The Feast of St. Francis

“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small; All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all”

Toby being blessed

Today I brought my 14-year old Toby dog to church to attend a special mass dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day.

Toby is a very special dog. He used to be a loyal companion of an elderly lady, living a peaceful and happy life in a beautiful country estate.  There they were, keeping each other company, spending many hours playing catch with a tennis ball, or just strolling along the grounds of their home.  One tragic day and their world was turned up-side-down.  The elderly lady suffered a severe stroke, and as soon as she was taken away, Toby was left alone, and was immediately sentenced to death by her relatives, who had not a care or concern about his welfare, nor the feeling of his loving owner.

St. Francis was there to watch over Toby… through caring people that spoke on his behalf, actions were taken and Toby was saved from the attempt of being senselessly put down.  He was taken away from the horrible situation. 

I am blessed to have met Toby.  It was love at first sight and I took him home.  It was almost 6 years ago.  Since then, Toby and I located his previous owner in a nursing home, and reassured her that he was safe and happy in his new home.

Also since then Toby has had some serious medical setback, but now declared a cancer-survivor.  He also has had a series of infection this summer, but everytime, slowly and surely, he recovered.  St. Francis watches over him everyday.

That’s why today is a very special day.  Toby receives a Certificate of Blessing.  It reads… “On October 5th, 2008, Toby, a Bulldog Cross, was blessed on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. James’ Church, Caledon East, by Reverend Wendy Moore.”

After the blessing, he received a Greenie treat, and he barked the Lord’s prayer.

Woof, woof!