Animal magic Pets invited to special carol celebration
TREASURED pets can be part of the festive action as they are invited to a ‘Christmas Carols with your Pets’ service. The evening is free and it is not just four-legged friends invited.
The Reverend Dr Dee Brierley-jones, otherwise known as “Rev Dee”, is American,and ordained into the Free Church and takes services in Cheltenham, Stroud and Prestbury.
She has organised events for pets at Christmas for around 20 years and would like as many members of the public to join to sing carols and enjoy a lovely afternoon with their precious animals.
The event is being held at Woodmancote New Village Hall near Cheltenham on December 3. It starts at 2pm and llamas, donkeys and even horses have been known to take part in the past.
Rev Dee said: “This is not a church service but a loving gathering of owners and their much loved pets at Christmas. Normally we have dogs come, and for those pets with eight legs, I would prefer if they would stay to enjoy the service with the lid on their box.
“Horses, donkeys and llamas are welcome too but they usually watch from outside looking through the windows.
“Together we sing
Christmas carols together, and also remember much loved pets of Christmas’s past that have left us.
“This is our first pet gathering since the pandemic, and we are all excited to be back having our “sing-a-long carols” with our live music on the day.
“There will be a blessing for the pets brought on the day, and of other living pets, such as cats, snakes and also by photographs for those who cannot come to the event.
“I will also bless deceased pets’ ashes or photographs as their loving memories are so very special to us.
“The village hall has a wooden floor, so I advise owners to bring a dog bed or blanket with them for their pets to lie on for their comfort.
“Also it may be an idea to bring some ‘pocket money’ as we have a little stall where inexpensive pet related Christmas gifts for all the family can be bought. Items include trainer socks with different dogs printed on them, and games for the children.
“We shall also be having a short talk by the Cheltenham Rescue Centre.
“They will be speaking about their amazing and necessary work and they shall have stalls as well to look at with brochures. Come and have fun and let your much-loved pets enjoy Christmas. “All are welcome whether they have two, four or more legs - and in Christmas attire which looks great.”