• Home
  • About Our Clinic
  • About Our Services
  • Contact
  • Dr. Donald A. Miele
  • Pet-rospective

Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

Pet ownership and beyond…

« Pet-Proof Your House Today!
What’s In a Name? »

Pet Blessings

August 19, 2010 by Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

St. Francis ministers to the animals

If you’ve been to our clinic, you may have noticed the picture (above) of St. Francis.  Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment, according to the Catholic faith.  Many churches around the U.S. emulate St. Francis’s love for animals by organizing pet blessings in October.  Two such churches in our area are Christ the King Catholic Church in Norfolk and Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth.

Now, I realize it’s a bit early yet to announce the local pet blessing events, but as I was searching for a “happy” topic (as promised), I thought how nice it would be to have a special little blessing at the ready for our pets in the privacy of our homes.  And then I raised my eyes heavenward and caught sight of St. Francis hovering in the air above my desk.  [In all fairness – and so you don’t call the men in white coats on me – St. Francis is actually in a frame, which is hanging by a chain looped around a nail.]

I’m willing to bet St. Francis was most at peace when ministering to the animals.  Oddly enough, he did not win the title of patron saint of veterinarians – that honor instead goes to St. Blaise.  By now, all the non-Catholics reading this have no idea who I’m talking about and would rather I get on with the business of blessings.  So here it is…

I discovered a website called AnimalChaplains.com and I hope they won’t mind my borrowing three of my favorite prayers found on their site and attributed to others.

Franciscan Pet Blessing
Blessed are you, Lord God, Maker of all living creatures. You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters.
We ask You to bless this animal. By the power of Your love, enable it to live according to Your plan. Amen.

Dear Father, hear and bless Thy beasts and singing birds; and guard with tenderness small things that have no words.  – Author Unknown

A Blessing for Animals 
Blessed are You, Lord God, for all living creatures You have made.
You keep them in Your care and not one of them is lost without You knowing.
They glorify You, each in its own way, and speak to us of Your beauty and love.
Bless them and keep them from harm. They unquestionably accept their place in the rhythm of Your creation.
May we respect them and cherish them for they are Your gift to us; through them may we come to know You better and praise You, their Creator.
Blessed be the love and joy that they bring to us.
Amen.
~ From www.MyCherishedPet.com

     Whenever I am especially worried about one of our patients or my pet, I pray for its recovery.  Naturally, we rely on modern medicine as well, but prayer just feels good.  Do you have a favorite blessing or prayer for your pets that you’d like to share?  Please tell us about it.  ~~  Jen

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted in General | Tagged blessings, pet blessing, prayer, St. Francis | 5 Comments

5 Responses

  1. on January 19, 2011 at 1:16 PM Pet Parents Without Partners | singleparentsgroup.net

    […] Pet Blessings […]


  2. on October 1, 2015 at 11:38 AM Pet Blessings this weekend – weather permitting | Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] and leaves the East Coast well alone. In the meantime, churches around Hampton Roads have scheduled Pet Blessings to take place this weekend, in memory of St. Francis of Assisi, a great friend to […]


  3. on October 2, 2018 at 3:49 PM Pet Blessings at area churches October 2018 | Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] Click here for a classic post with prayers for […]


  4. on September 26, 2019 at 8:09 PM Pet Blessings at area churches October 2019 | Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] Click here for a classic post with prayers for […]


  5. on October 1, 2020 at 8:01 AM Pet Blessings this weekend! | Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] around Hampton Roads are offering pet blessings this weekend in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, a great friend to animals. Some locations are collecting items for needy pets, as well. Check this […]



Comments are closed.

  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Looking for something?

  • You’ll love our

    *Same-day appointments
    *Short wait times
    *Bright, spacious waiting area
    *Convenient location

  • Get Rewarded – Save $ on Vet Visits

    Refer new clients to us and you'll receive a Referral Rewards card in the mail. Each card you earn entitles you to save money on exams, vaccines, heartworm and fecal tests on future visits.*
    There's no cost to you and no paperwork to fill out. Just make sure new clients mention you by name!
    Call today for details: 757-583-2619.
    *Some restrictions apply.

  • Dear Military Families,

    There is some confusion on the web, leading members of the military to believe we are located on base.

    While we are available to care for your pets, please be advised that we are not a military facility, nor affiliated with Little Creek Amphibious Base.

    In the event of overseas transfers/PCS, we refer those cases back to the military due to the complexity of foreign-import rules.

  • Like us on Facebook!

    Like us on Facebook!
  • Disclaimer

    Information on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure your pet. Information provided on this site does not take the place of a valid client-patient-doctor relationship, nor does it constitute such a relationship. Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source of information regarding your pet’s health. Your pet may require an examination and testing by a licensed veterinarian in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment. Neither Dr. Miele nor Little Creek Veterinary Clinic or its staff is responsible for outcomes based on information available on this site. Every pet’s condition is unique and requires the direct care and oversight of its own veterinarian.

WPThemes.


Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    %d bloggers like this: