Thank you for your quick and very thoughtful response to my previous questions. Having been trained as an empiricist fully aware of the horrors perpetrated in the name of God and religion, I appreciate everything you gave me to think about. I have just one more, personal question. During the worst years of my life, when I came close to suicide on more than one occasion, my very best and only friend was a miniature poodle named Oscar who came to live with me when his previous owner no longer wanted him. Knowing that Oscar needed me, and had no one else to rely on, kept me going when there seemed no reason to keep going. He died two years ago in the care of someone else because I was hospitalized at that time. I have always felt guilty about not being there when he died and I still grieve for him every day. Is it reasonable to think that the eternity of self applies to a dog as well as to humans? I know that traditional religion claims that animals have no souls. Are you aware of any personal experiences reported to you involving deceased animal companions? Something in me wants very much to believe that I'll see Oscar again but I wonder if I'm just succumbing to wishful thinking. I talk to Oscar every day and sometimes I see him in my "mind's eye" and feel compelled to talk to him then too. But sometimes I feel really foolish and deluded when I do so. I'd appreciate your thoughts about this dilemma. Thank you for your consideration!