Who does the blessing when Bowser goes bye-bye?(IN THE BEGINNING)

From: National Catholic Reporter | Date: January 6, 2006| Author: | Copyright information

When chronic bronchitis meant Niki, a cocker spaniel, had to be euthanized, Pam Carpenter and her family needed support: Enter the pet chaplain.

Like a handful of others across the country, Rob Gierka of Raleigh, N.C., is a chaplain for pet owners. Based at a veterinary hospital, he conducts pet blessings and funerals, honors prayer requests for pets, and lends an ear to those grieving the loss of their faithful furry friends.

Gierka met with the Carpenter family and he led them in a celebration of Niki's life. "He played music. He read some prayers. We talked about ...

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