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Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death
Kim Sheridan grew up with animals as her constant companions. Each time she faced the death of a beloved pet, along with the pain came the same questions, to which she could find no answers. Then, mysterious things began to happen that she couldn’t explain, which led her on an incredible journey to uncover the truth. Along with her own extraordinary experiences, she compiled heartwarming and meaningful true stories of everyday people around the world, and discovered compelling evidence that forever erased her own doubts about an afterlife for animals.
This book provides enormous comfort and reassurance to anyone who has ever cherished a pet, and food for thought for anyone who has ever questioned the place of these beloved creatures in the larger scheme of things, both here on Earth and beyond.
This book provides enormous comfort and reassurance to anyone who has ever cherished a pet, and food for thought for anyone who has ever questioned the place of these beloved creatures in the larger scheme of things, both here on Earth and beyond.
415 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 1, 2021
We all recognize turning points in which our lives clicked into a fresh chapter of awareness. The natural passing of my childhood cat seeded positive growth. I became vegetarian by realizing this dear family member was full of love and intelligence and so are cows.... I learned about animal rights and created a nature greeting card company. I bought so many books in 2003, needing stories of cats in Heaven, that some were unopened until this year.
“Animals And The Afterlife: True Stories Of Our Best Friends’ Journey Beyond Death”, 2003, is such a one. I was able to be consoled that my cat was 21. We had our McCartney & Spirit a year later and Marigold in 2010, who bore 4 babies. One ascended unfairly young in 2014. This year 2021, Spirit & Marigold went 5 months apart; she only 11½! I wonder what I would have made of Kim Sheridan before studying animal communication, reading about spirits for decades, and recently learning energy medicine urgently.
She is lovely to Mother her animals like many of us do. However, I was surprised she was new to animal communication and preoccupied with urging readers to believe animals are sentient. Rebuttals were surprisingly old. I was ahead of the author presenting these subjects. I loved learning how affectionate rats are. Her approach was frustratingly uneven.
She saw mediums like Sylvia Browne and “was always into spiritual matters” but doubted animal communicators, until she tested several of them. I found it manic to autopsy every pet rat, in hopes of helping them live longer. Some stories entailed families who saw their animals’ spirits. Most, including Kim’s, were inspiring internal experiences. I cherish these sacredly. However, the synopsis implied visual encounters, or advanced Heavenly contact. This book would be inspiring to metaphysical newcomers.
“Animals And The Afterlife: True Stories Of Our Best Friends’ Journey Beyond Death”, 2003, is such a one. I was able to be consoled that my cat was 21. We had our McCartney & Spirit a year later and Marigold in 2010, who bore 4 babies. One ascended unfairly young in 2014. This year 2021, Spirit & Marigold went 5 months apart; she only 11½! I wonder what I would have made of Kim Sheridan before studying animal communication, reading about spirits for decades, and recently learning energy medicine urgently.
She is lovely to Mother her animals like many of us do. However, I was surprised she was new to animal communication and preoccupied with urging readers to believe animals are sentient. Rebuttals were surprisingly old. I was ahead of the author presenting these subjects. I loved learning how affectionate rats are. Her approach was frustratingly uneven.
She saw mediums like Sylvia Browne and “was always into spiritual matters” but doubted animal communicators, until she tested several of them. I found it manic to autopsy every pet rat, in hopes of helping them live longer. Some stories entailed families who saw their animals’ spirits. Most, including Kim’s, were inspiring internal experiences. I cherish these sacredly. However, the synopsis implied visual encounters, or advanced Heavenly contact. This book would be inspiring to metaphysical newcomers.
February 13, 2020
For all of us who absolutely love our fur babies, this book is a must read.
Kim Sheridan is one of us - her fur babies are members of her family and they are loved as much as any other family member.
The only downside to loving them as much as we do is the pain that comes when one of them leaves us. It was after such a devastating loss that Kim began noticing mysterious things happening around her, which led her to believe her pet wasn't lost to her after all.
Intrigued, she began researching the phenomenon of these experiences, and collects stories from many people to whom these happenings occur. I am one of these people (not interviewed for the book, but someone who has experienced the presence of a beloved animal after they pass).
This book made me both joyous and sad. Sad, of course, that their lives are short, and joyous that when they leave this Earthly plane, they are not truly gone.
Kim Sheridan is one of us - her fur babies are members of her family and they are loved as much as any other family member.
The only downside to loving them as much as we do is the pain that comes when one of them leaves us. It was after such a devastating loss that Kim began noticing mysterious things happening around her, which led her to believe her pet wasn't lost to her after all.
Intrigued, she began researching the phenomenon of these experiences, and collects stories from many people to whom these happenings occur. I am one of these people (not interviewed for the book, but someone who has experienced the presence of a beloved animal after they pass).
This book made me both joyous and sad. Sad, of course, that their lives are short, and joyous that when they leave this Earthly plane, they are not truly gone.
February 7, 2012
Kim Sheridan, a trained Naturopath and health researcher, spent six years researching and writing a remarkable book. I think it likely that this book will in some way permanently change the consciousness of every animal lover – whether believer, skeptic or agnostic. The writing style is lucid and accessible, and the contents are so compelling that I devoured it in record time.
The genesis of the book (recounted in the early chapters) was the author’s own journey from scientific-minded skeptic to believer, and from animal lover to animal rescuer. Along the way she experienced her share of “unexplainable” phenomena, and also made a very systematic examination of the growing field of intuitive (or telepathic) animal communication.
Central to the book are scores of first-person accounts of contacts with beloved animal companions from the “other side.” The informants’ demographics cut broadly across regional, cultural, educational and career lines. Ms. Sheridan adds her own commentaries, placing each anecdote in a more general context (ranging from humane issues to metaphysical wisdom). Her own profound connection to animals (particularly tame rats) provides a through-line of touching personal experiences and incisive observations as well.
