Neighbor News
Perfect Paws Pet Ministry at All Saints North Shore Celebrates 6th Anniversary
For six wonderful years, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry has been serving our community, supporting people who love animals and all creation.
We began simply -- offering a short, loving -- unique -- worship service to which all household animals were invited to attend with their humans. We recognize that our animals are essential and full members of our families, so why not bring them to church where they can offer the comfort of their presence as we worship?
As our ministry has grown, so have our efforts to connect and support our constituencies. We offer pet loss bereavement and companioning on veterinary visits for humans and their animals facing treatment and euthanasia.
And, beyond those humans to whom we minister locally, we have been blessed to connect with and become long-distance friends with countless of people who have found us on the Internet, and who have sought and received our collective prayers for their animals. Many have remained in touch, even after their animal companions have died.
Our prayer circle -- through requests for intercessions sent to us by email -- has expanded and brought comfort and a sense of peace to all who reach out to us and hear back from us -- with prayers, compassion and concern. And, truly, the experience has been as affirming and spirit-filling to us, as -- we've been told -- it has been to those to whom we have sought to comfort.
As Perfect Paws has matured, so have our programs and our commitment to love and support our animal companions, and the people who care for them with such open and deeply generous hearts.
Most recently, we have expanded our mission and outreach through therapy dog teams certified by Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts, deploying nine teams from All Saints to nursing homes and rehab centers, assisted living residences, libraries, schools and colleges. In addition, we now offer certification workshops out of All Saints North Shore, in partnership with Dog B.O.N.E.S.
But at the core of this glorious, six-year experiment and experience, we have, we believe, become closer to and more aware of the wonders of creation and more intentional and mindful about our responsibilities as stewards of the earth and all that inhabit it.
Together, we celebrate the joys that come so gently and purely through the existence of our beloved animal companions in our lives. And, together, we mark the losses of the beautiful creatures, that inhabit our homes and hearts all too briefly -- enhancing us, and teaching us to be better, more generous and compassionate humans.
To the nearly 400 people who read this, our Perfect Paws newsletter, throughout the United States and abroad -- in Italy, Ireland, Germany and beyond, and those who connect with us on Facebook -- thank you for being a part of this ministry, and for growing with us, in love and appreciation of the creatures that inform us with their loyalty, devotion, and acceptance.
EMAIL US A 6th ANNIVERSARY GREETING FOR US TO SHARE
On Sunday, May 15, at 5 p.m., we will have our usual monthly service, led by our priest, the Rev. Marya DeCarlen. But instead of a homily, Rev. Marya DeCarlen will invite members of our congregation to offer their own testimony about how this ministry has touched them and transformed them.
Those who cannot attend, because of geography, are most welcome to send in a brief email message expressing your feelings about Perfect Paws and why you stay connected with us to perfectpawsministry@gmail.com.
Following the service, we will have refreshments. Yes. There will be cake! Please consider bringing something to share.
From all of us at Perfect Paws, thank you for being part of this good and Godly work. Blessings to you and the animals your hold so dear.
