Blessings for Dogs
Posted on 14. Dec, 2017, in Church of Ireland, Ecology, Faith and Justice1 Comment
Dogs of all sizes were getting into the festive spirit in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on Tuesday December 12 at the the annual lunchtime Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service.
Peata Therapy Dogs provides a voluntary pet therapy to different institutions of care. Approved volunteers and their dogs go along to pay weekly visits. The service was organised by Lesley Rue, a Peata volunteer who has a long association with the cathedral.
Dogs, volunteers and people who benefit from the Peata service all gathered in the cathedral to fill it with the sound of music and barking as everyone sang along to the Carols. The dogs then gathered around Dean Dunne who offered a blessing for them as well as all other animals, reminding us of their sacred role in God’s creation.
A collection was also taken up during the service and divided between Peata and the Peter McVerry Trust.
Miriam Gormally spoke with Lesley Rue to find our more about the service.
I just love this interview. The fact that the idea was brought to Christ Church in a curious, non-demanding manner must have helped. It is wonderful that it gives a space for both animals and their friends, but I feel that it is another step in developing inter-species relationships. It sounds like dogs act like music in bringing those whose memories are failing back to a more whole space in themselves.