I feel so much better after reading your book, and I'm now confident that my cat is in heaven. Thank you so much Mrs. Shanahan for helping me. I'll treasure this book forever, and if I start to feel any doubt, I'll grab your book for comfort and assurance.

Marie, Englewood, CO

When we lost our male Chesapeake Bay Retriever in Nov. '03, and while I was struggling with understanding if doing rescue (which I was/am very actively involved in) was one of my God given gifts, one of my callings, or just my own thinking........I went to amazon.com searching.  Searching for books that would help me and my 3 children see God's instructions ........ on how to deal with our loss, to understand that our beloved pet was not actually gone forever, and to help us all better understand our role as rescuers.  Was there anything in the Bible that reinforced what I already felt so convicted about?

I bought five different books that came up in my search! However, 'There is Eternal Life for Animals'' was all I needed. It was/is an answer to my prayers.  It was all right there! everything I've been searching for.  Everything that I've been asking for from our own church, from other church leaders that were also actively involved in rescue, as well as from fellow church members, and fellow rescuers!  It was all right there for me and for me to share with those I asked who had no specific answers. Now, i have the answers!

Thank you so much, Niki Behrikis Shanahan, for hearing your own calling and sharing your gift with others. I will be forever grateful that you took the time and patience, and researched through the Bible, so others could see where God has supplied plenty of scripture for the animals He created. Now we have the knowledge, and scripture, at our fingertips, to share with others as well. God Bless you and your ministry.

Christy, President - Chessie Rescue VA, Inc.
chessierescueva.org
 

There is Eternal Life for Animals is a book that should stand up to the closest scrutiny by the most conservative Christians. The Bible does teach us that there is eternal life for animals. Niki Behrikis Shanahan does an exceptional job of pointing out this truth from the pages of Scripture. 

This book is written in such a way that it is easy to follow and understand by anyone, whether or not one has had any formal Biblical training.

Like most people who have lost a beloved companion animal, the author sought the Biblical assurance that her beloved "son" Pete would be in heaven.  Her quest led to the publication of this book.  We have many people writing to us about their mourning the loss of their companion animals, all of whom have been as sons and daughters to them.  This book will provide comfort and assurance to them that There is Eternal Life for Animals.

Found in the introduction of this outstanding book are the following author’s statements and Bible quotations that should be emphasized in all Bible studies. Ignoring these truths has led to much ignorance and suffering.

“Some people think that animals are of little importance or value. And since they feel that way, they assume that God does also. They may think that, since man has been created in the image of God, eternal life is exclusive to us. The angels have been given eternal life also, and the Bible does not state that they have been created in God’s image. Therefore, we shouldn’t be distracted by the distinction that man is created in God’s image and the animals are not. This bears no relevance to the gift of eternal life. Many people, even devout Christians, think that eternal life for animals is foolishness. Perhaps this is an example of the “foolishness of God!”

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.
       1 Corinthians 1:25-29, NIV

In author Niki Behrikis Shanahan’s words, “There is only one way to know what God has to say or what He plans to do, and that is by reading and studying the Word of God. The Bible is the only book He left us.”

Furthermore, the author of this excellent book goes back to the original Hebrew and Greek to find the precise meaning of words that many people assume refer only to humans, when in fact, they plainly include all the earth’s inhabitants.

It is amazing how many scriptures plainly proclaim the truth about the whole of creation. Over a hundred scriptures (not only the two or three witnesses necessary for confirmation of a question or statement, as we are taught in the Bible) show that God has a plan for the animals.

We enthusiastically recommend this book to everyone!

Mary & Frank Hoffman
The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation
http://all-creatures.org

I have just finished reading the book and feel that it was well done.  I have considered making a video on “Pets in Heaven.”  If in the future this comes to pass and I use any of your material, I will give you credit.

Rev. Dr. Jack Van Impe, World-Renowned Theologian
Jack Van Impe Ministries International, Troy, Michigan, October 23, 2003

"There Is Eternal Life for Animals" is a most interesting, encouraging and well-written labor of love.  It represents years of prayerful Bible study and love in action by a Christian who has learnt to appreciate God's creatures and God's Word.

