Animals, especially our pets, have a special place in many of our hearts. The unconditional love they share with us is a model for how we can love one another. Anyone who has fallen in love with their pet knows they give so much love and gratitude for our companionship and care. When it comes time for them to cross over into heaven, it is a loss that is felt deeply by all in the household, including other pets.
Surrounded by Loving Beings
When the time comes for our beloved animal companions to cross over to the Other Side, it can be a very emotional and heartbreaking time. It is comforting to know that our pets, just like human beings, are surrounded by spirit guides, loved ones in spirit, and the angels during their transition to heaven. Recently, when my cat, Shadow, passed, I asked the angels to show me his journey in order to share with you what happens when our pets cross over into heaven.
Spirit Guides Ease Their Transition
When Shadow passed, his spirit guides were there to show him the way to heaven. As with people, the guides are unique to the animal. Each being is born with a spirit guide who remains with them for their time on earth, and animals are no different. When pets cross over, their personal spirit guide is there, as well as deceased loved ones who knew them (people and animals), angels, past spiritual masters, and even God. The guides are there to inform them that their physical body has expired, indicating it is time to cross over into heaven. The pull of love is strong on earth, especially if there were deep bonds formed with their companion family. The guides gently let them know it is time to move on to heaven, and that they will never truly be separated from their earthly companions because the love they share will keep them connected. They let them know that, once they have crossed, they can visit in spirit with their loved ones on earth to give them comfort and signs that they are around. Like people, pets can be scared of being separated from loved ones and the life they knew; however, the angels bring peace to their hearts and minds, easing their transition.
Time for Orientation
In the same way that people have an orientation to heaven, animals are also given an introduction and an educational session about heaven. They learn about their new home, as well as what they can do while they are there, including how they can communicate and help their loved ones on earth. They are reunited with loved ones who have crossed over before them, including animal parents and siblings, as well as people who knew them and loved them. The angels, guides, and deceased loved ones often volunteer to watch over them as they await the arrival of their companion family on earth.
Grief Transformed Through Understanding
As with those of us on earth, our beloved pets do experience some sorrow during their transition to heaven. It is natural to feel a sense of loss for the life and companions they knew on earth; however, the grief does not last like it does on earth because the abundant peace and love of heaven embraces them. In addition, they are given the gift of knowledge and enlightenment that allows them to better understand the workings of the universe and their role in it. Any pain they felt in life disappears, and they are transformed into younger and healthier versions of themselves. They are free to run and play, make new friends, roll in the softest spring green grass, and curl up in the warmth of the sun with loved ones.
Visiting Loved Ones on Earth
After their initial period of transition has been completed and grief over your loss has eased, your pets will visit you on earth. You may catch a glimpse of them out of the corner of your eye or see images that remind you of them, you may feel them curled up next to you on the couch or bed, and you may also hear the joyful sounds they used to make just for you. When animals communicate with me both here and from the Other Side, it is very similar to the way human loved ones in spirit communicate with me. They use all of my senses to transmit their messages, and the thought impressions I receive are translated into a spoken language I understand. When they communicate with you, you may receive signs and messages through images, sounds, feelings, smells, and more. It is not a coincidence that the day after Shadow passed a video popped up on one of my social media newsfeeds of a very young kitten holding its own bottle as it was being fed kitten replacement milk. When I adopted Shadow into my heart almost fifteen years ago, he was only two weeks old. Because he was abandoned by his natural mother at such a young age, he needed to be bottle-fed kitten replacement milk. I thought it was adorable how Shadow would hold his kitten-sized bottle with his paws. On an interesting side note, all kittens and puppies are born with brilliant blue eyes, just like human babies. If an extremely young animal comes under your care, you should take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They have very special needs, ones that you would not even think about, that need to be immediately addressed.
