O God, who has made all the earth and every creature that dwells therein: Help us, we pray you, to treat with compassion the living creatures entrusted to our care, that they may not suffer from our neglect nor become the victims of any cruelty; and grant that in caring for them we may find a deeper understanding of your love for all creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A good Samaritan named Cathy had been trying to capture this beautiful little dog.
Annie was becoming tame, and Cathy had hopes of rescuing her, but Annie was killed by a car. Here is the story from Cathy:
Her name was Annie. One of the other women in the neighborhood suggested the name, and I thought it was perfect. Annie seemed to know her name. She had her own new, shiny food and water bowls that I kept clean. Annie was never mistreated by the folks here. The golfers, the staff at the club house, and the neighbors were sweet to her and feed her their own breakfasts and lunches. Some brought her kibble. I brought her both.
None of us had ever seen her anywhere close to the entrance of the neighborhood. She was car savvy around the parking lot at the clubhouse and even along the main street in the neighborhood, but when she ventured out on the highway, she was undone. I moved her off the road and put her in a new pet blanket that I had gotten for her. I took her to a deceased pet care center; today I picked up her ashes. Perhaps, on a beautiful spring day I'll scatter her ashes on the grassy hill above the club house parking lot when she liked to lounge around. For now, though, while the wind blows cold, she's an indoor dog.
Annie lived on her own terms, and she was loved.
St. Martin's Pet Ministry was featured in the DeKalb Neighbor. To read the article online, click here.
The St. Francis Pet Ministry adds another dimension to spiritual life at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church. We provide a forum to explore the remarkable spiritual and unique relationships we have with the animals who provide us with comfort and companionship.
