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, Grief

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Liz Estrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Peggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Ryan Maugeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 🌈

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comforting...

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Follower · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Danielle Landis gracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Will See You in Heaven is a natural choice for a religious person who is grieving the loss of a pet. However, it’s also appropriate for anyone who seeks comfort that animals will meet us in the afterlife—or has debated someone who doesn’t believe they will.

With gentle words, the author assures those grieving the loss of pet, “These are not childish concerns, but the mature reflections of loving Christians.” He also makes a faith-based argument that eternal life in Heaven is not reserved only for people:

Certainly, God is not going to create—and then ignore—what he perceives as “very good” creatures!...Surely the creator would not suddenly stop loving and caring for the creatures he had put into existence with so much care.

The story of Noah’s ark, the author argues, is proof that God cares for the animals.

[The ark] story makes it apparent that God’s plan is not to save humankind apart from other creatures. We are all in the same boat!

Christians should thusly imitate Noah, who, tellingly, was selected as a righteous man in a doomed, sinful world.

To imitate the broad solicitude of our creator, a good human leader must care not only for other human beings, but also for the earth and the wider family of creation.

While this book certainly celebrates the bond between people and their pets, and describes concern for animals as a good thing, more thorny issues that are the reality for most animals are avoided. We read that St. Francis released a rabbit from a trap, and released a live fish a fisherman had gifted him as food. However, the author does not hazard a guess on the Christian response to factory farming and similar pressing issues.

Of course, these are not practices that many people are ready to confront, so I Will See You in Heaven is a useful book for opening up a dialogue about animal welfare in faith communities.

I purchased this book for my library.

[Char · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I should have read more about this book before buying it. The title sucked me right in. I really didn't need a lesson on Christianity or what the Bible says about pets. I believe that I will see my faithful companions in Heaven one day - I have no doubt about that. I was hoping for more of a story from someone who's heart and life has been affected by a companion such as a dog and the journey of that. The author has doesn't even own a dog - although he has a few stories about a few times in which he has had contact with a dog and they did something of significance for him to remember. I guess if you are not a Christian or are doubting what the Bible says about dogs or creatures having an afterlife, then this is the book for you. Disappointed - totally not what I expected!

[Nikki Neiswinter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm catholic and an animal lover. I've never been able to swallow that my pets wouldn't be in my heaven because they did not have souls. This book puts a different, more acceptable spin on this dilemma.