Saudi Camel Pageant

So is the Saudi Camel pageant a beauty pageant--or a breed show?

This comes on the heels of my meeting Tulula at Windy Hill Ranch and let me say it has been a long time since a camel has kissed me. I don't tend to work hoofed stock due to allergies to dust and hay molds but I didn't have any trouble at the pristine, clean facility.

The gang is part of El Campeon farms located in the Thousand Oaks area of California.

We spent all day there beginning with a picnic lunch with ranch manager Trish--and wouldn't you know I forgot my camera!

Of all the facilities I have visited, the animal care and condition of the animals here was most excellent. The place has a lot of things going on...more on that later.

I am still on the road after attending the LA Festival of Books. I'll have photos for you when I get home. Instead of attending both days this year I am covering a new exciting program...secret at this moment but you'll be one of the first to know about it!

Pugs on Parade

I don't know how I missed this St Patrick's Day Pugs on Parade! Photo courtesy of AndreaR and posted to lure you over to view the Inland Northwest Pug Rescue march with 21 pugs. The Black Pub Knits blog shares the story...scroll down for details and photos of Marley and some of the other pugs. You can find the House of Marley here--who knew he was a famous fashion hound?

Pet-Pourri in Animal News

I found this posting by Elizabeth. She sparked an animal blessing at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro and reports that it went well.

In Pennsylvania, Sir Maxwell's party made the local news. He is part of the Mountain Mutts community of canines--they hold bark mitzvahs and pet parties. BTW: He looks very smashing (and happy) in his party hat!

I was out doing events so didn't get any comments up about Earth Day here...but here is an article with a slide show from the Christian Union Church--they celebrated Earth Day with a Blessing of the Animals.

Blessing of the Animals Book Events Attract Some REAL Animals

Ginger (pictured above with author Diana L Guerrero) was visiting from San Bernardino and was one of the canine vistors to the Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply book event.

Despite the threat of rain, people still showed up for the book event at Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply. Fortunately the rain waited until after the event!

Cold weather had everyone in layers. Snow still threatens the Big Bear Valley until about mid-May. The infamous "Mother's Day" snow is something the locals always expect and Ginger managed to leave with a very fashionble suede coat.

Below are some additional photos from this weekend events...believe it or not the Blessing of the Animals book events seem to spark additional pet fashion sales--which is a blessing to the pet boutique and pet store owners!


Diana's nephew Tucker (above) came expecting a meeting of the Canine Club...the club activities will start again in May.

Spud, my feline nephew, is the great hunter at Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply--he hates picture taking but loves to cuddle so we tried a quick snap just before the rain.

Simon and Max are eager to enter for the Blessing of the Animals book event! Big Bear is VERY pet friendly.

This pup was a USC fan...sporting a nice t-shirt showing her support for the team.

Roper has never been on a leash so his humans got a quick review on leash work and the smarty found out how to get his head control device off in a heartbeat.

Don't let this sweet face fool you (the dog's not the author's!)--this little terrier is a terror! Lots of energy and the pink outfit makes her look like an angel for the camera...

This sweet little girl, Izzie got passed around for cuddles. She loved the furry blanket...you can't really see it but once she settled into it--there was no motivation to move. She was a curious critter too.

Max aspires to be a pit bull...as a Jack Russell he is full of energy and full of himself. One of my favorite visitors of the day, doesn't he look smashing in his camie sweatshirt?

Thanks to all of you who turned out for the events. I'll be at the LA Festival of Books next weekend (although I didn't see my listing in the Times). Watch for me in the wild safari hat.

Blessing of the Animals Book Event Attracts A Bunch of Animals...

Above: Stanley from Orange County with Author Diana L Guerrero

A bunch of animals showed up for the Blessing of the Animals book signing event at the Big Bear Book & Bean on Saturday, April 21, 2007. People and pets hung out with the author and the Kenai's Korner Pet Boutique gang.

Everyone had a grrrrreat time. Stay tuned for more pictures!