In the light of the clear teaching of Scripture concerning creation and mankind's responsibility for it, we should treat animals with the love and concern of those who must give an account of our conduct to God.

"A good man takes care of his animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs."  Proverbs 12:10

Unfortunately, the subject of God's creation and our Christian responsibility as stewards of God's creation is a much neglected subject.

Niki Behrikis Shanahan has done us all a great service by putting together this unique book. "There Is Eternal Life for Animals" shows from over a hundred Scriptures that God our loving Creator cares for wildlife, commands compassion towards animals, even including concern for the welfare of animals in the Fourth Commandment.  The angels around God's throne are described as having the features of a lion, a bull and an eagle.  God, Himself, is likened in Scripture, to a lion, a leopard, a bear and to an eagle.  Jesus is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Jesus is also known as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  The Holy Spirit is symbolized by a pure and gentle dove.

The presence of animals in Nineveh is recorded as a reason for God's mercy in not destroying that sinful city.

God's plan is to bring all creation together, everything in Heaven and earth, with Christ as head.  Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, leopards will lie down with young goats, calves and lion cubs will feed together and little children will take care of them.

"Search in the Lord's book of living creatures and read what it says.  Not one of these creatures will be missing and not one will be without its mate.  The Lord has commanded it to be so; He Himself will bring them together.  It is the Lord who will divide the land among them and give each of them a share.  They will live in the land age after age and it will belong to them forever."  Isaiah 34:16-17

"There Is Eternal Life for Animals" focuses on so many Scriptures which plainly deal with and include animals, showing that God does have a plan for animals, and just as Noah was commanded by God to provide for the saving of the animals from the flood, so Christians can expect Christ's much greater redemption to include all the incredibly diverse animals which the Lord has created.

"And then I heard every creature in Heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea - all living beings in the universe - and they were singing: To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour, glory and might, forever and ever."  Revelation 5:13

As one who has had the privilege of being born and brought up in Africa, amongst an incredible diversity of magnificent wildlife, and for the last 21 years a missionary, to remote areas of Africa, I have had the privilege of seeing rhino, hippos, Leopard, fish eagle and other magnificent creatures up close in the wild.

I've also had the joy of handling and cuddling with lion cubs and cheetahs, rescuing penguins, feeding elephant and giraffe.  Although the main focus of my ministry is evangelism and discipleship of people, I count it a special privilege whenever I'm able to disciple Christians as to our responsibility to protect and care for animals as an essential part of our Christian responsibility.

I've also had the joy of rescuing many animals, some of whom have been adopted into our family or given protection at our mission bases, or set free back into the wild.

It is a privilege to recommend "There Is Eternal Life for Animals" to all who love God and His creation.


Rev. Dr. Peter Hammond
Frontline Fellowship, Cape Town, South Africa, June 19, 2003

I was excited when I received this book to review, actually, I asked the author for a copy which is something I rarely do.

If any of you have been following my reviews you know I am a Christian and an animal lover. This year has been a tough one for me personally, as I have lost 5 dogs and to me this was like losing family members.  I needed to read this book and I was not disappointed.

Is God truly interested in animals and what happens to them for eternity?  The author has the answer to this question for you, with countless Scripture references, showing our loving Creator does indeed care about all of His creation, even your beloved Fideo.  Thank God!

As an Ordained Minister of the Gospel I have always known that animals would be a part of eternity, but never took the time to research the Scriptures on this subject as author Niki Behrikis Shanahan has.  I tip my hat to her for doing an outstanding job in bringing to light the truth of eternity for all living things.

If your heart is broken because you have lost your beloved pet, this book will bring you peace.  If you question where animals go when they die, this book will quiet your mind and bring a smile to your lips.  A book that can be read with the heart and with the intellect, this is a must read for all that love animals and for those who have stepped so low as to be cruel to God's creation.   After reading this book you may just change your actions, I hope so.

