Quebec Church Invites Dogs to Attend

[CearaQC]

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/09/...3991254265008/

BEACONSFIELD, Quebec, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- An Anglican church near Montreal has become dog-friendly, offering a Paws and Pray service once a month.

The communion service at Christ Church Beaurepaire in Beaconsfield will include treats for the dogs and bowls of water along with bread and wine for their humans, the Montreal Gazette reports. The Rev. Michael Johnson, vicar of the church 25 miles east of Montreal, plans to try Paws and Pray for four months to determine if there is enough interest to justify keeping it going.

Many Anglican churches bless animals once a year, usually on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. A regular service is a little more unusual.

"I hope the dogs will feel honored and welcomed," Johnson said.

The service was suggested by Johanne Tasse, a member of Christ Church and president of Companion Animals Adoption Centers of Quebec, the Gazette reported.

"Animals deserve our care and respect," she said. "If we can bring dogs to church, how can we turn around and abuse them?"

[BenMax]

That is amazing!!

I had Maddox blessed 4 days after he came to my home and into rescue. Little did I know that he was as sick as he was, I did tell the minister that he was going for surgery and required a special prayer. The minister was emotional and blessed Maddox with care, tenderness and his words brought tears to me.

This service is wonderful and I commend them on including our fur pets as part of the family.

[poodletalk]

I think this is great.

I went to a Christening in July at an Italian Church, one the guests of the baby who was getting christened brought her poodle.

After the service, the poodle was running around all over the church, I was surprised no one complained and the Priest didn't say a word.

[14+kitties]

Nice but talk to me when they start including cats too.

[marko]

I agree - wow that's super cool (and progressive)

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by 14+kitties

Nice but talk to me when they start including cats too.

You know 14+K - you are absolutely right. They should have a dog day and a cat day with little furry things day.

Funny how cats always take a back seat. No wonder they don't come when they are called...why should they???

[lUvMyLaB<3]

ohhh that is so cool!! I Would LOVE to take my dogs to church! My kids would Love it!! They wouldn't get sooo sleeeepy during the sermon perhaps, I love that idea!! For all the pupps!! oh and the ones need to go too! to become more like!

[ancientgirl]

That's great.

[luckypenny]

Originally Posted by lUvMyLaB<3

oh and the ones need to go too! to become more like!

I can't wait to tell my mother about this .

[Frenchy]

I didn't even know people were still going to church

can I bring my 4 dogs or is there a limit per person ?

[14+kitties]

spam reported

[Bina]

Reminder for Christ Church in Beaurepaire, just west of Montreal:
This Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 there is another Paws and Pray service.