\u201cIf a pet is your wish, it must be a fish\u201d \u2013 or so goes the mantra from Residence Life concerning the policy surrounding having any kind of critters in your residence hall or other campus housing. One of the more difficult transitions for first year college students is having to leave beloved pets at home.\u00a0 Several years ago, one student was so homesick for her dog that we gave her complete access to our house – 24\/7- so that she could have a puppy fix and take our little Dusty for a walk whenever she wanted. Dusty loved the extra attention, and the student loved having his companionship.<\/p>\n
In over fifty years of living I\u2019ve been blessed by a menagerie of pets.\u00a0 As a family living in Wyoming we had cats and dogs at various times while growing up, as well as several horses. My dad and brother were the real cowboys, but I occasionally rode with my dad out in the country and went on horse packing trips above the timberline in the mountains. Even on the steepest and rockiest inclines I learned to implicitly trust the surefootedness of my horse, and he never let me down \u2013 literally and figuratively.<\/p>\n
When I became a parent myself, I discovered that one of the greatest gifts I could give my children was to allow them to care for a pet. We\u2019ve had several cats and one dog over the years but each pet has helped every member of our family to expand their hearts. Having a pet is a wonderful way to love and be loved. Even the most institutionalized settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons have found that the presence of pets greatly enhances the health and well-being of the residents.<\/p>\n
In recognition of the importance of all kinds of critters in our lives, the Spiritual Life Center will be hosting its annual \u201cBlessing of the Animals\u201d on Thursday, October 4, at 5:15 p.m. in Friendship Circle on campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bring their pets, and students are welcome to come with pictures or even stuffed animals that represent their beloved critters back home. October 4th<\/sup> is chosen each year as it marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a special love for all God\u2019s creatures.<\/p>\n Blessed are you, Lord God, Peace,<\/p>\n Anne<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cIf a pet is your wish, it must be a fish\u201d \u2013 or so goes the mantra from Residence Life concerning the policy surrounding having any kind of critters in your residence hall or other campus housing. One of the …<\/p>\n
\nmaker of all living creatures.
\nOn the fifth and sixth days of creation,
\nyou called forth fish in the sea,
\nbirds in the air and animals on the land.
\nYou inspired St. Francis to call all animals
\nhis brothers and sisters.
\nWe ask you to bless our animal companions.
\nBy the power of your love,
\nenable them to live according to your plan.
\nMay we always praise you
\nfor all your beauty in creation.
\nBlessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.<\/p>\n