15.12.2021
Barks ring out for Christmas as Peata Carol Service returns
Peata therapy dogs and their owners made a very welcome return to Christ Church Cathedral for their traditional Peata Carol Service yesterday (Tuesday December 14). After a gap of one year the service went ahead and while numbers in attendance were reduced, the dogs and their owners enjoyed a joyful reunion.
The service honours the work of the therapy dogs who visit people in caring institutions with their owners giving their time on a voluntary basis.
The carols were sung by a cohort of the Cathedral Girls’ Choir and Archbishop Michael Jackson gave the traditional pet blessing giving thanks for the contributions animals make to our lives. Donations received at the service went to Peata and the Peter McVerry Trust.
Welcoming the congregation, Dean Dermot Dunne said it was a delight to see the Peata dogs back in the cathedral and thanked their owners for having the courage to come to be part of the celebration. He said the service was part of the cathedral’s efforts to bring back some normality. “This year more than any other year, it is important that we recognise the contribution our pets make to us in keeping us going and keeping us calm,” he said.
Chairperson of Peata Ian Sutton said he was delighted the service could go ahead in recognition of the joy the therapy dogs bring to those they visit. He said that the visits to caring institutions had had to be suspended but hoped to have good news next year.
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.
