Celebration for critters
Pet lovers gather at city church
By KATIE SCHNEIDER -- Sun Media
The Calgary Sun
It was like a zoo yesterday in a downtown church that played host to critters large and small.
Dozens of pet lovers and their furry friends attended the 11th annual Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer at 218 7 Ave. S.E., to give thanks for their beloved pets and remember the ones they have lost.
At the service, sponsored by the church, the Calgary Humane Society, the Pet Loss Support Group and St. Martin's Anglican Church, Rev. Robert Pynn blessed four-legged friends of all sizes including a police horse named Bart.
Monica Rieger attended the service with her miniature dachshund, Santana, and photos of his great-uncle, Lincoln, who passed away in August.
"Lincoln was my full-time companion and we miss him terribly," she said with tears in her eyes.
For a second year in a row, Rosmarie Jackson brought her nine-year-old rabbit Thumper, a cuddly companion she said means "everything" to her.
"I think animals are an important part of our lives and to have a celebration for them is really great," she said.
Jane Oliphant, 14, snuggled in a pew with her three-year-old cat Cuddles, who she also believes is worth celebrating.
"She brings me joy. If you feel depressed she's there -- she does goofy stuff," she said.
Pet lovers gather at city church
By KATIE SCHNEIDER -- Sun Media
The Calgary Sun
It was like a zoo yesterday in a downtown church that played host to critters large and small.
Dozens of pet lovers and their furry friends attended the 11th annual Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer at 218 7 Ave. S.E., to give thanks for their beloved pets and remember the ones they have lost.
At the service, sponsored by the church, the Calgary Humane Society, the Pet Loss Support Group and St. Martin's Anglican Church, Rev. Robert Pynn blessed four-legged friends of all sizes including a police horse named Bart.
Monica Rieger attended the service with her miniature dachshund, Santana, and photos of his great-uncle, Lincoln, who passed away in August.
"Lincoln was my full-time companion and we miss him terribly," she said with tears in her eyes.
For a second year in a row, Rosmarie Jackson brought her nine-year-old rabbit Thumper, a cuddly companion she said means "everything" to her.
"I think animals are an important part of our lives and to have a celebration for them is really great," she said.
Jane Oliphant, 14, snuggled in a pew with her three-year-old cat Cuddles, who she also believes is worth celebrating.
"She brings me joy. If you feel depressed she's there -- she does goofy stuff," she said.
"Blessing of the Animals"

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