Types of “other-side” contact can take many forms, and Ms. Sheridan devotes a chapter to each. Interestingly, much spiritual contact is sensory: still hearing a kitty’s purring or the click of doggy toenails, suddenly smelling the distinctive fragrance of the beloved’s fur, or feeling a small body jump onto the foot of the bed. Some people receive messages through mediums or animal communicators. Some have seen their loved one in vivid dreams, others in waking visions. There is even a chapter dealing with animal reincarnation.
While these are inescapably stories involving loss, tragedy and grief, I found them uplifting rather than depressing. Each is a moving testament to the kind of love which can bind together individuals of different species, even beyond death. Each account attains closure with spiritual comfort, consolation and hope. The chapter “Letting Go: Handling Grief” provides such wise counsel and compassionate insights, that it should be required reading for all veterinary personnel as well as clergy and psychologists.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with grief over the passing of a beloved animal companion, or who is facing such a loss. It will also be of great interest to anyone who is curious about the spiritual aspects of animals.
The genesis of the book (recounted in the early chapters) was the author’s own journey from scientific-minded skeptic to believer, and from animal lover to animal rescuer. Along the way she experienced her share of “unexplainable” phenomena, and also made a very systematic examination of the growing field of intuitive (or telepathic) animal communication.
Central to the book are scores of first-person accounts of contacts with beloved animal companions from the “other side.” The informants’ demographics cut broadly across regional, cultural, educational and career lines. Ms. Sheridan adds her own commentaries, placing each anecdote in a more general context (ranging from humane issues to metaphysical wisdom). Her own profound connection to animals (particularly tame rats) provides a through-line of touching personal experiences and incisive observations as well.
Types of “other-side” contact can take many forms, and Ms. Sheridan devotes a chapter to each. Interestingly, much spiritual contact is sensory: still hearing a kitty’s purring or the click of doggy toenails, suddenly smelling the distinctive fragrance of the beloved’s fur, or feeling a small body jump onto the foot of the bed. Some people receive messages through mediums or animal communicators. Some have seen their loved one in vivid dreams, others in waking visions. There is even a chapter dealing with animal reincarnation.
While these are inescapably stories involving loss, tragedy and grief, I found them uplifting rather than depressing. Each is a moving testament to the kind of love which can bind together individuals of different species, even beyond death. Each account attains closure with spiritual comfort, consolation and hope. The chapter “Letting Go: Handling Grief” provides such wise counsel and compassionate insights, that it should be required reading for all veterinary personnel as well as clergy and psychologists.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with grief over the passing of a beloved animal companion, or who is facing such a loss. It will also be of great interest to anyone who is curious about the spiritual aspects of animals.
July 11, 2016
When my cat, Pookie, died of cancer at only 13 years of age in 2011, I was devastated. We were soulmates on a deep, soul level. Life had been challenging for me, and she was always there to comfort me by putting her paw on my cheek, gazing deeply into my eyes, and softly meowing, "It's okay, mom. I'm here, and I love you." She was the first cat I ever had in my life, and we'd developed a deep bond. I always say that half of my heart went with her when she left the physical world.
Since I'd already experienced after-death communications (ADCs) from my mom, I thought it must be possible with animals too -- that Pookie would be able to show me "signs" that she was still with me in spirit. I did some research and came across this book which confirmed that it was possible to receive ADCs from our pets. They have souls just like us, and those souls live on in Heaven, continuing to watch over us and love us. So, before Pookie's passing, I told her the main sign she should show me to let me know she was okay and with my family. Four days after her passing, she showed me the exact sign I had asked for ... and then some! It was absolutely amazing!*
This book contains many wonderful stories of how those left behind remained connected to their beloved pets and found comfort in the signs they had received. If you are grieving the loss of an animal companion, this book will help you heal by bringing you comfort in knowing your animal's soul is still with you. Please be open to the signs that are around you. When you acknowledge them and are grateful, you will continue to see them. Love never dies.
* A side note: You can read more about Pookie's signs in my blog, www.heartofalightworker.com. My experience with Pookie, and now my two other cats who have passed, have inspired me to write a book about my connection with them. I'm hoping to have it done sometime next year.
Since I'd already experienced after-death communications (ADCs) from my mom, I thought it must be possible with animals too -- that Pookie would be able to show me "signs" that she was still with me in spirit. I did some research and came across this book which confirmed that it was possible to receive ADCs from our pets. They have souls just like us, and those souls live on in Heaven, continuing to watch over us and love us. So, before Pookie's passing, I told her the main sign she should show me to let me know she was okay and with my family. Four days after her passing, she showed me the exact sign I had asked for ... and then some! It was absolutely amazing!*
This book contains many wonderful stories of how those left behind remained connected to their beloved pets and found comfort in the signs they had received. If you are grieving the loss of an animal companion, this book will help you heal by bringing you comfort in knowing your animal's soul is still with you. Please be open to the signs that are around you. When you acknowledge them and are grateful, you will continue to see them. Love never dies.
* A side note: You can read more about Pookie's signs in my blog, www.heartofalightworker.com. My experience with Pookie, and now my two other cats who have passed, have inspired me to write a book about my connection with them. I'm hoping to have it done sometime next year.
November 20, 2016
Full disclosure: I am a pet lover. I believe in an afterlife. (This is consistent with my childhood upbringing.) I believe that animals have souls that journey to another dimension when earthly life is done, i.e., an afterlife. (This is not consistent with my childhood upbringing.) I bought this book after losing a much beloved pet.
Given all of the above, you would think me predisposed to love this book as so many others have done (based on Sheridan's Goodreads rating and the fact that a sequel to this book is already in print). However, I did not. Though I believe the stories related most certainly had meaning to those who related them, they fell flat for me. And I found Sheridan's INSISTENCE that she is a skeptic fairly ridiculous in light of the fact that she regularly consults pet psychics.
