There is a story which has been floating round the internet for some time now which goes something like this:
A family were holding a funeral ceremony for a much loved pet dog. A small child, who had been very attached to the dog, was sad, but remained surprisingly composed. An adult commented that it was sad that dogs did not live as long as humans, and the child remarked,
"I know why that is. People are put on the earth so that they can learn to be kind and warm-hearted and loyal, but dogs know all that stuff already, so they don't have to stay here so long."
I am reminded of another story I came across:
A man found himself walking along a lane through a beautiful landscape. He realized that he must have died, because his faithful old dog, who had died some years before, was trotting along beside him. After a while they came to some beautiful gilded gates. The man asked what this place was and was told that it was Heaven.
"Can I come in?" he asked.
"Yes, but you cannot bring the dog in."
The man decided he would stay outside with his dog and they continued on their way. A little while later they came to some much more modest gates. The man again asked what this place was and, again, was told that it was Heaven.
"Can I come in?" he asked.
"Yes, of course you can."
"Can I bring my dog in with me?" he asked.
"Yes, of course you can."
"How can you be so sure I am worthy to enter Heaven?"
"At that place you just came past they will tell you it is Heaven, but actually it is Hell. Only the righteous get this far."
"How can you tell that I am righteous?"
"You refused to abandon your most loyal friend."
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