The following was adapted from an amazing book called OAHSPE that gave us comfort in seeking answers about the animals' place in life and death, with my thoughts about our dog, Aussie Bear, added after each passage:
Animals are of the Earth creation, and are completed (perfect) in the place of their dwelling. From this I learned that all creatures are perfectly what they should be and do not need improvement. It is we who have a long way yet to go...Aussie Bear was a perfect dog.
The dog, the most knowing of all animals... I still can see the knowing, intelligent look in Aussie Bear's eyes. This was a loving, sentient being, with a loving, giving spirit. I hope I can be as faithful and constant in my own nature some day. She had a fierce bark that made me feel protected, but a loving nature completely without malace. My cats too were always safe with her...
For the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and for many animals that are companionable to man, made I a place in heaven...and this animal heaven I graded, one, in order of my heavens. For I saw that man on the Earth had delight in them; and I provided unto man for his es'yan (death transition) period, that he might rejoice in the remembrance of finding his loves. Death will be a welcome doorway, Aussie Bear, if I can see your happy, smiling face there to greet me...
Thy Creator gave to every animal a season on the face of the Earth...even so, and of like duration, made He a heavenly period for the spirits of animal companions to man...And He made the animal heaven to rest on the face of the lands of the Earth. Aussie Bear, I am comforted that you are free to run and play in spirit in the open in a way that you couldn't before, when your body was aging and holding you down. I can finally picture you romping with the other animals that are with you in spirit...
I fill not the air of the firmament with angels scattered about, but I give to them regions habitable and home-like. Aussie, you are now an angel-dog and can go anywhere you want to with the power of your will, which means you can visit your home with us whenever you want... You will always be welcome.
My quickening power is upon all the living, because of this they live and move...I inspire the spider to make it's net; the bird to build it's nest; the wild goose to fly to the south before winter cometh; the mare to neigh to her colt; the ant to dwell in a Queendom...My inspiration upon the bird causeth it to sing; by my Presence I color one rose red and another white. Proof of my Person is in the harmony of the whole, and of every one being a person of itself, perfect in it's order. So, Aussie Bear, I learned about my Maker from you, His perfect creation...No wonder dog is God spelled backwards...
