11.12.2018
We Woof You a Merry Christmas – Therapy Dog Carol Service Celebrates the Canine Carers
A wonderful crowd of canine carolers filled Christ Church Cathedral with joyful barks (and a just a few growls) at the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service today (December 11). A record number of dogs, their owners and people in caring facilities who benefit from Peata dog visits packed the cathedral for the service.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes were on their best behaviour for the ever popular service which included a pet blessing given by the cathedral’s Dean, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne. He said the service provides an opportunity to give thanks for dogs and the wonderful comfort and peace that they bring to their humans.
The Peata service has been organised for the last 16 years by Lesley Rue. It was sung beautifully by the cathedral’s girl choristers.
The gathering of so many dogs in one place could be a recipe for disaster but there were only a few good natured barks exchanged. The dogs and their owners enjoyed tea and mince pies afterwards.
Peata is a voluntary organisation which provides a pet therapy service to caring institutions. Its visiting scheme involves approved volunteers and their dogs who generally pay weekly visits.
The proceeds of the collection taken up during the service were divided between Peata and the Peter McVerry Trust.
