates is what it is. It may not meet all our expectations for the subject and I was disheartened Pastor Kurtz did not include the elusive bible passage I stumbled across years ago and unable to find since — that the archangel wraps his wings around animals escorting them to heaven. It’s there…somewhere.
— end —
July 3, 2024
I humored a friend and read this after my kitty Mishka died. What a pile of misinformation and bad exegesis. Yes, animals are saved; no, a book on why evolution is a lie isn’t going to help explain that.
The author has strong views on certain parts of scripture that seem obviously wrong, even though I’m unfamiliar with Baptist theology. If you’re a Christian and want to know what God thinks about animals, just read Isaiah and Psalms or look up any orthodox priest. They have universal acceptance in Heaven just like every human, except they don’t need it to be called salvation
The author has strong views on certain parts of scripture that seem obviously wrong, even though I’m unfamiliar with Baptist theology. If you’re a Christian and want to know what God thinks about animals, just read Isaiah and Psalms or look up any orthodox priest. They have universal acceptance in Heaven just like every human, except they don’t need it to be called salvation
February 3, 2021
Touching and inspiring book! Highly recommend!
April 2, 2011
If you have lost a pet recently this book will really help you get through the rough times. I recently had to put my 14 year old Aubrey (cat) to sleep because she had cancer and just getting though those first few days was so very difficult. It really touches the core of what you are feeling and it lets you know that it is okay to mourn a pet. My little Aubrey was the constant in my life, she always knew when I needed just a little more comfort on days when I thought things could not get any worse. But, Gary Kurz, an animal lover and a Baptist minister helped me understand that all creatures belong to God and we will see our beloved pets someday. I had actually bought two books dealing with pet loss but once I started reading this book I returned the other one. I finished the main part of the book on March 21 and I am now reading each day,for 30 days, of scripture and explanation of the scripture that has continued to help me get through losing Aubrey. So, if you have lost a pet recently believe me when I tell you that this book will help you through the tears and bad days. I love cats and so does my husband and we plan on getting another one some day and this book made me realize that new pets will not take the love you had for that very, very special one because if you had love for this one you have lots more to give.
April 12, 2015
I've been searching for some self-help/spirituality books related to pet loss, and this one came highly recommended. However, while I'm spiritual and believe in something beyond just us humans and Earth's plane of existence, I'm not religious and Kurz is a *very* orthodox Christian (I'm talking, the guy doesn't believe in evolution kind of orthodox). And these issues of orthodoxy come up much too much in non-related tangents to the central question -- do our animals go to heaven? Kurz takes for granted that his audience already believes in Heaven for humans and needs no spiritual reassurance in that area, as well as that a mixed audience won't be reassured by constant discussion of 'the Lord's plan.' That being said, it is nice to find another voice that emphasizes the importance and value of our animal companions. While I don't agree with his religious ideals, I do believe that Kurz is right in saying that this relationship between us is too precious to be simply cut off by physical death.
May 1, 2019
Mr. Kurz brings up excellent Bible passages and an argument that believers will indeed see beloved pets in Heaven. I'm not so sure he won the argument.
The best answer I've ever seen on this topic goes something like this: We really don't know. Pets are an important part of our life on Earth but may not be essential in the afterlife. To live with Christ in eternity should be enough.
This book is food for thought but didn't create a warm fuzzy feeling of assurance for me. There are cute animal stories and the daily passages for contemplation at the end brought it up to 3 stars.
The best answer I've ever seen on this topic goes something like this: We really don't know. Pets are an important part of our life on Earth but may not be essential in the afterlife. To live with Christ in eternity should be enough.
This book is food for thought but didn't create a warm fuzzy feeling of assurance for me. There are cute animal stories and the daily passages for contemplation at the end brought it up to 3 stars.
December 8, 2021
Author wrote this book for himself. I this, I that, I, I, I.
Boring.
Quotes scripture and has an insulting arrogance about evolution etc, if you want to help a wide audience, don't insult people's beliefs. He guarantees animals are in heaven but quotes Revelation, which we're supposed to take w/salt because its a dream or fantasy book, far too difficult to interpret. So this guy didnt convince me of anything. There was no comfort that I could find in it. Talked about the flood and that only animals were at Jesus' birth (except obv M & J). Doesnt help me w my sorrow. Just another preacher spouting off.
Boring.
Quotes scripture and has an insulting arrogance about evolution etc, if you want to help a wide audience, don't insult people's beliefs. He guarantees animals are in heaven but quotes Revelation, which we're supposed to take w/salt because its a dream or fantasy book, far too difficult to interpret. So this guy didnt convince me of anything. There was no comfort that I could find in it. Talked about the flood and that only animals were at Jesus' birth (except obv M & J). Doesnt help me w my sorrow. Just another preacher spouting off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2008
Out of all the books that I have read since Dakota's passing, this one really helped me to find peace with his passing. I loved this book, its relevance to my loss of my best friend and companion, and the knowledge and understanding of animals and their place in God's plan. Some may not believe that God loves them too. For that matter, maybe some don't believe He loves us, but I do and it really has helped me to cope with losing D a little more each day. I love D so much and I miss him every day!
November 15, 2015
In all honesty it was hard for me to even give this book two stars. I did not like the author's style of writing. It seems every chapter (and seriously almost every paragraph!) was either telling me he was not going to discuss "X" because he talks about at length in this book's sequel or he would talk about how what he was about to say would unleash torrents of hate mail from people who would disagree. All in all, I was disappointed in the book. I only finished it because I hate to not finish what I start.
December 10, 2023
We lost our furbaby, Duke, the night before Thanksgiving. I saw this book on Libby and thought it would help me with my loss. It's based on Biblical Scripture. The only problem I had with it was that Kurz repeated himself a lot. I still think it's good and will help someone grieving over the loss of a furbaby. I wish I had the book bc it has a thirty devotional in it, plus I would be able to highlight certain things.
🙂 Happy Reading 🙂
#libbyapp
#carlislepubliclibrary
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#coldnosesatthepearlygates
🙂 Happy Reading 🙂
#libbyapp
#carlislepubliclibrary
#lonokecountylibrarysystem
#garykurz
#coldnosesatthepearlygates
June 7, 2014
While i don't think the book was extremely well-written, I'm giving it 5 stars because I haven't found another like it, and desperately needed something on this topic. I found comfort in the fact that someone took the time to do this research, and it has helped me become more at peace with my personal loss.
December 26, 2018
I couldn’t actually finish this book- or better yet, just didn’t want to. Maybe if you are more of a religious person this book will speak to you. I really wanted to enjoy this book since we just had to put my 12 year old baby dog down, but I just couldn’t get past the past and religion in what the author was saying.
May 8, 2014
Must read for anyone grieving a beloved pet
I gave this book 5 stars it's a great book and it was recommended to me by a family member when I lost my beloved Yorkie of 16yrs
It greatly helped my grieving process thru scriptures from the Bible.A must have book highly recommended!
I gave this book 5 stars it's a great book and it was recommended to me by a family member when I lost my beloved Yorkie of 16yrs
It greatly helped my grieving process thru scriptures from the Bible.A must have book highly recommended!
January 10, 2013
Loved it! What a comfort, and the 30-day devotional at the end was such a help.
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