From the Victorville Daily Press:

http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20150827/NEWS/150829749/0/SEARCH

RELIGIOUS ISSUES
Do all dogs go to heaven?

New book, ‘Heaven is for Animals Too,’ tackles issue from Biblical perspective.

Author Melinda Cerisano spent 10 years researching her book, “Heaven is for Animals Too: Hope and Comfort for Believers and Skeptics.” It is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, as well as other online outlets.

Author Melinda Cerisano spent 10 years researching her book, “Heaven is for Animals Too: Hope and Comfort for Believers and Skeptics.” It is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, as well as other online outlets.
Author Melinda Cerisano spent 10 years researching her book, “Heaven is for Animals Too: Hope and Comfort for Believers and Skeptics.” It is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, as well as other online outlets.”Heaven is for Animals Too” addresses a question many have pondered: What happens to our pets when they die?
By L.J. Gambone
For the Daily Press

Posted Aug. 27, 2015 at 9:04 AM

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145:9
Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows the incredible grief that accompanies its passing. Many find solace in believing that one day they will be reunited with their beloved animal in the afterlife.
While no one knows for sure if our deceased pets really do wind up in heaven, author Melinda Cerisano recently set out on 10-year Bible search to find out. Her investigation led to her writing and self-publishing the book, “Heaven is for Animals Too: Hope and Comfort for Believers and Skeptics.”
Cerisano said its contents unveil surprising information about what’s in store for the animal kingdom when they die.
“I fell into the writing of this book quite by accident,” said Cerisano. “I did not go looking for an answer about animal afterlife. I was reading the Bible to find comfort in my father’s diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease and also to find a miracle within prayer and devotion to God.
“I just happened to stumble on some intriguing verses about animals in heaven that were contrary to what my minister preached. He said that our pets weren’t made in the image of God, so they weren’t going to heaven. I started to think maybe he was wrong.”
According to Cerisano, the initial purpose for her research was to satisfy her own curiosity and she never dreamed she’d write a book about it one day. But when she began to realize that the Bible did not contain any scriptures proving animals don’t have souls and don’t go to heaven when the die, she couldn’t keep the information to herself.
“Researching and writing my book has been a journey of self-discovery,” said Cerisano, a professional airline pilot. “I have revealed to my readers where each idea comes from in the Bible so they can decide for themselves how they feel about my conclusions.
“Unfortunately, there are little sources, if any, to prove that that animals go to heaven. There are only opinions.”
In “Heaven is for Animals Too,” Cerisano addresses questions such as, Does God have a game plan for pets in the afterlife? Do animals have souls? And Does one need to be made into the image of God to enter heaven?
“In an effort to tame the controversy regarding an animal afterlife from the aspect of the confines of the Christian religion, I have researched animal theology by interviewing clergy representing most denominations,” said Cerisano.
“I have been to the Vatican and have attended animal theology seminars. I also have ventured into the Bible’s original languages, which shined a new light on the final destination of an animal’s soul.”
Along with Cerisano’s research findings, “Heaven is for Animals Too” features illustrations by Steve A. Roberts. His artwork can be seen on display in everything from Doreen Virture’s oracle card decks to American Greetings cards.
“I cannot put in to words what a gift and honor it was to have been able to dress my book in the colors and vision of Steve’s artistry,” said Cerisano. “We are now able to see heaven through the eyes of an artist who has the unique talent to put heaven’s wonder upon our eyes.”
Cerisano said she was born into a Christian family and has been a follower of Christ her entire life. She is a passionate advocate for God’s creatures and is a certified dog obedience trainer. In addition, Cerisano is an accomplished equestrian who has three horses of her own.
“My education in regard to animal handling and animal welfare was very helpful in my research,” said Cerisano, winner of a Silver Medal Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Dressage Federation.
“Heaven is for Animals Too” is available at amazon.com, iUniverse.com and barnesandnoble.com. The paperback sells for $17.23 on Amazon and the Kindle version is $9.99.
For additional information, visit www.doanimalsgotoheaven.com.
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