Are there animals in heaven?

[Chad32]

I was taught that animals do not have souls, and therefore do not go to heaven.

That's very hard for an xtian child who has just lost a beloved pet to hear.
Heck, even as an adult . . . the "rainbow bridge" fantasy, that has your long-lost pet running into your arms a few seconds after you kick the bucket - yeah, it's tempting.

That's one reason we need to raise atheist kids.  We can approach death in a more rational manner, without filling their heads with a fantasy of the afterlife.

Yeah. I live in a rural area. I've had pets throughout my childhood and teen years. I'm used to grass, trees, and flowers. Don't tell me there's none of that in heaven, because I won't want to go.