I Will See You in Heaven (Dog Lover's Edition): ― a book of comfort and reassurance for pet loss

by Friar Jack Wintz

This comforting collection of prayers, blessings, Franciscan wisdom, and heartwarming photos is the perfect gift for anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved dog. Every page is filled with reassurance that we will see our animal friends in heaven.   The death of a beloved animal friend can be one of the most difficult events we face, often surprising us at the depth of the grief and emotion we feel.   It can be very comforting to know that the animals we love so much are safe with God, who created and loves them.   Throughout his many years as a Franciscan friar, Jack Wintz came to know—the Bible gives us many clues that we will be with our pets in heaven for eternity! St. Francis himself shared a close relationship with animals, preaching to the birds, releasing Brother Rabbit from a trip, or letting Sister Raven awaken him for early morning prayer. Franciscan spirituality tells us that all creatures form one family of creation, and God’s plan of salvation includes the whole created world.   This new, expanded edition of the original bestseller    Sections of the book    With it reassuring message of God’s eternal love and care for all creation, I Will See You in Heaven helps us to know that we are not alone in our grief, and that our “goodbye” is not forever.    
Cover Hollie Betzler (2001-2018), Michigan’s first grief therapy dog, served faithfully at her family’s funeral home and area nursing homes for 16 years, giving a comforting paw at just the right time to just the right person. Her family anticipates her serving the same role at the gates of heaven, where she now waits for them. 

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Dogs, Christian, Theology, Pets

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Grace]

The author, a Franciscan friar, offers a short but beautiful defense of the idea that all creation, including animals, will be glorified in heaven. He bases his argument on the Bible, Franciscan spirituality, and his own personal reflections.

I think it wouldn't be difficult to convince most of us pet owners that animals are and will be in heaven, but it was nice to read the biblical evidence for the argument. It gives me hope that my belief we'll meet our beloved pets again after this life isn't just wishful thinking--not any more so than a belief in God and heaven anyway.

[Kelly Rose]

In loving memory of my amazing Samdog. ❤ Rest in peace, old friend.
2007-2021

[Liz Estrada]

Decided to read this short book, since my brother gave it to my mom after her beloved 15 year old poodle, Kenzo, died. It gave her some solace and some peace. I guess if you are a Christian, it helps do that. For me it was just nice to hear a Catholic say that ALL animals have souls. What I know is that our pets are true family members and the pain and grief we experience can be worse than losing a human. And if a book can help ease one's sorrow, I am all for it.

[Leah]

What a beautiful little (5.5" x 6.8") book for yourself or to give as a gift to all the animal lovers you know! The lively, gently-colored cover attracted me as soon as I noticed it, so just yesterday I bought one of the two hardbound copies in perfect condition they had at the annual church fiesta. I had no clue there's also a mostly cat-oriented version, which would have been better for me, though I still plan to keep this canine-focused one for myself.

Some reviewers objected to all the scripture in this book, but its biblical basis is exactly what I love about it; it's what gives me increasing assurance I'll eventually be together in heaven with my own pets and with all the other critters I've loved on earth. Author Jack Wintz is a Franciscan, so he knows responsible theology and quotes relevant scriptures without idly proof-texting to prove his own imaginings. I Will See You in Heaven includes several real-life accounts of beloved dogs, but it mostly focuses on scripture's witness to the integrity and redemption of all creation―not solely human creatures.

[Ron Turner]

Short little book from a Franciscan friar in Cincinnati about God's take on pets. One version is for dog owners. The other for cat owners. But the message is the same. Our animal friends are indeed special. God loves them. That's why they existed in the Garden of Eden. That's why they were saved in the Flood. That's why St. Francis of Assisi made it a point to preach a gospel that called for loving nature and animals.

I especially appreciated the author's point about the role of heaven. A lot of folks worry that they won't see their pets in heaven. But if heaven is a state of existence where you are with everyone and everything that you have ever loved, then it's safe to say your animal loved ones will be there waiting for you too.

[Susan]

It is a question every fur baby parent wonders after their pet passes. Will I see you in heaven. It is a grief that causes a questioning attitude of animals spiritual destination. The bible gave us dominion over all animals and states God made them and said they were good. This book is short but powerful may give some comfort to a newly grief stricken pet owner. Animals live unconditionally just like our creator and are certainly a gift.

[Dominique]

My mom gave me this book, shortly after I lost my beagle baby to cancer. It's a very nice little book for a keepsake. It has a presentation page, and a nice hardcover. The content is simple, but inspiring. I have it four stars because I would have liked it to have some colored pictures, or something throughout the book. 

[Book2Dragon]

I have always believed our animals will greet us in heaven, long before "The Rainbow Bridge" became a popular (cliche?). Of course, could we be happy, would it be heaven without our closest friends. The author is a Franciscan Brother and gives biblical underpinnings honor this belief that we will see our animals once more. I also believe that as our pets have the qualities of forgiveness, non-judgment and love they are likely angels sent to us.