Blessing of the Animals: Interview with Diana L Guerrero (Three Parts)

Below is the hour long Blessing of the Animals interview of Diana L Guerrero by Val Heart. Each segment is approximately 20 minutes.

Part One talks about the fascinating history and fun stories about animal blessings, about the most popular animal blessings, why blessing and celebrating animals is on the increase, the real scoop on beastly fashion trends, and how Diana L. Guerrero came to write this remarkable book!
Blessing of the Animals Part 1

Part Two the discussion continues about why blessing and celebrating animals is so important, about pet parenting, why people should have pets and when they should not, what animals can teach us, how they impact us and more.
Blessing of the Animals Part 2

Part Three discusses integrating the scientific with the intuitive, social styles, the true purpose of animal blessings, the credentials required to bless animals, plus a very special Bonus Offer for more free stuff, and ends with a beautiful Blessing of Animals prayer by Diana L. Guerrero.
Blessing of the Animals Part 3

Blessing of the Animals

I am finally having a morning off--doesn't mean that I have too much time but it does mean that I can attempt to begin editing photos and get those long promised snaps up here on www.blessingoftheanimals.com!

In the meantime, I never found the interview at Olvera Street regarding the Blessing of the Animals book but I did find these tidbits. If you watch the CBS video you can see me toward the end of the clip on the right side in the safari vest (behind the Cardinal in the procession).

Some of the people who attended the event blogged about it and posted some photos:

Cardinal Mahony soaks the animalsis a good title. Those of you who were on the teleseminar the other night will appreciate the short clip to go with my insider story. If you missed the event, I will be posting the whole teleseminar shortly. We broke the hour into three segments for listening ease.

This animal lover had a great time at the Olvera Street Blessing of the Animals.

Bless Chu is the short commentary and picture collection for Chuy...Jennifer blogs about how the diversity at the event is a good thing. Good insight, if you have not read Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677), many of the experts interviewed said that these type of events cross cultural and religious boundaries and bring people together.

Check out the photos in this archive (April 9, 2007)

Blessing of the Horses & Other Notes

Cardinal Mahony at the Olvera Street Blessing of the Animals 2007 with author Diana L Guerrero...notice that he is holding a copy of Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures (ISBN 1402729677)

I am still working on editing photos for upload from the blessing and parade...hard to do when you are busy and doing events...thanks to those of you being patient!

This weekend many people will be celebrating Earth Day and in Salzberg they will celebrate the Blessing of the Horses in conjuntion with the feast day of St George.

Stay tuned for more on those topics. In the meantime, the teleseminar with Val Heart was fun and well attended. Thanks to those of you who wrote in already...don't forget to leave your comments on the blog. The GOOD news is that the audio will be available at no charge--you can hear the inside scoop on Cardinal Mahony, learn about animal blessing traditions and other pet party trends--and hear the blessing that was requested by one listener. Val said she would have it available in three segments (20 minutes each) by next week.

Animal Lover's Teleclass: April 17, 2007 (No Charge)

Please Join Us on a Live TeleSeminar Interview

April 17th, 2007
5 pm Pacific / 7 pm Central / 8 pm Eastern

On this armchair teleseminar adventure you'll discover the timeless traditons of animal blessings along with contemporary celebrations such as meow mixers, pet mitzvahs, and wild weddings. The journey also takes you into the pet party craze of beastly beauty pageants, yappy hours, and other seasonal galas. Historical facts, quirky descriptions, heartfelt sentiments, unique prayers, and novel ceremonies celebrating our animal friends, teachers and companions.

Don't miss this essential celebratory TeleSeminar
for any animal lover, pet enthusiast, or avid reader!

Be sure to join Val Heart, Relationship Coach for Animals & their People, and author, speaker, and animal coach Diana L Guerrero for a dynamic hour that will take you on a journey into the timeless traditions of animal blessings and into the world of contemporary critter ceremonies, and get a glimpse into how to blend the scientific methods of behavior modification with the intuitive.

This Day and Time aren't good for you? No Problem.

