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.
Pet Visitation and Therapy Program
Pet Therapy, or the therapeutic use of pets, began in the 1970s, and is a rapidly growing field. Taking dogs into hospitals and nursing homes has many benefits. It diminishes emotional and physical pain, reduces boredom and anxiety, and makes people happy!
Our Pet Ministry sponsors a Pet Therapy program, and we have dogs who visit Brighton Gardens and Plantation South. All dogs who participate in our program must pass the Canine Good Citizen test. We offer the Canine Good Citizen training course at our church through Paws-a-tive Results Dog Training. (Lennox Gavin, CPDT dog trainer).
Please contact us if you are interested in participating in our program with your dog, or if you know of a nursing home that would like visits from our dogs.
Visit our Photo Gallery to see our therapy dogs on their visits.
Meet Our Staff
Wyatt
Breed: Shepherd/Huskey Mix
Hobbies and Interests: Belly rubs, frozen peanut butter and sweet potato treats, car rides
Visits Brighton Gardens
Hobbies and Interests: Walks, socializing in dog parks, eating Busy-Bones and Greenies, playing with his younger cat-sister, Penny.
Visits Wesley Woods
Seamus
(prounouced Shay-muss)
Birthday: Oct. 18, 2007
Breed: Labradoodle
Job: Legal Assistant
Hobbies and Interests:Playing Frisbee, Music, Full-body massages, and loving his family and 12-year old human neighbor.
Birthday:March 2006
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Hobbies and Interests:Playing with her brother Eddie, riding in the car, chasing lasers
Favorite treat: Frozen Kongs stuffed with bananas and apples
Visits Plantation South
Sparkle was one of our first Pet Therapy dogs, and visited Brighton Gardens.. She brought joy to all the residents. Sparkle passed away on August 21, 2010. Click on the photo of Sparkle to see some of her visits.
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.
