Woof! Welcome to Dog Diaries — a weekly series where the dogs run the show. New York City is filled with hundreds of dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and personalities. And we’re going to meet them all! Well, we’re certainly going to try. This week, we’re spotlighting the dogs of The First Presbyterian Church’s Blessing of the Animals.
Dear Dog Diary,
When you think of a church, you might imagine tall ceilings, stained glass, and dusty tomes. Perhaps chanting, old men in high collars… but dogs? Probably not. Last Wednesday evening, at The First Presbyterian Church on 5th Avenue and West 12th Street, the stone sanctuary echoed with barks and yaps.
This was the church’s yearly “Blessing of the Animals,” celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is associated with the patronage of animals, and the feast takes place either on or around Oct. 4, if you’d like to start planning for next year. According to Pastor Barbara, who I spoke with after the event, attendees in the past have included hermit crabs, lizards, snakes, and even police horses (when the event was held outside, obviously. Nobody makes horse-sized pews). This year, we’re highlighting the majority of the audience: dogs.
Pups of all breeds and sizes sat peacefully (and not so peacefully) in the pews with their owners as Pastor Barbara gave a sermon on the love we feel for our animals and how that love can translate into our relationships with the world. Reader, I was moved. Regardless of your denomination or relationship with religion, love for furry friends is universal.
Chico he/him, 15 years old and Donald he/him, 10 years old
Chico and Donald made quite a pair. Their caretaker (owner of Donald, dog sitter of Chico) described them both as mutts. She joked that Donald is a “counterfeit Jack Russell.” These two pups, although the best of friends, couldn’t be more different. Chico is a lovebug, very friendly, and “like a person” in a dog’s body, according to his dog sitter. Donald, on the other hand, is “a bit of a character.” “At home, he’s a sweetheart … he’s a little bit of a menace on the streets,” his owner said. Hey, sometimes that’s what it takes to survive in New York City. Donald’s owner is a member of the church, so he feels at home there and attends services frequently.
This is Donald’s second time at the Blessing of the Animals and Chico’s first. When I asked why she brought Chico here today, his dog sitter reminded me that Chico “is getting older … we want him to stay with us.” When pastors came around for individual blessings, they asked if there was anything specifically they should pray for, catering the experience to the dog and owner’s needs. What does Donald need from prayer? “He needs the Lord’s grace,” his owner answered.
Blossom she/her, 7-and-a-half-year-old Cavalier King Charles
Blossom, named after the pink Powerpuff Girl, truly lives up to her name. Her owner, Alyssa, describes her as “bright and bubbly,” and she’s a major cuddler. She’s a simple dog, loving life and living large — she loves to eat grass and bark at pigeons. Blossom gets along great with other animals, so this was a perfect outing. Alyssa is a vet, and Blossom usually comes to work with her; this means that Blossom sleeps when Alyssa sleeps. Alyssa’s friend, Renee, who accompanied them to the service described Blossom as a dog who is “on a doctor’s schedule.” Maybe an MD is on the horizon for Blossom? She’s got a great bedside manner.
Alyssa brought Blossom to the Blessing of the Animals because she wants her to be protected from harm. As a vet and someone with a connection to animals, it’s a fun time all around to meet pets and their owners. Looking at Blossom, Alyssa remarked, “I’m blessed to have her.” And it’s always good to return the favor.
Rodeo he/him, 4-year-old Bernese mountain dog
Rodeo immediately caught my eye. He was the biggest dog in the room and certainly had the calm and cool authority to match. His name brought to mind bucking broncos in the Wild West — certainly not the bustling streets of Manhattan. Turns out, he’s into neither! And he mostly goes by Rody. Rodeo’s owner, Chloe, described his favorite activity as “laying on the couch … in the A.C.” He likes being pet, eating food, and that’s about it. He’s not particularly athletic; Chloe tossed him a treat as a reward for posing handsomely for my picture, and Rodeo waited and watched as it fell to the tile floor before finally going after it. He doesn’t like to do more than is required of him, and that’s totally OK. We all could stand to learn a thing or two about relaxation from Rodeo.
Why bring Rodeo to the Blessing of the Animals? All Chloe wants is “peace and good health for him,” she said. Your pet’s well-being is at the forefront of any animal owner’s mind, and Chloe agrees. “That’s what matters to me.”
CeCe she/her, 8-year-old Havanese
CeCe drew me in with her peaceful, soft demeanor (and soft paws!). She was perched delicately on the edge of the pew, surveying the room, and when her owners Gregg and Laura told me that she was a therapy dog, it made total sense. Spending time with CeCe decreased my heart rate significantly. She travels all around the city “making people feel better,” said Gregg. Her number one favorite thing to do is to take care of people. Gregg told me that if they’re in the elevator and someone gets on with a walker, CeCe goes right up to them like she’s on the clock. The best part? CeCe sometimes works at The New School! Keep an eye out for her during midterms and finals, and I promise, she’ll make you feel relaxed in no time.
I asked Gregg and Laura what this blessing meant to them. It’s a “hard time to feel great about organized religion,” Laura said, but the Blessing of the Animals is a positive event that creates a great “sense of community.”
Kumo he/him, 6-year-old Persian
Now, I know this isn’t a dog, but Kumo truly held his own against the crowd of canines. He was fearless, poking around on the floor and staring down pups that so much as looked at him the wrong way. His name means cloud in Japanese, and I can certainly see why. His owner, Barbara, describes him as “bratty” with a “mind of his own.” This is her fourth cat, and he’s apparently the worst one. He barely tolerates being held, but don’t let this discourage you. He’s a great traveler, and he’s got the face of an angel (no pun intended). Barbara has come to this event nearly every year; she does it with all of her animals. It’s a great routine.
Speaking with Pastor Barbara (not to be confused with Kumo’s owner, Barbara), I learned that this event is right in line with the church’s beliefs. There’s “an important theology [within the church] around how we’re connected to creation,” Barbara said. The organization has a lot of initiatives around caring for the Earth, like regularly watering trees on Fifth Avenue, so the celebration of animals resonates with the church and the congregation. It’s also a great way to get to know neighbors. The event draws in tons of people who have only ever walked past the church — as I’m sure is true of many New School students. This Francis of Assissi season, slow down, pay attention to the world around you, and take a second to think good thoughts about an animal in your life.