Giving thanks for our companion animals - Reflection by Canon Ellen

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it; 
(Psalm 24.1)

Our family has 2 dogs who own us. They are pretty much in charge and they dominate much of our day to day household living. Their names are Holly and Jacob (Holly is the black dog and Jacob is the brown and white dog. They are ‘allsorts dogs’ – we have no idea of their parentage, their breed is registered as ‘cross’).

Unlike Adam God did not give us the responsibility of naming these animals. They were named by others – Jacob was named by Freshfield Animal Rescue in Formby and Holly by the person who she lived with before us.

In these lockdown days I have been very grateful to my doggo companions. Not just because if I didn’t have to walk them I’d not get out the house. But, also for their company and their unconditional love (actually it could be argued that their love is quite conditional – perhaps they love me because I feed them, walk them and let them sit with me on the sofa!). Anyway, I experience a sense of wellbeing when they wag their tails, greet me with a sniff and just snuggle up in the evening when I am on the sofa watching tv. I am sure they have been very grateful for these lockdown days because we have been around so much more. I think their wellbeing has been enhanced because of spending time with us.  

So, today I want to give thanks to God for my animal companions – for the love and comfort I receive from them. I know that God’s love for me is far greater than any love this earthly life can mirror, and that this earth is God’s creation, all of it. So, I also pray that we all have a sense of the enormity of the love of God in Christ Jesus and that by the power of the Holy Spirit we extend that love to the care of all creation.  
 
God Creator
Of the Universe
Of the earth and sea
Of the earth’s fruits and flowers
Of all humans, habitats and creatures
Help us to value and care for your world
In all its beauty and fragility
In trust for you Creator God.
Amen
 
Helen Mason 2018 Women’s World Day of Prayer

Canon Ellen

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