Love Connection
Our beloved pets and companions leave impressions of their love on our hearts. The relationships we build and nurture on earth with all beings creates a bond that cannot be broken with the expiration of our physical bodies. Love is the strongest energy in the universe. It is the ultimate power that links each and every one of us together. It is the spark of life that created our souls, and when we find others whose spark grows and expands within each other’s company, we know we have found our soulmates, our twin flames, and our spiritual family.
Blessings and love to you and yours. May your soul be eased with the love of the angels.
In Memoriam of Shadow
In memory of my sweet and loving Shadow, who will always be my hero, loving companion, and special boy. Rest in peace and enjoy your time in heaven. Thank you for 15 glorious years of love on earth.
September 3, 2000 – August 3, 2015
Karen, thank you so much. That was and is beautiful. It’s a great comfort in knowing that our beloved pets are in paradise and that we’ll be reconnected one day in our spirit lives..
I am so sorry for your loss. Pets live with us for only as short time and yet, the impact they leave is infinite. I have a very sick dog. She was severely abused before our adoption and had suffered multiple physical injuries. She is only 9 yet aging rapidly. She has developed tumors along her neck and most are just benign fatty tumors but one is cancerous and attaching to her esophagus. It is inoperable because of all her internal deformities from abuse. She has lost so much weight. I feed her a special diet, take her out frequently and spend as much time as I can just sitting with her. She looks at me with eyes that I swear see into my very soul. I know she is still here because of me. I am her “person.” How can I let her know it is okay to go? How can I convince her I will be okay without her, even when, right now, I am not so sure that I will be okay? How can I become more OKAY so I can let her go?
Hello Maria,
Thank you for writing to me about your beloved dog. She knows what is in your heart. She knows the love you share and in some ways, she is trying to comfort you because she knows her time is coming. When a pet is suffering with a terminal illness or condition, it is painful to see them in this condition and it is difficult to know when to make the decision to help them cross over to the Other Side. Having been through this many times myself, it is a matter of their quality of life. When any of my pets has been diagnosed with a terminal illness that cannot be healed and is suffering, as their pet parent, it is my belief it is better to ease their suffering than to have them in great pain or discomfort. Coming to that conclusion is not easy. It is always a tough decision; however, I can say that I have had numerous pets come through in spirit thanking their pet parents for helping to ease their pain and to let them know they are happy in Heaven. Talk with your vet. They will not make the decision for you, but they should inform you about the condition of your dog and what she is experiencing, as well as the next steps to take.
As for you, your heart will heal in time, as will hers. She knows her time on Earth is coming to an end. She appreciates her time with you and all you have done for her.
Whenever a person or pet crosses over into Heaven, there is a grieving period in which we need to adjust to not having our loved ones physically with us on this Earth. The love we share remains within our hearts and keeps us connected through eternity.
Sending love, peace, courage, and strength to you and your pup during this time of transition. You will make the best decision for her, if you haven’t already.
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
Thank you so much that confirms some things for me since my senior cats crossed over and a wild kitten we used to be in connection with because we feed it from birth till his passing, etc.
Hello Ginger,
I am glad my article helped you make connections with your cats in spirit!
Sending much love and peace to you!
With Light and Love,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
Thank U,,, Lost my Roc after 12yrs solid as a Team, Greatest Love Story Ever between Him & I,. U answered Every Question I had, It’s helped me w this grief, He only passed 3 dys ago
Hello Trisha,
My deepest condolences to you regarding the loss of your Roc. Our pets are amazing members of our family and bring us much love. I am glad my article about pets in Heaven helped bring some healing and understanding to your heart. Thank you so much for sharing your love with Roc in this lifetime. He will always be a part of your heart.
Sending much love and peace to the heart of your spirit. Roc is at peace in Heaven and sends you his love.