Having said all that, I did enjoy reading the author's account of her own journey, her spiritual memoir, so to speak -- and I found myself agreeing with many of her views. (This portion of the book raised it to 2.5 stars for me.) I also found myself admiring of her passionate commitment to live her beliefs, and I believe the world is a better place for it -- it is certainly a kinder place. Perhaps the strongest praise for this portion of the book is to state that, had I read this book when I was young, I would have found the courage to walk out of my college biology class the day we "sacrificed" the lab rats (with tremendous cruelty and infliction of suffering). There was absolutely no need for this. It was a general biology class, and I was a MUSIC major, for God's sake -- I was not going to discover a cure for cancer! If you are reading this and are in a similar situation, find the courage and protest. I wish I had.
Given all of the above, you would think me predisposed to love this book as so many others have done (based on Sheridan's Goodreads rating and the fact that a sequel to this book is already in print). However, I did not. Though I believe the stories related most certainly had meaning to those who related them, they fell flat for me. And I found Sheridan's INSISTENCE that she is a skeptic fairly ridiculous in light of the fact that she regularly consults pet psychics.
Having said all that, I did enjoy reading the author's account of her own journey, her spiritual memoir, so to speak -- and I found myself agreeing with many of her views. (This portion of the book raised it to 2.5 stars for me.) I also found myself admiring of her passionate commitment to live her beliefs, and I believe the world is a better place for it -- it is certainly a kinder place. Perhaps the strongest praise for this portion of the book is to state that, had I read this book when I was young, I would have found the courage to walk out of my college biology class the day we "sacrificed" the lab rats (with tremendous cruelty and infliction of suffering). There was absolutely no need for this. It was a general biology class, and I was a MUSIC major, for God's sake -- I was not going to discover a cure for cancer! If you are reading this and are in a similar situation, find the courage and protest. I wish I had.
July 5, 2012
I adore this book! It is such a blessing to read, especially when one is dealing with the loss of an animal. I came across this book about a month after my beloved Meira (german shepherd/husky mix) had passed away, and it was very heart warming to read, and full of great and intellectual information. In my youth, I also, like the author, used to be a skeptic, but that mindset has long since gone extinct.
I highly recommend this book if you're dealing with the loss of a pet, or even for an interesting read,
P.S. My wife and I also just recently lost our beloved cat, Kaylis. And though it is hard, dealing with the deaths of two beloved members of our family within a couple of months, I know where their spirits now dwell, and having Kim's wonderful book to revisit will always be a big help.
5 stars all the way!
I highly recommend this book if you're dealing with the loss of a pet, or even for an interesting read,
P.S. My wife and I also just recently lost our beloved cat, Kaylis. And though it is hard, dealing with the deaths of two beloved members of our family within a couple of months, I know where their spirits now dwell, and having Kim's wonderful book to revisit will always be a big help.
5 stars all the way!
April 18, 2016
If you have ever shared a deep bond with an animal, you will cry from cover to cover. Skip chapter 20 if you aren't a vegetarian, and don't want to be!
September 7, 2024
Quotes and phrases
“I don’t think life has ever dealt me more than I can handle, although it often seems to reach my upper limits. I think perhaps there’s a reason I wasn’t there to witness death early in my life. Maybe I wasn’t ready to face it head-on. Death needed to present itself to me gradually but repeatedly, giving me a little more each time.”
“I began to realize what the animals teach us: total honesty, innocence, and forgiveness; and the importance of expressing anger or hurt, feeling it fully, and then letting it go.”
“Humans tend to hold on; animals teach us how to let life flow. Most of all, animals offer us unconditional love. Through their example, many of us learn for the first time what unconditional love truly is. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about really being ourselves, and loving each other regardless.”
“You can never really be prepared for moments like this. Like life itself, you have to actually experience such moments to fully comprehend their depth.”
“It’s been my experience that whenever something comes up twice in a row like that, there’s a significant reason.”
“When we speak to animals, they may not understand am of the words, but they understand the meaning behind the words.”
“When the animals died, they were greeted and assisted by the spirits of people, animals, and/ or angelic beings.”
“A common theme I heard was that upon passing into spirit, the animals became younger and healthier, as they had been when they were it the prime of life.”
“Even though they were in spirit and were no longer actually in their physical bodies, they usually presented themselves in the form their loved ones recognized from when they were alive in the physical world.”
“The animals always described the Other Side as a very beautiful, wonderful place. They had a feeling of peace and tranquility, and they were very happy and felt very loved.”
“The animals on the Other Side often communicated that they felt no real separation from their loved ones on this side, and that they were still very much connected to their people here. They described the physical body as merely a temporary vehicle for the spirit. Often, they continued to hang around their former home quite a bit for some time after physical death, as they got used to living in spirit. No matter where they were or what they were doing on the Other Side, they still always had the ability to connect with those of us in the physical world.”
“It’s important not to dismiss telepathic communication as a whole simply because of a specific miscommunication.”
“Everyone loves me because I love everyone”
“Knowing they’re continuing to live on in spirit, and that they’re still connected to us, helps us to cope with our grief.”
“It’s not uncommon for our loved ones in spirit to warn us of things we don’t yet even know about, indicating not only that they are still watching over us, but that our well-being still matters to them.”
“our beloved animals continue to care about us and watch over us from the Other Side.”
“I think this message of hope is true for all beings who have deeply loved one another. Neither time nor death can separate us. Our loved one’s energy is always nearby, and we will be reunited in some other dimension of life.”
“Eternity does not start with death. We are in eternity now.
—NORMAN VINCENT PEALE”
“there is no difference between where animals go and where people go. Once we take off the costume that we call our body, we are simply pure spirit, and we then go to whatever level of the afterlife will best serve our own purposes and our own learning.”
“This is an example of the fact that there are all kinds of jobs or assignments that one can have on the Other Side, whether you are an animal or a human.”
“most of our Divine blueprint is forgotten after childhood; and by adulthood, we remember just enough to cause us to feel a slight restlessness when we are not in alignment with our original plan.”
