Anyone who’s ever lost a cherished companion animal knows they weren’t “just animals,” they were family. And when they die, the people cry. To honor that connection, Pete Pagano of Paw Prints Forever held a ceremony at his pet crematory on Route 202 on Sunday.
Pastor Joe Forwood from Siloam United Methodist Church in Bethel Township also said they aren’t just animals.
“I believe animals bring so much joy into our lives. We ask God to pour out blessings upon our pets and our families so that joy will continue. They become part of our family and they’re in our hearts forever. And when they die, the grief is there. People say ‘It’s just an animal,' but it’s not. That pet is part of our family,” he said.
Forwood repeated the sentiment during his blessing of the animals.
“Pets are part of our families; they’re our companions and go through everything and walk with us through our lives. The animals of God’s creation inhabit the sky, the earth, and the sea. They share in the fortune of human existence and have a part in human life and our families,” he said.
He continued saying animals are reminders of the “gifts of salvation”. He mentioned how animals were saved in the story of Noah, that lambs recall the Passover sacrifice and the escape from slavery, and a fish saved Jonah.
“We therefore evoke God’s blessing on these animals and, as we do so, let us praise the creator and thank God for setting us as stewards over the creatures of the Earth,” he said.
He continued, giving thanks for animals helping in our work, how they also provide food for us to eat, and how pets become our companion animals.
At that point, Forwood blessed three young puppies — S’more, Oreo, and Cookie — who are up for adoption at Hinde's Animal Rescue Team on Smithbridge Road in Glen Mills.
Pagano said he wanted to honor the lost pets and their families with the memorial and hopes it will become an annual event.
During the event, those who lost their beloved pets painted memorial stones in their pets' honor.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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