If you aren't able to attend at this time, go ahead and register anyway.

We'll send you the audio recording so you can listen later.

I hope you can join us. There is no charge for the program--only your long distance charges from your phone carrier.

To join the program just sign up at http://www.valheart.com/teleseminars/blessinganimals.html

Diana L Guerrero

Haute Dog Slide Show

Due to a death in the family I haven't been able to get the photos up from the Blessing of the Animals or the Haute Dog Parade. I hope to get to it this week. My apologies to those whose photos I'd said I'd get up...in the meantime, take a view at Angela's slide show from the Haute Dog Easter Parade 2007 now.

Haute Dog Easter Parade in Belmont Shores

Tons of cute canines invaded Livingston Park in Belmont Shores for the annual Haute Dog Easter Parade. I took over 500 photos! It was a great time. More on this later...

Olvera Street Blessing of the Animals

I am writing from the road...as usual the Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street was fabulous. I got to reconnect with many of the people and merchants I met while researching blessing of the animals.

It was great meeting those of you who are members of this community at the blessing of the animals--and the tv crew was thrilled, too! They did a whole segment--but I didn't get the email promised to tell you about where it aired.

The Cardinal was his usual self dousing people with Holy Water! (If you signed up for the bonus material you will get the inside scoop on this.) You can see some of the spray in the above photo. The ground was soaked in front of the stage and not from rain.

Two inside stories: One cat really was disturbed by the water--she jumped out of her owners arms and darted away through the crowds and into the bushes--fortunately she was recovered.

Cardinal Mahony is not without humor, or determination. When one skittish horse danced around in the front of the stage--the Cardinal delayed--but as soon as the equine was trotting away--the man sneaked a sideway glance--and swish--the Cardinal showered his rump with water...the Cardinal's expression and the way he covertly doused the animals caused the crowds up front to chuckle.

Finally, thanks to all the merchants for having me as a guest. I was right behind the Cardinal and his group in the procession and all around taking photos. During the after party I was able to present a copy of Blessing of the Animals to the Zorthian clan--sadly, Dabney Zorthian (whose interview appears in the book) passed over last year.

Oh! The event photographer took a photo of Cardinal Mahony and I after I presented him with a copy of Blessing of the Animals--I'll post it when i get it. Many of the photos will be posted when I get back for your viewing pleasure!

Pet Food Recall: Pet Eulogy...for those who have lost pets

The tragedy of the past few weeks is something people never anticipated. The loss of a pet is never easy because they touch us deeply. For those who have lost animals I'd like to pass you this ceremony in the hope that it will help you move through this time--and give some comfort.

Many blessings,

Diana L Guerrero

Pet Eulogy Service
Select meaningful music and form a circle around the burial ground or area the ashes will be scattered. Conduct this service at sunset to represent passing on or at sunrise to symbolize new beginnings.

We respectfully call in the Great Spirit. Essences of the earth and sky, we ask you to receive our beloved (pet's name).
May his/her remains to contribute to the circle of life.
Enfold us in compassion.
Bond us during this difficult time.
Reveal the lessons needed to assist our understanding.
Shift our perspective over this loss.

All join hands. The officiant directs those gathered to breathe meditatively.

Life begins with a deep breath and ends with an exhale.
Breathe now and inhale love and light.
Allow fond memories of this departed love one to fill any aching or empty space.
Breathe out and release sorrow and grief.
In your mind's eye witness the light of this bright spirit moving into another realm without pain, without reservation.

Light a candle or acknowledge the sun or moon through gesture or movement.

Let go and send blessings to (pet's name).
When the sun sets, the moon rises and the reflective glow continues.
So will it be with this being who added luster to this world and who will continue to light our lives through fond contemplation.
As the sun rises, let us remember that after each ending is a new beginning.
Memories of this being will illuminate the darkness.
Allow (pet's name)'s soft afterglow to engulf us.
May we find peace.

Cast flower petals or place flowers on gravesite.

