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Reader's Reviews ...
*****January
13, 2006 - from Laura Lee Giles
from Covington, VA
When my beloved
cat, Kim, died December 21, 2005, I was devastated and in my grief
searched the internet on the subject of "pet loss." I
found Gary Kurz's website and ordered his 2 books on December 23.
In reading his first book, I found the peace and reassurance I was
seeking that my beloved pet's life did not end with her death but
that she is now with the loving God who gave her life. The author
is a compassionate, sincere person who did over 20,000 hours of
research and used the Scriptures to prove his statements. Anyone
who has ever experienced the loss of a beloved pet companion will
be blessed by reading this book. Thank you, Gary, for being so
caring!
*****September 1, 2004
- from Sophie in Canada
Dear Mr. Kurz:
I have received and read your first book "Cold Noses at the Pearly
Gates" and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
As a child, I always hoped for an afterlife for animals. We always
had a bunch of cats when I was young, and I secretly wished and prayed
they went to be with God after they passed. I wasn't sure if it was
true or only wishful thinking on my part, but I just had believe. My
hope was shaken when I lost my beloved dog, Bart, Just over a year ago.
Now I'm all grown up, and my childhood blind faith had been replaced with
my adult sense of doubt. I still wanted to believe, but I wasn't
sure if I should. Then I started thinking about it all, considering
God's unconditional love for his creation, I figured it would be
ridiculous for him to not have a plan for animals when they passed.
It just didn't make any sense to me that he created them with no plan but
I needed more; I was doubting myself. I guess it's sometimes human
nature to do so. And animal afterlife still being such a
controversial, even taboo subject in our society, I had nowhere to turn to
for answers. I just had no proof that I was right, and that really
bothered me. Until I read your book.
Your book is truly a masterpiece. I actually read it twice in the
first week I receive it! Everything about it is so uplifting!
I'm just so amazed by your work - it's like you wrote the book just for
me, because you've answered so many questions I've had for so long.
It's full of hope and uplifting thoughts, but most importantly, your
claims are backed by the Word of God. That is of capital importance to me
as a Catholic; I'm not sure I would've been so convinced about your claims
on animal afterlife if it hadn't been written in the Bible; I've read many
parts of the Bible, but was never able to discern passages about animal
afterlife the way you have; your insight on the subject is simply
remarkable. Sure, I still would've hoped, but I would've felt like I
was hoping in vain, and I probably would've thought I was offending God by
doing so. But now, my beliefs are solid. There's no doubt in
my mind that my sweet Bart is in Heaven, waiting for me. I still cry
when I think about him, because I miss him so much. But nowadays I'm
even able to smile sometimes when I think about him and all the wonderful
memories I have of our time together, because now I have genuine hope that
I'll see him again someday. Your book is truly a gift of love and
compassion to all pet owners out there who are going through the grief of
losing a beloved companion. No words can ever express the gratitude
I feel for the hope you've provided me. And although I need no more
convincing about animal afterlife, I'm looking forward to reading your
second book, "Cold Noses II, Examining More Evidence". I'm
sure it'll be as comforting and uplifting to read as was your first book.
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do, and for the hope you've
brought me in my time of need.
Sincerely - Sophie
***** June 2003, Syndi from the
United Kingdom
writes:
Wow! I can say little
else, but wow! This author did
a fantastic job presenting his case. The
thing that sticks out most is that the book was sub-titled "A book of
hope". I thought "it is
probably like the other books I bought on this subject - just a bunch of stories
about pets and some new age speculative blah blah blah".
I was sooooooooo wrong. This
book delivered what it promised - hope. I
not only have hope (and confidence) that my little Sparky is in heaven, but I
have hope of seeing him and new found hope in the Bible and its author.
If you get any book on pet loss, get this one.
*****
April 20, 2003
- Someone who apologizes:
I am a minister who wishes to remain very, very anonymous.
I have to admit that I attacked the author.
I didn't just disagree with him. I
attacked him. I came across his
website searching for something other than animals or pets; in fact, I don't
even own a pet. But when I saw his
site and jumped to the erroneous conclusion that he was claiming that animals
need and receive redemption, I was livid. I
wrote him some very curt and coarse things and showered him with my own seminary
credentials. I appreciate that he
did not respond in kind, but graciously offered to respond to any questions or
objections I had. To make a long
story short, I came to realize that I made a mistake in my assumptions.
