Dog-gone-it

"Beware of dogs," says Paul in Philippians 3:2.

Not sure what to tell you about this situation, but you might try listening to the late Wendy Bagwell's story of "The Three Police Seeing Eye Dogs at the Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church" to find out what happened at that meeting.

We do have one of our vocalists that requires the use of a "service" (seeing-eye) dog and it's never caused a problem so far.

I'm waiting for someone to bring in their aquarium full of tropical fish. No doubt the sermon would be either on Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:18-19), or maybe on the feeding of the 5K. [BTW, did you know that that particular miracle is the only one that's recorded in all 4 gospels?]

 

Check your church's insurance policy. It may not cover dogs or the problems that can arise from having one in the church. I'm sure that's the case unless it's a "working dog" for the disabled. In that case, I'd tell her the dog is not permitted to come as per the insurance company. Talk about a lawsuit waiting to happen! Even if the pooch is well behaved, it would take just one person to claim it bit their child or gave them an allergic reaction. . .

 

If it's not a service dog, then to me the simple answer would be, "No...that would be a distraction to others."

Besides, the dog might misunderstand the concept of "putting a little something in the offering plate."

 

I agree with the others, if its not a service animal, it has no place in a worship service or even at any other church related activity. If they wouldn't take it shopping, they don't need to take it to church. (though with some of these "pocket pet" type dogs, you might not even know they are there. )

 

Sorry, but no pets allowed!!

Reminds me of when my family and I were on vacation and stopped at a rest stop in Kansas. I watched a young woman get her dog out of her car, carry the dog to the water fountain, where little fefe proceeded to drink. Gross!!! I'm glad we had our bottled water. Dogs are not meant to drink from water fountains nor are they meant for a church service.

 

Now, a pet snake might be welcome in certain churches...

 

If it came down to the two, I'd pick the dog. If I'm compelled to test my faith on not being bitten I'd much rather test it with a dog, preferably a very small one named Taco.

 

I have been in services where more than one service dog was present. Never have seen a problem.

Sure, some are distracted, that is natural. But the dog was content to lie at its owner's feet. Service dogs, especially those trained for the blind, are trained not to leave their master's side while their harness is on. Also, service dogs are not considered pets... they are considered to be an extension of their owner's.

As to a dog that is not a service animal, I would say no. Too much of a liability. What would be a member's purpose for bringing their pet?

 

The Church of England has one Sunday per year set aside to celebrate pets of all sorts in a special service. The animals are presented to God, since God made us responsible for them.

I haven't seen a service for many years, but faintly remember it as a youngster.

Cheers,

Jim

http://standrewcambridge.wordpress.com/2009/09/22/pet-service-st-francis-day-4-october/

 

Some have been trying to make the case that their animal is the same as a service animal - the pet calms the person down and is required for proper emotional control. A security dog rather than a service dog, and with the disabilities act, look out.

 

I agree with both of these statements!

 

Would you take away a Christians security from them? Where is your compassion, your Christian love? :tongue3:

I have no idea what I'd do, this world is so messed up I try not to think of what is coming down the pike next.

 

There is no security outside of Christ Jesus.

 

Probably better behaved than some deacons.

 

And probably leaves less of a mess to clean up when they're gone...