DEAR ABBY: “Missing My Cat in Georgia” (June 20) was told by his Catholic friend that his cat wouldn’t be joining him in the afterlife. I have been an ordained pastor for 27 years.

Last summer my cat, Fred, who had been with me for 11 years, died. I claim no deeper or higher connection to God than anyone else, but I do know this: The Bible says that God is a God of love — indeed, that God IS love.

I know of no more loving companions than pets. Dogs and cats express their love for us humans far better than most of us humans do for each other. I also know that Fred, who just showed up at my house one night and adopted ME, taught me many lessons about how to love and be loved.

I am certain God sent Fred into my life to prepare me for marriage after 55 years as a bachelor. I am a better husband (and pastor) because of Fred. Therefore, I cannot imagine God not inviting, even welcoming, Fred into some sort of heavenly afterlife, whatever that may look like. LOVE NEVER DIES, and I don’t believe that the loving relationship between a pet and their human ends at death. — PASTOR STEVE IN WEST VIRGINIA

DEAR PASTOR STEVE: Thank you for reinforcing the sentiments I expressed to “Missing.” The mail poured in after that letter ran. All of it refuted the opinion of “Missing’s” friend. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: When my girls were growing up, we had a German shepherd named Lady. We often had our Catholic priest over for dinner and, one evening, the girls asked him if Lady would go to heaven when she died. He responded by asking them, “Do you want her to be there when you get there?” “Of course!” they answered. He then responded, “We are told that heaven is everything and more than we want or can imagine. If you want Lady there, she will be there.” — BRENDA IN MICHIGAN

DEAR ABBY: I’m a seminary-trained, theologically educated, ordained Protestant minister at a large mainline church smack in the middle of the Bible Belt. I’d like to tell “Missing” that the Bible has many Scripture verses that depict animals in heaven. A great many people who have died and been resuscitated have written about their experiences and said they saw their long-deceased pets on the other side. I want “Missing” to know I am sure there’s a happy, purr-fect reunion waiting for him when his earthly life is done. — PET-LOVING PROTESTANT MINISTER

DEAR ABBY: There’s a story about an old gentleman who lost his life in a sudden accident, which also took the life of his very old dog. Afterward, they found themselves on a long road, which finally led to a tall and beautifully decorated gate guarded by an official-looking man with a magnificent gray beard and long white robe.

“This is heaven,” the bearded man said. “Come in. We’ve been expecting you. But you’ll have to leave your dog outside. No animals allowed.” The old man thought about it for a moment before saying, “That’s OK. We’ll keep walking.”

Eventually, they came to a small turnstile, where they encountered a scruffy old man with a wide grin sitting on a stool. “You passed the final test,” the smiling man said, pushing open the turnstile. “My name is Peter. Welcome to heaven!”

“But … I thought we passed heaven a few hours ago. They wouldn’t let me bring my dog in,” the old gentleman said sadly. “No,” replied Peter, “that was the Devil you met back there, trying to tempt you one last time. Deep down inside, you knew better. Pearly gates or not, how could any place be heaven if you couldn’t bring your dog?” — JEFF IN OHIO

DEAR JEFF: If I recall correctly, that heartwarming story was written by Rod Serling and appeared on his series, “The Twilight Zone.”

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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