Much-blessed pets

Your article “Church to host first ever sermon for pets” (11 October) was interesting but slightly inaccurate, in that a number of churches – like ours at Kelso North and Ednam in the Scottish Borders – have been holding services for the blessing of pets for a number of years.

Although it is good that Greyfriars Kirk is joining the growing number of churches to host such services, it will not be Scotland’s first, as reported. I rather think that the article should also have been headed “Church to host first ever service for pets”, rather than “sermon”. But who knows, perhaps the animals enjoy sermons more than congregations! 

Can I commend such services to any churches perhaps thinking of coming on board? They are meaningful and fun. The first year we held such a service, Freddie the horse came along, but he remained outside for the service. At the end of the service, it had been a wise decision – nuff said!

Tom McDonald (Revd)

Forestfield

Kelso

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We are two Scottish deerhounds who share our Dad’s life at the Manse in Inverurie. You reported (14 October) that his friend Dr Richard Frazer held a unique “sermon” (sic) for pets on the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. Our Dad has held several such services in St Andrew’s Parish Church over the years. Craigiebuckler Church in Aberdeen has also held regular pet-blessing services.

Mara and Gilsay

(on behalf of Rev T Graeme Longmuir)

The Manse, Inverurie