Christ Episcopal Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, has a new pastoral care ministry called “Paws With Christ” through which certified dog and owner teams visit local nursing homes and work with other community members.
Church rector Fr. Chip Brodfoot blessed the dogs at the church’s service last Sunday
In a special ceremony at the church last Sunday, the dogs were blessed ahead of being sent out into the community to perform what is community service, but also a church ministry.
“I think more than anything it’s a form of pastoral care,” Broadfoot said of the program’s mission. “Honestly, I see dogs as being kind of like angels and that they have an ability to just calm and bring joy to people.”
As a speech therapist in Alabama, Broadfoot worked at a hospital and a program called “Dogs on Call.” She could sign up trained dogs to come in once a month and sit with patients who were autistic, or had Down’s Syndrome.
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Thanks for doing what you do.
Tammie, we need you to post with your first & last names please.
David Allen
Great story about two people, Chip and Becky Broadfoot, whom I love immensely. And I agree with the use of animals, particularly dogs, in pastoral care–the affection between humans and dogs is very healing.
The story is a bit confusing though because it is talking about “Broadfoot” as if it’s Father Chip, when in the last paragraph you say “Broadfoot” you’re clearly referring to Becky.
I think this is GREAT!!! The dog is still Man’s Best Friend, glad the Church is starting to see animals in a new perspective.