Highly recommended reading, top of the line research.  Excellent, Outstanding and Life changing!  Good job Ms. Shanahan!  Thank you!

Rev. Shirley Johnson, Co-Pastor, Palatka, Florida, July 22, 2003

Before a friend recommended this book, I spent days on the internet trying to find information regarding pet afterlife. Thank goodness, Nike Behrikis Shanahan had already did the research and brought us "There is Eternal Life for Animals." She gave me the peace and knowledge that I was looking for...my furbaby, ACE was now happy in heaven and I would get to be with him when I went to heaven. Although, I still miss him terribly...it did dry many of my tears.

Nancy Bianconi, CA, December 29, 2003

"Do animals have souls?" If you have wondered about this question, author Niki Behrikis Shanahan sets out on a journey to put your mind at ease. This journey, interwoven in scriptures, reinforces to pet owners the belief that God does intend for all animals to go to heaven. Niki explains in great detail that since God has given man stewardship over the animals, their fate is directly linked with ours, as is their salvation.

Showing extensive research in her effort, she offers God's word as proof that animals are of great importance to God, and therefore will live on in heaven. The book brings to the light that we are all a community of souls brought together for one purpose: to make up one family governed by God's laws. Using the original Hebrew and Greek translations of the Bible, Niki Behrikis Shanahan maps the way to the final conclusion that animals do have eternal souls. This book will not only challenge your faith, but it will force you to think about the issues she sets before you, and leave you clarity of thought. If you have undergone the traumatic experience of losing a beloved pet, you will find great solace within these pages.

Mary Anne Miller, Freelance Writer, thecatsite.com

My beloved cocker spaniel nearly died three years ago with a condition called auto-immune hemolytic anemia. At that time and ever since, I have been struggling with the idea of whether or not her death would be eternal, or whether indeed that eternal life existed for animals. I didn't feel that the Bible addressed this issue until reading this book. No matter how much I am looking forward to heaven, to me heaven wouldn't be perfect and complete unless I were reunited with my animals. This book gave me that reassurance, using scriptures to back up the promises! I am grateful for the peace of mind provided in There is Eternal Life for Animals.

Beth Searfoss,Colonial Beach, VA

“I thought the book was well written, well researched, and made good use of scripture to present a convincing case for animals being in heaven with us.  I especially liked your use of research into some of the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew words.  Your book certainly did cause me to do some more thinking about a subject that is very important to many of my clients.

Thanks for all your good work on this subject.  I plan to mention your book to my grieving clients as a source of encouragement for them.”

Dr. Robert Hott, Director of Student Outreach
Christian Veterinary Mission, Shoreline, Washington

"Do animals have souls?" If you have wondered about this question, author Niki Behrikis Shanahan sets out on a journey to put your mind at ease. This journey, interwoven in scriptures, reinforces to pet owners the belief that God does intend for all animals to go to heaven. Niki explains in great detail that since God has given man stewardship over the animals, their fate is directly linked with ours, as is their salvation.

Showing extensive research in her effort, she offers God's word as proof that animals are of great importance to God, and therefore will live on in heaven. The book brings to the light that we are all a community of souls brought together for one purpose: to make up one family governed by God's laws. Using the original Hebrew and Greek translations of the Bible, Niki Behrikis Shanahan maps the way to the final conclusion that animals do have eternal souls. This book will not only challenge your faith, but it will force you to think about the issues she sets before you, and leave you clarity of thought. If you have undergone the traumatic experience of losing a beloved pet, you will find great solace within these pages.

Mary Anne Miller
TheCatSite.com - Marketing Director

I had to call you and then write to you to tell you that you, through God, have and will bless people from all walks of life through your book which is based on Bible scripture.  You must have worked long and hard to draw out the answers from the Bible.  I asked many people in the ministry and searched on the internet and couldn’t find the answer.  Then by God’s beautiful grace I noticed our daily newspaper, the Tribune, and there was a special article about your book.  There are so many scriptures from the Bible pertaining to animals, and most people will never find them, except through your beautiful God-given answers for all of us who love animals so much.  Praise God for your effort, and may he put this book in all animal lovers hands.  God will surely bless your work, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Rita J. Horn, Arizona, November 4, 2003

Niki Shanahan’s exposition of the Bible shows that animals have souls; that they are included in God’s covenants with mankind; that God is quite capable of communicating with animals without our help, and that animals have eternal life and will be in heaven.  Niki has been meticulous in her study of the Bible, finding many new verses that confirm what Christians through faith in a perfect God should already know; that God’s love embraces all of His creation.

