Sorry – no not the TV series but our very own version at the joint Orinoco Animal Sanctuary/ St Cynllo’s pet service held at Coed Harbour on a beautiful sunny September afternoon.
There was a good variety of pets ranging from a small variety of very friendly boa constrictor, to two pigeons, several dogs, two tortoises, a sheep, a rabbit and a very vocal Shetland pony. There was a chance for ‘owners’ – that isn’t really the right word, is it –to say a bit about their pets and why they mean so much.
Resident poultry scratched about in the barn which was cunningly decked out as ‘church’ with hay bale pews and altar and none of the wildlife seemed at all overawed by the occasion, even when it came to being blessed!
We heard the story of Creation, and The Good Shepherd and the familiar tale of Noah and the Ark which was followed very appropriately by a spirited rendition of ‘The Animals Came in Two by Two’ liberally peppered with enthusiastic ‘Hurrahs’
‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and the hymn ‘All Creatures of our God and King,’ based on a poem by St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, as well as prayers which expressed similar themes completed the picture.
Delicious cakes and a welcome warm drink followed with a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones, as well as visiting the many other charming, and lovingly cared for residents of Tina and James’s delightful sanctuary.
Many thanks go to all those who’s hard work and dedication helped to make the event so memorable and enjoyable.
Words: Pam Livingstone-Lawn Photos: Michael Brown & Debbie Jones