Dear Abby: Story tells us our pets join us in heaven

Dear Abby: There’s a story about an old gentleman who lost his life in a sudden accident, which also took the life of his very old dog. Afterward, they found themselves on a long road, which finally led to a tall and beautifully decorated gate guarded by an official-looking man with a magnificent gray beard and long white robe.

“This is heaven,” the bearded man said. “Come in. We’ve been expecting you. But you’ll have to leave your dog outside. No animals allowed.” The old man thought about it for a moment before saying, “That’s OK. We’ll keep walking.”

Eventually, they came to a small turnstile, where they encountered a scruffy old man with a wide grin sitting on a stool. “You passed the final test,” the smiling man said, pushing open the turnstile. “My name is Peter. Welcome to heaven!”

“But … I thought we passed heaven a few hours ago. They wouldn’t let me bring my dog in,” the old gentleman said sadly. “No,” replied Peter, “that was the Devil you met back there, trying to tempt you one last time. Deep down inside, you knew better. Pearly gates or not, how could any place be heaven if you couldn’t bring your dog?”

— Jeff in Ohio

Dear Jeff: If I recall correctly, that heartwarming story was written by Rod Serling and appeared on his series, “The Twilight Zone.”

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