Preparing for that trip to heaven but don't know what to do with Fido? For those Christians who believe the Rapture is May 21, and they will be summoned up to Jesus Christ, atheists are offering to come to the rescue. Several post-Rapture pet care services have popped up online, some as a joke and others seemingly serious about providing harbor for pets whose owners are among those chosen.
"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind?" asks Eternal Earth-Bound Pets . "Eternal Earth-Bound Pets takes that burden off your mind."
The service proclaims to be run by dedicated animal lovers who are also atheists. The site promotes a service area of 26 states. Its pet rescuers are screened to make sure they are animal lovers, ethical human beings with no criminal background, and people with the ability to rescue and care for animals.
They indeed are atheists, the site states. "Each Eternal Earth-Bound Pet representative is a confirmed atheist, and as such will still be here on Earth after you've received your reward."
Founder Bart Centre told The Washington Post that his contractors will drive to clients' homes within 24 hours, find their dog, cat, bird, rabbit or small caged mammal and adopt it. Residents of New Hampshire, Vermont, Idaho and Montana are also eligible to have their horses, camels, llamas and donkeys watched over.
The service costs $135 plus $20 for each additional animal. Payment is good for up to 10 years, though it is required upfront. So far, Centre told the Washington Post, he's had more than 250 people sign up as well as about 8,000 atheists offer their services. He said those he's chosen are definitely atheists who will be sticking around – not that he thinks anyone is actually being called to heaven.
"These are people not likely to be Raptured under any circumstances," he said. Applicants must prove that they, according to the Bible's standards, are "in danger of eternal damnation."There are other sites as well. The Post-Rapture Pet Care Registry reminds people of the all the stranded pet in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. How many could have been saved, it asks, if there were a database back then?
Carol, who introduced herself as one of the founders, said she had the idea when a non-Christian friend asked her what would happen to her pet Petey if she is among those summoned during the Rapture. She and the friend started summoning non-Christian animal lovers across the United States to put together a plan.
"Yes, it seems funny at first," the website states. "But, what if you believe there is a coming Rapture, and you love your pets, it becomes serious. And that's what we are – serious about the safety and care of your pets, as well as your peace of mind."Carol admitted on the site that there may be some massive confusion if all Christians disappear from Earth on May 21, but she believes they have it covered.
"The majority of people will still be on Earth, and communications will be their first priority to maintain," she said. As far as if there is a post-Rapture world, the information is stored not only on Google servers but also her own server in Lansing, Mich., "away from political and military hot spots."
As far as the chances of Christians actually needing these services, that's a topic of debate. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Family Radio, a fundamentalist Christian group led by Harold Camping, is telling people to prepare.
The catch, the Herald said, is that people have heard this before. Camping himself made a similar claim in the 1990s. Granted, there is the other catch that these same atheists do not actually believe there will be any Rapture at all.
Centre told the Washington Post that he does not see that as an issue. He said he is not promoting the Rapture himself. He is offering peace of mind for those who believe. "I do not feel like I'm taking advantage," he said. "I am satisfying a demand."