Don Gwillim
Chairman Veg4Lent
Liphook, United Kingdom

"The author makes a good Christian case for animals in Heaven.  This book would fit in both academic and public libraries."

John M. Kistler, M.L.S., Acquisitions Librarian
Merrill Library, Utah State University

Thank you, Niki, for your book, "There Is Eternal Life For Animals.”  My life is intertwined with that of animals.  I have 10 dogs (all strays at one time), 5 cats, 3 horses, and 2 birds.  I cannot imagine a heavenly life in the hereafter without the animal kingdom, and pray that I will be blessed with the company of the creatures I love someday.  Just yesterday I found that a wonderful stray dog (that I had been feeding for some time but could not adopt) had died unexpectedly.  There are many stray pets in this part of rural Georgia - and my heart aches for him.  I turned to your book again, and read some comforting passages from it to help ease my despair.  Thank you again and God bless you.

Irina Jocher, Georgia, October 22, 2003

This book will bring great comfort to pet owners

On our Web site, (www.Godblesstheanimals.com - a non-denominational prayer ministry for animals), we receive hundreds of letters from anguished animal lovers who have lost their pets and who ask us for some kind of assurance that they will see their beloved animals again at another time.  Scripture does not offer any such "direct" proof that I have ever been able to find, but Niki Shanahan has been truly guided to find the hidden key in the Bible that provides the kind of answer that all animal lovers are seeking.  Her book is extremely well researched at the human level and clearly Divinely Guided at the Spiritual level to help those who need to know that "There is Eternal Life for Animals."  Niki's research is helpful because it affirms for us all that the opposite of death is not "life," but rather "birth."  We, humans and animals, enter into this earthly experience for a limited period of time. To be sent here in human or animal form is a great privilege – an experience to be savored and cherished and then released – comforted by the fact that there is more to come.  "There is Eternal Life for Animals" is an inspired and loving work that will lift the pain from many hearts in our world.

Lauren McLaughlin, Minister
God, Bless The Animals, Clearwater, Florida, October 15, 2002

“There Is Eternal Life For Animals: A Book Based On Bible Scripture by Niki Behrikis Shanahan is a positive, inspiring, and Biblically based examination of God's word about heaven and an afterlife as relates to His beloved animal creations.  Backed by numerous scripture quotes and interpretations, Niki extrapolates from the word of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that there is hope not only for humanity (if they can repent their sins), but also for the souls and spirits of our beloved animal companions and virtually all living things.  There Is Eternal Life For Animals is very highly recommended reading, especially for those readers from a Judaeo/Christian heritage and having experienced an affectionate and enduring relationship with beloved animal companions.”

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review, Oregon, Wisconsin

If anyone in authority has ever told you that animals don't go to heaven, read this book. It presents a solid, Biblically based proof that our best, loving friends are there.  There is also an inspiring personal testimony that leads the reader to think about one's relationship with God and why that would guarantee a place for our pets in heaven.  A very sweet and thoughtful book.

Amanda O. Corliss, DVM
Hearthside Veterinary, Andover, Massachusetts

There is Eternal Life for Animals: A Book Based on Bible Scripture (by Niki Behrikis Shanahan) offers real comfort for bereaved pet owners of faith. Investigated from a Christian perspective, Shanahan delves into both the Old and New Testament to scripturally make her point: That animals have souls and they will spend eternity with their owners. Using the Scriptures, she discusses how man's sins affected all creatures, she describes a caring relationship between God and the animals, animals in Heaven now, and how through Christ's sacrifice the animals are also redeemed. She also covers a more secular perspective through near-death experiences where people have witnessed their pets on the other side.

