Blessing of animals, both for us and our animals

LIMA – People and their pets have developed a special bond, and many of us think of our pets as family.

“They give you so much more than what you give them, and when people lose a pet, it’s like losing a family member because they care so much,” said Debbie Helser, Founder of Deb’s Dogs at Lima Pet Rescue. “They are part of their life, and they are a real blessing to people, and part of our responsibility as humans is to take care of the animals in our world,”

It goes without saying that if we could, we would spend our entire lives with our dogs or cats. Unfortunately, their lifespan is not that long as ours.

Monday is World Animal Day, which is a day to attract attention and raise the status of animals and improve their welfare. The day coincides with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of animals and the environment.

Some religious organizations use the time around this date to organize pet blessings.

Zion Lutheran Church in Lima participated in its first-ever pet blessing on Sunday afternoon.

“Our mission at the Lutheran Church in Zion is to welcome everyone, to grow as disciples of Jesus and to serve all of creation,” said Corie Steinke, director of discipleship and community outreach at the Lutheran church in Zion. “What better way to serve all of creation than by bringing our furry family members to Zion and being blessed today? “

At the blessing in Lima, pets, large and small, were on hand.

Erin Stout brought her 6 year old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, Ginger, with her to be blessed. The experience in Zion was a little different from the first one they saw.

“At one of them in Forest Park (United Methodist Church), it was a few years ago. She got a new collar, and she just ran away. So they had to stop her and wait until they made her continue, ”Stout said.

Pastor Dan Gutman gave a general blessing to the pets and then gave individual blessings.

“It’s just a way to show them our love and appreciation. It is a way of honoring God’s love and appreciation for all of creation. So that’s what we’re hoping to release and hope people can pick up with them, ”Gutman said.

Aleasha Routson cuddles Littlefoot, who is available to be hosted by Deb’s Dogs. Routson took Littlefoot to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday for the Pet Blessing.

Marley attends the Pet Blessing Sunday with her owner, Steven Horton. Steven has had Marley, a golden retriever, since he was 6 weeks old.

Contact Sam Shriver at 567-242-0409.