The Reverend Nicola Hunt of St Peter’s, Ugborough, welcomed us to the St Francis of Assisi Day animal service. Yes, she had seen the Vicar of Dibley episode in which there had been an amusing portrayal of an animal service. Looking around the congregation, we hadn’t brought quite the wide variety of animals that the people of Dibley had taken to church, which was perhaps just as well, she said. Nevertheless, she was very glad to see that we had a lovely donkey here with us today. We turned around in our seats and beamed our best Anglican smile of welcome at the donkey in the back row.
George and I were in the front row, which was reserved for dogs and their owners. George is a Border terrier belonging to my brother, who is on holiday in Florida. In the front row, lying, sitting or standing at the feet of their owners, were a Jack Russell, a whippet, a corgi, a sheltie, a black labrador and a poodle cross cocker spaniel cross shih tzu. The last was an intentional cross, said the owner, sanctioned by the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf organisation.
The row behind was reserved for smaller, caged pets such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. There was also an owl and a tiny black kitten. George’s attention was galvanised by the pair of guinea pigs in a carrying box behind us. The box was resting on the bare knees of a little girl called Alice. The guinea pigs, called Coco and Gypsy, were visible through the air vents.
After the vicar’s word of welcome, Alice went to the front to read the lesson, which was taken from Genesis, chapter 1:
And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.
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