ALL creation has been redeemed by Christ's death on the cross - can't be bothered to look up the reference but it is in Paul's letters somewhere I think - and why would the rest of creation need redemption if animals had no soul?
Also, as has been noted, they definitely can pick up our emotions and generally try to offer comfort...

can't locate it doing word search as yet though i maybe in the wrong translation!

GOD BLESS!

Peace and Love,