www.petsplace.co.za 

Thor, beloved Rottweiler, I hope to see you in heaven!

 By Harold Lerch

Rottweilers have often been given a bad rap as aggressive and dangerous, especially around children. 

When our son brought his new Rottweiler puppy to our home one day, I admit that I was concerned about the welfare of our future grandchildren. He named the awkward little thing with big feet “Thor.” Though very young, Thor was already as large as his Boston Terrier.

Our son is excellent with animals, a very good amateur trainer. We hoped Thor would be a K-9 dog, but he ended up as a family pet.

When our first granddaughter was born, my uneasiness of Rottweilers and children was put to the test. Guess what - Thor loved her! The dog became her recliner and pillow. He grew  huge, but he was as gentle as he was large.

Once I had pneumonia and was in bed while our family room (aptly named) was full of family. It usually was full of family every weekend, including Thor, however, we did make the horses stay in the barn. Not wanting to be an outcast like the horses, I mustered enough strength to make it downstairs. I sat on the floor and slouched back against a chair.

Thor sensed my illness. He came to my side to protect me. Thor was not content to just lie beside me, he insisted on having one paw across my legs and his head on my lap. He would not leave my side the remaining time he was there. I felt a special bond with Thor from that day forward. He didn’t cure me or save my life, but he wanted to. He tried.

Thor loved all our grandchildren. He was their mountain, wrestling partner, and “horse.” Thor was their protector.

Large dogs often do not live as long as small dogs. We knew that the day would come when we would have to say goodbye to Thor. The inevitable became more real when Thor started having strokes. He lost his hearing. Sometimes he wandered off and seemed to forget how to get home. My son noticed a large growth on one of Thor’s legs.

The day we feared came. The lump on his leg was diagnosed as cancerous.

Thor now lies near the horse barn at the corner of an orchard. What a beautiful setting! But this spot pales compared to the beauty of heaven, where I trust Thor is now.

What's heaven like?

 A man called John had a dream about heaven and wrote it down:

I saw a new earth and a new sky, for the present earth and sky had disappeared. And I, John, saw a glorious sight, beautiful as a bride at her wedding. I heard a loud shout saying, “Look, the home of God is now among men. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever. I am making all things new! Everyone who conquers will inherit all these blessings, and I will be his God and he will be my son.''

The city has no need of sun or moon to light it, for the glory of God illuminates it.  Nothing evil will be permitted in it--no one immoral or dishonest--but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (From Revelation 21 Living Bible.)

How do people get into heaven?

The Bible clearly states that people can go to heaven.

How? We don’t deserve heaven and eternal life: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

 The words of Jesus: Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's place are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3).

Thor waits to hear his master’s voice.

If you want to go to heaven, accept Jesus as your Saviour. Pray these words, “Dear Father in Heaven, I know I am a sinner and have sinned against you. I am sorry for my sins and sinful nature, and ask that you will forgive me. I accept Jesus now as my Saviour who died for me. I give my life to you and will strive to live for you. Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”  

top of page      read more stories        puppies      breeds of dogs     contact webmaster     home