[Magdalen] Dog blessing query

[Grace Cangialosi]

No, I wasn't thinking about the readings being for the dog, but for the owners. I have often given copies of the book "Dog Heaven" to grieving friends, and they love it, but I won't do that in this case.

> On Dec 31, 2016, at 2:29 PM, James Oppenheimer-Crawford <oppenheimerjw at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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.