Gary patiently outlined his view that all of God's creatures are provided
for, but in different ways, that even the devil himself was made an eternal
creature…so how much more these innocent, loving, creatures we call pets.
More importantly, he drew some very sound conclusions from scripture that
caused me to start examining this doctrine a bit more closely.
I must say, it is something that has not received a good look over the
centuries and I appreciate that the author did the work.
I will incorporate his work into my own ministry to help my people when
it is needed. In the meantime, I
openly apologize for my initial position. I
remain anonymous, but I am sure
Gary
knows who I am. (transposed from
received letter)
*****
April 6, 2003
- An anonymous writer offers:
While I am not sure what I believe concerning God and the Bible,
this author makes me want to know. His
presentation is impressive - not because of his obvious knowledge and
experience, but because of the authority that comes across from the things he
writes. I have much to think about
on the former things I mentioned, but I have complete confidence that what the
Bible says about animals is fact and it has given me some peace about the
passing of Duke. Duke boy, I miss
you, but I am happy to know that there is a place prepared for all creatures.
(transposed from received letter)
*****
February 12, 2003
- Becky L. from
Baton Rouge
writes:
What a wonderful little book this is.
Actually it isn't little, but I read it in one sitting in just a few
hours. I couldn't put it down.
My pain has been so overwhelming, I have not been able to work, sleep or
be good company for anyone. I had
bought several books, none of which I will mention here by name.
But
Gary
's book was the only one that gave me a good feeling.
The others tried only to make me feel good.
I wish I could buy a copy of this book for everyone who has lost a pet.
It lifted my spirits so and made me know, not feel, but know that my fur
baby is in a better place. It wasn't
just words. It wasn't just the
author trying to say what I wanted to hear.
He backed it up with sound thinking and great bible evidence.
I am getting his other book and hope he keeps writing.
I have never read a book and felt like the writer was in the room
speaking to me. It was like I had
filled out a questionnaire with all my questions and concerns and he was
responding to each one. A marvelous
book, simply marvelous. (transposed from received e-mail)
Cheryl L. Maibusch
PetEd Humane Education
"A veterinarian friend of mine loaned me her copy of "Cold Noses at the
Pearly Gates" in response to my inquiry of her as to what she tells kids who
mourn the loss of their pets. My daughter is 13 and her dog, Champ, just
turned 3. She's had him since he was 8 weeks old and shortly after she
adopted him she began worrying about the day she would lose him to old age
and began grieving him even though he was a fluffy ball of fur licking her face at the time.
My friend loaned me your book which I read with great interest because, as you say, there has been no other book written to date that covers this topic
with the slant you take - which is exactly what I was looking for! I read
with great interest because I'd never heard these concepts presented before
by anyone and you had obviously done your homework in such a way as to make
very valid and thought-provoking arguments. Our pastor had always told her
(and I'd always believed) that animals didn't go to heaven because they didn't have souls.
When I explained your ideas to my daughter I could see the weight visibly
lift off her spirit. As I told my friend who'd loaned me the book, I
believe she again felt a companionship with Champy rather than feeling she
had to regrettably build some sort of barrier between them to protect her heart from the pain of Champy's inevitable final days - even though right
now, at 3 years old, he's in the prime of his life. And I've personally
chosen to adopt your ideas as they make me feel better too."
Cheryl A. Archuleta
from Ogden, UT
"Our family lost
two of our beloved dogs within 5 months. Coping with their loss and not knowing
how or what to say to our children has been difficult. This book does an
excellent job of explaining the spiritual side of loss along with some personal
insight by the author. I appreciated Mr. Kurz sharing his own feelings of grief
and loss. It made it much easier for me to identify and realize there are other
people who feel the same way about losing a friend. I also E-mailed Mr. Kurz,
and received a prompt reply that was respectful and empathetic."
Judy Rhinesmith from
Wingate, NC
"Excellent, well
researched, informative & thought provoking."
