I read a great article on USA Today's Paw Print Post about another amazing dog who overcame great odds to find a loving home. As I read Sharon Peters comments about dogs and their ability to forgive the harm done to them and continue to love even those who hurt them, I started thinking about all that animals can teach us if we are willing to listen and learn.

Many people will say that animals are just "dumb," bit I disagree. When I read about the things animals are capable of doing, without years of therapy in most cases, I see the hand of God again. And I am amazed.

Even the story of the Vicktory Dogs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (there was a program about them on the show Dogtown on the National Geographic Channel. I watched it once in amazement (am I using that word a lot?), but I won't watch it again. The scenes of fighting dogs broke my heart and it can't take anymore. But the stories of the dogs emerging from that horror to find loving homes and families is another example of dogs' ability to forgive, forget and move on (something we could all learn).

Actually, I'm still carrying around past hurts and pains I'd like to get rid of. And I'm learning how to do it by watching my dogs and others. As a matter of fact, the love of animals and our ability to teach and learn from each other is the basis of my ministry. Although we draw from sacred texts, we do so with an eye toward loving and caring for animals. As it says in Job, "But now ask the beasts to teach you, and the birds of the air to tell you; or the reptiles on the earth to instruct you, and the fish of the sea to inform you. Which of all these creatures does not know that the hand of God has done this. In His hand is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all."  Job 12:7-10

Each time I read about an animal surviving incredible odds and thriving in a new, loving home, I see the hand of God in both the humans who are willing to take in this animal and the animal who is willing to love once again. God is with both.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...

Sometimes you read a story that just tears your heart out. I have read just that kind of story about a man named Randy Grim who has spent the last 15 years rescuing stray dogs — the kind no one else wants, not even those in rescue or animal control.

Living in St. Louis, MO, Randy regularly heads to the worst, most violent neighborhoods in the area to catch, feed, heal, and care for the wild canines living in these areas. Most of these dogs have never been someone’s pet — they live and die on the streets. The stories are not pretty and the work is hard, but Randy and Stray Rescue have helped more than 5,000 feral, wild canines get healthy and find loving homes.

I have seen and heard about people who go out of their way to help others. People like Mother Teresa. Of course, Randy Grim will not be considered even close to Mother Teresa; after all, he doesn’t help people, he helps dogs. And we all know how much more important people are. Yes, I’m being sarcastic, but you won’t see anyone like Randy Grim being made a saint, except to the dogs he’s saved.

And yet, I believe that God looks down on Randy and people like him and sends His special blessings down. After all, Jesus told us, “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.” (Luke 12:6)

By the way, when a reporter asked Mother Teresa, “Where is God when a baby dies alone in a Calcutta alley,” she offered this response: “God is there, suffering with that baby. The question really is, ‘where are you?’” I think Randy Grim has the same compassion and love that Mother Teresa had, just a different focus. And I know that Randy Grim, and all the others who work so hard to save the lives of as many animals they can, are indeed in the eye of God, and are blessed more than even they know. And I know God will continue to bless them.

So get your tissues out and read about this incredible man and his mission. Then, if you have any extra money laying around, buy a Stray Rescue calendar or donate something to help with the costs of saving these otherwise unwanted, unloved animals.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

In “A Tremor of Bliss” by Paul Elie, American literary critic, writer, and poet Bruce Bawer is quoted as saying “The proper Christian question is not — will my dog go to heaven? but — will I bring heaven to my dog? In other words, ‘Does my faith manifest itself in such a way that not only my fellow human beings but animals as well can tell the difference?’”

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals.”

And now, modern research has shown that the way we treat our animals is truly a reflection of the way we will treat our fellow man. Abuse begets abuse, love begets love.

For a very long time, I worried and fretted about my love for animals — it always seems so much stronger than my love for people. I thought there was something wrong with me. But now, I’m finding that there is nothing wrong with me. Indeed, my love for animals has helped my love for, understanding of, and patience with people to grow. Not all people, mind you, but most.

And it is definitely true that my love for and relationship with God has been enhanced by my love for animals. I admit, dogs do have some rather gross habits (pooper scooping is not one of my favorite jobs!). But they have one thing that overrides all the grossness. They love. Just that simple, they love. Unconditionally, all the time, no matter what. And they love much more unconditionally that I will ever be able to. They don’t pass judgment, they don’t question why, they don’t care who or what you are, they just love.

I’m sure there are those scientists (and others) who will say “it’s not love, it’s instinct.” But I guarantee, they’re wrong. If dogs and other animals just used pure instinct, an adult cat wouldn’t run into a burning building to save a kitten. A dog, whose instinct is to avoid danger, wouldn’t stay with an injured person in a dangerous situation. And they wouldn’t somehow understand so much about humans.

