The Grief Support Line (312-283-5566) is a resource for anyone who has recently suffered the loss of a pet. The visitation team, Miracle Mutts and Co., is comprised of church members and their dogs or cats who visit local nursing homes, hospitals and shelters. “Although statistics support the importance of pet therapy work, all it takes is one visit with this loving team of pets and owners to see how much joy they bring,” Cowell says.
The Pet Ministry also helps find temporary and permanent homes for strays, working in conjunction with a local shelter, C.A.R.E. One Sunday each month, orphaned animals are brought to the church service in hopes of matching them with the perfect family. Since the program began in 1995, all the homeless cats have been placed, Cowell says. A neighborhood veterinarian gives the Pet Ministry special rates so that before these animals join their new homes, they receive proper medical attention, including necessary testing, vaccinations and spaying or neutering.
The special annual service is an integral part of Pet Appreciation Sunday, an entire day’s activities that focus on raising awareness about what companion pets mean in our daily lives. “Our mission is to create a day of love and celebration honoring our pets,” Cowell explains. “We will raise awareness that our companion animals are spiritual creatures created in love. They nurture us unconditionally and deserve our nurturing. We work together to create an environment of education, gratitude, hospitality and fun for all humans and non-humans sharing our special event.”
For information about Unity’s Pet Ministry or the Third Annual Pet Blessing, call (847) 864-8977.
Copyright © 1997 by Susan Bard Hall. All rights reserved.
This article first ran in the October 1997 issue of Cat Fancy®.
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