“Everything has a purpose, and you will have to complete yours before you return. Mankind is doing things the wrong way. Go back and teach humankind that love is what is important. Love one another justly. Help those who cannot help themselves. Teach one another compassion, undying love, and respect. My creatures on Earth, large and small, are here for a purpose. Mankind needs to learn from my creatures. They are here to teach us what is important in life. If you have no love and respect for my creatures whom you have seen, how can you respect me and love me whom you have not seen? Go back and tell the four corners of the earth what is truly important—not which religion. You are but the pure in heart. ”
“For I know, am positive—beyond any doubt—that when it is my turn to pass over to the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, I will see my boy again. For I know the depth of a human and dog relationship and the strong bonds that remain … long after the two separate.”
“She comes to me late at night to say, “I love you.”
Love continues, no matter what being you are. It endures for eternity.”
“Even after our loved ones have gone on to Heaven, they can still come back to visit anytime.”
“Studies have shown that we can talk ourselves out of the reality of just about anything”
“People sometimes ask if our departed animals know where we are and can find us when we move. As this story illustrates, of course they can!”
“if we have a visitation from a departed loved one, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are holding them back. It is often just their way of checking in, saying hello, and letting us know they still love and care about us. ”
“Part of domesticating an animal involves domesticating their diet, because they are actually no longer a part of the wild.”
“Dogs who are kept on chains and considered by their “owners” to be nothing more than “biological burglar alarms” live a miserable existence because they aren’t given the love, freedom, and companionship they need. Regina was perhaps the only human who ever treated Daisy with the care and respect she deserved, so it’s no wonder that Daisy came to visit Regina rather than the man who neglected her.”
“He told me that birth and death are both powerful initiations for a soul and that there was life in both of them. He told me that though grieving would be natural and cathartic for me, he also wanted me to celebrate and to feel the joy of freedom he would experience. He wanted me to allow all of these feelings, the pain and the joy, to coexist within myself.”
“She was the one that was dying yet she was the one comforting us”
“It is helpful to acknowledge that perhaps we’ve assisted them in letting go of a worn-out body that they were no longer comfortable in.”
“DEATH IS TRULY ONLY PAINFUL for those of us who are left behind. Death, which is often a release from pain, is actually a beautiful experience for those who return to spirit … and it is certainly not the end. It is simply a transition. ”
“Basically, it involves clearing the mind and focusing on the animal. We can ask them questions (in our mind) and then listen (in our mind) for answers.”
“The love they give is always worth the pain when they leave.”
“Our loved ones on the Other Side truly want us to be happy. They want us to be able to love again. ” (Buggy me lo mostró justo cuando Nanahuito llegó al cuarto.)
“Like Jack, little April had made the most of her short time with us, and I suddenly realized how precious—how truly precious—all life is, no matter how long, how short, how big, or how small.”
“I also realized for the first time that perhaps I’d been selfish in always putting so much pressure on my beloved companions to stay with me. As difficult as it is to let them go, I swore that I would never again beg an animal to stay.”
“I think those final moments of suffering become frozen in our minds, and long after an animal has passed, we’re still living in those moments. We need to remind ourselves that the animals aren’t. They’ve moved on and are doing absolutely fine.”
“When it’s their time to go, it’s their time. All the rest is just “details.”
“Rather than fighting and begging the animals to stay, I tried to focus solely on their needs.”
“back, but there was no pressure. I’ve finally learned that part of loving someone is wanting whatever is best for them, rather than focusing on our own wants and needs. This has perhaps been the hardest lesson of all.”
“I watched in amazement as one of the younger rats took a banana slice, headed over to Madeline, and put the banana right in front of her. The younger rat then headed back to the bowl, got another banana slice, and again placed it in front of Madeline.
The youngster continued in this manner until Madeline had a pile of banana slices all to herself, which she began eating with vigor. Then her young caretaker found a fresh paper towel and placed it gently over Madeline and her stash, protecting her from the other rats who might be tempted to steal the remaining bananas. The little hero then sat in front of the concealed Madeline and stood guard, ensuring that Madeline and her stash were left undisturbed until she had enjoyed every morsel.”
“animals are indeed capable of selfless acts of compassion. In fact, it occurred to me then that I had witnessed such acts of compassion initiated by animals far more often than by humans.”
“I care not much for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.—ABRAHAM LINCOLN”
“Humans are capable of tremendous acts of hatred, so perhaps it is we who must learn to commit commendable acts of love—and even to develop our own souls and earn a place in Heaven—because of the love of an animal.”
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self evident.”
—ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER”
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
—ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI”
“I have come to understand that those who dedicate themselves to making a positive difference in the lives of animals are taking part in extremely important work in our world. This field of work does not hold a very high ranking in our world’s current list of priorities, but it is looked upon very highly in the spirit world, more so than most people probably realize.”
“The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.
They were not created for humans any more than black people were created for whites or women for men.
—ALICE WALKER”
“If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.
—ALBERT EINSTEIN”
“Animals may not know words (or at least not all of them), but they certainly understand the meaning behind the words.”
“the feelings of animals are every bit as fragile as the feelings of humans.”
“I feel it is so important for each of us to do whatever we can, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Just being there at the side of a lonely or frightened animal”
“One of the most rewarding things we can do is volunteer to walk the dogs or cuddle the other animals at a local shelter. Although it’s not possible for any one individual to provide a loving home for every animal in need (and God knows, many of us have tried), each of us can take little steps that make a big difference.”
“The way I see it, we must not use what we can’t do as an excuse for not doing what we can.”
“Perhaps seeing the kind acts of others threatens these people in some way, and that’s what compels them to make such comments. Perhaps it is their own guilt in doing nothing themselves that compels them to downplay the selfless acts of others. Perhaps they have received only criticism in their own lives, so that’s all they know. I can’t really say why people say the negative and hurtful things they do. One thing I know for sure is that we must never let such comments get us down or cause us to lose hope. Every action makes a difference”
“Always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end.
