animal chaplain

[blue_grassbelle]

Does anyone know an animal chaplain or received services from an animal chaplain?
I'm mulling over the thought that this may be the direction I should go..

 

[TomUK]

I've never even heard of an animal chaplain! Could you elaborate a little on what they do as I'm having a hard time imagining.

 

[blue_grassbelle]

An animal chaplain ministers to people who have lost pets, are grieving over pets, or are facing serious decisions regarding pets. Animal chaplains also assist in pet blessing ceremonies, funeral and burial arrangements. Losing a pet is a very real, painful issue for many, many pet owners.

 

[HisHomeMaker]

A friend and colleague is a priest who does an annual "Blessing of the Pets" service and she does minister to people who have lots pets, although this is a minor part of her role as a priest and an ecumenical chaplain. I'll ask her if she knows other people you could chat with.

 

[blue_grassbelle]

Thank you for your help!

 

[HisHomeMaker]

She wrote back. She's not aware of anyone else you can talk to. Sorry.

 

[MLynn]

An animal chaplain ministers to people who have lost pets, are grieving over pets, or are facing serious decisions regarding pets. Animal chaplains also assist in pet blessing ceremonies, funeral and burial arrangements. Losing a pet is a very real, painful issue for many, many pet owners.

For those of us (me, too) whose only "family" is a pet or 2, this could be a wonderful ministry for you. My late Hubby grieved for over a year when his beloved whippet died of cancer. I hope you will find someone to point you in the right direction - God bless!

 

[HisHomeMaker]

If you are in a large city, perhaps you could talk to a pet cemetary. Also, there may be support groups for people who are grieving over the loss of a pet; perhaps a mental health agency could help you with information. Both would point you to secular services, though.

 

[Winter]

Would an animal chaplain be someone independent and unaffiliated with a denomination?

I like the idea of an animal chaplain. I think its terrific.

 

[RadixLecti]

I'm sympathetic to those who have lost a pet. I have a border collie with a "vocabulary" of about a hundred commands and who basically lives and breathes every moment for my attention. I know it will be hard to lose him one day.

That said, I think the loss of a pet is best addressed by a grief counselor/therapist/psychologist. It isn't a spiritual matter, at least in the traditional Christian sense. I'm not saying it's not a difficult event. It's just better addressed by psychology than it is by religion.

 

[MLynn]

My experience and talking with people of all walks, is that grief is very personal and manifests itself in different ways. I would welcome someone who ministers to pet owners. It could also be a way to introduce some to the Lord.

 

[HisHomeMaker]

It could also be a way to introduce some to the Lord.

 

[blue_grassbelle]

I believe G*d cares about what we are about, including our pets and other animals. Maybe 'traditional' religion doesn't acknowlege it, but I do believe our love for pets is just as spiritual as our love of family and friends. There are many people whose only companionship is with their pet and these people need ministered just as much as any other grieving individual. I'm of the firm belief that most emotional problems are really just symptoms of spiritual need.

 

[blue_grassbelle]

Animal chaplains are not affiliated with any particular denomination and usually receive training in psychology.