I was pleased also to see there is a companion book focusing on cats. Cats do have a definite aura, but are nonetheless loving and forgiving.

If you enjoy pets especially if you ever lost one, you will like this book.

[Alex]

I bought this for Shannon’s Christmas present, but had to read it beforehand to see if it was too cheesy. 😂 It was actually really sweet! It’s written by a Franciscan priest who argues that all living creatures have souls and go to heaven. He includes a lot of biblical references to prove his point and he brought up a lot of points I had never thought of! I hope Shannon likes it. RIP Arrluk.

[Ann Mc]

This is an uplifting and eye opening book regarding pets, animals, etc and their afterlife as well as how God views them among his creations. It brought comfort to my heart knowing how much Good loves them, his plan for how animals meet our needs in this life as part of his master plan, and to see they really do have a place in heaven. I truly loved this book. The read is simple to understand, engaging, and revealing to my heart.

[J]

This is a short read and it was comforting after recently losing my dog a week ago. She was 15 1/2 years old and with me since a puppy. I miss my dog a lot and the grief has been overwhelming, and this book is helping me keep the faith. Perfect for pet parents!

[Allison Bednarek]

Heartwarming and hopeful

This book gave some nice insight from the Bible into how God created all creatures and loves all creatures, so in Heaven it will be the same. When grieving for a lost pet, it is comforting to have that knowledge. I enjoyed this book!

[Beth]

This book is a balm for a grieving dog mom who has lost her sweet girl.

[Stephanie]

Nice and easy read. Great book! Will we see our pets in Heaven? Of course we will. From the mouth of a child: “if only people were in heaven, it would be boring.”

[Kevin Casto]

Interesting look at animals and how they are important to God and his followers.

[Peggie]

A sweet little book that uses Scripture to give hope that our pets will be with us in heaven. Definitely a Catholic perspective, but very Scripturally correct for Protestants too.

[Ron]

Yes we will meet again

Brought warmth to my heart and soul after losing your two year old puppy MEEKO. The Thor Barrlett poem was worth the purchase price

[Beth]

I recently lost of mobility dog after a 16 month battle with cancer.
I found this book comforting and inspiring. Highly recommended.

[Ryan Maugeri]

I never believed that dogs or other pets would be in heaven because heaven was for people with souls and those who find salvation in the Lord. However, after reading this book by a Franciscan Friar, I realize that may not be so true. The friar identifies several different stories found in the bible that reference man and beast working together for God's will. For example, the peace dove in Noah's ark, Jonah and the whale with the many beasts that needed saving, and the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. Furthermore, although the beasts may not be able to communicate as we do, they do have souls that communicate with God. God would not destroy something that he made and found to be good. Mother Teresa explains in an excerpt, that heaven is happiness and if a pet gives you happiness, then why wouldn't they be with you in heaven.

[Marlene]

Can I rate this book without reading it? It may have defaulted to "read" when I gave it 4 stars, but here's my reason for the premature vote. I stumbled upon this book in an internet search, I think it was an ad in an unrelated website. I am a practicing Catholic and I very much believe we will be with our animals in the afterlife. When my daughters were going to CCD one year long ago they and I were upset they were told animals can't go to heaven because they don't have the free will to decide between good and evil. And I was like "What?! Are we supposed to believe St Francis is in heaven WITH NO ANIMALS???" And here you have it! I am looking forward to reading this book. And hey, the early review is no worse than the people who rate recipes and say "This photo looks so good, I can't wait to make it! Five stars!!!" LOL.

[Terteach1]

Charming and heartfelt book. Friar Wintz uses many biblical references to prove that all of God’s creatures go to heaven. There are pictures and short annotations of people’s dogs at the beginning of every chapter. Friar Wintz describes four dogs that impacted his life. His conclusion is that God sends his love for all of creation and we will see our dogs in heaven. I always believed in the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

[Cathy]

Precious book that deeply touched my heart since my sweet Honey dog went to heaven 2 weeks ago today. Written by a Franciscan friar, his beautiful words of comfort and perspective on why he believes our Father God and Creator will have our companion animals in heaven with us. Also has pictures of dogs that have gone onto heaven submitted by their owners. Highly recommend if you are grieving the loss of a dog or want to know if dogs go to heaven. 🐶♥️😇🙏

[Claire]

Comforting...

[Molly]

I gotta reread before I review but I remember thinking this book is very good.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian)]

Cuz if they ain’t gonna be there, I don’t wanna go!
My Full Review

[Nancy]

Excellent book and very biblical. Needs to be read by anyone who has ever had or loved a dog or any animal.

[Follower]

For those who have lost a beloved pet, I consider this a must read.

[Danielle Landis gracey]

I really enjoyed this book especially the stories and pictures of the dogs that were cherished by their humans and then lost. It made me think about each one of my pets.

[Shante Good]

It was a great book for anyone who had or had animals.

[Breanna Butler]

😭 gonna miss my dog until I can join her up there, but this was for sure comforting