Pet Blessing Bags

We have a beach in the parish which is always full of dog walkers, so this Sunday we did 'Blessings on the Beach,' giving out printed blessings to humans but also dog blessing bags for the dogs! The blessing bag consisted of a dog treat and a prayer to bless the relationship between the dog and the human.  We blessed about 30 dogs and numerous humans. People really seemed to love it and animals were a great way into faith conversations! 

The prayer could easily be used for any pet, though, and it struck me that it might be a really meaningful activity for children to get involved in- either for their own pets or pets that they know in other homes.  After all, if God made all creatures and saw that they were good, then God must want good things for them!

Thank you God for everything you have created. Bless this pet and the relationship it shares with those who love it. May that love continue to grow. Amen.

You will need: Print outs of the prayer, small bags, dog treats, cat treats and/or treats suitable for other pets (see the selection in your local pet shop!)

Get children think of a pet they know and put a prayer and the relevant treat in a little gift bag. They may even want to write their own prayer of thanks/ blessing for that animal.

Take the bag home or to the pet's home, give the pet the treat and pray the prayer.