In recent days, I’ve found myself missing my beloved brindle dog Britannia Tige more than ever.Then yesterday,just when I thought I couldn’t be sadder about my loss,my dog Desiree and I were veryfortunate to have something wonderful happen (more about this later, in a future column). Rest assured I’ll be counting my blessings and giving thanks for this development for weeks to come!
Is there something you and your dog arethankful for? Is there a dog you miss terribly? Do you want to prove your dog love in a different way? If you’re in New York Citythis Sunday, October 2, letit show byvisiting Brooklyn’s Church of the Ascension.
At 3 p.m., Father John Merz — a hardcore dog lover — will preside over what he proudly calls “Brooklyn’s biggest blessing/remembrance service for our animal friends.”Dogs, and all other species present, will receive a blessing, while the memories of departed pets will be formallyhonored.
Read more about this annual blessed event here. It’s really not to be missed.
By Father John’s side will be Lola, his beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. This sweet, beautiful creature has such adevotedfollowing that I suspect the Ascension congregation is really her flock, not her human’s! (She is a herding breed, after all.)
If you find yourself dogless on Sunday, you’re in luck. Not only will Lolaprovide you with a strong dose of puppy love, but theeligible K9s ofBrooklyn’s Dog Habitat Rescue will be on hand and paw to receive a blessing from Lola’s Dad. These are some of the most adorable adoptable dogs in all of New York, so definitely check them out.
The Church of the Ascension is at127 Kent Street (at Franklin) in the picturesque — and extremely dog-friendly — Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. Hope to see you thereon Sunday!
