13.12.2016
Dogs’ Contribution to Humans Celebrated at Peata Carol Service
The coming of Christmas was heralded with a bark in Christ Church Cathedral this afternoon (Tuesday December 13). The cathedral was filled with dogs of all shapes and sizes for the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service.
The majority of the dogs in attendance visit homes and care facilities throughout Dublin with their owners who volunteer with Peata. They made their voices heard during the popular carols, which were led by the Girls’ Choir of Christ Church Cathedral under the direction of Ian Keatley, director of music and accompanied by organist, David Bremner.
The service was led by Dean Dermot Dunne who said the annual event was a celebration of the gift of creation and a tribute to the great contribution dogs make to people, in particular the people visited by Peata dogs. All the dogs present were invited up to the screen for a blessing.
The Dean thanked the Girls’ Choir for singing and the organisers, in particular Lesley Rue, for bringing the service to the cathedral each year.
A collection was taken up with the proceeds going to Peata and the Friends’ of Christ Church Cathedral towards work to be done on their altar frontal.
Peata is a voluntary organisation which provides a pet therapy service to caring institutions. Its visiting scheme involves approved volunteers and their dogs who generally pay weekly visits.
Photo caption – The dogs receive their blessing from Dean Dermot Dunne.
More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/DublinandGlendalough/posts/1174772749225434