Victoria MN Newspaper

To the Editor:

Hi, Sue. Here's something for your Quotes in the Queue from Pope Francis: "One day we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open too all of God's creatures." These are words of comfort to any of us who have lost a beloved pet. Thank you.

John White

Laketown Township

EDITOR'S NOTE: As is customary in the "popular" media, they get things wrong. The New York Times had a story under the headline: "Dogs in Heaven? Pope Francis Leaves Pearly Gates Open." But Pope Francis never said anything to a sad child about puppies in paradise. In fact, Pope Francis commented in November that he perhaps agrees with Pope Paul VI, who once said to a young boy that his dog would be with him in heaven.

I will give you an accurate quote, John, from my good friend Father Elstan Coghill who was especially fond of his Frieda, then Maude, then Aida -- all of the Toy Dachshund variety. In regard to our pets in heaven, Father Elstan said, "We will have in heaven what makes us happy." I suspect Father Elstan is enjoying time in heaven with Frieda, Maude, and Aida, for they made him very happy.

To the Editor:

Looking for a new volunteer adventure in 2015? Starting in April 2015 the MN Landscape Arboretum is launching a new program entitled "Let's Talk Plants," aimed at reaching more visitors with a warm welcome and personalized information about gardens and nature. Prospective volunteers are invited to attend "Let's Talk Plants" information session on Wednesday, January 21st. All interested persons are invited to attend to learn more details and sign up.

Barb DeGroot

MN Landscape Arboretum