I Will See You in Heaven (Dog Lover's Edition): -- A Book of Comfort and Reassurance for Pet Loss - Hardcover

by Friar Jack Wintz (Author)

This comforting collection of prayers, blessings, Franciscan wisdom, and heartwarming photos is the perfect gift for anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved dog. Every page is filled with reassurance that we will see our animal friends in heaven.

The death of a beloved animal friend can be one of the most difficult events we face, often surprising us at the depth of the grief and emotion we feel. It can be very comforting to know that the animals we love so much are safe with God, who created and loves them.

Throughout his many years as a Franciscan friar, Jack Wintz came to know--the Bible gives us many clues--that we will be with our pets in heaven for eternity! St. Francis himself shared a close relationship with animals, preaching to the birds, releasing Brother Rabbit from a trap, or letting Sister Raven awaken him for early morning prayer. Franciscan spirituality tells us that all creatures form one family of creation, and God's plan of salvation includes the whole created world.

This new, expanded edition of the original bestseller includes:

• Wisdom from Friar Jack in 14 short and simple readings

• Blessings, prayers, and stories from Scripture

• Special presentation page to personalize the gift

• Adorable photos and short memories of beloved dogs

Sections of the book include:

• Three Prayers of Blessing

• The Happiness Principle

• Noah, the Ark, and the Dove

• Jonah and the Whale

• The Song of St. Francis

• Jesus and the World of Creation

• Praying with Creatures

• The Soul of a Dog

With it reassuring message of God's eternal love and care for all creation, I Will See You in Heaven helps us to know that we are not alone in our grief, and that our "goodbye" is not forever.

Cover photo: Hollie Betzler (2001-2018), Michigan's first grief therapy dog, served faithfully at her family's funeral home and area nursing homes for 16 years, giving a comforting paw at just the right time to just the right person. Her family anticipates her serving the same role at the gates of heaven, where she now waits for them.

Back Jacket

This beautiful book is the presentation/gift edition of last year's Paraclete bestseller, "Will I See My Dog in Heaven?" (4 printings). Now, the question mark is removed! The answer is "Yes!" Complete with space for presenting the book to a friend who has just lost, or is soon to lose, a beloved pet; prayers and blessings for all animal companions; and plenty of hope and inspiration, Friar Jack says unequivocally: "All creatures form one family of creation. And the more we see the implications of our belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and accept the biblical vision of God's inclusive love, the clearer we are able to say of our beloved animal companions who have died: We will see you again in heaven!"

Author Biography

In his long and distinguished life as a Franciscan friar, Jack Wintz, OFM, was for many decades a teacher, a missionary, an award-winning journalist, and an editor at St. Anthony Messenger magazine in Cincinnati, where he interviewed luminaries such as St. Teresa of Calcutta and Gene Kelly. Citing Scriptures, Christian tradition, and the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, he assured readers that there is indeed a place in the afterlife for all God's creatures. His inspiring books have brought comfort to grieving pet owners and have sold more than a quarter of a million copies!