When family come to visit at Christmas, in the depths of Cornwall, and the weather is not suitable for walking, we often suggest a trip to Truro for a bit of shopping and lunch. That in-between Christmas and New Year slump can be a bit grim but yesterday we paid a visit to Truro and I’m so happy that we did.
The Cathedral is always on our agenda, to light candles for long lost relatives and more often than not to have lunch in the excellent cathedral café. What a delight it was yesterday to arrive just as the congregation and pets were arriving for the Pet’s Carol Service. Each winter since living here in Cornwall I keep meaning to make the trip up for the Pet Service, held every year for humans and pets. So more by accident than design we found ourselves sitting in the middle of Truro cathedral with a whole variety of dogs and other furry friends, some settled, some howling and all of us singing.
The service began with All Things Bright and Beautiful and the brief sermon from the pool pit was both apt and amusing. In previous years I believe they’ve had horses and donkeys arriving. Unfortunately, not yesterday but it didn’t detract from a lovely experience and a joyful service from Truro Cathedral. It’s a unique festive service that offers a chance to celebrate the special bond that exists between owners and their pets, concluding with a blessing for all the pets and humans.
Dean Roger sums it up nicely, ‘Animals bring people together from all walks of life, and that, surely, is what Christmas is all about.’ All species warmly welcomed.
