General News
9 November, 2023
Blessed be the animals
All creatures great and small: Reverend Suzie Castle blessed a variety of pets at Camperdown Uniting Church recently. YABBIES, a turtle and thirty-six dogs of various breeds were blessed at a pet blessing day held recently. Other animals blessed on...
All creatures great and small: Reverend Suzie Castle blessed a variety of pets at Camperdown Uniting Church recently.
YABBIES, a turtle and thirty-six dogs of various breeds were blessed at a pet blessing day held recently.
Other animals blessed on the day include chickens, a sheep, a horse, and a ‘phantom dog’.
The day was filled with a variety of activities for all ages, including balloon dogs, face-painting, a Devonshire tea and craft activities.
A representative from Just Horses, who owned the horse and sheep blessed, allowed people to pet and brush the animal.
The blessing ceremony saw Rev Castle bless each individual animal, while those unable to attend were given special mention on buntings which people could write the names of their pets on.
A memorial board was also available, allowing people to honour pets they have lost on the day.
Rev Castle also read a story about a dragonfly to the attending children, which tied into the memorial board.
A raffle was held on the day, raising $533 for animal welfare which will be donated to the Warrnambool RSPCA animal shelter.
First prize went to Dawn Case, second prize went to Barb Hall, and third prize was won by Lyle Taff.
Rev Castle said there was a good turnout on the day, and the church was blessed with good weather.
“It had been a special day to honour our pets and acknowledge the role they play in people’s lives,” she said.
“The pet dogs enjoyed socializing with each other, as well as having their toenails cut by the dog groomer.
“Each animal was officially judged and received an ‘Awesome Pet’ award with a gold trophy cup for their individual endearing qualities, decided by two judges.
“I was pleased that members of the wider community joined in with the regular church members for an opportunity to meet fellow pet owners and talk about the enjoyment they get from their pets.”
