It was a sunny Saturday afternoon that had gone to the dogs — literally.
Tag Archives: dogs
Don’t Forget: Dog Days at Church
It’s that time again — time for church at St. George’s-by-the-River to go to the dogs … and all other four-legged critters.
Today, Saturday, will be the second Bring You Pet to Church service at 5 p.m. at the Rumson Episcopal house of worship.
The pet-friendly services are being held once a month, on the second Saturday.
Check out our slideshow of the first event by clicking here. Oh, and don’t forget to click on the icon in the lower right corner to enlarge.
Will You Love Tank Furever?
Photo/MCSPCA website screenshot
Our featured four-legged friend up for adoption this week is Tank.
Tank is a 2-year-old, 63-pound mix who is trained and understands basic commands.
“I lean up against you for affection and pets,” the post on Monmouth County SPCA’s website says. “I am very gentle with treats.”
Tank likes other dogs and loves to watch dinner being made.
Check this guy out on the MCSPCA website and connect with many of his friends who also need homes.
St. George’s-by-the-River Goes to the Dogs … and a Hamster
By Elaine Van Develde
You could say that the Saturday’s pet-friendly church service at Rumson’s St. George’s-by-the River Episcopal Church was a howling — perhaps hamster-ease squeaking — success.
It wasn’t “ruff” to see that the estimated 35 or so dogs and one hamster (aptly named Hamstee) enjoyed the first of now monthly bring-your-pet worship time.
There was a lot of tail wagging, happy woofing and kisses for the reverends with blessings. And on the way out, the good church-goers got homemade treats.
To ask Rev. Ophelia Laughlin, rector, and Rev. Jeff Roy, assistant rector, is to hear that they feel blessed themselves to welcome the animals to church on a regular basis.
“We’ve held the blessings of the animals and continue to do so regularly, and when they come to church now they can also be blessed, but we think it is just so nice to have the animals here for services,” Rev. Laughlin said after the service. “We keep it short and it’s very casual. Even if you don’t have an animal to bring and enjoy them, we welcome you. Please join us.”
Reverends Laughlin and Roy hung around a bit afterwards, just like with animal-free services, to bond, administer some blessings and make sure the pets got their “thank you for joining us” treats.
There were lots of smiles and a lot of tail wagging and licks — taken as a four-legged show of approval by animal parents. And, yes, the hamster seemed to stand on its hind legs for a high five on the wheel.
“My little girl sat quietly on the bench and took it all in. I enjoyed the reverend’s sermon,” said Elissa DeRogatis Stroby, who brought her dog Scrabble from Long Branch. “One of her stories really hit home. A quote from her story: ‘We are all just visitors here, even our four legged, two legged, or no leg animal friends.’ Something well said that was meant to ease the pain of loss. Since it was all pets and owners, the sermon was brief, the mass was brief. They took into consideration the restlessness of animals. I think I would like to go to a regular mass there sometime soon.”
The next pet-friendly service is April 11, and every second Saturday of each month thereafter at 5 p.m.. All pets are welcome. Dogs must be leashed and all others must be contained.
Take a look at the above slideshow for a glimpse into the event. Oh, and be sure to click on the icon in the lower right corner to enlarge! Enjoy!
Photos and slideshow/Elaine Van Develde
Dog Day of Fall at Sea Bright Beach
By Elaine Van Develde
Yes, you could have called it a seasonal Sea Bright dog day.
And there are few of those days left for four-legged friends to romp on the shore.
Recently, though, the day of the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps was a prime example of a great day for furry friends to have a little fun with their masters.
Check it out.
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