Animal Blessing Ceremony
What is about animals that make us have a need to include them in our religious circle? There have been many services in all denominations. The earliest ceremony I am aware of is St Johns Cathedral in New York. This is in reference to a public ceremony. I personally believe owners and animal husbandry people have had private prayers for their charges since the first domestication of an animal species. Animal loving people are inclusive and extremely protective of their best buds welfare. The animal-human bond is a real strong item. There are documented stories of attachment beyond the existence of the human. There was a dog in Europe that after his master's death went and spent the entire day at the grave of his deceased owner. The daily ritual lasted almost a decade. There is the story of "Hachiko Waits" a 2004 novel by Leslea Newman. This story based in Japan is about an Akita that went to the train station every day to meet his master. He continued to do this for almost nine years to the day after his master did not come home.
I as a Christian certainly wish to have my pets included in my belief of God with the protection he affords against evil. Jesus is the embodiment of a real animal lover. His ability to attract animals is one of the characteristics I enjoy about Him. He was born in a barn surrounded by beasts of burden. The shepherds left their flock with a minimal crew on watch so they could pay homage to Him. The Three Wise Men visited him on camels.
St Francis is the patron saint of animals. This Catholic Deacon chose not to be ordained as a priest. He was elevated to the level of sainthood and a story of his control of a wolf is an often-repeated story. I have met several people that have a savant like ability to speak and get animals to perform on their commands. It is a very eerie thing to watch them interact with animals. We mere mortals can only marvel at their abilities.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City puts on what is supposed to be the oldest Blessing of the Animals ceremonies in North America. There are as many variations of Blessing of the Animal services as there are denominations. The set protocol almost makes them too formal for personal warmth. Incantations and exaltations seem to be the common thread throughout most of them. It is not that my denomination, United Methodist, has a corner on the perfect delivery but "All Things Bright and Beautiful is one of my favorite Hymns". James Herriot and his series of veterinary medicine stories is another personal favorite. I have seen the positive effect animals have on humans. They lower our blood pressure just by stroking them. The laughter generated from their antics is also an endorphin-releasing agent. The ability to have a truly private conversation is a great venting release and anger dissipater. Unless you have a deaf dog, they are also protectors of our sleeping periods. I guess you can be in trouble if you have an over friendly breed or the afraid dog.
Our church has an animal Blessing Ceremony for the last five to six years. One of our previous pastors was grousing about their geriatric Golden Retriever when it survived a bout of vestibular disease. The vestibular disease would flare up and medications would resolve it. I reminded her that Chelsea was at the animal blessing ceremony. I told her my grandmother always told me to be careful what you pray for because it will happen. Chelsea did survive those episodes. When they moved out of the area, Chelsea did later succumb to cancer.
Roger Caras said, "Dogs are not our whole life but they make our lives whole". For me you can substitute animals of any genre and it is a marvelous statement of love and understanding of the importance of animals. There are some, which elevate animals to a status greater than humans. I tend to love them a lot but I sure do love the grandchildren. It is nice that I, as any other person, charged with the responsibility of animal care have the opportunity to educate and pass on an appreciation and love for animals.
This article is one that is very dear to my heart and soul. This one has a lot of extremely similar online research material. The internet can overwhelm you with a dearth of knowledge or just bury you with the shear volume of blah, blah, blah. Every time I try to rework an idea or a subject, it is more work and it just does not feel right. It is as though I am working hard to present somebody else's stuff.
Today I met a friend I went out for an emergency euthanasia six months ago. She thanked me again. She reminded me of how deep the emotion of animal ownership is. I could see the emotion in her face of her reliving that traumatic event. I can tell when animals are an integral part of an owner's heartstrings. The voice change, hand movements and tears starting to well up are the sounds visual expressions of concern and love. We have an inner need to have animals in our existence. It is my opinion animals make us more of a complete person. I am trying to say that having animals in your life goes beyond purchasing them. There are people that appear happy without the presence of animal involvement. That to me would be a bleak boring survival only mode. The stretch between one of our dogs passing and the beginning with a new in-house puppy seemed to drag like eternity.
For those that wish to participate Marble Memorial United Methodist Church is having an animal Blessing ceremony on the Church lawn Sunday September 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM. Previously there has been everything from salamanders, pigs, lambs horses, cats, bunnies, dogs and even photos of pets that have passed on. All are welcomed that are animal and people friendly. Leashes or pet carriers requested to prevent altercations and run a ways. 8 Park Street, Milan MI 48160. 734-439-2421
For more information about a specific case, consult your veterinarian.
The outside of a pet is good for the inside of a human.