"I think Gary
Kurz did an excellent job of getting his view point across in a very positive
manner. I appreciate the fact that he took the time to make sure he got the
Gospel message across as well. The salvation of souls is of primary importance.
I share his love for animals & have always felt that animals will be in heaven.
It is hard to find someone to agree with me, but Gary Kurz not only agrees with
me but gives plenty of evidence to support that view as well. For those of you
that don't believe that animals will be in heaven, where do the horses come from
spoken about in scripture? And, if God expects us to care for His creatures,
what makes you think God hasn't made provision for them as well. Though not in
the same way as He has provided for people, animals have their place here & they
will have their place in heaven also. Again, I want to congratulate Gary Kurz
for a job well done & not being afraid to tackle a controversial subject.
Excellent job, Gary."
Judy Wittman
from Florida, U.S.A.
"Very easy to
read."
"I normally
don't like to write a review of any books I read, because my likes and yours
will most likely be different. But this book is special. If ever you lost a pet
you surely have felt bad or you never would have had the pet in the first
place.. Gary makes you feel that comfort of knowing that you will indeed see
your pet again. Just as you know you will see a grandparent, child, or any loved
one who has left us. I found the reading quite easy to read. The section on
where Gary writes about his own pets, brings back memories of my pets...and after
all that is what we cherish the most, the sweet memories. Thank you Gary."
Beth from Kansas
"Fantastic"
"...this book is
well written, it reads well, very well, it thrills me - it is so revolutionary -
so much thought and heart went into it - a person would have to be cold as ice
to come out of this book without feeling the warmth and heart of the author. I
recommend everyone read this book. It is fantastic."
A reader from Tupelo,
Mississippi
"Must Read for
Christian Pet Owners"
"I had been
researching this subject in the Bible for several months when I was given a copy
of Mr. Kurz by a friend. I had already found enough Biblical evidence on my own
to believe that my lab, Chelsa, is waiting for me in Heaven. Mr. Kurz reinforced
my conclusion. All Christians should read this book--even Christians who have
never loved a pet. This book will help the pet loving Christian deal with the
death of a loved animal--and it will help the non-pet Christian to react in a
compassionate way toward his pet-owning brother. Excellent book!"
A reader from USA
" A most
comforting book dealing with the loss of a pet."
"This book
offers a perspective like no other book dealing with pet loss has. It is the
first and only thing that has given me hope that I will again see my beloved dog
again someday. Before I read Mr. Kurz's book, I was lost and desolate about never
seeing my dog again. After reading it (and believe me, I am a huge skeptic about
these things), I finally have hope again. Thank you, Gary Kurz. I strongly urge
anyone who has lost a pet to read this book."
Julie Fordyce from
Penn Run, Pennsylvania
"Every devoted
pet owner should have this book"
"I truly loved
this book. It was a wonderful read. It gave me comfort to know that someday I
will be able to see my beloved pets. There are so few books on the market about
the subject of pet loss, and grieving. This book is one that all devoted pet
owners should have. Thank you Mr.Gary Kurz for caring enough to write such a
beautiful book and for giving me hope. Sincerely Julie Fordyce"
A reader from Orlando,
Florida
"An in-depth
look at the loss of our pets."
"The in-depth
look at why our animals mean so much to us and what our lives are like with them
and without them. I was put at ease reading Mr. Kurz's way of explaining things
and his presentation of subjects. I really am glad that I read this book as it
put my mind at ease."
A reader from
Houston, TX
"I am both
publisher and friend of this author and know the painstaking research he went
through to complete this work. It took quite a bit of "pushing" to get him to
publish this book because he felt it would meet with a lot of criticism. His
motive, as expressed to me, was to reach those who were grieving as he did with
the loss of his pets and touch them in a way he was touched by his research. In
fact, the book has done exceedingly well and there has been very little
criticism. In my opinion, that criticism was unjustified, but people are
entitled to their opinions. The hundreds of letters we receive in thanks for his
work, both from private individuals and institutions that are in someway
connected to the good of animals, overwhelmingly evidence that the book has met
the success criteria of the author - it has helped many. I myself was touched by
Cold Noses and would hope this book would find its place among some of the most
memorable books of our day."
