Those who cherish and reverence our animal companions in life, both those who are wild and those who are tame, will relish this fine collection of blessings, prayers, poems, and ceremonies. Editor Lynn L. Caruso has drawn together selections from all faith traditions, including Native American, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist.
The book begins with material on cats, dogs, and other companion animals and then moves on to wild animals of the land, the sky, the stream, and the sea. Caruso presents blessings for birth, for life. and in death. The final section deals with rituals and ceremonies for animals.
Reading this wonderful collection enables us to practice wonder, gratitude, beauty, and mystery as we ponder the delights that animals of all types, shapes, and sizes bring into our lives! Here are a couple favorite selections to give you a feel for the material.
Blessing for Cats:
"Oh wisdom
in your fur coat
and whiskers.
What don't you know?
Sometimes I believe
I have seen my soul searched
in your eyes,
how much time passes
between us without word?
How much do you know
that I've just begun
to understand?
Spirit of grace and humor
on all fours."
— Pam Reinke
A Rabbit Noticed My Condition
"I was sad one day and went for a walk
I sat in a field.
A rabbit noticed my condition and
came near.
It often does not take more than that to help at
times —
to just be close to creatures who
are so full of knowing,
so full of love
that they don't
— chat,
they just gaze with
their
marvelous understanding."
— St. John of the Cross
