Blessed be our furry friends

BE IT a horse or a goat, St Wilfrids Anglican Church in Mt Duneed welcomes animals of all sizes to come along to their Blessing of the Animals event on October 7.

Congregation member Anne Bartlett has been a part of the parish for over 20 years and said this will be the second time Vicar Steve Copeland has run the event.

“We’ve ran the Blessing of the Animals for the past 10 years and this is the second year Vicar Steve has been with us, he’s come from Barwon Heads and has done it there for a while,” Ms Bartlett said.

“It’s a day to thank God for our pets and animals and the joy they bring into our lives. It’s one of my favourite events and brings people together over a shared love of animals.

“In the past we’ve had horses and a goat that weed all over the floor. We haven’t had those big ones of late, the last few years they’ve all been cats and dogs or rabbits- they’re all welcome.”

Ms Bartlett said the event will kick off at 11am with a program of festivities, including an animal parade and Devonshire tea afterwards.

“Wendy Mitchell is a local pet photographer that’s been coming since the beginning, she takes photos during the event. People are also encouraged to bring a photo of pets that have passed,” she said.

“The animals have always been really well behaved. They just sit there during Vicar Steve’s speech, some of them sit on the pews. There’s a few categories in the pet parade including most photogenic, best dressed, best tricks and for the little guys, the cutest and cuddliest.”

Ms Bartlett said the event often brings people who’ve never been to the church before and gives strangers the opportunity to connect.

“They talk about their own pets over Devonshire tea, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and take in the atmosphere. Everyone is welcome.”

St Wilfrids is located on the corner of the Surfcoast Highway and Duneed Road, for more information phone Anne on 5243 1165.