The Very Rev. Susan Green, Dean of Cloyne, writes:

A service of pet blessing was held on Sunday, 29th May in Cloyne Cathedral. It was a fabulous, warm and sunny day and there was a collection of dogs, a few cats, and a very brave little hen called Tammy Wynette. People also brought photographs of animals who were not able to be present and we had a wonderful drawing of a pet fish as well.

The outside door and the door to the nave were left open and, as the sun shone, everyone sang ‘All things bright and beautiful’, in grateful thanks for the joy which animals bring us. We prayed for their wellbeing and each pet and their owner received an individual blessing. All the animals behaved very well and joined in occasionally with approving barks. There were prayers for working animals, wild animals, endangered animals and all who seek to help them. The service ended with a commitment based on the prayer of St Francis.

The service was followed by refreshments, for both animals and humans! Many thanks to all who lovingly prepared the Cathedral and provided the refreshments, and a big welcome to those who were part of the congregation for the first time, both with two legs and with four.