This was a first for me-your thoughts..Dogs and Church

[OneAugustKnight]

I’ve heard treating animals like people comes from living in urbanized areas. People don’t grow up with much experience with animals in their natural habitats. Their only frame of reference when describing their pets behavior is to compare it to that of people. Plus the animal shows where they try to make dangerous animals look cute and friendly by handling them and hand feeding them.

 

[Cathryn]

This is from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

 

[Cathryn]

I’ve heard treating animals like people comes from living in urbanized areas. People don’t grow up with much experience with animals in their natural habitats. Their only frame of reference when describing their pets behavior is to compare it to that of people. Plus the animal shows where they try to make dangerous animals look cute and friendly by handling them and hand feeding them.

That is what the Dog Whisperer says also. He can’t believe how the US treats it’s pets, compared to Mexico. He explains how treating them as if they are people doesn’t meet their needs as pack animals. This is why so many have problems. As an example it is unnatural to carry little dogs everywhere in purses. No matter how small, dogs are dogs, and should walk.

 

[RosalieM]

Cathryn,

I live alone except for my dear cat who unconditionally gives me much joy and delight. Now and then, in the back of my mind is this quote from the Catechism.
Yet I cannot help but hold her dear in my heart and pray we’ll be together always. I say a Franciscan pet blessing to her every day and she runs to me when she hears me begin it. She nestles in a space beneath a little shrine with the Blessed Virgin Mary and a painting of the Divine Mercy. She was the beginning of my journey home to the Church. Perhaps because I love her so much, the Holy Spirit worked through her and I came to love all animals. This love of animals led me to St. Francis. He, in turn, led me to some Franciscans who led me back to Jesus Christ and the Holy Catholic Church.

 

[Cathryn]

Cathryn,

I live alone except for my dear cat who unconditionally gives me much joy and delight. Now and then, in the back of my mind is this quote from the Catechism.
Yet I cannot help but hold her dear in my heart and pray we’ll be together always. I say a Franciscan pet blessing to her every day and she runs to me when she hears me begin it. She nestles in a space beneath a little shrine with the Blessed Virgin Mary and a painting of the Divine Mercy. She was the beginning of my journey home to the Church. Perhaps because I love her so much, the Holy Spirit worked through her and I came to love all animals. This love of animals led me to St. Francis. He, in turn, led me to some Franciscans who led me back to Jesus Christ and the Holy Catholic Church.

I am extremely happy that you were led into the Catholic faith by one of His little creatures. I believe God gave us pets for companions and to love, and they can lead us to God. As Catholics however we need to love humans in a different and more deeper way than our pets. Pets are easy to love most of the time. Puppies are much more lovable sometimes than our own children. But, there is a huge difference. There are people who love their pets more than they love developing humans in the womb. There are people who love their pets more than children suffering from famine in other countries. There are people who even love their pets more than their aging parents in nursing homes. I’m sure we know people who love their pets more than their siblings and friends.

My husband said that if one of our aging chihuahuas ever comes down with cancer or needed major surgery that would cost thousands of dollars, that we would do it, because they were worth it. I showed him the Catechism. We’ve agreed we will provide reasonable health care for our dogs, but we will not spend thousands of dollars to try to keep them alive at all costs, when that money could go to help someone some where. And we do have several “adopted” children in Africa that could benefit from a greater donation from us. I think the Catholic word is stewardship that addresses some of these issues.

I don’t think even St. Francis would be torn between his love for a helpless animal and his love for a person. I am sure it wasn’t the same love. I never heard that he treated them as humans. Love and cherish your cat, but be willing to let go if that is God’s will. God Bless.

 

[RosalieM]

Thank you for your very thoughtful response.
I don’t think St. Francis had to choose between an animal and a person. He called all animals his brothers and sisters. I don’t know of any stories where anyone had to choose between loving an animal compared to loving a human. Of course loving people is more complicated and people certainly aren’t as cute or innocent as the critters; but I don’t think it has to be “either - or”. I’m going to conclude these are different kinds of love. I do need to be mindful however; because I do get carried away. Your tone of gentle caution is duly noted.
Pease and All Good.

 

[Cathryn]

Thank you also for your gentle tone. People tend to believe I treat my Chihuahua’s and English Mastiff as my children because of how I talk to them, and how they share the bed with us, have steps to climb up to the sofa and bed, etc. When they hear what I actually believe, (that I don’t value them as equal to persons, etc.) they are very surprised. I hope the Catechism doesn’t have anything in there about not using them as bed warmers.

 

[Lepanto]

Moses had to remove his sandals before he could step on sacred soil.

Although we may not have to remove our shoes before stepping into the House of God, I think we can learn from Moses about how we treat God’s sanctuary.

 

[Cathryn]

Moses had to remove his sandals before he could step on sacred soil.

Although we may not have to remove our shoes before stepping into the House of God, I think we can learn from Moses about how we treat God’s sanctuary.

I agree!!!

 

[ukdal1]

We have a gentleman that has a seeing eye dog that he brings to Mass and the dog is perfectly behaved, so thats ok with me…

Pope John Paul II said that animals do have souls.

Where do you get this?

 

[davy39]

We have two spaniels, the latest of a long line of dogs at our house. Sometimes, they make more sense than some people, but they are still dogs. I certainly would not take one to Mass. Does anybody think that it is a sin to mistreat and abuse dogs and cats? It would be a venial sin but a sin never the less. Opinions?

 

[RosalieM]

Ukdal1,

Just enter the words “Pope John Paul II says animals have souls” in a Google search on the internet. You will get an entire listing of his quote.

And as for mistreating animals, yes it’s a sin. A Franciscan told me so; it’s a sin precisely because they have animal souls.

No more posts for me on this subject.
I love animals, believe what Pope John Paul II said about their having souls and what Fr. Benedict Groeschel said about anything good and beautiful that gives you joy on earth will be with you in heaven. Bye for a while.

RosalieM

 

[CarrieH]

We have a gentleman that has a seeing eye dog that he brings to Mass and the dog is perfectly behaved, so thats ok with me…

That is an entirely different matter. There was a thread about service dogs at Mass awhile back, but I couldn’t find it when I searched. Anyway, service dogs are rigorously trained and are there to help their humans; they aren’t there simply as pets or to entertain anyone. IMHO, it would be very wrong to turn a blind or disabled person’s service dog away; it would be as wrong as refusing the wheelchairs and walkers of those who need them.

 

[SMHW]

There was a thread about service dogs at Mass awhile back…

**Service Dog in Mass?
**forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=2320623&highlight=service+dogs+at+mass#post2320623

Service dogs (and service dogs in training) are usually very well behaved. And their owners/trainers usually try hard not to distract or inconvenience others.

I don’t think it’s appropriate to bring pets to Mass. But on the other hand I suspect most people who would do so are a bit ‘off’ and don’t quite ‘get’ the concept of appropriateness.