I've known many people throughout my lifetime that answer no to that question. To those people I say, "Wake up and smell the coffee!".

Anyone who truly loves their dog knows the answer to that question is an absolute yes. The bond between ourselves and our dogs is often stronger than our human relationships. We know without a doubt that they have souls.

Those people who believe dogs do not have souls, are not very connected to their dogs. If they would only take the time to really get to know their dogs, they would definitely have a change of opinion.

Dogs have the same feelings and emotions that people do. They experience...

• Fear
• Sadness
• Despair
• Anger
• Joy
• And best of all, Love

You can read all of these feelings in their expressions. How could anyone that looks into their dogs eyes, ever believe they didn't have a soul. I know without a doubt there is a very special place in heaven for our pets.

I would like for you to put the soul question to the test yourself. Pay extra close attention to the expressions on your dogs face for a few days. See if you can determine what your dog is feeling.

When you get ready to leave for work in the morning, what do you see in your dogs face? Is there sadness? Could there be a touch of fear or apprehension?

When you get ready to take your dog for a walk, what does your dogs expression reveal about his or her emotions? Is your dog feeling joy and happiness? I'll bet the answer is yes.

When you are gently stroking your dogs head, what do you see in his or her face? I am willing to bet you can detect the love your dog feels for you.

I will take a direct quote out of the Bible. 1 Cor 13:13 says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." If you are religious and believe God gave us the gift of love, then you already know that dogs have souls. If they didn't you wouldn't see all that love in their eyes.

I hope in some way I have encouraged you to take a closer look at your dog. Please take the extra time each day to really get to know your very special friend.