Diocesan News
Canine carolers on best behaviour for Peata Christmas Service
The sound of joyful barking and sociable yapping heralded an alternative Christmas spirit at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday (December 10) at the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service.
The wet and windy weather didn’t dampen anything other than the dogs’ fur and the owners’ coats as the great gifts that animals bring to humans were celebrated. Dogs of all shapes and sizes packed the cathedral for what has become a deeply loved Christmas tradition. Many people who benefit from the services of Peata dogs and their owners were also there to enjoy the carols and the atmosphere.
The singing and the barking was accompanied beautifully by the voices of the girl choristers of Christ Church Cathedral, many of whom mingled with the dogs afterwards.
During the service Dean Dermot Dunne blessed the dogs. He said dogs, and in particular Peata dogs, were gifted in combating loneliness and isolation just by being themselves. “We thank God for the dogs and for those who train them and those who volunteer and for those who they visit,” he commented.
Peata chairperson Margo Wrigley said it was hard to explain the joy that a visit from Peata brings to service users. She said that the organisation had endless opportunities for visiting teams and urged dog owners to consider volunteering with Peata. “People think that they have to have a specially bred dog to be a Peata dog. You don’t. You just need a dog that is calm and is friendly towards humans and will engage with people. And that goes for the owners too,” she said.
For details on how to volunteer, see Peata’s website: www.peata.ie
Peata Therapy Dogs and their owners visit caring units and bring many of the therapeutic benefits and pleasures of pets to the residents and patients. It is an entirely voluntary organisation.
A collection taken during the service will be divided between Peata and the Peter McVerry Trust.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
dcodublin@gmail.com