A reader from Greater
Los Angeles
"We will reunite
with our beloved pets."
"The author has
done a wonderful, inspired job of writing; we are certainly left with real hope
that we may reunite with our precious animal companions in Heaven. In addition
he shares some marvelous stories of animal-human interaction, including some
that we have all seen in the news."
A reader from USA
"AN ABSOLUTE
MUST READ!!!"
"There are so
many Christians out there that simply do not believe that animals will be in
Heaven after death. They believe that the animal will just cease to exist and
shake their heads in disapproval if an attempt is even made to consider the
thought of a beloved pet going to Heaven. Mr. Kurz gives a different view that
is made from endless amounts of searching, praying, and studying. He listened to
God and this is what He told him. If you want to know the truth about your
beloved pet and eternity, read this book. It is an absolute must read!!!"
A reader from Texas
"This book was
written for me"
"I was in the
pits - I had never lost a pet before. I know you will laugh, but I haven't hurt
like this since Elvis died. It was on my mind every waking moment. This book was
written for me - it addressed every area and question I had - the author says he
wrote it because he went through it - and that is so obvious. It was like he
knew me and wrote the book just for me. I am ordering more for gifts for my
friends who have pets. Sooner or later they will appreciate my gift."
A reader from
Noblesville, IN
"Excellent!! A
must-read for pet owners!"
"As a Christian,
I always had the question nagging at the back of my mind whether or not I would
ever see my beloved pets again when I went to heaven. After reading Gary's book,
I now have full assurance that our Heavenly Father has made provisions for our
pets and that we'll all be together again one day. What a sense of peace I now
have !!"
A reader from Texas
"Positive,
uplifting, and filled with hope."
"The title, Cold
Noses at the Pearly Gates, is what caught my attention to this book. What a
concept! What hope! Having just been devastated by the loss of our beloved
Golden Retriever, Cinnamon, the idea that she will possibly be waiting to greet
me at the pearly gates gives me hope and a peace that I didn't have before. This
is not a New Age book nor Eastern religion/philosophy-type book. This book is
based on biblical principles and is written by a licensed Baptist minister. God
made the animals first and was pleased. Animals will be in Heaven, just as God
intended them to be on the earth, living in peace and harmony, as our companions
and friends. The author points out that animals have no need for redemption, as
man does. This is the best explanation I've ever heard of why animals should go
to Heaven when they die. They have a body and a soul, which he explains, and it
makes perfect sense. Our beloved pets that have crossed over before us, very
probably, will be waiting for us there. This book will make you think about our
guardian angels as he tells about how animals have saved people's lives. Could
these have been angels in animal form? It will make you laugh as he tells of
antics of different animals. It will make you cry as he tells of losing his own
precious "babies." The author is very supportive and understanding of your loss
and what you're going through as he has gone through the same thing on several
occasions. Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates is very positive and uplifting. It
can't take away your hurt and pain completely, but it gives you hope...hope of
one day being reunited with your beloved pet(s)."
A reader from Ohio
"Full of Hope,
Comfort and Spiritually uplifting!"
"Cold Noses at
The Pearly Gates was a Godsend! When my beloved Casey passed away I was
devastated. My mind was consumed with thoughts of him and unanswerable
questions. All the other books I read left me wondering where is Casey now and
will I ever see him again. This book answered my questions with understanding
and insight based on diligent research. It provided me with spiritual uplift and
a sense of relief. I now have real hope that one day I will be reunited with my
best friend. It was obvious that he cares a great deal for animals and
understands the pain a person goes through when they lose their precious friend.
The true stories of animals he included helped me recall special memories. I
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone who has suffered the lost of a beloved
pet."
A reader from Midwest
"Fantastic!"
"I had hoped to
receive the "comfort" advertised, but I got much more than that. Not only did I
receive comfort, but the author gave me so many things to think about. Things I
had never even thought of before. It was like a whole new world opened up for
me. I can recommend this book to anyone who is hurting over their lost or passed
pet, but I can also recommend it to anyone who is searching for answers to life
and God. Do yourself a favor - get this book and read it."
