Soul 101: What is a Soul? Animal Souls, Souls Leaving Body

After a couple of recent radio interviews, it occurred to me that some people really don't have a good

idea about what a "soul" really is, and if they are limited to humans (for some reason). So, in today's blog, consider it a "Soul 101."

WHAT IS A SOUL? In many societies and religions it is the immortal essence of a living thing. A soul is actually the energy in EVERY living thing that combines memories and personalities.

DO ANIMALS HAVE SOULS?  Of course. Every living thing has a soul. To think otherwise is crazy.
Animals (and dinosaurs) lived and died on Earth long before humans ever showed up. They survived because they had intelligence, instinct, emotions, memories, and their own personalities. After all, what makes one animal a pack leader and not all of them? Why are some animals shy? easily frightened? bold? challenging? That's personality. They all have it, just as humans do. 


WHO QUESTIONS IT AND WHERE DID THE CRAZY IDEA COME FROM? According to most of the Abrahamic religions, only human beings have immortal souls. Evangelical-Biblical Literalist, Baptists and Church of Christ churches believe animals have no soul.

Recently, the catholic faith even proclaimed that "Animals and plants" have souls  - but they put a "limit" on their statement thinking pets don't have conceptual intelligence, which I assure you, THEY DO. 
Why the Catholic faith (the one I grew up in and out of) thinks anything but people can be spirit is non-sensical. A spirit is a spirit. Period. That's like thinking because you have a college degree you'll be a spirit, but your neighbor who didn't go to college isn't smart enough to be a spirit in the afterlife. Do you see why it is a ridiculous argument? 



I'm unsure where that belief came from but as you can see from the logic above, it's absolutely untrue. Any living thing that can figure out how to survive, from a bird to an ant to wild boar has a soul. They have intelligence and a soul. Only ZOMBIES are soul-less. :)

DOES ANY MAN-MADE RELIGION BELIEVE ANIMALS HAVE SOULS?  Yes. Sikhism, Hinduism, Orthodox, Mormonism believe (and understand that animals have souls.  Islam and Judaism have conflicting beliefs- some sects believe it, others do not. 


BOTTOM LINE: For anyone who loses a pet and says "Animals don't have souls" please assure them they do, and they will be with us in paradise/other side/heaven/Valhalla, whatever you want to call it where all of the energies reside after the physical life is over. To think that any living thing doesn't have a soul is truly ridiculous. Animals have lived eons before mankind ever walked the Earth and they would never have survived if they couldn't think, feel and learn. 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Listen/Watch to Podcast: Jeff Richards: Paranormal - Do Animals Journey into the Afterlife? Rob Gutro Joins us

I had an enjoyable and interesting 1 hour interview on a well-known Canadian paranormal radio program on Dec. 20.  You can now Listen and Watch the Podcast  here: 
Host Jeff Richards: Paranormal Radio show of Saskatchewan, Canada interviews Rob Gutro: Do Animals Journey into the Afterlife?

Jeff Richards: Paranormal broadcasts every Sunday night (7pm -10 pm CST) on www.cjme.com. Tune in for groundbreaking guests and paranormal talk radio!

Here's the LINK to listen to the Podcast on YouTube with photos of dogs and cats from pet expos where Rob spoke about Pets and the Afterlife: https://youtu.be/rICctz-sgOE 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Spirit Visit on Anniversary!

Ed's spirit opened the face of his clock

 In mid-December we received a note from our friend Ed's sister-in-law. She wrote: "Ed's clock was standing open yesterday--first time since summer." 
  That was a sign from Ed that he's still around his brother and his family. The sign came during the anniversary of the week of Ed's passing on December. 19, 1996. Spirits will usually give us  signs around birthdays, anniversaries or holidays, and this year Ed gave another sign. Ed has been extremely active with messages and signs since he passed and I've written many stories about them!
  In fact, one of my favorite chapters in my book "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead" is about a treasure-hunt like adventure that he took me and my partner on in central Virginia, that proved he was with every member of his family the week before we visited them. 

