A good study on soul and spirit:

http://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/soul-and-spirit.htm

Bob Pickle is actually also a member of MSDAOL, however, his busy schedule affects his participation here, although he does when alerted about a topic of MSDAOL.

Isn't there a scripture that says "the former things won't come into mind?" Wouldn't that include our pets?

In that case, one could say to a child, or anyone grieving the loss of their pet: "If you want your pet when you get to heaven, you will have it."

Ecclesiastes:

3:18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

Breath meaning soul can be understood from the creation of Adam in Genesis:

2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

I do not believe our pets will be in heaven with us because that is the time of the judgment, but when God creates the new heaven and new earth I do believe that He will restore our pets to us. The question is, why would He not do so to complete our happiness. If we are going to have pets, why not the ones that we loved and enjoyed here?

Revelation only says that God will make a new heaven and a new earth. Meaning the earth is the planet itself, it does not speak of what will be on it.

Though the Bible is for us to learn of salvation and the love of our Father, what father would give a stone?

Liane, the Zoo Mama

Nearly all of our pets live with us inside, they are a part of our household and as such become members of our "pack". They bring happiness and sadness just as a child does, of course not to that extent, but still they are part of the family. And I truely believe that if having them on the new earth with us will enhance out joy then God will recreate them there to be our companions for eternity.

Redfog

I believe what will enhance our joy in Heaven is being in the presence of God and meeting Him face to face. Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit will be our companions for eternity and the children of God. The former things will pass away and behold all things will be made new.

NO memories of my "Sammy" ?
-I am thrilled beyond understanding to be a proud caregiver to an Englis Spaniel. Sammy is jet Black with a little white on her chest. She has saved my mothers life! given my dad a new reason to get out of the house, about 4 walks per day! and brought a sparkplug of life into our home.
-Why would God my Father not have Sammy in my new home???

-oh yes, "the former things will pass away". let's get a thorough explanation of this often stated scripture statement, shall we?