Things You'll Need:
- Fliers or invitations
- Candles
- Certificates
- Music
- Refreshments (optional)
- A printed program for each guest (optional)
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Step 1
Find a ceremony to attend. The Blessing of Pets takes place most often on or near October 4 to commemorate the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi (the Patron Saint of Animals). Some are also held in the spring near Easter. Although Catholic Churches are the most common settings, a variety of other denominations and non-denominational churches, as well as Reform Synagogues, spiritual centers and animal shelters are starting to hold pet blessings. Synagogues hold pet blessings in the spring around Passover or in the fall after the High Holy Days. A good place to find a list of church pet blessings is AmericanCatholic.org. If you can't find your city, contact a local parish.
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Step 2
Consider if you would like to bring your pet along or simply bring a photo of your pet. If your pet isn’t able to attend (she might be under the weather or something really cool might be on Animal Planet), a photo will work.
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Step 3
Bring your dog on a leash and your cat or other pet in a carrier. Make sure your dog or cat has on a collar with current ID.
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Step 1
Conduct your own pet blessing if you can't find one in your area. It doesn’t require a theology degree to bestow a blessing upon pets. You might even consider making it a neighborhood or community event.
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Step 2
Locate pet blessing prayers online or a good resource is "Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers and Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures" by Diana L. Guerrero.
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Step 3
Add your own special touch to the service and adapt it to the time and place. For instance, mention animals in the news that may be in trouble.
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Step 4
Obtain candles for the service. Electric might work better around animals, but if you prefer traditional candles, be sure to keep them out of reach.
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Step 5
Have live or recorded music to lend to the experience. You might recruit a singer or soloist from a church or synagogue choir.










Comments
arkabc said
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