 The story is in Chapter 4 of my book "Lessons Learned

from Talking to the Dead" by Rob Gutro. I wrote the book to answer all questions about ghosts and spirits and how they communicate with the living. It's filled with personal stories that offer proof.    





 For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Spirits of loved Ones are Home for the Holidays

 I've heard from a number of people who lost loved ones this year, and are sad they're not here for the holidays.  They don't want us to be sad- it was their time. Further, they ARE sharing the holidays with you and visiting in spirit!
   I lost my mom during the Christmas holidays 2 years ago, but her spirit has been around a LOT, as are the spirits of your loved ones. My mom has given musical messages, played with the electricity in the house, led us to be in places at certain times to see things that remind us of her, and more. Those are the things your loved ones may also do. 
  They can hear you when you speak (and even when you think about them). Spirits are energy, and sound and thoughts are energy.
  BTW- Kids and pets can hear and see spirits a lot more easily because they don't question what they experience. 
  So take comfort in knowing those who passed will be around your table during the holidays.
Rob Gutro

Spirits of Loved Ones are Around on Holidays: Learn how to see the signs

Spirits of Loved Ones are Around on Holidays! 

 Learn how to see the signs  - read about the ways spirits communicate with us in "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead" by Rob Gutro (available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.com)

 

Podcast! Rob Gutro interview on Darkness Radio about "Pets and the Afterlife"

 Here's the podcast from my interview with host Dave Schrader of www.darknessradio.com about Pets and the Afterlife. It was a great conversation and there were some callers with interesting stories.   
LINK:
http://podbay.fm/show/294988529/e/1450506915?autostart=1 

Radio Interview on "Paranormal radio" Dec. 20 at 8pm EST

On the air NOW!  8pm EST on Dec. 20th Radio Interview on "Paranormal radio" from Saskatchewan, Canada With Host: Jeff Richards  talking about "Pets and the Afterlife"
LISTEN: http://ckom.com/listen-live

During the program, Jeff had posted a video of a mouse dying in a mousetrap and a whitish energy leaving the physical body of the mouse (likely it's soul). Just a note: One thing I didn't get to mention during the interview is that often just before the physical body passes, either pet or person, the soul (energy that includes memories and personality) leaves the physical body. -That's especially the case during car accidents and the like. Spirits have told me that they didn't fell the physical pain as their spirit left their body an instant before impact.

Here's the LINK to listen to the Podcast on YouTube with photos of dogs and cats from pet expos where Rob Gutro spoke about his book "Pets and the Afterlife": https://youtu.be/rICctz-sgOE 

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Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Why do Pets show a Burst of Energy before Putting them to sleep?

During my interview with Darkness Radio, I was asked "Why do Pets show a Burst of Energy before putting them to sleep?" Dave, the host said that he experienced this with his dogs before they were euthanized.

The answer is that the dog or cat knows you are helping them move out of pain and cross over into a pain free part of life, and they know that you're doing it out of the intense love you share. 

So, although this "burst of energy" at the end causes grief in pet parents, they actually exhibit it because they're happy to cross over, and thankful pet parents love them enough to recognize that. 

Urns, Ashes and Spirit Visitors

Back in 2012, I posted a blog about urns, ashes and spirit visitors, and I still get a lot of questions from that blog, so I'm revisiting and adding to it. 

ASHES CAN ACT AS A MAGNET TO SPIRIT- People who have urns in their homes with ashes of people or pets may get spiritual visitors. Ghosts are earth-bound and usually stuck to the places they choose to dwell.Spirits (human or pets) who cross over into the light, however, can come back to earth and visit their loved ones any time they have something to say. Having their ashes in the house gives the spirits something to be drawn to. 