—FROM A POSTER BY BONNIE ACKER IN TOOLS FOR CHANGE, THE CATALOG OF SYRACUSE CULTURAL WORKERS”
“Tolstoy once said, “What I think about vivisection [animal experimentation] is that if people admit that they have the right to take or endanger the life of a living being for the benefit of many, there will be no limit to their cruelty.” How true his words have proven to be.”
“If humanity could only learn to see rats—who usually symbolize the bottom of the barrel, the most despised of all animals—as worthy of our respect and compassion, then perhaps respect and compassion for all other animals would follow. And perhaps if we as a society can learn to deal more compassionately with the animals, we’ll learn to deal more compassionately with each other.”
“If man is not to stifle human feelings, he must practice kindness toward animals, for he who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his dealings with animals.
—IMMANUEL KANT”
“Yet another case of an animal whose only purpose was to serve the whims of humans—humans who weren’t willing to lift a finger when the animal then needed help.”
“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence of inhumanity.
—GEORGE BERNARD SHAW”
“I find it difficult to stop such cruelty, because as of this writing, certain animals—including rats, mice and birds—do not have any legal protection. (Even those animals who are “protected” by the law are protected by laws that aren’t always enforced.) Ultimately, there are no laws that protect them, other than the laws of conscience.”
“He got me to respect all life and all creation, even little insects. If there is an ant or a moth in my house, I gently take them and let them outside. If I see a worm on the ground and it’s raining, I’ll move it out of the way so people don’t step on it.”
“Nuclear power, starvation, cruelty—we must make a statement against these things. Vegetarianism is my statement. And I think it’s a strong one.
—ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER AND HOLOCAUST HISTORIAN”
“It was an unusually large ranch, and an incredibly magical place; these were unusually lucky cows. They had it so good, and as far as I could tell, this was where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Yet, every day they lived with a feeling of despair and hopelessness.”
“The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as now they look upon the murder of men.
—LEONARDO DA VINCI”
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.—GANDHI”
“our individuality remains even after we leave our physical bodies behind.”
“By ethical conduct toward all creatures, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the universe.—ALBERT SCHWEITZER”
“hold animals in the same light as we hold humanity. They are, after all, our spiritual brothers and sisters, and once the costumes are removed, we are all of the same essence. ”
“To a man whose mind is free there is something even more intolerable in the sufferings of animals than in the sufferings of man.For with the latter it is at least admitted that suffering is evil and that the man who causes it is a criminal. But thousands of animals are uselessly butchered every day without a shadow of remorse.
If any man were to refer to it, he would be thought ridiculous.
And that is the unpardonable.
—ROMAIN ROLLAND (1866–1944)”
“If people knew what was really going on, I thought to myself, they’d revolt.”
“for some reason in our world, we often do get angry at the messenger rather than the message.”
“those who work to change things for the better are often ostracized, punished, or vilified.”
“Cowardice asks the question—is it safe?Expediency asks the question—is it politic?Vanity asks the question—is it popular?But conscience asks the question—is it right?And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.
—THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.”
“As a child, I often spoke up for other children who were teased, and in so doing, I myself became the target of much abuse. Even so, I always felt in my heart that I had done the right thing and would do it again if need be.”
“Nevertheless, there are those who seem to take my dietary choice as some sort of personal attack and grounds for an argument, though I go out of my way to never position it as such. For me, it is a choice of compassion, not of confrontation. So, rather than argue, my personal philosophy is to lead by example and education”
“We all understand that there is a fundamental difference between cutting your lawn and lighting a cat’s tail on fire, and between breaking up a head of lettuce and bashing a dog’s head in. Birds, mammals, and fish are made of flesh, bones, and fat, just as we are. They feel pain, just as we do.”
“But I do know with 100 percent certainty that intentionally inflicting suffering because of tradition, custom, convenience, or a palate preference is unethical. [Kim’s note: I feel it’s important to mention here that the key word is “intentionally.” Most people certainly do not do so intentionally.]”
“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.
—THOMAS EDISON”
“Someone once told me that everyone has an agenda. Perhaps that’s true. In my opinion, you can tell a lot about a person based on their agenda. Is it an agenda of selfishness, or an agenda of service”
“In my opinion, there is no greater cause than that which stems purely from love and compassion for one’s fellow beings. Not from a perspective of, “What’s in it for me?” but rather, “How can I help others? How can I make a difference in the world around me?” ”
“My heart had broken when she died, yet as my heart healed, it had become stronger than ever. ”
“I don’t think life has ever dealt me more than I can handle, although it often seems to reach my upper limits. I think perhaps there’s a reason I wasn’t there to witness death early in my life. Maybe I wasn’t ready to face it head-on. Death needed to present itself to me gradually but repeatedly, giving me a little more each time.”
“I began to realize what the animals teach us: total honesty, innocence, and forgiveness; and the importance of expressing anger or hurt, feeling it fully, and then letting it go.”
“Humans tend to hold on; animals teach us how to let life flow. Most of all, animals offer us unconditional love. Through their example, many of us learn for the first time what unconditional love truly is. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about really being ourselves, and loving each other regardless.”
“You can never really be prepared for moments like this. Like life itself, you have to actually experience such moments to fully comprehend their depth.”
“It’s been my experience that whenever something comes up twice in a row like that, there’s a significant reason.”
“When we speak to animals, they may not understand am of the words, but they understand the meaning behind the words.”
“When the animals died, they were greeted and assisted by the spirits of people, animals, and/ or angelic beings.”
“A common theme I heard was that upon passing into spirit, the animals became younger and healthier, as they had been when they were it the prime of life.”
“Even though they were in spirit and were no longer actually in their physical bodies, they usually presented themselves in the form their loved ones recognized from when they were alive in the physical world.”
“The animals always described the Other Side as a very beautiful, wonderful place. They had a feeling of peace and tranquility, and they were very happy and felt very loved.”
“The animals on the Other Side often communicated that they felt no real separation from their loved ones on this side, and that they were still very much connected to their people here. They described the physical body as merely a temporary vehicle for the spirit. Often, they continued to hang around their former home quite a bit for some time after physical death, as they got used to living in spirit. No matter where they were or what they were doing on the Other Side, they still always had the ability to connect with those of us in the physical world.”