Scientists can say whatever they want about how animals react and instinct and all that other stuff. But I see the hand of God in the love of a dog, or a cat, or a bird. And I believe God put these companion animals here on the planet with us to be a constant reminder of God’s love for us.

For most of us, God is too big, too awesome to realize God’s simple love. God is, well, God. And the creator of the universe and everything in it is pretty immense. Too immense for most people to think of simple love.

But our dog or cat, we can understand that love. That caring, support, and understanding. So it’s easier to acknowledge the love of an animal than to acknowledge the simple love of God. But the love is there, simply represented in the love of a dog. And that’s what animal lovers can look forward to. Simply love.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Church really has gone to the dogs…and cats. If you’re a pet lover, you may have taken your pet to a blessing service at your church or other place of worship. These services are usually held outside on a nice Spring or Fall day. And, of course, you are only allowed to bring your pet to church one Sunday a year.

But what if you could bring your pet to church with you for every service? And what if the people at the service were fellow pet lovers like you? People who would support you through all the aspects of your life with your beloved pet. Well, believe it or not, there really are churches where you are allowed to bring your pets to services. And the services are held inside, out of the weather. For many people, pets help them to connect with God and their fellow man more easily. And for single people, coming to a new church the first time can be pretty scary. Having their dog or cat with them helps them to be more confident and calm.

Yes, you can bring your best friend to worship services with you. Here are just some of the churches around the US and Canada that allow pets at worship services:

Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NB has a service called Pets and Prayers every Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. Worshippers are welcome to bring their well-behaved dogs on leashes. Blankets and rugs are available for the dogs to lie on.

The Christ Church Beaurepaire in Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada also has a monthly Paws and Pray service. As church member Johanne Tasse, the president of Companion Animals Adoption Centers of Quebec says, “Animals deserve our care and respect. If we can bring dogs to church, how can we turn around and abuse them?” The services include treats for the dogs and bowls of water along with bread and wine for their humans.

Pilgrim Congregational Church in Weymouth, MA holds a “Woof ‘n’ Worship” service. According to Reverend Rachel Bickford, she “got the idea while reading the Bible, with her own dogs at her feet.” Bickford says all breeds are welcome, as long as they're on a leash.

St. Clement Episcopal Church and Church of the Holy Trinity in New York, NY, pets are also welcome at services.

City Community Church in Austin, TX is another church that welcomes pets and their people to their Sunday service. The church meets at the La Zona Rosa every Sunday morning. It is a great place for people and their pets. “That’s part of our philosophy,” said Robby Forsythe, City Community Church Pastor. “We want to be a blessing. Everyone is welcome. We decided people can bring their dogs too.”

Shameless Plug: And finally, in the metro Detroit area, you can bring your pets to my church, All Creatures ULC. Regular pets welcome spiritual services are held Sunday at 1:00 pm at Dunk N Dogs Pet Wash, 27911 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI. All Creatures is a casual, relaxed community. They meet, along with their pets, in an indoor dog park in back of a self-serve dog wash. There are usually several cats roaming the place, which is also a rescue. People dress in jeans and everyone brings whatever they want to drink. And they don't sit in pews; they sit in a circle with a small table set up as the alter, like the early Jesus movement communities. Although All Creatures pastors, lead the service, they do allowing talking and questioning during the service. Anyone who has a thought, experience, question, or story can feel free to relate it.

All Creatures is a community of people who are exploring spirituality through a variety of paths. Animals are an integral part of the group and bring their own lessons to the services; like a constant reminder to forgive, live in the moment, love unconditionally, and just enjoy life. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun environment in which to explore your spirituality, come join us All Creatures Sunday. You may find you like what you see. You don’t have to have a pet to come to services, but if you do, bring them along. All creatures are welcome!

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Do you see someone (or something) looking back? Or do you just see a blank stare? For most of us, we see something there — a living, breathing, feeling, thinking soul. Of course, being a different species, they think and feel differently than we do. And although we need to keep that in mind, we also need to realize that there is something there. And that something (or someone) needs love, respect, acknowledgement, and support.

Our pets can teach us many things if we are open to learning from them. Not just our pets, but all animals. It’s not just esoteric nonsense or new age bunk. Even if we never acknowledge the souls in our fellow creatures, we can learn much from the way they live their lives. And no, I’m not talking about the turning around three times before we lay down. ;-)

I wrote before about my dogs’ ability to live in the moment. But there’s more to learn. The unconditional love aspect is often talked about. But do we really appreciate what that means? Rabbi Shmuley, best know as Michael Jackson’s friend, wrote a great article about people and their pets called America’s Obsession with Pets. In the article he mentions three things our pets do that, often members of our family don’t.