WHY? The physical body had energy when we were alive. When we or our pets pass, most of the energy couples with our memories and personalities and makes the choice to stay Earth -bound as a ghost, or cross into the light/heaven/paradise/valhalla as a spirit. HOWEVER, because ashes are physical remains, they would still contain residual energy. that is, some leftover energy.

HOW DOES RESIDUAL ENERGY ATTRACT A SPIRIT? - Residual energy in ashes can act as a "beacon" to spirit whenever someone goes near them with love in their heart for that person or pet that passed. Love is a positive emotional energy than can "charge" the energy in the ashes and draw a spirit. The spirit would only come to check on the living, and remind them that they are still with the living person from time to time.

WHAT IS RESIDUAL ENERGY? -  Just as if a human left residual energy on an object (like a clock or a door) when they were alive, if it had some emotional meaning to them. Ashes also have that "thumbprint" of emotional energy, and spirits are also drawn to them. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES- One woman I met told me that she has he ashes of her cat, and has sensed that cat several times. My own puppy that passed has come back to me many times, and I have his ashes in the house. Years ago, a roommate had ashes of his mother in the house and she appeared in the house who appeared as a dark shadow in the apartment. So, urns containing ashes can enable spirits to come back from time to time and visit. Just watch for them! 

**EMAIL ME with questions at Rgutro@gmail.com**

QUESTIONS ABOUT GHOSTS AND SPIRITS? Check out my book "Lessons Learned

from Talking to the Dead" by Rob Gutro. I wrote the book to answer all questions about ghosts and spirits and how they communicate with the living. It's filled with personal stories that offer proof.  

QUESTIONS ABOUT PET ASHES?  check out "Pets and the Afterlife" and "Pets and the Afterlife 2" by Rob Gutro

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Tonight! Darkness Radio talks Pets and the Afterlife 11 pm CT/12 midnite ET/

Tonight! Friday, Dec. 18 at 11pm CST/12 am EST - Join Rob Gutro, author/medium as he is interviewed by Canada's Darkness Radio host Dave Schrader  
LISTEN here www.darknessradio.com 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Friday Night at 11pm CT/12 am ET- Live Interview on Darkness Radio!

Up late tomorrow night? Friday, Dec. 18 at 11pm CST/12 am EST - I have a 1 Hr. Radio Interview with Canada's DarknessRadio's host Dave Schrader LISTEN here

www.darknessradio.com and you can call in 651-989-5855 - We'll be talking about pets and the afterlife. 

Thought of the day: Memories of Loved Ones

This past week, there have been three passings connected to friends and family. Even people we know for a short time can make a lasting impression. 
  It's amazing how people touch our lives, even sometimes for a short period of time. But they impressions they make provide us with good memories. Those memories are their gift to those they leave behind. 
  It seems that many people pass during the holidays, birthdays or anniversaries. Of course, they also return around those times to give us signs that they're still with us. So, keep them in your heart and minds, and look for things that remind you of them, because they're likely very near now that the holiday season is upon us. 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

In the News: Mystery surrounds photo of owner spreading dog's ashes

The following article and photo was published on Oct. 21 about a woman in Colorado spreading her dog's ashes, and a white mist appeared in the picture. Since it's in a valley, it's common for mist to form in the morning, but since there is no other mist apparent in this wide picture, it's very likely not that. In fact, it is more likely that it's the dog's spirit. - Rob  

Mystery surrounds photo of owner spreading dog's ashes

White shadow in shape of dog seen in photo

Published  12:14 PM EDT Oct 21, 2015

 

ASPEN, Colo. —A photo of a woman spreading her dog's ashes in Colorado is bringing comfort to some people who have lost their beloved pets, while others are questioning its authenticity.

The photo shows a woman, identified as Ashley, spreading her dog Wagner’s ashes over their favorite dog park in Colorado. In the photo, a white shadow in the shape of a leaping dog appears near the woman.

KOLO 8 News Now’s Amanda Sanchez shared the photo with the caption, “This is Ashley spreading her dog Wagner's ashes. He was a golden retriever and the love of her life. She lives in Chicago but flew to Aspen to spread the ashes at Wagner Park. Need I say more???”