Through each season there is transition and so it is in life.
Life begins with a seed, grows and blossoms, withers, dies, and cycles again.
Feel free to share a story or memory of (pet's name).
When finished, cast your flower in memory of the beauty in life and how it continues.

Sprinkle water or symbolically incorporate water in the ceremony.

These tears drop to the earth cleansing our pain, releasing our sorrow, just as the rain douses the earth, quenches the terrain, travels on a journey to the sea, and evaporates.
This passage reminds us again of the circle of life, ever changing, ever present.
Let us be cleansed and allow (pet's name) to transition to other realms, in another form.

Scatter earth or ashes.

Over time, the rocks, trees, plants, and animals transition, absorbed by the earth.
Dust blows over the desert, mud moves mountainsides, and sand travels great distances to other shores.
As we scatter this earth/these ashes we acknowledge that we shall again feel our feet on solid ground and remember that (pet's name) has embarked on a new journey to other destinations.
May his/her travels be sanctified.
Keep us centered in faith and grounded as we travel through life from this time forward.

Pet Eulogy Service is excerpted from Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pet & Other Animals (ISBN 1402729677) by Diana L Guerrero. Reprinted here by permission of the author. All rights reserved.

Holy Cow Takes on a New Meaning at Olvera Street with Blessing of the Animals

Birds of a feather flock together and on April 7, 2007 guests at Olvera Street will really be birds and animals. A critter crowd of dogs, cats, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds and snakes will accompany owners as they meander through booths and the visit the merchants at El Pueblo while waiting to participate in the annual Blessing of the Animals. Author Diana L Guerrero will be one of the party animals at the event presenting the merchants with a copy of her newest book, Blessing of the Animals scheduled for release in conjunction with El Pueblo’s annual blessing.

The event is a thrill for animal lovers of all types. Veteran attendees will arrive with pets in strollers and wagons hours before the blessing. Mexican charros (cowboys) participate in roping contests upon their stout steeds while gaily decorated folklorico dancers visit under adjacent archways. Plumed performers ready elaborate headdresses for the procession and warm up by dancing for crowds gathered around the gazebo. Wandering minstrels will enchant observers who mingle with pet owners, sharing stories, and snacks while visiting the many booths of animal related charities.

Diana L. Guerrero, author of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) will kick off her appearances and book events at Olvera Street animal blessing since El Pueblo's story is featured in the new book...her next stop? April 8th she'll be at the Haute Dogs Easter parade in Belmont Shores.

Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Guerrero returned during her research as a guest at El Pueblo’s Blessing of the Animals celebration—mingling with notable Angelinos such as Antonio Villaraigosa—the mayor of Los Angeles.

During the Benedicion de los Animales the cow is the honored processional leader. Blanketed in an elaborate cascade of flowers, or a beautifully constructed mantle, the bovine traditionally leads, even walking before the distinguished Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This tribute honors the historic role cattle hides, meat, and tallow played in establishing a place of worship in El Pueblo.

Guerrero said, “During the anniversary celebration the beautiful bovine got a little stage fright but in the end decided to cooperate. Cardinal Mahony also has a unique blessing technique that must be experienced to be appreciated. ”

The author interviewed many spiritual leaders about their animal blessings and discovered that animals catalyze people to cross religious lines to find common ground. She also believes that the Olvera Street blessing probably goes back further than was previously documented.

“Anecdotal accounts regarding animal blessing traditions surface frequently, going back to the 4th Century, but actual documentation is scarce. Here in California, the Los Angeles Olvera Street blessing became popular around 1930. However, recent research indicates that the blessing may actually go as far back as 1781 and the founding of Los Angeles."

Despite the crowds and diversity of animals in attendance, pet blessings are usually peaceable kingdoms.

"Sometimes animals are restless, but most cooperate. Perhaps we need to give the nervous critters a list of commandments: Thou shall come when called, Thou shall behave in public..."

Guerrero included those commandments in BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS. Short excerpts are available online at www.blessingoftheanimals.com. The book is available at booksellers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

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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

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