The first is that when we arrive home, no matter how long we’ve been gone; our pets rush to greet us with great enthusiasm. They are glad to see us and it doesn’t matter if we left in a huff or not. They LOVE us. And no matter what we are doing, from cooking dinner to watching TV, they just want to be with us. They never complain about the channel we want to watch or what we’re snacking on.

The second is that they are non-judgmental. As Rabbi Shmuley writes, “The dog loves you just the way you are. But the boyfriend tells you that your butt looks fat and you should go to the gym. Your husband ogles other women. But the cat never cheats.” Often our spouse or friends spend massive amounts of time telling us what we should or shouldn’t do or be. The pet just accepts us as we are, lumps and all.

The third thing our pets, especially dogs, do is protect us. Our dogs bark when someone comes to the door or if they think we are being threatened. Our cats arch their backs and growl when they don’t trust someone. And we read over and over about pets that have saved their owner’s lives from fire and other threats. We feel safe and protected with our pets.

Rabbi Shmuley ends his article by telling us that maybe we can once again “learn love and how to make each other feel special from a pet.” Think about it. And then take a look at your pet and see what you can learn.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

There are a lot of people who treat their dogs as their children. Scientists say we are anthropomorphizing our pets, especially dogs. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings. And although science is finding out more and more about the abilities and emotions of animals, they are still animals — not humans.

Still, they are amazing creatures and their responses and other human-like characteristics are surprising everyone. Time.com recently featured a story called The Secrets Inside Your Dog's Mind by Carl Zimmer. In the article, Brian Hare, assistant professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University talks about a dogs' ability to understand when we point our finger at something. As the article states, "Understanding a pointed finger may seem easy, but consider this: while humans and canines can do it naturally, no other known species in the animal kingdom can." Amazing. Not human, but amazing.

There are stories about other animals doing very moral and intelligent thinkgs. Not instinctual things but something more. As I mentioned in my article about Animal Spirituality, things that, in the past, science would have called anthropomorphizing. Now it's  something else, maybe intelligence, maybe more.

Now my dogs are definitely part of my family. They live with me, sleep with me, travel with me, and so much more. But I believe my dogs are dogs. If my dogs were human, I probably wouldn't like them as much! So, although my dogs are part of my family, they're still dogs. They are canine parts of my family and I believe they need to be treated as a canines. They have their canine needs and wants and since I love them, I try to give them what they need as a canine to make them happy.

The only one of my dogs who gets to wear clothes is my little 13-year old Shih Tzu who gets so cold in the winter, he really needs a sweater to go outside and do his business and go for a walk. In addition, I take them to the dog park regularly so they can play with and bond with other dogs and do their doggie sniffing thing. And it doesn't bother me when they roll in something stinky. I just clean them off and go on. They are dogs and that's what dogs do, and I accept that as a dog owner and lover.

I have also learned a lot spiritually from my dogs. Especially the spiritual qualities of joy, unconditional love, creativity, gratitude, and the wonderful ability to live in the present moment. That advantage is what helps them forget harmful things and move on into more joyful, peaceful moments in life. Something I would love to emulate.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...

Are animals spiritual? Do they have souls? I’m sure there are those scientists (and others) who will say “it’s not love, it’s just instinct.” But in their book “Wild Justice: the Moral Lives of Animals,” Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce make an overwhelming case that many animals are genuinely moral. Not just apes, but even bats and rats. They bring together a wide range of research ranging from neuroscience to field studies to laboratory work to make their case. Some examples are incredibly memorable – such as the rhesus monkey that, once it learned that pulling a chain to get food would lead to another monkey getting shocked, went 12 days without eating. Or a bat who, once it saw that another female bat was having trouble giving birth, acted as a midwife.

Just instinct? I don’t think so. Scientists can say whatever they want about how animals react and instinct and all that other stuff. But I see the hand of God in the love of a dog, or a cat, or a bird. And I believe God put these animals here on the planet with us to be a constant reminder of God's love for us.

For most of us, God is too big, too awesome to realize God's simple love. But our dog or cat, we can understand that love. That caring, support, trust, and … dare I say it? That spirit, that soul. It’s easier for many of us to acknowledge the love of an animal. But the love of God is there, simply represented in the love of the animals God brought into our lives.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...

Every year in October, a strange thing happens at churches around the world. Animals both large and small congregate around places of worship for their annual blessing service, a spiritual celebration to honor the loyal companions who love us unconditionally. As the pastor of metro Detroit's ONLY pets welcome church (All Creatures ULC), I bless pets at every service. But there is a history of animal blessings throughout the world and October is the time most blessing services happen.

Although modern critter blessing services seem to be a new and novel phenomenon, in reality they have been going on for thousands of years. Originally held in rural churches to bless farm animals, since the 1970s, the custom of blessing animals has grown to encompass many different religions, bringing together people of all faiths and from all walks of life.

