04.10.2016
Dogs and Peata Volunteers Celebrate 20 Years of Pet Therapy Organisation
Dogs, their owners and friends of Peata Therapy Dogs gathered in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, this afternoon (Tuesday October 4) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the organisation. The Service of Thanksgiving, which was led by Dean Dermot Dunne while Archbishop Michael Jackson gave the address, took place on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. A number of people who enjoy visits from Peata dogs were also present.
Peata Therapy Dogs and their owners visit caring units bringing many of the therapeutic benefits and pleasures of pets to the residents and patients. Peata is a voluntary organisation. The service was organised by Lesley Rue, a Peata volunteer who has a long association with the cathedral.
In his address the Archbishop admitted to being a dog owner and spoke of the many positive gifts dogs bring to the lives of individuals and families. He added that Peata encourages people to enjoy dogs and their warmth, affection and friendship not least if they are confined to their home or living in a nursing home. He paid tribute to the Peata volunteers who give up their time to provide this service.
“One of the glorious things of this act of worship on the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi is that we bring into the church the totality of God’s creation,” he concluded before blessing the dogs present.
Photo captions:
Top – Some of the dogs in the congregation at this afternoon’s Service of Thanksgiving in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, to mark the 20th anniversary of Peata Therapy Dogs.
Bottom – Archbishop Michael Jackson blesses the dogs at this afternoon’s Service of Thanksgiving in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, to mark the 20th anniversary of Peata Therapy Dogs.
There are more photos on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DublinandGlendalough/posts/1108771192492257