Martin Luther in his day had a dog he loved very much. He was called Tolpel which I have seen translated as fool, numskull and other derogatory remarks. However, others say it is actually clownie and I believe Luther was calling him clownie for he loved his dog mightily.
Luther’s dog is mentioned in the Table Talk quite often and I thought I would share some of the quotes here…
‘When Luther’s puppy [n. 116, Luther's dog Tölpel is mentioned again and again in the Table Talk.] happened to be at the table, looked for a morsel from his master, and watched with open mouth and motionless eyes, he [Martin Luther] said, “Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat. Otherwise he has no thought, wish, or hope.
Luther’s Works, Volume 54, Table Talk (Philadelphia: 1967), pp. 37, 38. May 18, 1532
Here is more….
Dr. Martin Luther played with his dog and said, “The dog is a very faithful animal and is held in high esteem if he isn’t too ordinary. Our Lord God has made the best gifts most common. -Table Talk
Finally he was asked about Dogs in heaven and I love his answer…
Asked about the restoration of all things and whether there would be dogs and other animals in that kingdom, he said: “Certainly there will be, for Peter calls that day the time of the restitution of all things. Then, as is clearly said elsewhere, he will create a new heaven and a new earth. He will also create new Clownies with skin of gold and hair of pearls. There and then God will be all in all. No animal will eat any other. Snakes and toads and other beasts which are poisonous on account of original sin will then be not only innocuous but even pleasing and nice to play with. Why is it that we cannot believe that all things will happen as the Bible says, even in this article of the resurrection? Original sin is at fault.”
[from Preserved Smith, The Life and Letters of Martin Luther, (London: John Murray, 1911) p. 362. ]
So, Martin Luther planned on seeing his Clownie in heaven after leaving this earth which gives me much joy for I hope to be surrounded by a rowdy bunch of collies who will sing heavenly songs in dog tongue…. but I have only one question….
what happens to a collie like Ginger?
What do you mean? I am going to heaven… after all who is going to slingshot you out your hammock in heaven? I can smell the fire and brimstone now!!! Muwahahahahah…. what? what do you mean there is no fire and brimstone and sulfur in heaven? What? Its where? Um…. hope you enjoy your stay there for I have a wrecking ball to break through those pearly gates if I need too…. 
After all.. who wants to take over the number two spot when I can try for the top spot. *Grin*
Ginger will be riling that collie cloud up, even then. A plot is so much more fun when the whole band of collies is involved. Ginger in charge! Yay!
No one would even think of leaving Ginger out of heaven. If she’s not there I’m not going either.