Church is first to welcome paws to its membership rolls

September 28, 3:35 AMDenver Green Pets ExaminerKathy Deitsch & Cedar Dog

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  Photo © A New Way to Life Publishing, PetsGoneGreen.com


When Mile High Church in Lakewood, CO blessed, celebrated and honored all pets, it became the first church in the nation to accept them as members. Pictured above is Dr. Patty Lukenbach blessing hundreds of animals at the annual pet blessing held September 19, 2009. Lukenbach explained that offering church membership for pets demonstrates our “acceptance of all life."

“Pets hold a special place in our lives and we came here today to honor and celebrate them,” said one attendee with her two small dogs, Tanner and Oscar. Lukenbach said, "Our animals freely share their gifts with us every day, kindness, unconditional love, joy and forgiveness; they are ever present for us.”

The newly-formed Mile High Church International Animal Ministry’s purpose is to serve both humans and their animal companions. The organization will offer visiting pet therapy and hospice services along with on-going grief and pet loss counseling and care.

Lukenbach is the author of A Kingdom of Heart, a book on pet loss. She facilitates pet loss and grief support workshops at Mile High Church.

In March 2009, USA Today reported the Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE began accepting paws in its pews, a special service for dogs and their people.

On Friday evening, Septebmer 18 the Mile High Church's International Animal Ministry, sponsored a talk by Kate Solisti and Kathy Pike on the Healing Power of Animals.

Solisti’s books, Conversation with Cat, Conversation with Dog, Conversation with Horse, Kinship with Animals and others

Pike’s books, Hope . . .From the Heart of Horses: How Horses Teach Us about Presence, Strength, and Awareness

 

Photo © A New Way to Life Publishing, PetsGoneGreen.com
Animal Communicators, Kate Solisti and Kathy Pike at Mile High Church,
Lakewood CO, Animal Ministry September 18, 2009. Presentation on
The Healing Power of Animals.