Dog Church

Nov 05, 2009
All God's creatures: Churches reach out to dog owners in pet-friendly prayer services

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Some workers bring their dogs to the office. Some students keep dogs in dorms. Now, an increasing number of churchgoers are getting their chance to take their Chance, Fido, Max or Rover on over when they worship.

Ruth Fleming Stevens sits with her dog Roxy during Sunday services at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles.
By Richard Vogel, APEvery week, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles holds "Canines at Covenant," a service for dogs and their owners, featuring dog treats, dog beds, prayers for pets and even special music, such as "GoD and DoG."
"I don't have any kids, so my pets have always been my children, so it does mean a lot," Emma Sczesniak told the Associated Press. Accompanied by her Dachshund-terrier mix and black Lab, she said that though she'd fallen away from church, the dog-friendly service "might push me into it."
Laura Hobgood-Oster, a religion professor at Southwestern University, says she's heard of a half-dozen pet-friendly services in the U.S. -- for instance, "Woof 'n' Worship" held at Pilgrim Congregational Church outside of Boston -- though traditionally Christians believe only humans have redeemable souls.
Of course, many people get their pets blessed, particularly in early October to coincide with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Would you pray with your pooch? Like your religion ruff? Is God's house your dog house? In church with a chew toy? (Got any more?)