 |
| Rev. Paula T. Webb |
|
Why the need for Animal Ministry?
Rev. Paula T. Webb ~ Director
Simple.
Have you ever lost a pet?
When your beloved pet passed away ~ whether through old age, trauma, or illness ~ was there anyone you would, or could, turn to that understood your devastation?
After losing my beloved Ashling to a neighbor's drunk driving in front of my house; then having her sister Coco go missing, never to be found again; and shortly after having to put my Sasha to sleep due to a terminal illness brought on by a fight with a neighbor's cat ~ I found I had few resources to cope with my grief and severe emotional pain. Realizing that all my executive experience in corporate America had never prepared me for this type of loss, I went searching for answers.What I found was that there were little to no resources for those who have lost a pet, have an ill pet, or especially when someone needs to talk late at night, when the pain of separation seems to be at its worst. There was not one priest, minister, rabbi or even good friend that I spoke with that could assist me in my quest for answers. And I set out to change that. Our pets are a beloved member of our families ~ and yet society does not allow us to grieve, express our sadness, or be sad. How many times have you heard ~ "...well, it's only a cat...you'll feel better when you get another dog...it's not like it's a human being, what are you so upset about...animals have no souls and don't go to Heaven..." I know these were said to me over the years, and it always bothered me that someone would say something, in my opinion, so cold.I'm sure you can see what I am getting at. So, what does Anam Cara Ministry provide? Simple. We provide programs for those wishing to enter into Animal Ministry. These adult-education programs are for those of you who wish to make a difference. What do I mean by that? A difference in society ~ assisting others in promoting a wellness of spirit when it comes to our beloved pets. Meaning, becoming a part of the growing field of Animal Ministry ~ changing those old and outdated beliefs of society to ones that inspire others to believe that it is "ok" to treat your pets like family ~ that it's "ok" to grieve when they die ~ that it's "ok" to have a funeral or memorial to have closure ~ before stepping into adopting another one of our partners in the animal kingdom.
We are also available for Grief Counseling and Memorial Services. I hope this explains to you a little about what we do here at Anam Cara Ministry. Available to you ~ providing you with animal ministry programs, personal counseling and honorable ceremony.
And, feel free to give me a call if you have more questions at 602-489-2011, or send me an e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~
|
|