Even paws need blessing
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 4, 2015 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Cody, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, jumps up to show his appreciation as the Rev. Deacon Paula Griffin reads a prayer for him during the annual Blessing of the Animals at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
It was fitting that the Bible passage about Noah and the ark was chosen for Saturday afternoon's Blessing of the Animals.
Just as the ceremony commenced, the clouds opened up and a pounding rain began.
The week's precarious weather might have staved off attendance at this year's event, but it did not dampen the spirits of the dozen who turned out at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
The Episcopalian Church calendar features namesake and patron saint, St. Francis' Day on Oct. 4 and in recognition, encourages the Blessing of the Animals.
St. Francis, who lived in the 1200s, renounced his family's wealth and received permission to start an order, caring not only for people but the animals as well. Legend has it that he could talk to the animals and they to him.
Liz Meador became a member of the local parish with her husband, Dave, in 1975, when the church was 11 years old. She said the annual ceremony has probably been done for more than 20 years.
"We had a priest start it, probably the Rev. Ed Dunlap," she said.
It is an all-inclusive event, said the Rev. Deacon Paula Griffin, who led the liturgy and prayed for the animals.
"We have had snakes. We have a woman that has four horses. I teased her about bringing at least one," Mrs. Meador said.
"We have had rodents of all types -- gerbils, hamsters," Mrs. Griffin said.
"We have had reptiles," added Mrs. Meador.
Live animals, stuffed ones, or a photograph in honor or in memory of a pet, all were welcome, the women said.
Dave Boseman brought photographs of his four cats.
After a brief interactive ceremony, Mrs. Griffin invited each participant to bring up their pets one at a time.
Chris Garrison asked if he could go first, in deference to squirmy Carrot, his 2-year-old cat, after which he promptly returned the pet to its carrier.
His wife, Kim Larson, approached with the couple's chocolate lab, Ivy, in tow.
"We try to do it most years," she said of the event.
They had brought their 5-year-old dog before but this was the first time their cat took part.
"We love our animals," she said. "We're Episcopalians. We just think that St. Francis (did) a wonderful thing protecting the animals.
"It's just a nice social event."
Debby Stedner held a picture of her dog, Cuttle Bug, who recently passed away.
Her granddaughter, Izabelle Casey, had miniature black poodle Abby on a leash.
"I always like to come here," the 11-year-old said.
Gail Askins was accompanied by Cody, a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
"All my dogs have been here from the beginning," she said. "I'm Episcopalian. It means they're being blessed into the fellowship."
Annette Jackson was thankful to attend for the first time, along with her 10-year-old westie, Jake.
"I finally felt well enough," she explained, having been sidelined for years with fibromyalgia. "I feel like I get to come to church but he doesn't."