As many of you know, I love to walk dogs, especially shelter dogs who are awaiting their “furever” homes. Unfortunately, some of the older, “less cute”, dogs may wait a long time before they’re adopted. These dogs are so sweet and so appreciative of whatever attention they receive. They do make wonderful companions.

All dogs, adopted or not, eventually die. They and their human companions may struggle in their final days of life. This struggle can be honored and supported by chaplains.

This month I am preparing to begin my interspecies/interspiritual animal chaplaincy training program. It begins in September and ends next June 2023. (For more information on the program see: https://www.compassionconsortium.org/)

Here’s today’s haiku: Animal Chaplaincy

Watching a loved one

suffer is never easy.

Help them if you can.

I will share more about this topic and training in the months to come but first, below is a picture of the most recent dog to inspire my participation.

Etta Pearl, a blind, deaf Min-Pin Doxie