All God's Creatures: The Blessing of Animal Companions
The Blessing of Animal Companions
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
All God's Creatures provides a complete Blessing of the Animals liturgy, as well as other prayers and rituals, for use in church or anywhere that animals are blessed! If you live with a dog, cat, or some other domestic animal, you already know that these treasured creatures are not just pets, but members of the family. Debra K. Farrington, who has lived with animals most of her life, explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with these beloved friends--from everyday caring for their needs, to marking the extraordinary moments of birth, illness and death. Full of warmth and wisdom, this essential resource includes chapters on:
Training and Compassion-and how to balance the two
Caring for the Sick--ethical concerns
Rest in Peace--rituals, blessings, and more
Tell Me Your Name--discerning the personality of your companion
“By viewing companion animals as a gift from God rather than objects that do the will of humans, Debra Farrington helps owners realize a greater sense of responsibility toward their own pets, and shows how the humane care and training of their animals leads to a more fulfilling experience for both.”
- Barbara Demarest, canine and feline behavior consultant
A percentage of the author’s profits on this book will be donated to PAWS of Central Pennsylvania, a no-kill animal rescue and spay/neuter group.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Pet ownership is filled with spiritual lessons, according to spirituality writer and retreat leader Farrington, who has owned her share of dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs and parakeets over the years. She turns a heavenly eye to our furred and feathered friends, offering readers a new perspective on the domestic animals we love so much. "The animals are creatures of God, just as we are, ones who deserve to be treated with God-like respect, compassion, and love," she says. Saints of old, ancient prayers and modern poetry find a place in Farrington's work, which covers all aspects of pet ownership: committing to care for a pet, naming and training it, pet pregnancy, etc. She talks movingly of caring for sick animals and offers an interesting discussion of a hospice approach to helping end a pet's life. Scattered throughout are blessings, prayers and services appropriate for animals. Farrington deepens our understanding and appreciation of animals as spiritual beings, as well as our practices involving them. She encourages us to rethink our attitudes toward pets as "disposable" and merely for our pleasure, and instead helps us see caring for domestic animals as one way we can mirror God's love.
