[lyoness]

Ever since Gimpy passed on I seem to be hearing more and more deaths of birds, which makes my gut turn over. Especially the recent passing of Cocoa the African Grey. I cried when I read that post.
So now I have a question of religious concerns. As it is, I was raised catholic and now have my own form of "self-spirituality" which follows more along the lines of Christianity and a more compassionate, understanding view of the human nature. I believe there is some greater power, but I don't think we can fathom it. Since Gimpy died I've had small intervals of depression here and there, mostly due to the fact that I have never had someone important in my life die (surprising, but true). The closest I can relate was a few hamsters when I was much younger, and they didn't seem to phase me. So now I'm stuck with a question I'd hoped I would never have to ask msyelf: do animals have souls? I want to believe they do, and I want to believe that my little Gimpy was self-aware but I just don't know anymore. I was raised in a very self-centered religion that stated that animals had no souls. I have trouble believing that. The whole thing makes my head hurt.
So tell me, what do you guys believe?