Heavenly service for pets

PET SERVICE: Father Neil Fernando with miniature poodles Charlie and Rex.

CREATURES great and small gathered at Mount Gambier’s Anglican Parish Church last Sunday to be blessed.

The service, conducted by Father Neil Fernando, attracted more than 50 people and their pets.

Father Fernando said the service was held outside the church and welcomed people from the wider community, including those that did not normally attend church.

“There were lots of pets,” Father Fernando said.

“We had horses, parrots, cats, dogs and even an abandoned lamb.

“Some people had two or three pets with them.

“People also brought photos of their deceased pets.

“It was a wonderful morning with lots of people.”

Precautions were taken to ensure some of the participants were well behaved.

“It was a challenge to keep the cats away from the birds and the dogs away from the cats,” Father Fernando said.

“Some of the dogs were afraid of the horses.”

Father Fernando said all the animals behaved themselves very well as the service was held outside and the pets practiced “social distancing”.

He said they thanked God for the creation of pets and that people had the responsibility to look after them.

“We had prayers about how our pets love us and bring us joy and protection,” he said.

“The church recognises that pets are part of life and their journey with us.”

Following the service participants enjoyed a luncheon.