Shanahan discusses the salvation of man and animals to convince the reader of an animal afterlife, not to convert the reader.

This book will be a real comfort to Christians who have been taught that cats and dogs have no "soul."

Dusty Rainbolt, Reviewer, October 20, 2002
The Whole Cat Journal, Radford, Virginia

It’s a wonderful book!

K. T. Golay, Editor
Woofe Gazette, Washington, Utah  

She analyzes Scripture that links the fate of humanity with the fate of animals, as well as translating some of the original Greek and Hebrew words to discuss the concepts of souls in animals.

Aline McKenzie, Staff Writer
The Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas

Shanahan hopes her book will help others who hope to be reunited with their pets after death.

Beth Dolan, Reporter
The Tampa Tribune, Tampa, Florida

Niki Shanahan has made it wonderfully clear that we will see our beloved pets in Heaven.  Any one who has ever wondered about God's creation, all of the animals, our pets and what will become of them has to read this book! Bible scriptures plainly tell us that God loves his creatures and they will be in Heaven.  Niki's research on this subject has been a blessing to me and my family.  I want to thank Ms. Shanahan for her work and excellent research and for the comfort she has brought to me personally.

Kathy M. Grice, North Carolina, October 16, 2003

Niki Shanahan has definitely received the spirit of God to have been able to tell it like it is.  She has proven without any possible doubt that God's plans for animals include Heaven, and that a soul and spirit were and are part of the makeup of every animal known to man.  Three cheers for Niki Shanahan and God Bless her for her book "There Is Eternal Life For Animals". It's bound to be a Best Seller.

Bill Edwards, Ontario, Canada, July 24, 2003

For those of us that believe in life after death and count on enjoying eternity with our loved ones, the question invariably comes up as to whether or not our furry (or scaly or feathery, as it were) family members will also be there. Niki Behrikis Shanahan does an excellent job addressing this concern, expounding upon many passages from scripture with innovative insights as to why we WILL see our pets in the next world.  Intermingled are cute anecdotes about her own pets, making the book a delight to read, as well as a comfort.

Christian or not, most of us would agree death is not truly the end; if you consider your pets beloved family members and would like some reassurance as to their individual importance, "There Is Eternal Life For Animals" is must-read.

Mary, Port Orchard, Washington

“The book is a great companion to the family Bible, intended to be used as a teaching tool for the ongoing study of scripture.  Just as we walk through life with added comfort with our animals beside us, Shanahan offers us a book to set beside the Bible, to keep nearby while we work through the scriptures.”

Rob Gee, Editor
Critter Exchange, Northwood, New Hampshire

The Tyngsborough, MA, resident doesn’t think there’s a heaven for kitties and pups, she knows there is.  And she uses passages from the Old and New Testaments to “prove” it to anyone who might have doubts.

Stacy Milbouer, Reporter
The Telegraph, Nashua, New Hampshire

People of deep religious faith will find affirmation in this book, while those taught that animals have no soul will find a measure of comfort.  Folks more spiritual than religious will probably think, "I knew that."  Actually, they may have sensed it, but Shanahan’s work allows them to know it.

Lynn Thomas, Columnist
Four Corners Pet Journal, Durango, Colorado

Many people tell me how important their animals are to them.  Some confide that they are closer to their pets than to family members.  Many people take the loss of a dog or cat very hard.  One way to work through the grief is to read about pet loss.

“There Is Eternal Life For Animals” is based on Bible scripture.  The Bible tells us that God loves animals and that there are animals in Heaven.

This book provides fascinating reading and consolation to those suffering from pet loss.  As the author of “The Older Cat; Recognizing Decline and Extending Life,” I have done a lot of research and writing in this area.  I can testify to the need for this book.

Dan Poynter, ParaPublishing.com, Santa Barbara, California, January 1, 2003
Author of several books including:  The Older Cat; Recognizing Decline and Extending Life, The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book

I want to say thanks for a really well-done book.  It helped me immensely.  19 days ago, my best friend, Buddy, passed away from heart complications.  

