Pet Blessing in Abbotsford

The Blessing of Pets is a short liturgy reflecting the care and love owners share with pets. At St. Matthew's Abbottsford, on Sunday, October 15, the dogs gathered with their caregivers to receive grace from God.

 The Rev. Art Turnbull officiated, blessing the seven dogs attending, one at a time. Candles were lit for pets loved but now deceased.

The homily spoke of Jesus being the good shepherd, but also of the sheep being good to Jesus. The good work of the Wounded Warriors Canada providing over one million dollars worth of training of dogs for Canada's veterans of recent missions and service, was shared. The importance of these dogs to sufferers of PTSD is immeasurable as lives are saved, Turnbull remarked.

The annual service at St. Matthew is a meaningful outreach to the community, reminding people to give thanks for the sharing of life with all creatures.  The care given by pet owners is rewarded with the loving care that pets give back.  Perhaps that is why the animals were created before the humans in the Book of Genesis. 

IMAGES

• The dogs listen to the Reverend Art Turnbull
  
• Robert Clark presents Cutty, a rescue dog from Mexico, to be blessed by The Rev. Art Turnbull
• A closer look at Cutty
• The Rev Turnbull blesses a friendly pooch
• Waiting to be blessed, a dog with two different coloured eyes, AKA David Bow-wow

Photos: Paulette Farquhar