Insofar as can be determined from the Scriptures, animals have no “soul,” the creation of God unique to man and angels. In fact, I have often suspected that this fact is why it hurts so profoundly to part with a beloved pet.

Born Oct. 25, 1997, a black Labrador retriever Chuck’s Oro Negro (Kennel Club official name Chuck’s Black Gold) or Noche, as he would be know in 49 states, died in my arms June 1.

He has been featured in USA Today and about six other major papers, has taken a swim in the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico, appears in official presidential portraits at Southeastern and Southwestern seminaries, did more than 50 sportsman shows, hunted bobcat, mountain lion and turkey (he believed himself to be a hound), welcomed hundreds of visitors and new students to the seminaries his president served, and protected presidential residences at Magnolia Hill in North Carolina and Pecan Manor in Texas.

Noche was a born hunter and lover of adventure. He would enter the chase and beat the hounds to the prey, but he was a fullback; and if the chase changed directions, Noche usually got a roll in the cactus. Up immediately he was undeterred by suffering or pain and would pursue until he dropped. He pouted terribly during our frequent absences but loved the staff and served them faithfully.

But despite his colorful and well-known life, he was in most ways no different from your beloved four-legged, tail-wagging friend; and when you lose such a trusted companion, the agony induced makes you wonder why you do this to yourself. I am sure to awaken massive human condemnation for saying that the Bible records nothing of pet afterlife.

Insofar as can be determined from the Scriptures, animals have no “soul,” the creation of God unique to man and angels. In fact, I have often suspected that this fact is why it hurts so profoundly to part with a beloved pet. I would not be surprised if heaven sports an almost infinite variety of animals since there we have responsibilities and the Lord has prepared a place for us far better than here. The Bible does say, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10).

And that, in part, is why to know and keep animals is a noble enterprise. Much is learned from the experience of loving and caring for them. Noche, as best we could discern, had a recognition vocabulary of more than 80 words and would clearly make known to us by the tone and pitch of his bark with a little assistance from body language whether he was angry, elated, disgusted, hungry, ready to go (always) and even what kind of critter he was chasing. He kept my son, Armour, and then me from being bitten by a poisonous snake.

He was the patron of little girls, babysitting our grandchildren, and standing between the street and even little girls who to him were perfect strangers. Even men he knew well learned not to enter Pecan Manor if only ladies were in the house. Though as gentle and affectionate as a snow rabbit, he was an incredible watchdog, though thankfully, he never had to turn threat to action.

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