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Rev. Fred Emrich reads Robert Frost's "One More Brevity" with Reva, Ed and Ginny Upshaw and Rev. David Marshall.
Photo by Lesley DwyerGay and Jerry Bowles prepare to spread their dog Maggie's ashes.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJerry Bowles takes a rose to leave for Maggie as his wife Gay looks on.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJeff and Laurel Vaughn watch as Rev. David Marshall digs a hole for their dog Harvey's ashes.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJeff Vaughn looks on as Rev. David Marshall and Laurel Vaughn embrace after Harvey's ashes are buried.
Photo by Lesley DwyerRev. David Marshall blesses Reva, an 8-year-old labradoodle.
Photo by Lesley DwyerRev. David Marshall holds blesses Gustie in front of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on Thursday.
Photo by Lesley DwyerDiana Emerich-Cable and Rev. Fred Emerich with their dog Gustie
Photo by Lesley DwyerDiana Emerich-Cable gives Gustie a kiss after the blessing.
Photo by Lesley DwyerFirst blessing for 20-week-old Paco
Photo by Lesley DwyerRev. David Marshall says, “Puppies get even faster blessings."
Photo by Lesley DwyerPaco and Rev. David Marshall share a moment.
Photo by Lesley DwyerEd Ortiz, Paco, Jerry Bowles and Rev. David Marshall
Photo by Lesley DwyerEd, Paco and Mary Ortiz
Photo by Lesley DwyerTwo bowls of water: one for the dogs, one for the blessings.
Photo by Lesley DwyerYellow roses are placed in the garden after the pet ashes are spread.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe dogs taking a break from the blessings.
Photo by Lesley DwyerClemmie "Tiger" Bishop and Paco Ortiz get to know eachother.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe pet blessing and memorial garden are near the sidewalk to welcome the public as well as parishioners.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPet blessing interrupted with Rev. David Marshall.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLahni Brenner after her blessing by Rev. David Marshall.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPaco introduces himself to Lahni.
Photo by Lesley DwyerClemmie is blessed with jumping skills.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer“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.”
