All God's Creatures - Softcover

Pet ownership is filled with spiritual lessons, according to spirituality writer and retreat leader Farrington, who has owned her share of dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs and parakeets over the years. She turns a heavenly eye to our furred and feathered friends, offering readers a new perspective on the domestic animals we love so much. "The animals are creatures of God, just as we are, ones who deserve to be treated with God-like respect, compassion, and love," she says. Saints of old, ancient prayers and modern poetry find a place in Farrington's work, which covers all aspects of pet ownership: committing to care for a pet, naming and training it, pet pregnancy, etc. She talks movingly of caring for sick animals and offers an interesting discussion of a hospice approach to helping end a pet's life. Scattered throughout are blessings, prayers and services appropriate for animals. Farrington deepens our understanding and appreciation of animals as spiritual beings, as well as our practices involving them. She encourages us to rethink our attitudes toward pets as "disposable" and merely for our pleasure, and instead helps us see caring for domestic animals as one way we can mirror God's love. Publisher's Weekly July 19, 2006 The author, who has written seven books on Christian spirituality, here turns her attention to a relatively unexplored avenue of spiritual growth: our bond with animals. "If God created everything -- if God breathed life into all of creation -- . . . I'm just as likely to encounter God's presence in a cat, dog, or other animal as a human being," she writes. It's not a newfangled idea, she says, citing the ancient prayers of St. Basil, who called animals "our brothers," and St. Bonaventure, who wrote, "For every creature is by its nature a kind of effigy and likeness of the eternal Wisdom. "Using the language of spirituality, Ms. Farrington writes of animals' bonds with humans in terms of "covenant and commitment" and explores ethical concerns that arise in caring for a sick animal. Many pages in the book are devoted to special prayers and rituals involving animals, including materials for a St. Francis' Day "Blessing of the Animals" service, a liturgy for "Covenanting with Animals" (when welcoming a new animal into the family) and a service to mark the death of a beloved animal companion. She writes also of the healing influence that an animal's presence can have for humans. Weaving her personal memories with a wealth of material for spiritual meditation, readers are invited to experience more deeply the mystery of our communion with non-human beings. Caring for animals is a privilege, and in return, "if we are open and receptive to the animals who live with us, we will find ourselves being ministered to, and taught by them as well." The United Methodist Reporter September 19, 2006 ALL GOD'S CREATURES, written by Debra K. Farrington, explores the spiritual aspects of owning and loving a pet. Farrington, a member of the Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare, uses biblical passages and Christian teachings to send home a basic message - that aside from its basic needs, love is the most important gift you can give your animal companion. In an age in which we spend millions of dollars on our pets' other needs, it is a message we should all follow. Like many of the books listed here, some of the proceeds from the book will go to an animal shelter. New York Daily News December 2, 2006

All God's Creatures provides a complete Blessing of the Animals liturgy, as well as other prayers and rituals, for use in church or anywhere that animals are blessed! If you live with a dog, cat, or some other domestic animal, you already know that these treasured creatures are not just pets, but members of the family. Debra K. Farrington, who has lived with animals most of her life, explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with these beloved friends--from everyday caring for their needs, to marking the extraordinary moments of birth, illness and death. Full of warmth and wisdom, this essential resource includes chapters on: Training and Compassion-and how to balance the two Caring for the Sick--ethical concerns Rest in Peace--rituals, blessings, and more Tell Me Your Name--discerning the personality of your companion "By viewing companion animals as a gift from God rather than objects that do the will of humans, Debra Farrington helps owners realize a greater sense of responsibility toward their own pets, and shows how the humane care and training of their animals leads to a more fulfilling experience for both." - Barbara Demarest, canine and feline behavior consultant A percentage of the author's profits on this book will be donated to PAWS of Central Pennsylvania, a no-kill animal rescue and spay/neuter group.