“It’s important not to dismiss telepathic communication as a whole simply because of a specific miscommunication.”
“Everyone loves me because I love everyone”
“Knowing they’re continuing to live on in spirit, and that they’re still connected to us, helps us to cope with our grief.”
“It’s not uncommon for our loved ones in spirit to warn us of things we don’t yet even know about, indicating not only that they are still watching over us, but that our well-being still matters to them.”
“our beloved animals continue to care about us and watch over us from the Other Side.”
“I think this message of hope is true for all beings who have deeply loved one another. Neither time nor death can separate us. Our loved one’s energy is always nearby, and we will be reunited in some other dimension of life.”
“Eternity does not start with death. We are in eternity now.
—NORMAN VINCENT PEALE”
“there is no difference between where animals go and where people go. Once we take off the costume that we call our body, we are simply pure spirit, and we then go to whatever level of the afterlife will best serve our own purposes and our own learning.”
“This is an example of the fact that there are all kinds of jobs or assignments that one can have on the Other Side, whether you are an animal or a human.”
“most of our Divine blueprint is forgotten after childhood; and by adulthood, we remember just enough to cause us to feel a slight restlessness when we are not in alignment with our original plan.”
“Everything has a purpose, and you will have to complete yours before you return. Mankind is doing things the wrong way. Go back and teach humankind that love is what is important. Love one another justly. Help those who cannot help themselves. Teach one another compassion, undying love, and respect. My creatures on Earth, large and small, are here for a purpose. Mankind needs to learn from my creatures. They are here to teach us what is important in life. If you have no love and respect for my creatures whom you have seen, how can you respect me and love me whom you have not seen? Go back and tell the four corners of the earth what is truly important—not which religion. You are but the pure in heart. ”
“For I know, am positive—beyond any doubt—that when it is my turn to pass over to the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, I will see my boy again. For I know the depth of a human and dog relationship and the strong bonds that remain … long after the two separate.”
“She comes to me late at night to say, “I love you.”
Love continues, no matter what being you are. It endures for eternity.”
“Even after our loved ones have gone on to Heaven, they can still come back to visit anytime.”
“Studies have shown that we can talk ourselves out of the reality of just about anything”
“People sometimes ask if our departed animals know where we are and can find us when we move. As this story illustrates, of course they can!”
“if we have a visitation from a departed loved one, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are holding them back. It is often just their way of checking in, saying hello, and letting us know they still love and care about us. ”
“Part of domesticating an animal involves domesticating their diet, because they are actually no longer a part of the wild.”
“Dogs who are kept on chains and considered by their “owners” to be nothing more than “biological burglar alarms” live a miserable existence because they aren’t given the love, freedom, and companionship they need. Regina was perhaps the only human who ever treated Daisy with the care and respect she deserved, so it’s no wonder that Daisy came to visit Regina rather than the man who neglected her.”
“He told me that birth and death are both powerful initiations for a soul and that there was life in both of them. He told me that though grieving would be natural and cathartic for me, he also wanted me to celebrate and to feel the joy of freedom he would experience. He wanted me to allow all of these feelings, the pain and the joy, to coexist within myself.”
“She was the one that was dying yet she was the one comforting us”
“It is helpful to acknowledge that perhaps we’ve assisted them in letting go of a worn-out body that they were no longer comfortable in.”
“DEATH IS TRULY ONLY PAINFUL for those of us who are left behind. Death, which is often a release from pain, is actually a beautiful experience for those who return to spirit … and it is certainly not the end. It is simply a transition. ”
“Basically, it involves clearing the mind and focusing on the animal. We can ask them questions (in our mind) and then listen (in our mind) for answers.”
“The love they give is always worth the pain when they leave.”
“Our loved ones on the Other Side truly want us to be happy. They want us to be able to love again. ” (Buggy me lo mostró justo cuando Nanahuito llegó al cuarto.)
“Like Jack, little April had made the most of her short time with us, and I suddenly realized how precious—how truly precious—all life is, no matter how long, how short, how big, or how small.”
“I also realized for the first time that perhaps I’d been selfish in always putting so much pressure on my beloved companions to stay with me. As difficult as it is to let them go, I swore that I would never again beg an animal to stay.”
“I think those final moments of suffering become frozen in our minds, and long after an animal has passed, we’re still living in those moments. We need to remind ourselves that the animals aren’t. They’ve moved on and are doing absolutely fine.”
“When it’s their time to go, it’s their time. All the rest is just “details.”
“Rather than fighting and begging the animals to stay, I tried to focus solely on their needs.”
“back, but there was no pressure. I’ve finally learned that part of loving someone is wanting whatever is best for them, rather than focusing on our own wants and needs. This has perhaps been the hardest lesson of all.”
“I watched in amazement as one of the younger rats took a banana slice, headed over to Madeline, and put the banana right in front of her. The younger rat then headed back to the bowl, got another banana slice, and again placed it in front of Madeline.
The youngster continued in this manner until Madeline had a pile of banana slices all to herself, which she began eating with vigor. Then her young caretaker found a fresh paper towel and placed it gently over Madeline and her stash, protecting her from the other rats who might be tempted to steal the remaining bananas. The little hero then sat in front of the concealed Madeline and stood guard, ensuring that Madeline and her stash were left undisturbed until she had enjoyed every morsel.”
“animals are indeed capable of selfless acts of compassion. In fact, it occurred to me then that I had witnessed such acts of compassion initiated by animals far more often than by humans.”
“I care not much for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.—ABRAHAM LINCOLN”
“Humans are capable of tremendous acts of hatred, so perhaps it is we who must learn to commit commendable acts of love—and even to develop our own souls and earn a place in Heaven—because of the love of an animal.”
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self evident.”
—ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER”
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
—ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI”
“I have come to understand that those who dedicate themselves to making a positive difference in the lives of animals are taking part in extremely important work in our world. This field of work does not hold a very high ranking in our world’s current list of priorities, but it is looked upon very highly in the spirit world, more so than most people probably realize.”
“The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.
They were not created for humans any more than black people were created for whites or women for men.
—ALICE WALKER”
“If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.
—ALBERT EINSTEIN”
“Animals may not know words (or at least not all of them), but they certainly understand the meaning behind the words.”
“the feelings of animals are every bit as fragile as the feelings of humans.”
“I feel it is so important for each of us to do whatever we can, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Just being there at the side of a lonely or frightened animal”
“One of the most rewarding things we can do is volunteer to walk the dogs or cuddle the other animals at a local shelter. Although it’s not possible for any one individual to provide a loving home for every animal in need (and God knows, many of us have tried), each of us can take little steps that make a big difference.”
“The way I see it, we must not use what we can’t do as an excuse for not doing what we can.”
“Perhaps seeing the kind acts of others threatens these people in some way, and that’s what compels them to make such comments. Perhaps it is their own guilt in doing nothing themselves that compels them to downplay the selfless acts of others. Perhaps they have received only criticism in their own lives, so that’s all they know. I can’t really say why people say the negative and hurtful things they do. One thing I know for sure is that we must never let such comments get us down or cause us to lose hope. Every action makes a difference”
“Always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end.
—FROM A POSTER BY BONNIE ACKER IN TOOLS FOR CHANGE, THE CATALOG OF SYRACUSE CULTURAL WORKERS”
“Tolstoy once said, “What I think about vivisection [animal experimentation] is that if people admit that they have the right to take or endanger the life of a living being for the benefit of many, there will be no limit to their cruelty.” How true his words have proven to be.”
“If humanity could only learn to see rats—who usually symbolize the bottom of the barrel, the most despised of all animals—as worthy of our respect and compassion, then perhaps respect and compassion for all other animals would follow. And perhaps if we as a society can learn to deal more compassionately with the animals, we’ll learn to deal more compassionately with each other.”
“If man is not to stifle human feelings, he must practice kindness toward animals, for he who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his dealings with animals.
—IMMANUEL KANT”
“Yet another case of an animal whose only purpose was to serve the whims of humans—humans who weren’t willing to lift a finger when the animal then needed help.”
“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence of inhumanity.
—GEORGE BERNARD SHAW”
“I find it difficult to stop such cruelty, because as of this writing, certain animals—including rats, mice and birds—do not have any legal protection. (Even those animals who are “protected” by the law are protected by laws that aren’t always enforced.) Ultimately, there are no laws that protect them, other than the laws of conscience.”
“He got me to respect all life and all creation, even little insects. If there is an ant or a moth in my house, I gently take them and let them outside. If I see a worm on the ground and it’s raining, I’ll move it out of the way so people don’t step on it.”
“Nuclear power, starvation, cruelty—we must make a statement against these things. Vegetarianism is my statement. And I think it’s a strong one.
—ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER AND HOLOCAUST HISTORIAN”
“It was an unusually large ranch, and an incredibly magical place; these were unusually lucky cows. They had it so good, and as far as I could tell, this was where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Yet, every day they lived with a feeling of despair and hopelessness.”
“The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as now they look upon the murder of men.
—LEONARDO DA VINCI”
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.—GANDHI”
“our individuality remains even after we leave our physical bodies behind.”
“By ethical conduct toward all creatures, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the universe.—ALBERT SCHWEITZER”
“hold animals in the same light as we hold humanity. They are, after all, our spiritual brothers and sisters, and once the costumes are removed, we are all of the same essence. ”
“To a man whose mind is free there is something even more intolerable in the sufferings of animals than in the sufferings of man.For with the latter it is at least admitted that suffering is evil and that the man who causes it is a criminal. But thousands of animals are uselessly butchered every day without a shadow of remorse.
If any man were to refer to it, he would be thought ridiculous.
And that is the unpardonable.
—ROMAIN ROLLAND (1866–1944)”
“If people knew what was really going on, I thought to myself, they’d revolt.”
“for some reason in our world, we often do get angry at the messenger rather than the message.”
“those who work to change things for the better are often ostracized, punished, or vilified.”
“Cowardice asks the question—is it safe?Expediency asks the question—is it politic?Vanity asks the question—is it popular?But conscience asks the question—is it right?And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.
—THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.”
“As a child, I often spoke up for other children who were teased, and in so doing, I myself became the target of much abuse. Even so, I always felt in my heart that I had done the right thing and would do it again if need be.”
“Nevertheless, there are those who seem to take my dietary choice as some sort of personal attack and grounds for an argument, though I go out of my way to never position it as such. For me, it is a choice of compassion, not of confrontation. So, rather than argue, my personal philosophy is to lead by example and education”
“We all understand that there is a fundamental difference between cutting your lawn and lighting a cat’s tail on fire, and between breaking up a head of lettuce and bashing a dog’s head in. Birds, mammals, and fish are made of flesh, bones, and fat, just as we are. They feel pain, just as we do.”
“But I do know with 100 percent certainty that intentionally inflicting suffering because of tradition, custom, convenience, or a palate preference is unethical. [Kim’s note: I feel it’s important to mention here that the key word is “intentionally.” Most people certainly do not do so intentionally.]”
“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.
—THOMAS EDISON”
“Someone once told me that everyone has an agenda. Perhaps that’s true. In my opinion, you can tell a lot about a person based on their agenda. Is it an agenda of selfishness, or an agenda of service”
“In my opinion, there is no greater cause than that which stems purely from love and compassion for one’s fellow beings. Not from a perspective of, “What’s in it for me?” but rather, “How can I help others? How can I make a difference in the world around me?” ”
“My heart had broken when she died, yet as my heart healed, it had become stronger than ever. ”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2019
The book started off strong for me as an in-depth introspection of the author's unique life experiences with animals.