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
Hi Karen, I hope I’m not bothering you but I’m a bit concerned about my cat who passed a few days ago, I had a strange dream where he appeared in the kitchen but still looked like he did just prior to passing, he was an old cat who came to us 5 years ago when our neighbour died, he had liver and kidney issues and we knew he was going so after advice we made him comfortable at home, he kept his dignity to the end and continued using the litter tray, we fed him lots of chicken and fish and kept him hydrated, he gradually got weaker and he passed while we listened to meditation music and lots of love from me and our dog Daisy, my concern due to him looking weak and emancipated in my dream is whether he has successfully passed over, we have also seen movement out of the corner of the eye around our house and garden, I was hoping that there is a ritual I could do to help him, I decided to look online for help and found your website was the first to come up, now normally I wouldn’t contact anyone as I know people are busy but felt compelled to ask you for helping after reading your website, the reason for this is because my cats name is Shadow.
Hello Diane,
Thank you for sharing your story. Your cat, Shadow, came into your dreams looking the way he did at the end so that you could recognize him. He is doing well in Heaven and may now appear just a little younger in your dreams, but still recognizable. Pets automatically go to Heaven, so no worries there. Seeing him out of the corner of eye is also good as our loved ones in spirit, including our pets, visit us from Heaven to let us know they are ok and that they love us.
Thank you for taking care of this sweet little guy in the twilight of his life. Your dog, Daisy, will also know when he is around. Our live pets see and sense the people and pets in spirit, too.
Sending much love and many blessings your way!
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
Thank you so much for replying, I feel a lot happier about Shadow now, he can come and go as he pleases, in death as in life, he was a true independent soul.
Thank you so much for replying, I feel a lot happier now knowing Shadow is safe, he can come and go as he pleases, in death as in life he was a true independent soul, thank you for being you, sending love and gratitude to you. ❤
Thank you for this post, I was looking for some comfort… my Leo is lying here ready to cross over, I chose to let him go at home because of the pandemic rules, no human is allowed in the vets office with their pet. I thought that would be too scary for him to be alone.I’ve had him for 21 years, he was such a good boy, we’ve been through so much together. I have told him it’s okay to go, I will be okay, his friend Rocky who passed several months ago is waiting for him. He’s still hanging on by a thread, I hope I made the right decision keeping him home and not taking him to the vet. My guy said he’ll go when he’s ready.
Hello Cyndi,
Thank you for sharing your experience with your beloved Leo. You gave him love and comfort throughout his 21 years and continued to do the same as his time was drawing near. Our furry companions appreciate the love we share with them and know when we are doing our best to honor them. Your Leo knows this. I send you and your family much love and comfort during this time. Know that Leo will always be in your hearts and memories, and that he is grateful for the loving home you shared with him.
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
Hi Karen,
Our beloved cat Dave passed away yesterday, after a short battle with heart failure. My partner and I are both heartbroken. We had him put to sleep, prior to that he was dosed up on pain relief (his hind quarters had become paralysed)
Would he have known we said goodbye to him? I’ve not had any signs that he is with us in spirit yet and I just hope he isn’t stuck in limbo.
Many thanks
Ellie
Hello Ellie,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your partner. Your cat, Dave, certainly knows how much you love him and is aware it was time for him to cross over into Heaven. Give him a bit of time regarding the signs. He only crossed over yesterday and when you are experiencing strong grief it may be challenging for you to recognize the signs. On a very important note, animals do not get stuck in limbo. They always cross right away.
Sending much love and peace to the heart of your spirit.
