Pets Are a Blessing
God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25
At one of the churches I serve, we did a pet blessing on Saturday morning, October 5. People brought their dogs, extroverted cats, pictures of pets, and even a few stuffed animal pets to receive a blessing. It was joyful!
It made me reflect on how I continue to thank God for all of the animals I grew up with, including faithful dogs, beautiful cats, sheep, a goat, cows, ponies, a cantankerous turkey and a mischievous raccoon! They each, in their own ways, made my life better.
Many people bring their pets to the church to be blessed in October, the month of St. Francis’ feast day, because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. St. Francis of Assisi was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy, and is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to lepers, and for his love for animals and nature. He is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.
If you have a pet, or pets and want to thank God for them, you can pray for and bless your pets too.
The following Pet Blessing can be used:
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.
You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land.
I ask you to bless this pet. May it feel loved and cared for and bring joy to this family for many years. May we all always praise You for all Your beauty in creation.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, marvelous are all your creatures! Amen.