"Brought tears to my eyes, as I just lost my beloved dog," one person commented on the photo.
"If that does not tell us our animals r still with us after they pass then nothing will," another person commented.

The Nevada Humane Society also shared the photo and posed the question, “Who believes the Rainbow Bridge is real and who believes our pets are looking over us once they pass on?”
However, there were some skeptics who commented on the photo, as well.

"No one else is questioning that despite general darkness and shadows, the grass and building in the background are lighter? I think this is a bad photoshop job," another person commented.
You decide.
SOURCE: http://www.wcvb.com/news/mystery-surrounds-photo-of-owner-spreading-dogs-ashes/35961204?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=WCVB%20Channel%205%20Boston
 

Q&A: What if I don't keep my pet's ashes?

Ashes are echoes of previous life

Recently I received a question about not keeping a pet's ashes. You don't need to feel as if you should- it's an individual choice, and spirit will always find you.

In previous blogs I've mentioned that if you have a pet's or a person's ashes there may be some residual energy attached to them which can serve as a draw or a magnet to attract their energy. However, since most people and pets are cremated or buried in whole form, their spirit still finds us because they are tuned into our energy.

Q: The ashes of my dog were put into a communal cremation, and I am struggling with guilt. What can you tell me?

A: There is no need to feel any guilt or anxiety about placement of her ashes in a communal cremation.  They were just remnants of a physical existence.
  Our pet's and people's souls leave their physical body, usually even just before their physical body dies.  The ashes are just the remnants of a physical shell, but it's not necessary to keep them. They have a small amount of residual energy, but that fades over time, and a connection to them fades over time. What doesn't fade is the bond of energy (of love) you share, that will always keep you connected. 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

Scents from Spirits - even dogs!

Spirits can use sounds, touch, appear visibly, move things, manipulate electrical things and even make an appearance as a scent.  I've spoken with many people who have smelled their late mom's favorite perfume whenever they were thinking of their mother, or a cigar on the birthday of their favorite uncle who used to smoke them. Spirits of people are not the only ones who can give us "scented" signs. Pets can, too. 
   When I was at a pet expo, I met a woman named Gail who told me her dog had gone outside and passed near a rosebush the day of his passing. She told me when she went out soon after calling her dog, she quickly found that he had passed away near roses. She said she will never forget the smell of the roses.
   After she had her dog cremated, she got the ashes and smelled roses. She knew that her dog was giving her a sign that he was still around. Gail told me whenever she smells roses, she gets a strong feeling that her dog's spirit is right beside her. 

Lessons Learned, Ghosts and Spirits

For Rob Gutro's books: "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Pets and the Afterlife" and the new book "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -  visit Amazon.com   (or click this link) 

Pets and the Afterlife 2, Pets and the Afterlife

 

Q & A: What happens to the ghost of the structure they haunt is taken down?

I received a great question about ghosts who haunt houses and have recently been asked the question again, so here are my thoughts about it. 

A demolished house. Credit: Cascade news

  Keep the questions coming!  - Rob
Q:  What happens to the ghost of the structure they haunt is taken down and if that ghost was only seen on the second floor, would the ghost appear to be flying?

A:   Good question! Yes, the ghost would appear to be walking above ground. 

However, it's rare to see that because they need energy to manifest. Since emotional energy (negative) would be the most likely energy- and there's no house anymore for people to go inside and feel anxious or nervous, the ghosts would likely rarely manifest. 

In addition, since intelligent haunts can see a structure around them when they're in a building- but they only see it as it was when they were there, they can see when there is no building, so they may try to cross over, or attach to a person.

