Tell Me Dogs Don’t Have Spirits

You can tell me dogs don’t have spirits… but I won’t believe you.

Because if you’ve ever truly loved a dog—really watched the way they look at you, waited for you, comforted you—you know there’s something deeper there. A presence. A soul. A kind of love that feels uncannily close to divine.

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and I believe that’s just as true for our four-legged friends as it is for us. There’s something about the way a dog looks at you that cuts through the noise of the world and speaks straight to the heart. It says, “I know you. I’m here. I love you.”

And what a beautiful thing—to be known and loved like that.

Dogs remind us daily of how simple, pure love can be. They forgive quickly. They find joy in little things. They sit with us when we’re sad and dance with us when we’re glad. They don’t care about our past mistakes, our bad hair days, or whether we got everything right today. They just love us—wholeheartedly and without conditions. Isn’t that the kind of love God has for us, too?

Every dog has their own personality, their own spark, their own unmistakable spirit. They make choices: to comfort, to protect, to wait, to play, to trust again and again. These aren’t empty behaviors—they’re signs of a heart that’s very much alive.

Some people might say animals don’t have souls. That they don’t share in the same breath of life we’re given. But Scripture tells us otherwise. God breathed life into all living beings. That breath is spirit. And I believe with all my heart that our dogs—so full of joy, loyalty, and love—carry that same divine spark.

So when I imagine heaven, I can’t help but picture familiar paws running to greet me. Tails wagging. Eyes shining. That same love I’ve felt a hundred times over, now endless.

Here at Encouragement For Life's Journey, we believe in celebrating that kind of love—the kind that teaches us more about God’s heart than words ever could. Through our T-shirts, mugs, and messages, we hope to encourage those who find comfort and joy in the gift of dogs. Because they’re not just pets. They’re reminders of grace. Teachers of loyalty. Bearers of love. And yes—carriers of spirit.

So go ahead. Hug your pup. Thank God for the lessons they teach. And never let anyone tell you that your dog doesn’t have a soul.

You and I both know better.