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Animal Spirits: Power Animals And Guides
We shamans are a strange breed...
Often we tend to isolate ourselves from those around us. However, this does not mean we don't have
relationships...
In fact we often have too many to handle at any one time. You see, we are connecting...
How to Choose a Pet
Do you know that in the United States pets outnumber people? Recent statistics show that there are about 380 million pets opposed to 290 million people? 62 % of the households own a pet, and 46% of all households own more than one pet. The most...
How to Keep Your Boxer - or any Dog - Healthy
How to Keep Your Boxer - or any Dog - Healthy Feed him a balanced diet. Additional tips from owners include: - Give an occasional yogurt treat - Ask your vet about giving Boxers calcium tablets as they could have some problems later on in life! ...
Love your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with his big brown eyes, as I temporarily left him for a very important surgical procedure. As much as it broke my heart to drop off my "baby" at the local humane society, I know it was the...
"You Can Help Reduce the Number of Unwanted Cats - Spaying and Neutering of Cats"
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are destroyed because they are unwanted. Animal shelters that take in these animals and try to find them homes are overcrowded. With so many animals in need, they cannot support all animals...
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Blessing of the Animals in October
Each October, my dog and I participate in one of the nicest celebrations
a pet and owner can share - the Blessing of the Animals, a Catholic tradition that is duplicated
by other denominations.
Don't worry, I'm not going to try to convert anyone! I'm just going to describe this celebration
and suggest that those church goers among my readers might see if their church offers something similar.
Both our local Episcopalian
and Lutheran churches have similar celebrations.
The Blessing of the Animals commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4)
and his love for all animals. St. Francis was born in Assisi, Italy around 1181; founded the Franciscan Order of Monks; and died in 1226.
In the celebration which often takes place outdoors, a priest sprinkles holy water on your pet and says the following:
"Blessed are you Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals
on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.
"We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Amen."
My dog was one of about 30 pets at
my church, including hamsters, cats, birds and a small goldfish bowl.
Incidentally all were well-behaved except for one cat who did not like being sprinkled!.
This celebration has gained popularity
especially in areas with large Latino
immigration. Rural residents in Mexico
and other Latin countries depend heavily on animals for their livelihood and are reassured by the priest's blessing.
Whatever the spiritual benefits that result, this is a lovely way to celebrate the love we get and give our pets.
About the Author
Louise Louis is a long-time dog person
and creator of www.ToyBreeds.com
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