Swiss Churches Bless Pets in a Heartwarming Celebration of Human-Animal Bonds
Over 40 pets, mostly dogs and cats, joined their owners at the Open Church of St. Elisabeth in Basel for a special blessing service. This event, held by more Swiss churches, reflects the growing human-animal bond and the country's love for pets.
Among the pets was Onyx, a Labrador, brought by Gamse for divine protection and care at home. Melida Mazdhovich sought a blessing for her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dazimah, due to its health issues. The service, led by pastor Frank Lorenz, emphasized the strong bond between humans and their pets.
Switzerland, home to over three million pets, is seeing more churches offer such services. The Open Church of St. Elisabeth has done so for over 30 years. This trend mirrors the range of pet supplies available, from herbal teas to luxury hotels. Swiss households spend over 800 million francs annually on pet supplies.
The service also sparked discussions on the contradiction between pet treatment and that of other animals. Some attendees, living vegan, align their practices with their pet care. The Church and Animals Action Group in Witikon near Zurich, founded by local activists, advocates for animal rights and ethical treatment.
The animal blessing service at the Open Church of St. Elisabeth in Basel highlights the deep connection between Swiss pet owners and their companions. As pet ownership grows, so does the demand for services and products catering to their needs. The event also encourages reflection on our treatment of all animals.
