Animal Blessing Brings Healing!

Copley,Ohio October 5, 2013:  It was the dreaded words no pet owner wants to hear, “Your pet has an inoperable brain tumor.” For Susan Stalnaker these words brought a stabbing pain in the heart.  Her beloved 6 ½ year old dog Bristol was given only a few weeks, possibly months to live.

“We were devastated!” recalled Susan. She placed Bristol on every prayer list in her church and prayer circles, and then came the St. Luke’s Animal Blessing back in October 2012 where Fr. Mark Scotton was performing the animal blessing ceremony.  “Fr. Mark said a special prayer over Bristol, and others from St. Luke’s gathered around Bristol and started to pray over her”.  A few weeks later, her head looked normal.  A year later, Bristol is living a healthy active lifestyle with no sign of the tumor in sight.

Is this a miracle?  Fr. Scotton would agree. “Why wouldn’t the Father who loves us beyond measure not heal our beloved pets?  They are His creation too, and they are His gift to us.” Bristol is not the only miracle story from this event.  A blind cat named Josie was also healed.

 “The Animal Blessing Ceremony is a wonderful event that brings healing and it’s our intention to open the event up to allow for more healing to those who are in need of it. Whether it be praying over a sick pet, or seeking prayer and support for a lost pet, we want people to know God’s love and grace for us and for the animals we love.”

This year St. Luke’s Animal Blessing event will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 11:00am – 6:00pm with two services for you to bring your pets to receive a blessing.  One at 1:00pm, the other at 4:30pm, and this year’s event has been expanded.  “This year we invited animal rescues and shelter to come out and have a pet adoption day.  There will be dogs, cats, horses, and small animals that are all looking for new homes.”   

The event will also feature Free Nail Trimming and Ear Washing from Hudson Animal Hospital, along with free talks, demonstrations, vendors selling pet goods and contests, but the most important place will be the Pet Memorial Chapel

“The Pet Memorial Chapel will be a place for those to remember, grieve, and receive support for the loss of their beloved pets.  Often times the grief that comes from the loss of a pet is usually dismissed or not taken seriously.  We want to be a place where you can come and be supported while paying respect to your pet.” Offers Fr. Mark   Those who wish to may bring a photograph of your pet and light a memorial candle in the chapel.  There will be people on hand to help comfort, pray, listen, or support you during this difficult time. A special memorial service will take place at 4:30 for honoring of deceased pets and help the people who loved them grieve the loss.  Those who wish to participate are also asked to bring a photo of the pet you wish to honor.

“It really is a special event to honor our pets.  It is my hope that we are able to truly touch people’s lives by connecting them to God’s love and healing.”  Said Fr. Mark.

The St. Luke’s Animal Blessing event takes place at St. Lukes Ministries at 3810 Ridgewood Road, Copley Ohio.  It is a free event open to all ages.  All pets must be leashed or caged and owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets.  There are still spaces available to vendors who sell pet products and services.   For questions contact Tina Fisher 330.665.2227 ex 302