But it didn't deliver. All of a sudden she starts giving you little anecdotes from other people's lives and all the while I'm waiting for her to go back to her own story to tell me what ended up happening!
I lost patience.
It's not fun for me to re-familiarize myself with new voices over and over...
But it didn't deliver. All of a sudden she starts giving you little anecdotes from other people's lives and all the while I'm waiting for her to go back to her own story to tell me what ended up happening!
I lost patience.
It's not fun for me to re-familiarize myself with new voices over and over...
January 20, 2019
I just can't finish this one.
February 16, 2012
As a pet owner I was interested in reading this book. I loved hearing people's stories of being visited by the spirit of their beloved companions and how their experiences bought them comfort.
While I enjoyed the book, there were some parts that I didn't like. The author talks mostly about her Rat Rescue program, and I know she was teaching the importance of how rats are animals and should be treated with kindness, which I agree with. However, I felt she spent too much time talking about the subject, and she should've included more stories of animals and the afterlife.
And another flaw is towards the end, the author tends to get a bit preachy by discussing animal rights.
While I enjoyed the book, there were some parts that I didn't like. The author talks mostly about her Rat Rescue program, and I know she was teaching the importance of how rats are animals and should be treated with kindness, which I agree with. However, I felt she spent too much time talking about the subject, and she should've included more stories of animals and the afterlife.
And another flaw is towards the end, the author tends to get a bit preachy by discussing animal rights.
March 12, 2008
Ok, I think this book truely was a little out there, but there are some comforting aspects to what it has to say about our animals and the life hereafter. I am skeptical of the reincarnation aspect this book implies, but it does provide comfort in the way it reveals the love that exists between an owner and their animals. If you aren't an animal lover, you just don't get it. But, if you are, you will get that connection and love that exists and is special to all of us who love our babies.
September 1, 2012
This book is good for someone new to the idea that the spirits of animals live on. But I got bored with it pretty quickly because the are just too many stories. It did, however make me realize that rats can be great pets and I would kind of like to have one. Unfortunately that would be kind of hard with my cats.
Read
February 21, 2015The main problem I have with this book is this; The Bible clearly states to stay clear of medium's. and this book is full of it. I was hoping this would be a authentic resource for healing. I get the sense of intuition here, but not the literally listening to them talk to your mind.
sorry- I give it a no star rating
sorry- I give it a no star rating
February 20, 2010
Overall it was well written. A lot to think about, thus can't rush the read. Kinda preachy at the end...
April 29, 2012
Interesting but too long. Liked the stories but too much narrative in between term.
November 22, 2017
The author specializes in communications with animals who have passed over from this world. The stories seek to bring comfort to those who have lost a beloved pet by showing that their souls go on.
June 4, 2021
AMAZING!!
I Have always had pets ...mostly cats and dogs, once had a bird, now have a wild lizard living in my den! I've had to put down sick dogs and kitties, and I loved them all..and experienced love returned from them. They are wonderful companions and good friends! I cherish my babies and hope to have another one soon...this book confirms what I've always believed, that animals have souls and love US when we love them. I've had too many experiences to doubt that they know and understand more than we acknowledge.
I Have always had pets ...mostly cats and dogs, once had a bird, now have a wild lizard living in my den! I've had to put down sick dogs and kitties, and I loved them all..and experienced love returned from them. They are wonderful companions and good friends! I cherish my babies and hope to have another one soon...this book confirms what I've always believed, that animals have souls and love US when we love them. I've had too many experiences to doubt that they know and understand more than we acknowledge.
May 3, 2021
I kept going back from 4 stars to 5 stars throughout this book. As a fellow rat owner and animal communicator, I really enjoyed reading about the author’s journey and insight. However, I didn’t realize that more than half of the book was a compilation of other people’s experiences of their pets’ afterlife which I had a difficult time connecting with. Overall, it is a great book to learn about and resonate with the animals’ afterlife and its existence.
July 10, 2018
I love animals and have to think God loves them more than me. This book explores what happens when our pets leave us and is a heartwarming look at life after pets leave this world behind and might help many overcome the grief of that loss.
June 19, 2021
Thought Provoking
I've always thought animals being part of creation must have souls. Heaven where you cannot share an animal friends love is a poor place. The stories in this book are fascinating and if somewhat repetitive strongly recommended to someone who has lost a pet.
I've always thought animals being part of creation must have souls. Heaven where you cannot share an animal friends love is a poor place. The stories in this book are fascinating and if somewhat repetitive strongly recommended to someone who has lost a pet.
June 22, 2017
I loved it...so much insight!
April 25, 2019
Excellent read ! I cried like a big blubbering idiot through this book. 🐕🐩🐴🐈🐠
May 30, 2021
Amazing book. Helped me heal from the passing of a pet many years ago. I'm now open to getting pets again. I'd highly recommend it.
March 5, 2023
Nothing noteworthy in this book.
April 30, 2010
This book is an absolute must-read for anybody who is going through the loss of a pet. It gives you hope that someday you will see your beloved animal again (maybe even sooner than you think). She has collected stories from everyday people and they are inspiring and give you hope. I had a hard time putting this book down.
September 20, 2013
This was a really interesting book. It gave you alot of things to think about. It also helps emotionally when something happens to our dearly loved furbabies. Just knowing they are up there being our little angels and that in time we will be reunited with them at the bridge in time, makes e feel so much closer. i really appreciated this book and its perspective.
April 7, 2016
This book is 410 pages long- it could easily be half. Too many examples of stories who "happened in real life" some of which are ridiculous. The author "convince those who are already convinced" and the most interesting parts are HER stories.
Having said that, I learned a lot, and I DEFINITELY now go and try to communicate with my dog.
Having said that, I learned a lot, and I DEFINITELY now go and try to communicate with my dog.
Read
March 18, 2012I won't rate this book since I did not finish it. However, I found it very comforting when my pet died. I didn't have a lot of free time, or I probably would have finished it. But, from what I did read (first 10 pages), I enjoyed it.
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