Most pet blessings services are held during early October in conjunction with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and World Animal Day. But in some Spanish speaking areas, animal blessings are also celebrated on January 17th, which is the Feast of San Antonio Abad (a hermit from Egypt, since medieval times he has been the patron saint of domestic animals).

World Animal Day was started in 1931 as a way to highlight the plight of endangered species. It has since grown to include all kinds of animal life and is widely celebrated in countries throughout the world. October 4th was chosen as World Animal Day since it is the Catholic Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226) was a Roman Catholic friar and the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans. Francis loved the larks flying around his hilltop town. There is a story that he and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, even allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey. Saint Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment.

At our church, our special Pet Blessing service will be held this Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 pm. Other churches and organizations are holding services in the metro area from October 3rd through October 16th.

Why bless pets, you ask? For single people, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a person and his or her dog or cat, are two creatures of love. No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

In an article by Rabbi Shmuley called America's Obsession with Pets, he writes that, "I often ask the most obsessive pet owners why they are so attached to their pets. I usually hear the same response. The pet gives them more love than any person. More than a spouse, a sibling, or even parents. The dog loves you just the way you are. But the boyfriend tells you that your butt looks fat and you should go to the gym. Your husband ogles other women. But the cat never cheats. ...

"What everyone wants in life is to be special. We all fear ordinariness and each of us is born with an innate human desire to establish our uniqueness. But here’s the catch. We can never makes ourselves feel special. Someone else has to do it for us. And that’s what human love is all about. It’s about someone prioritizing you, focusing on you, pampering you – all because you’re special."

Simply put, our pets make us feel special – they offer us unconditional love and acceptance. They don't care who we are, how we look, or how much money we have; they just love us. And that gives them a special place in our lives. So why not share that deep, loving, spiritual connection by acknowledging to God our gratefulness for this amazing gift and having our beloved pets blessed by God as well.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...

I come from a long line of worriers. My mother was an expert and she taught me well. Even now, there is plenty for me to worry about — unemployment, no more unemployment benefits, no job, how to pay the mortgage and bills... and on and on. Still, I keep hoping something will happen to help me through. So far, God has taken good care of me and I expect that will continue. Still, I worry. It’s hard to end a lifetime of worrying with all the problems we face in life. Yet I read the Gospels and am reminded:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” [Matthew 6:25-34]

So I pack up the worries and put them away. Then I head over to the dog park with my dogs. It’s amazing to watch them. I’ve noticed that when they are running around the park, they don’t worry. When they’re in the park, they are totally 'in the moment.’ Completely involved in running, sniffing, and chasing. You know, sometimes I can almost see them smile when they are running around. I’m sure there are some people who will say I’m crazy, but I can tell when they are happy and they’re happy at the dog park, running. I don’t think they are thinking about anything else and I KNOW they are not worrying about the future.

Dogs (and other animals) definitely have an advantage over us. Would that we could be so completely in the present. It would be wonderful to be so involved in what is happening here and now that we don’t even think about the future.

There have been times when I’m in the park or in a forest or by the water, when I completely lose myself in the moment. It is so peaceful and comforting to have my always noisy brain just shut up for a minute or two. But it never seems to last long. So what do you do if you’re a worrier? In the gospel reading above, Jesus gave us all a very good suggestion. That is to seek God (whatever you conceive God to be) and his righteousness and all the other things you need will be given to you as well. You might also take a page from your dog’s book and just be ‘in the moment.’

Have a safe, blessed day.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...

Is your dog your soulmutt? Mine is. And what, you ask, is a soulmutt? Simply put, a soulmutt is that one dog we seem to have an extra, spiritual connection to. We pet lovers all have close relationships with our dogs, but some dogs are just “special.” They seem to understand us better than anyone else. To know when we’re happy, sad, or just need them to be near us. And they respond quickly to whatever the need is. It’s as if we can communicate on some deeper level than normal.

Tootsie is my soulmutt. From the first time I saw her on petfinder.com, I knew she had to be my dog. I made a special appointment to meet her (on her last day...) and we connected immediately. We have been close ever since. The best way to describe our relationship is to say we totally understand each other. Tootsie is not my only pet, and not my only dog — and I love all my pets. But Tootsie and I will always have a special, close relationship.

I know there are some people who think pets don't have souls and they only react from instinct. But those of us who own and interact with our pets know differently. There aren't any words to describe the non-verbal communication that we have with our pets. And those people who have made up their minds that animals are not soulfull, special gifts from God to help us grow will never see the specialness of the relationship. That is their loss. For the rest of us, we animal lovers, our pets have much to teach us.

Check out this great story about dogs and their purpose on earth; and especially the lessons they can teach us crazy humans.

May everyone have a safe, blessed day. And take time to connect with your pet. You just might be surprised what you can learn from them.

Reverend Claudia and the critters...