COCO an old blind Labrador was one of the first to arrive at St Thomas’ Church in North Ipswich on Sunday morning.
He’d received a special invitation to attend by Rev Lorraine Lynch who decided it was timely to hold her first ever Blessing of the Pets Service.
Besides Coco a number of other best friends came along, while parishioners also got involved opening photos of their pets past and present on their phones and a few even printed out photos to be displayed during the outside service.
“Our pets play an important role in our lives and during COVID many people went out and bought a four-legged friend,” she said.
“I bought a rescue cat, I call him my COVID cat, although he won’t be here today, he’s not that friendly he bites,” she laughed.
“Pets provide the comfort and relationship that can be missing from people’s lives, they just give unconditional love and that is so important.”
Rev Lynch said churches in Ipswich were dealing with a community that was hurting.
“Many people need somewhere to go to talk about their issues and also to find out how they can get help.”
“We all need to support those in need.”
The service on Sunday attracted a large congregation who were joined in the singing by a few barking dogs.
It didn’t worry anyone, after all it was their day.
