Pastor Chuck Mueller Jr of Trinity Lutheran Church has officiated this for us
since 1997.
This year the day dawned beautifully. Over 10 animals which included a
rabbit, a guinea pig, a kitten, a cat that was adopted from us 12 years ago,
and "talk-a-tive" dogs with their owners attended
Pastor Mueller quoted from the Bible and then led us in song with his
guitar. We each placed our hand on our animal and blessed each one.
Our Strays Halfway House prayer was read:
HUMBLE PRAYER
HEAR OUR HUMBLE PRAYER OH GOD, FOR OUR FRIENDS – THE ANIMALS.
ESPECIALLY FOR ANIMALS THAT ARE SUFFERING.
FOR ALL THAT ARE OVERWORKED AND UNDERFED AND CRUELLY TREATED.
FOR ALL WISTFUL CREATURES IN CAPTIVITY THAT BEAT AGAINST THEIR BARS.
FOR ANY THAT ARE HUNTED OR LOST OR DESERTED OR FRIGHTENED OR HUNGRY.
FOR ALL THAT ARE IN PAIN OR DYING, FOR ALL THAT MUST BE PUT TO DEATH.
WE ENTREAT FOR THEM ALL THY MERCY AND PITY AND FOR THOSE WHO DEAL WITH
THEM,
WE ASK A HEART OF COMPASSION AND GENTLE HANDS AND KINDLY WORDS.
MAKE US OURSELVES TO BE TRUE FRIENDS TO ANIMALS AND SO TO SHARE THE
BLESSING OF THE MERCIFUL.
-AMEN-
This prayer was said at Strays Halfway House’s first Meeting in January
1981. Thanks to everyone who came out and also to those who helped make
this event a success. We hope to see you there next year!
