Pets in the Pew
June 4, 2010 by Kathy McManus
At the Calvary Episcopal Church in Danvers, Massachusetts, dogs now have their own designated worship service, “complete with communion for the humans who wish to partake and special blessings bestowed on pets and people alike,” reports the Salem News. The goal, says the News, “is to take the unconditional love that pet owners feel for their animals and connect that to a feeling of something higher.”
Fifty pooches attended the first monthly “Perfect Paws Pet Ministry,” where barking is allowed and dog cookies are doled out at the end of prayer. “Kindness for animals builds a better world for all of us,” says Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas on her website. “Caring for animals is our global spiritual responsibility.”
Some News readers growled at the idea. “You are turning the church into a dog pound,” one wrote, while another wondered if a “canine confessional” might be in the works. But there’s “more spirituality behind the idea than cynics might think,” The Boston Herald said, quoting a church-goer who brought her 14-year-old black Lab/greyhound mix to the service. “When (pets) are gone, we mourn their loss,” the woman said, “but it’s even more special now because we get to pray for them on a more direct level.”
“We have to recognize that there are lots of places other than church where we encounter God,” Rev. Keith-Lucas said, and “at the top of the list are dogs and teddy bears."
Find More ///
- in Pets & Animals
- in Blog
- about religion, community, dogs
Related ///
In Seeds We Trust
In rural Iowa, one of the country’s largest seed banks quietly preserves the biodiversity of our food—and with it, important pieces of our history.
Europe Deems 2014 the Year Against Food Waste
Should we take waste stats more seriously?
The Sound I Saw
Directed by Tony Goldwyn, a cautionary tale against snap judgments and pre-conceived notions.
The Advantages of Adversity
Difficult business environments can offer rich opportunities to entrepreneurs, so don’t let your next crisis go to waste.
RP Roundtable: College Sports
Is there a lack of responsibility in collegiate athletics? Our panel weighs in.
Is Yoga Bad for You?
A new debate has taken hold over yoga’s health benefits, or lack thereof.
10 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
June 11, 2010 by Patti Plant
Thank you for sharing such an interesting story. We have the "Blessing of the Animals" that takes place yearly at different churches and other facilities. Dogs are loved by God as are all of his creatures. Many of us have Pet Therapy dogs that are doing works that I believe are blessed by God because where else would they get such compassion, gentleness and so much love to share. PET Dogs also touch the lives of the families that they live with and all that enter their home. Who is to say that the Dogs would not feel even more blessed by regular attendance in the House of our Lord to renew their spirit just as we do. I believe the Minister of this church who welcomes their church familiy's dogs is performing a great service to not only the dogs but also to God and all of the lives those dogs touch. I will pray that this service continues with God's blessing and also pray that many other churches will offer this same blessing to other dogs and their family's.
Reply
June 14, 2010 by Sandy DeWitt
OK -- I think God probably likes cows and sheep as much as He does dogs -- are they allowed to attend this "service"? Silly, Huh?
However, I do believe God watches over creatures wherever they are: at home or otherwise. And NO I do not want to commune with any animals.
Reply
September 23, 2010 by fara
That is a baaaaad idea yeah they will bark,and be happy when you come home,but dogs at church.They would bark and growl.
Reply
December 25, 2010 by pia florenzano
Babys cry ,children scream whats the diffrends a lttle bark here and there open up your hearts you are not any more of importence ouer critters are wonderful i prefere them over some people
July 22, 2010 by Betty Graves
I think our pets are so precious to us and as long as we have the responsibility to keep our pets clean and pick up after them we should be able to take them to more places. That is if people will be more responsible for their pets behavior and cleaniness. Our pet is like part of the family.
Reply
July 24, 2010 by Joy
I do believe that Service Dogs should be welcome in Church, just as they are everywhere else! I have one myself and I deserve to be able to attend the church of my choice with my Service Dog that goes with me anywhere I go.
Reply
July 29, 2010 by Serenity
That's so wonderful for people with dogs that can't be left alone... It's a wonderful expression of humanity for our four legged friends. Due to the fact that I rescue dogs with special needs, even leaving for just an hour, it would not be a caring decision to leave them unattended. The choice to bring them to service can restore much hope of faith, love, and understanding.
Good Luck & Thank You for trying something new… Stay Blessed.
Reply
September 19, 2010 by Marie McBride
Rev. Thea has the right idea. We share the love of Chirst with people and with the animals who love us too! We brought this idea to our church in Lake Placid and it is being received well. Some people cannot leave their animals at home and it is a way to reconnect with God and other parishioners. The Pet Service is a blessing in and of itself!
Reply
December 25, 2010 by Pia florenzano
it woud be so wonderful, i know in my heart that it be ok with god why not with us we are gods People? and remember all aniemals are his creations
Reply
January 23, 2011 by Chloe
Im no dog mind reader, but i bet dogs think when you take them they have no clue where they are. They will growl if they are protective. What if they love their owner so much someone approaches and they bite them. And it is a serious injury.
What do you think reply please. I want to know?
Reply
Tell us what you think.
Let the world know what you think, but please do so responsibly. Comments are moderated and we will not post personal attacks, obscene language or inappropriate material, comments with links, or comments from people under the age of 18. If you have a question, check out our Comment Submission Guidelines.