[Magdalen] Dog blessing query

[James Oppenheimer-Crawford]

One thing that popped into my head is the fact that the dog is entirely
non-verbal. Reading prayers or scripture texts will not have any meaning.
However, the sound of the voice does.  Just the way we talk to our
companions makes a big, big difference in their lives.

So I would spend some time telling the companion what a good dog they are
and so forth. It might be that the owner's voice will give more support,
although if she is torn up emotionally, it may be hard for her to keep
talking good talk to the dog. I know about that.

I would pick readings that will speak to the owner. She may find solace in
"Rainbow Bridge" if she does not already know about it.

Dogs accomplish great feats of emotional connection, so the idea they are
just automatons is kind of discredited.

We are so fortunate, because we have hope that god is preparing for all of
us, including dogs and cats and gerbils, more wonderful things than we can
ever desire or pray for.

James W. Oppenheimer-Crawford
*“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved,
except in memory. LLAP**”  -- *Leonard Nimoy

On Sat, Dec 31, 2016 at 12:25 PM, Grace Cangialosi <gracecan at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Yesterday I had a call from a young woman who works at one of the churches
> where I was an interim. She has to put her dog down because of multiple
> stomach tumors and wanted me to come and provide a blessing. The vet will
> come to her home to euthanize the dog. We've agreed that I will come on
> Tuesday evening for the actual procedure.
> I have no theological problem with this--after all, we bless pets on St.
> Francis Day. And when I was in seminary we held a formal interment service
> for our beloved Chip the Monk, who had lived a long life in the woodpile by
> one of the dorms. (One seminary professor did refuse to lead the
> ceremony...)
> But I'm wondering if anyone has done something like this and has any
> suggestions as to reading materials. I'm thinking of part of the Canticle
> reflecting St. Francis love for creation and maybe one of Mary Oliver's
> poems about her dog Percy, especially after his death.  And I can certainly
> offer prayer.
> This is a unique request--at least for me--and I thought I'd pick the
> brain(s) of this list.