It may be that animals, while they glorify God by their very existence on earth, are destined to pass away at the end of time. Pets may be part of God's providence to a world filled with sin and sorrow. They help to provide companionship for people who feel lonely or alienated. Their mere presence around the sick and the elderly helps to ease physical and emotional symptoms. Spending a few minutes each day petting a dog or cat can dramatically lower blood pressure.
Pets help parents teach children responsibility.
Death itself was an intruder brought into our world by sin. So also it may be with our other earthly relationships. What truly matters is our relationship in faith with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heaven and earth can pass away. We might forget everyone and everything we knew on earth.