I believe your book goes beyond just pets and animals.  I learned a lot more about creation and what several prominent people had to say, including Jesus.  I was particularly impressed with your attention to detail and cross-referencing on scripture.  I went looking for a book that dealt with pets and heaven in a Christian bookstore and I was surprised when I asked a clerk  and he said they didn't carry them.  I politely said, "you should."

Rocky, Victoria, B.C. Canada

As the operator of a cat shelter I understand more than many the pain that goes with the loss of an animal companion. All that come through our doors become our companions; some for only a brief time and some for a long time. Many enter ill from natural illnesses and live their last days with us. Many enter with illness resulting from abuse. Their lives are usually brief. The best we can do for them is to love them to the end and to kiss them goodbye when they enter their next level of life. I personally believe in a life after for humans and animals. I believe for animals the life after is combination of calm and peace that was never truly felt in their first life. I believe the calm is a feeling of being safe. I believe the peace is a feeling of belonging. I thank Niki for letting her heart write for all animals with the same love her heart had for the animals that were her own.

Irene, Kitty Love Animal Shelter, Massachusetts, March 15, 2003

Niki Behrikis Shanahan has obviously studied the subject of animals and eternal life in great depth.  For anyone who questions whether or not they'll meet their beloved furry family member in Heaven, this book should provide proof and reassurance.  Although the extensive research is obvious, this book is written in a way that makes it an easy, comfortable read.

Kari Winters, California, July 11, 2003

The book brought me a great deal of comfort after the loss of my cat, George.  I look forward to being with him again in heaven.

Harriet DeCarteret, Massachusetts, July 4, 2003

Thank you for your book.  It’s wonderful!!  It is one of the best ones.

John Mingo, Belmont, New Hampshire

I read your book, which is wonderful and shares so many feelings for “God’s love for all the creatures.”

Carole Miller, Hershey, Pennsylvania  

All through this book, the Word of God shows the coalition of man and animals and how God claims all of the animals as His, just as He claims us.  The point: they weren't created to just come and go; they are vital to the balance of man and God – hence their place in heaven.

George Weeaks, Reviewer, MyShelf.Com

Ms. Shanahan experienced first-hand the special love and relationship shared between humans and animals, and has written this book as a loving tribute to her cat, Pete, and for others who live in the hope and faith of one day being reunited with beloved pets in the next life.

This study guide offers thought-provoking insights and interpretations of the scriptures in support of that thesis.  Definitions of Hebrew and Greek words of the original Bible text that pertain to people, creation and animals in the Old Testament and New Testament provide a great background for discussion.

It is clear that the author is a passionate and dedicated Christian, as well as a pet lover.  I have no doubt that animals have a place in God's plan and will be a part of heaven for those who love them.

Amy D. Shojai, Founder of Cat Writer's Association, Author of Multiple Pet Care Books, Texas

“The book offers comfort and relief to help readers cope with the loss of their pets.  More significantly, Shanahan has assembled evidence from both Greek and Hebrew versions of the Bible to show there is eternal life for all creatures, including animals.”

Lina Pheng, Reporter
The Lowell Sun, Lowell, Massachusetts

Your book is my FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME, (okay, second favorite). Thanks to you and God's mercy, I will actually sleep tonight!

Linda

I wanted to thank Niki Behrikis Shanahan for writing "There is Eternal Life For Animals." I heard about it the other day in Linda Goldston's pet column in the San Jose California) Mercury/News and ordered it right away from Amazon.com.  It's already here!

Having just lost our beloved Maine Coone, Lucky, our 16 and a half year old, on top of other pets in the past, I really needed this book.  I, too, had hoped that animals would be in Heaven but did not know for sure.  I really look forward to reading this book. Thanks again.

Jane, California

What a blessing that you have written such a book. I know my little Mimi is with the Lord because of the character of God displayed throughout His Word and all the things written in it about animals.

Loretta, Delaware