Canine companions large and small were welcomed by Ashburton Anglicans last Sunday at a service to thank God for dogs.
Vicar Indrea Alexander said 66 people and 11 dogs socialised and settled over a drink and biscuit, before parading into St Stephen’s church for a short service which included blessing of the dogs, remembrance of former pets, and an animated God and Dog video clip.
The service was held on the Sunday nearest St Francis Day, and although Francis is remembered for his love of all creation, this year the focus was on dogs, the first domesticated animal.
Dogs have been bred for herding livestock, hunting, rodent control, guarding, helping fishers with nets, pulling loads, border control, detection of drugs, bombs, and truffles, as well as to be pets.
Some dogs have been trained to have a very special role in helping people, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs and personal assistance dogs to reduce anxiety, or indicate the onset of medical events.
Dog bookmarks were given to everyone who attended, with quotes from the greats of literature including Rudyard Kipling, John Steinbeck and Snoopy.
This year also marks 100 years since the start of World Animal Day commemorated on October 4 in honour of St Francis.
A Polish journalist, author, editor, and activist Heinrich Zimmermann organised the first celebration of World Animal Day in 1925, with over 5000 people attending the event.
In May 1931, during a congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, Zimmermann’s proposal to create the day was approved and World Animal Day was officially established.