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com
8 weeks and 2 days ago, the love of my life-Booboo passed from cancer. I went the holistic route, no poison for my baby’s cure or comfort. But, after 4 months of treatment and encouraging signs of a possible recovery, she suddenly began struggling and slipped away slowly, on Wednesday evening. She exhibited no pain, until Saturday morning. Then she quieted and rested for several hours. When she woke, I took her outside for bathrooming, as I held her. Back inside, we settled in to our nightly routine. She had been receiving her food (pureed steak, baby food and organic eastern supplements) through a syringe for less than a week. One of her favorite treats was sips of mommy’s milkshakes, so she had her steak dinner and 5 cc’s of milkshake dessert. She gulped it down. I took all this as her love for life and ability to recover. She was only 16 yrs and 9 months old, and as a clairvoyant, since early childhood, I had been promised 18 years with her, so I couldn’t/refused to see that my baby was dying. We cuddled, as always. Her on my chest with her little Boston Terrier face right next to mine. I talked and sang her songs to her, while holding and caressing her. We finally went to bed. She, next to me, in her spot. Eventually, I dozed off. I had been getting my sleep in spurts, constantly monitoring her for her needs. When I awoke, almost 2 hrs later, she was gone. She passed, while I slept next to her. The guilt of not being awake to be present in her passing moments is killing me. I have run a self funded rescue for 36 years. No kennels or cages. Everybody is a member of the family, until adoption. This is their home-not a shelter. The unadoptables (sickly, senior, behavior challenged) stay forever. Many have passed and it’s always painful. But I assume they go straight to heaven and we will be reunited. Within a couple weeks, I adjust to their sweet ashes on the shelves and their physical absence in my life, because that blessed assurance of them in heaven gives me a peace.
Boo, is a different story. She was not a rescue, but a gift. We met her before she was one week old. The breeder, handed her to me (all 1.8 lbs. of her) and I held her to my neck, as she tried to nurse on my ear lobe. I became her mommy in that moment. She was my beloved runt who we visited over the next 6 weeks, so she would be comfortable with her removal from her litter and mamma, Dolly. I didn’t want her trying to figure out who we were, while wondering to where mamma and siblings suddenly had disappeared. She was a princess, although a little on the tomboy, clown end of the royal spectrum. By contrast to the other fur babies at home, the wheels didn’t turn on my car without her as my navigator. She and I were virtually inseparable for the better part of 17 beautiful years. I employ a cremation facility for private procedures, only. She passed while I slept, and I can’t get over that. If there was ever a time to be awake…………….! Within 12 hrs, she was cremated, while we waited and back home. Her ashes are wrapped in a beautiful pink, satin scarf, and tucked inside a Boston Terrier purse, that looks like a stuffed animal. It accompanies me everywhere, just like before. My grief is profound at her not being where I can see her, having slept through her passing and awaiting the signs others receive, but this clairvoyant gets no assurance of my precious baby’s current status and welfare. I want to scream, until I can no longer stand. Why is God so absent, when I try so hard to serve and please Him? I’m so desperate for answers that I’m thinking about seeing a psychic or medium. Does my angel baby think I didn’t love her enough to be awake and with her, as she left? I wish I could pass too, to be with Boo. She is the only company I want or need. I just need to cry now, as always, before I tend to the dozen or so furbabies. I try to be what they need-not a bawling mess.
God bless you.
Hello Cynthia,
Thank you for sharing your story with me. My most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved pet. As with people, when we are not in the presence of those who are passing or, in this case, asleep at the time of your pup’s passing, you were not meant to be a witness to the actual crossing of your pup. If God wanted you to be awake and present you would have been. It is possible that Booboo did not want you to watch her die. It is a difficult event to witness and she may have asked to spare you of the experience. God was not absent or being mean. Not at all. There are lessons in every event we experience and forgiving yourself for something you had no control over is important to the learning for your soul. You pup is not upset with you. It is your grief that is temporarily blocking your awareness. Deep grief turns us inwards and can sometimes close us off to signs from spirit and communications. Grieving is a natural process and it involves learning how to live in a different way. You pup is in Heaven in spirit and you will be reunited when your natural time to cross comes. As the pain in your heart eases, you will be able to more clearly connect with your pup in spirit. She needs you here on earth, as do all the other rescues you are helping. Seventeen years is a long and beautiful life span to have enjoyed in your company. Be grateful for that time and know your pup is no longer in pain from the debilitating cancer and that she is young again in Heaven. You will always be connected in the hearts of your spirits.
With Love and Light,
Karen T. Hluchan
http://www.HealingSpiritWithLove.com