Memorial garden opened with pet blessings

The new pet memorial garden at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is located off the sidewalk on Bay Isles Road and is open to the public.

By Lesley Dwyer
| 9:25 a.m. December 12, 2022

Longboat Key
Neighbors

“Puppies get even faster blessings,” Rev. David Marshall quipped as a rambunctious 20-week-old puppy frolicked near his feet.

Marshall quickly recited the blessing. As he stood, his blue stole swayed like an invitation Paco couldn’t resist. The puppy jumped up and tried to bite one end of the reverend’s stole for a game of tug-o-war.

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church held a pet blessing on Thursday, Dec. 8. Two bowls of water were set out — one holy and one for lapping. Marshall also consecrated the new pet memorial garden.

The garden is visible from the Bay Isles Road and accessible from the sidewalk. Not a memorial for parishioners only, anyone can lay their pet to rest. A statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, watches over the garden.

Before the blessings began, Rev. Fred Emerich read Robert Frost’s “One More Brevity.” Emerich’s dog’s name Gustie came from the lines, “So I spoke in tones of adoption thus: Gustie, old boy, Dalmatian Gus.”

The push for the garden came from condominium living.

“Several people expressed interest because they have one, two, three or four boxes of pets,” planner Jerry Bowles said. “Living in a condo is pretty restrictive. You may not be there that long, and it’s not an appropriate place to place them.”

Bowles brought a watering can filled with yellow roses for anyone who wanted to lay their companion to rest. By the end of the afternoon, rose buds laid on the ground and peeked up from the shrubs.

The topside of the shrubbery looks full and lush but was planted with purpose and care. Spaces were left between plants so there are places to reach in and scatter ashes.

Rev. Marshall consecrated the garden saying, “God, remember before you this day, all of those animals that we love and see no longer and that we have set aside a particular piece of your creation for the purposes of remembrance and renewal.”

Rev. Fred Emrich reads Robert Frost's "One More Brevity" with Reva, Ed and Ginny Upshaw and Rev. David Marshall.

Gay and Jerry Bowles prepare to spread their dog Maggie's ashes.

Jerry Bowles takes a rose to leave for Maggie as his wife Gay looks on.

Jeff and Laurel Vaughn watch as Rev. David Marshall digs a hole for their dog Harvey's ashes.

Jeff Vaughn looks on as Rev. David Marshall and Laurel Vaughn embrace after Harvey's ashes are buried.

Rev. David Marshall blesses Reva, an 8-year-old labradoodle.

Rev. David Marshall holds blesses Gustie in front of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on Thursday.

Diana Emerich-Cable and Rev. Fred Emerich with their dog Gustie

Diana Emerich-Cable gives Gustie a kiss after the blessing.

Rev. David Marshall says, “Puppies get even faster blessings."

Paco and Rev. David Marshall share a moment.

Ed Ortiz, Paco, Jerry Bowles and Rev. David Marshall

Two bowls of water: one for the dogs, one for the blessings.

Yellow roses are placed in the garden after the pet ashes are spread.

The dogs taking a break from the blessings.

Clemmie "Tiger" Bishop and Paco Ortiz get to know eachother.

The pet blessing and memorial garden are near the sidewalk to welcome the public as well as parishioners.

Pet blessing interrupted with Rev. David Marshall.

Lahni Brenner after her blessing by Rev. David Marshall.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.