The Blessing Of The Animals

“[A] beautifully crafted novel….A must-read not only for animal lovers, but for anyone who has found the courage to come back from heartbreak and find love again, without reservation, without fear.” —Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants “A marvelous page-turner, a story of an unexpected heartbreak and the unexpected blessings that result. I didn’t want to put this book down!” — Ellen Baker, author of Keeping the House “Wonderfully poignant characters and a deeply satisfying exploration of love in its many incarnations…make this novel Katrina Kittle’s most insightful yet.” —Lesley Kagen, New York Times bestselling author of Tomorrow River From Katrina Kittle, the critically acclaimed author of The Kindness of Strangers, comes The Blessings of the Animals—a wry, engrossing, and moving story of a veterinarian’s journey through the aftermath of divorce amidst a motley crew of beasts.

This compendium of stories, prayers, ceremonies, and engaging tidbits is a blessing not only for the animals of the world, but for all animal lovers, too. It welcomes all creeds, all breeds, and covers everything from amusing contemporary phenomena--with such chapters as "Rites of Paw-sage: Muzzle Tov," about "bark" and other mitzvahs--to more serious issues of pet illness, loss, and burial. There are blessings for the furry, feathered, scaled, and finned; prayers for a new pet; fascinating background on the historical roots of critter celebrations (plus information on where to find some of the most popular ones today); tales of muttrimony and other pet nuptials; and advice on hosting a purr-fect party or participating in a pet pageant.

All God's Creatures provides a complete Blessing of the Animals liturgy, as well as other prayers and rituals, for use in church or anywhere that animals are blessed! If you live with a dog, cat, or some other domestic animal, you already know that these treasured creatures are not just pets, but members of the family. Debra K. Farrington, who has lived with animals most of her life, explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with these beloved friends--from everyday caring for their needs, to marking the extraordinary moments of birth, illness and death. Full of warmth and wisdom, this essential resource includes chapters on: Training and Compassion-and how to balance the two Caring for the Sick--ethical concerns Rest in Peace--rituals, blessings, and more Tell Me Your Name--discerning the personality of your companion “By viewing companion animals as a gift from God rather than objects that do the will of humans, Debra Farrington helps owners realize a greater sense of responsibility toward their own pets, and shows how the humane care and training of their animals leads to a more fulfilling experience for both.” - Barbara Demarest, canine and feline behavior consultant A percentage of the author’s profits on this book will be donated to PAWS of Central Pennsylvania, a no-kill animal rescue and spay/neuter group.

Like a hospice worker, author Rita M. Reynolds cares for sick and dying animals, helping them comfortably cross the threshold into death. She shares stories about dogs, cats, a donkey, a cow, ducks, goats, and even baby wild mice she cares for as they die. Reynolds teaches basic skills in respectfully handling a dying animal, whether it's a newborn bird that's fallen from a tree or a beloved dog that is terminally ill. Her new edition includes blessings and prayers for animals, whether in the process of dying or who have already passed over. Reynolds believes in divine and angelic influences when it comes to helping animals cross over. She believes animals possess unique souls that transform into an afterlife. She even tells of seeing the spirits of dead animals and messages they bring her. Many of Reynolds' lessons are conveyed through real-life stories, where the reader witnesses how she simultaneously releases and embraces dying animals. Like The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this book has functional appeal and longevity. This book appeals to anyone grieving and looking for comfort.

In Brenda Miller's second collection of award-winning essays, the reader is drawn into a conversation on topics ranging from new dogs to old stained glass, from a walk in Portland's Japanese Garden to a sojourn in Jerusalem, from model airplanes to Magic 8 Balls. As in her acclaimed first collection, Season of the Body, Miller leads us on a pilgrimage through her life as a woman driven by spiritual yearning. Together, these essays prompt us to consider how our hard-won abilities to bless others become ways of blessing ourselves.

A collection of blessings that addresses the spiritual needs of modern-day pet owners. In encompassing elements from many cultures, faiths and traditions, it includes healing prayers, ceremonies for special occasions (such as the arrival of a new pet), and blessings for a long and happy life with your animal companion.

When Madeline Finn attends the Blessing of the Animals with Bonnie and Star, she learns that everyone has a gift inside, which they can share with the world. And one way that Madeline Finn can share her blessing is with the animals at her local shelter. It’s a special day! Madeline Finn is taking Bonnie and Star to the Blessing of the Animals. When they arrive, they see dogs and cats. There’s even a goat! Madeline Finn watches closely as the Reverend Mary Alice spends time with every animal, giving each one their very own blessing. “How do you know what to say?” Madeline Finn wants to know. “Everyone has a blessing inside,” Miss Mary explains. “A special gift to share with the world.” When Madeline Finn receives a blessing all her own, she has a new mission: finding the blessings in others. Surely, the furry and feathery residents at her local animal shelter have lots of special gifts to share. They just need someone to believe in them—someone to set those blessings free.

A prayer book for one and for all, for personal prayer and family blessing, The Work of Your Hands gives voice to the prayers of the heart. Diana Macalintal lifts up the extraordinary and the ordinary moments of life in humble yet beautifully wrought prayers that evoke our longings, confess our fears, and sing of our joys. Offering praise and asking for blessing, she helps us recognize the presence and grace of God in the work and play, the up and down of daily life.