Over the past two evenings, St John the Baptist in Holland Park have held their annual ‘Carols with Pets’ services.
Around 700 people and their pets took part in the carols over the two days, including those who had lost their pets but wanted to remember them.
Many dogs were dressed for the festivities, sporting Christmas jumpers and bow ties.
During the service, there were three Christmas readings, with treats, tennis balls and bandanas for the dogs. The congregation then queued towards five priests who made the sign of the cross and prayed for each dog. Pet-owners were then presented a Christmas card with a keepsake of the special blessing.
Revd. Neil Traynor, Associate Vicar of Holland Park Benefice said to The Times:
“People come from a very wide area because they enjoy the atmosphere and we’re delighted to welcome them in… Lots of people came on their own with their pet. Lots of people came as families. Some had sadly lost their pets but wanted to remember them.”
Revd. Traynor added that many attendees of the pet-friendly services have become regular members of the congregation in west London, with some celebrating marriages or baptisms at St John the Baptist.
