When an animal companion dies

For we who live closely with animals, the death of these companions is a time of grief.  From time to time, I am asked to "say a few words" over the burial of a beloved pet.

Below I have posted a service created by the Rev. Canon Frank Logue, Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Georgia.

A Liturgy for the Burial of a Pet

A Liturgy for the Burial of a Pet

The service which follows is for use with the burial service of a pet. Please adapt the service as needed to fit the needs of the particular service you are conducting. The N. marks the places where you will need to insert either the pet's name or the owner's name as is appropriate.

A Liturgy in Remembrance of N.

Officiant

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
a gentle Father,
and the God of all consolation,
who comforts us in our sorrows,
so that we can offer others, in their sorrows,
the consolation that we ourselves received from God.
 -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

All 


God is with us;
God's love unites us,
God's purpose steadies us,
God's Spirit comforts us.
Blessed be God forever.

Officiant

Merciful and compassionate God, we come to you with N. in grief and ask for her the strength to bear the loss of their companion N.. We bring you our thanks for all you give us through our pets; and we bring you our prayers for peace of heart in the knowledge of your mercy and love, in Christ Jesus.  Amen. 

Psalm 121

Reader 

I lift up my eyes to the hills:
           

but where shall I look for help?

 My help comes from the Lord:
           

who made heaven and earth.

 The Lord will not let your foot stumble:
           

the one who guards you will not sleep.

 The one who keeps watch over this people:
           

shall neither doze nor sleep.

 The Lord is the one who will guard you:
           

the Lord at your right hand will be your defense,

 so that the sun shall not strike you by day:
           

nor yet the moon by night.

 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil:
           

yes it is the Lord who will keep you safe.

 The Lord shall take care of your going out,
           

and your coming in:
           

from this time forth and forever.  

Reader

And if thy heart be straight with God, then ever creature shall be to thee a mirror of life and a book of doctrine, for there is no creature so little or so vile, but that sheweth and representeth the goodness of God. 

~Thomas à Kempis 

Reader

The reason why God's servants love his creatures so deeply is that they realize how deeply Christ loves them. And this is the very character of love to love what is loved by those we love. 

~Catherine of Siena

All Creatures Great and Small

Chorus

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.
                       

all things wise and wonderful, the lord God made them all. 

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings,
                       

He made their glowing colours, He made their tiny wings. 

Chorus

The purple headed mountain, the rivers running by,
                       

the sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky. 

Chorus           

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,
                       

the ripe fruits in the garden, he made them every one. 

Chorus

He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell
                       

how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.

Chorus

Prayers

  

Officiant

Almighty God, your Son taught us that though five sparrows could be bought for two pennies, they are not forgotten before you. We thank you for N., and  for the companionship N. offered to N.. And  we thank you for all the pets who share our homes and our lives.  We ask for comfort for this family in their loss, knowing that you grieve with them for you care for all of your creation as you care for us. May we live more peacefully because of today, and come at last, in the fellowship of all your people, to the haven where we long to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

             

The Lord's Prayer  

Officiant 


May Christ the Good Shepherd enfold us with love. Fill us with peace, and lead us in hope, this day and all our days.  Amen.

Service created by the Rev. Frank Logue.