HOLY Cross in Crediton held its annual pet service in the church on Saturday, October 10, when eight dogs were present, accompanied by their owners.

The service is held to recognise the companionship provided by pets and the love felt for them by their owners and in recognition of the UK being a nation of animal lovers.

Rev Matthew Tregenza blessing pets during the service. AQ 3296 / AQ 3329
Rev Matthew Tregenza blessing pets during the service. AQ 3296 / AQ 3329 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It was conducted by Crediton Rector, Rev Matthew Tregenza who, during the service, blessed each of the pets and their owners.

The Bible reading was given by Assistant Curate Rev Antonia Tregenza.

Also, a model of a guinea pig was take along by one local resident.

The service included the singing of “All things bright and beautiful” and “He’s got the whole world in his hands”, and prayers.

Rev Tregenza led a prayer thanking God for giving us pets who bring us joy.

He also said one of the privileges of being in the clergy was that he was able to bless in God’s name, not only people and objects but also animals.

Two of the dogs which attended the pet service. AQ 3348
Two of the dogs which attended the pet service. AQ 3348 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The guest speaker was Ian Stobart, a lay reader in the Crediton Benefice, who is also a veterinary surgeon.

He spoke on the subject of Bible references to pets and about pets and animals in heaven.

There was also mention of the belief that owners and pets are reunited in heaven.

Rev Tregenza concluded the service with the blessing: “May the God of all creation, who created the animals of this earth to support us, continue to protect and sustain us with the grace his blessing brings.”

Coffee and biscuits were served for the humans after the service, dog treats for the canine companions.

It is customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on or near the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, October 3, with October 4 now World Animal Day.