   
QUESTIONS ABOUT GHOSTS OR SPIRITS? - You can check out my book "Lessons Learned From Talking to the Dead"- I've written it to address all the questions you can think of about the afterlife, and I use examples of messages I've received from both Earth-bound ghosts and spirits who have crossed over.  Paperback and E-Book: CLICK TO READ BOOK SUMMARY

Every Pet is an Emergency Veterinary Fund Assists Emergency Pet Care

Every Pet is an Emergency Veterinary Fund, and a non-profit that assists families who cannot afford emergency care for their pets. Although euthanasia can be an act of kindness for a pet suffering from an incurable illness, it is heartbreaking when an animal with a treatable but life-threatening illness has to be put down due to a lack of funds.

   Some people are just amazing. I met some at the New England Pet Expo in Sept. when I was talking about my book Pets and the Afterlife (which I donated while there). One was a veterinarian named Shannon Kircher, who works with a new charity to help people with emergency medical costs for their pets.  That's where I learned about this extraordinary charity called " Every Pet." 

ABOUT EVERY PET - Every Pet Fund was started by a emergency veterinarian who has experienced too often the grief of families who cannot afford the care needed for their beloved pet. Most patients in emergency situations require hundreds to thousands of dollars for treatments. For pet owners with limited funds, there are few options for immediate financial assistance, especially during overnight hours. Every Pet Fund was created to help provide a source of much needed funds for pets and families in crisis.
If an animal is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment, veterinarians at participating hospitals can refer families with limited funds to Every Pet to apply for financial assistance.

For more information on requirements for application, please click here.

CONTACT THEM: http://everypetfund.org/ 
or Tel. 978-496-8047
everypetfund@gmail.com
 
PLEASE DONATE: Every Pet Fund cannot exist without your donations. Please consider making a donation today. Every pet deserves a chance, and every dollar helps to save a life.

We are currently accepting donations of original artwork, gift certificates from local businesses, or pet-related items. Depending on your location, we can pick up your donation or you can mail them directly to us (please contact us before mailing). These donations will be raffled or auctioned off, with 100% of the funds raised going to Every Pet Fund.
If you would like to participate in one of our upcoming events, please email everypetfund@gmail.com.
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SUCCESS STORY: Zap was found by a good samaritan, abandoned in a crate with his 2 siblings, who had already passed away. Zap was unconscious and having seizures from low blood sugar when he was brought to a hospital. With donated funds, Zap received emergency care to treat his malnutrition and severe diarrhea, and is now on his way to a new home! Zap was one of my many inspirations to start the Every Pet Fund.

In the news: This House Was Declared Legally Haunted By NY Supreme Court

Here's an interesting story about a house legally declared haunted. Being a medium, I've walked into homes and have sensed either an Earth-bound ghost (haunting it) or a spirit (who crossed over and was visiting at the time I was there) present.

  NOTE:  Spirits don't "haunt" houses. Spirits come and go. Ghosts haunt houses because they are fixed to a place they are familiar with in life or where they passed. 

  Thanks to physic medium and astrologer Calleen Wilder for posting this originally.   - Rob

This House Was Declared Legally Haunted By NY Supreme Court

By Eric Meier  Source: http://www.calleenwilder.com/paranormal-supernatural/haunted-house-2/

Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there is one house in the state of New York that is haunted without a doubt in the eyes of the law – the state Supreme Court declared it legally haunted in 1991.

The house in question, which sits on the banks of the Hudson River at the end of a cul-de-sac in the village of Nyack, was at the heart of a court case that has come to be known as the Ghostbusters Ruling.
Here’s what happened.
The original owner of the house had advertised the house as haunted having it featured in Reader’s Digest and a few local newspapers. When the house was put up for sale, neither the seller nor the real estate agent disclosed the belief the house was haunted. The purchaser was from New York City, didn’t know the stories of the house’s haunting and wasn’t aware of the local legends.
The majority of the New York State Supreme Court held, having reported [the ghosts’] presence in both a national publication… and the local press… defendant is estopped to deny their existence and, as a matter of law, the house is haunted.
So there you have it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not. There is one house at the end of LaVeta Place that is 100% legally haunted.