Local clergymen bless dogs, cats and horses
“Bless the beasts and the children, for in this world they have no voice, they have no choice,” begins the theme song to “Bless the Beasts & Children,” the fine 1972 Stanley Kramer film of the Glendon Swarthout novel about a group of boys who liberate a small herd of buffalo destined to be slaughtered in Arizona’s state-sponsored buffalo hunt.
The sentiments expressed in those lines certainly wouldn’t be lost on the Humane Society of Warren County as evidenced by the Blessing of the Animals event held this past weekend at First United Methodist.
Father Jim Bretl and Rev. Robert Case officiated and certificates of blessing were handed out to all the participants whose concern for the spiritual well-being of their animal friends is to be commended. Both clergymen said they were pleased to be a part of the ceremony and Bretl actually used a formal blessing of the animals the Catholic Church has used for centuries.
Though some might find a special blessing for animals odd, Father Bretl said it speaks well for those who participated.
“To me it emphasizes the dignity and the goodness of all of creation,” he said. “And people who love and respect animals, I think, are the people who tend to love and respect other people.”
“It was a very good experience,” Case agreed. “Animals are part of God’s creation and they’re of value, so we feel like that it’s important to include them in all of God’s blessing.”
According to Humane Society president Amelia “Andy” Anderson, there was a great turnout with about 40 animal lovers attending with a pretty diverse array of pets represented.
The group included two horses, some hamsters and birds along with the expected kittens, cats and dogs, while the prize for the most unusual pets would probably go to the proud owners of some hermit crabs, which just goes to show you, no matter how “crabby” someone’s pet is, they still want to get them blessed.
“It was a nice turnout,” Anderson said, “a really nice turnout.
Bretl and Case blessed the animals as a group, and commemorative certificates were presented to each participant.
Anderson also wanted to let local dog owners know obedience classes will begin at the Civic Center on May 15 at 6 p.m. The price will be $40 for the eight-week course with proceeds going to the Humane Society Animal Shelter. All breeds of dogs are accepted and the primary handlers must be 16 years of age or older. For more information on this program, call 668-9660.