Pet Mitzvahs, Pet Blessings, and Animals in Church!

I thought this Bark Mitzvah photo from NG News might spark your interest in the National Geographic article on pet mitzvahs, pet blessings, and pets in spiritual centers.

Purim & Bark Mitzvahs

This article about Bark Mitzvah's appeared in Orange County Jewish Life some time back.

Purim begins today and many celebrate such fundraisers during this holiday, which is celebrated March 1- 5th and is considered one of the most joyous on the Jewish calendar.

Carnival-like celebrations, pet mitzvahs, pet blessings, beauty contests, plays and parodies, and feasting and drinking are some activities during Purim--which has been nicknamed Jewish Mardi Gras. Read more about Purim at National Public Radio.

Parting with Pets

Here is another article on pet burial options--parting with pets.

Tumpek Kandang: Blessing of Household Animals

Today was Tumpek Kandang and I thought you would enjoy this article's photos about the Balinese celebration.

Tumpek Kandang Gives New Meaning to “Animal House”

Most animal blessing events welcome all species, wild or tame. Throughout Europe and the United States these historic traditions are simply called, “Blessing of the Animals.” In Indonesia, Hindus celebrate Tumpek Kandang (also known as Tumpek Andang) in honor of household animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs and birds. During this special Saturday (held this year on February 17, 2007) rituals take place on farms and compounds around the region. Many animals are honored with different ceremonies.

Diana L. Guerrero talks about animal blessing traditions and contemporary creature celebrations in her new book BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677).

During her work on BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Guerrero found a variety of interesting trends. Animal blessings and pet oriented services are on the increase.

She said, “Tumpek Kandang is held in appreciation for animal assistance on the farm and around the home, cattle may receive distinctive treatment such as ceremonial bathing, specialty meals, unusual snacks, fancy costuming, cosmetic grooming, or adornment with trinkets. Creatures also receive special prayers complete with a sprinkling of holy water or rice.”

Guerrero interviewed many spiritual leaders about their animal blessings and discovered that animals catalyze people to cross religious lines to find common ground. When asked for insider information, Guerrero said, “The fur really flies over pet nuptials and mitzvahs, and believe it or not, during animal blessings most creatures remain calm and cooperative...but some critters need a list of commandments: Thou shall come when called, Thou shall behave in public..."

Just in case your wondering, Guerrero included those commandments in Blessing of the Animals and you can take a sneak preview online at www.blessingoftheanimals.com. Book buyers receive special codes hidden in the book to receive extra bonuses after purchase.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS will be available at booksellers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom in April 2007.

-END-

Review copies of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) are available to journalists. Contact Sterling Publishing Publicity at (212) 532-7160 or Krista Margies (646) 688-2510 (kmargies@sterlingpub.com).

Diana L Guerrero is available for interviews. Learn more at:
http://www.dianalguerrero.com
http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com
http://www.whatanimalscanteachusaboutspirituality.com

Quick Link: Bali Celebration of Tumpek Kandang

More Pet Funeral Home News

It seems as if pet funeral homes and burial/cremation options are hitting the news more frequently. Here is a short piece on pet funeral options from Texas.

Old Folks Home for Dogs

This morning someone sent me this video saying this old dog haven was a hospice...it isn't a hospic but rather a haven for old dogs to complete their life.

Hospice is usually an end of the life program overseen by a veterinarian to help the family manage pain and keep the animal comfortable until the end of the pet's life. BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS names a few programs and I interviewed industry leaders on the topic. Read an excerpt of Compassionate Critter Care now. There are a couple of links to pet hospice providers.

Don't forget to comment with any other sources you'd like me to include!

Krewe of Barkus and Marti Paws!

You might have already read my story about the Krewe of Barkus last month...they are mentioned in my new book BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS (ISBN 1402729677)and you can find a whole page on http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com dedicated to animals who participate in Mardi Gras...check it out you will love it and most links have great photos of Mardi Paws animals.

On another not so uplifting note, pet loss is a hard road to travel and so is a good part of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS. More and more pet services are operating to help pet owners and this article talks about Dignified Pet Services in Oregon.

Let me know if you have any articles or sites that are appropriate to add to the resources.

Pig Wedding: For richer or porker?

In the news today is a wedding in Taiwan for a couple of real pigs. The two were wed to call attention to the Year of the Pig which started February 4th. More than 100 guests attended the pig ceremony.

Think animal weddings are weird? The Fur really flies over the practice and you can read more about them in "Muttrimony & Other Pet Nuptials" in BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS (ISBN 1402729677) scheduled for release in April.

The porcine wedding raised money to buy a new van for handicapped children.

Read more about Year of the Pig

Blessing of the Animals Tours the Globe Before Released!

This just in...BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS & OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) will be simultaneously released in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Great news! The title is available from most major book distributors in the United States and bookstores everywhere.

Pet Ashes to Diamonds

Although I covered a US company that turns dead pets into diamonds in BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, this article just appeared for another company in the UK that seems to do the same thing.

The ashes are rendered into the type of gem you select. I forgot to put that excerpt on the website and will offer sneak previews each week at the site starting February 15th.

Those of you who have read What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures know that I shared the intense loss of my beloved dog, Clyde. I had a short summary of what Clyde taught me.

At the time I was an instructor teaching Comparative Animal Science and one of my students made me a card with the Rainbow Bridge today this article about the Rainbow Bridge crossed my desk with one of the versions listed at the conclusion.

Then this article came up concerning euthanizing a beloved pet...one of the hardest things I think I had to do...and the saddest day of my life was when I lost my Clyde.

Blessing of the Animals at Temple Beth El

A blessing of the animals will take place in Hollywood, Florida at Temple Beth El...