The man opened his eyes to find himself standing before a magnificent golden gate. Beside him, the soul of his loyal dog stood, its tail wagging softly, as if nothing in the world had changed. A mysterious man in white robes materialized by the gate.
“Welcome,” the robed figure said calmly. “You have died. This is heaven. You may enter and finally rest in peace.” The man looked around in awe, taking in the splendor. He then asked, “Is there water in heaven?” The mysterious man smiled. “Of course. Endless rivers of crystal water.” “And food?” the man continued. “You will get everything you desire,” the gatekeeper assured him.
The man’s gaze fell upon his faithful companion. “I have my dog with me. Can he come in, too?” The mysterious man’s face grew stern. “I am sorry, sir. Dogs are not allowed. Your pet must stay here.” The man’s heart sank. He knelt beside his dog, placing a gentle hand on its head.
“Then I cannot enter,” he said firmly. “Where I go, my dog goes too.” Together, the man and his dog turned away from the golden gate and continued their journey.
After a long walk, they spotted another gate in the distance. An old man sat quietly under a tree by its side. “Excuse me?” the traveler asked. “What lies behind this gate?” The old man smiled warmly. “This is heaven.” The man hesitated, then asked, “Can I bring my dog with me?” “Of course,” the old man replied. “In heaven, friends are never left behind.”
The man’s eyes filled with tears as he hugged his dog close. But then, remembering the first gate, he asked, “What was that place then? The golden gate with the man who refused my dog?” The old man’s smile faded. “That,” he said softly, “was hell. Only those who would abandon their friends are taken in there.”
He paused, then added, “The ones who stay loyal find the real heaven.” The man looked down at his dog, his loyal companion, and whispered, “Then I have chosen wisely.”