A reader from Kansas
"An Excellent
Book - Comforting, Informative and Heartwarming"
"Cold Noses is
an excellent book that anyone who owns or has owned a pet will appreciate and
enjoy reading. It offers comforting words for those who have lost a pet from an
author who undoubtedly cares for animals himself. It also provides logical
answers to the question of where animals go when they pass on. But, most of all,
the book is full of heartwarming stories of all different types of animals -
dogs, cats, horses, even bears. There are stories that make you want to laugh
and some that make you want to cry, but they all make you love your animals even
more. I highly recommend this book as a wonderful addition to any library."
A reader from New
England
" It is very
well written and author seemed very knowledgeable"
"I have only
browsed this well written book but what I did read touched me immediately and I
knew that much comfort would be found in reading it. It was written with great
knowledge and an indepth understanding of the pain we go through when we lose
our beloved pets. So few can understand how real the pain of such a loss can be
but Gary certainly shows his compassion and understanding in his book. Thank you
Gary for sharing this wonderful book with all of us."
A reader from Palm
Beach, Florida
" A must reading
for anyone that has lost a pet."
"Our beautiful
Tisha (Blonde Lhasa Apso) passed on after 13 wonderful years with us. Our kids
are grown and gone so she was our baby. Gary's book helped a great deal in
easing the painful emptiness. Now we know for certain that our pets are in
heaven waiting for the joyous reunion when we will join them."
Karen Duckworth from
Atlanta, GA
"THE ANSWER TO
YOUR PRAYERS"
"There is only
one word that I can think of to describe this book...SUPERIOR! I take in cats
with health problems, therefore, I experience losing my loved ones more
frequently. It wasn't until recently when my 1 1/2 year old cat, Little Willie,
got sick and was out of my life three days later. This is when it hit me. I
needed to find out if he was okay. I prayed and prayed for months to hopefully
get answers. I felt I could not rest until I knew. Then one day, this book came
to me, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates". After reading the book, words cannot
describe the relief I felt inside. I felt I could finally put this to closure.
This book was clearly written, taught me a lot, and it answered many
questions that I had. It shows that the author is well knowledgeable on this
subject. I recommend anyone that is feeling the distress of losing their loved
one to try this out. This book gives you the lift and restores your spirit. A
REMARKABLE BOOK and AUTHOR! A work of GOD! Even now, when it's time for another
loss, I do not feel the pain as greatly because I know now that I will see them
again one day, and even though I still love & miss my "Little Willie", I am
finally at peace! Thank you, Gary, for your wonderful book and understanding
that you have given me."
A reader from
Bethlehem, PA
" It gave me
biblical answers as to where my pet went on"
"I felt this
book was an answer to prayer. It gave me the comfort I needed and the answers I
needed to go on living with the death of my beloved Amos. I recommend it for
anyone, Christian or not. I gave a copy to my Vet, friends and Pastor. Gary Kurz
writes from his heart yet backed it with in depth study. No one else has taken
the time to study the bible on this subject to give us the answers we need in
the time of sorrow. I searched and God provided this book. I still miss my Amos
but now I know that I will see him again. You have to love animals to have put
the time and effort into writing this book. People should not have to to suffer
unnecessarily. I believe Gary Kurz reaches out to you in this book to comfort
and provide answers to anyone that is searching for these answers. Thanks
Gary for giving me hope that I will see my best friend again.( "In memory of
Amos")"
Donna Baker from
California
" A masterpiece
for those who have lost their best friend"
"No one can
describe the unconditional love that our pets give us. We unfortunately realize
too late how much the love and companionship meant to us. Back in 1996 we
discovered our 4 1/2 year old boxer had lymphoma. We of course were devastated
since Dempsey was such an important part of our life. I started writing on
bulletin boards and had the great pleasure of finding Gary Kurz. His wisdom,
kindness and comforting words assisted us through the chemo, the long nights and
our moment to say goodbye to Dempsey. Upon Dempsey's death I had the opportunity
to read "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates". I only had to read a few pages to know
that comfort was not far away. I knew that it was okay not to have an
explanation for everything and began to let go and to stop analyzing everything.
I hope as you read this most touching book that you allow yourself to feel
whatever you feel and know that your best friend will never leave your side.
Thank you Gary for sharing your thoughts."
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