God's creatures fun for all

All were welcome at Anglican Church of the Epiphany yesterday - including pets.

About 20 dogs, cats, kittens and even a lamb trotted - or were dragged a little more reluctantly - up the aisle of the Church of the Epiphany to be blessed yesterday in a long-running annual pet service.

SPCA manager Val Ball said the animal blessing, in various forms and locations, had been running for at least 25 years and with the Church of the Epiphany for at least a decade.

"It highlights the work of the SPCA in the community, and it's a special time to reflect on what work we do."

Vicar Peter Brown said it was his first blessing, and that it was very pleasant. "It brings people who wouldn't ordinarily come here, the four-legged and their carers and owners who wouldn't usually be church-goers, it's lovely.

"It's important because it's placing the church as caring for all creation, not just the human part of it."

The annual pet service was also a chance to give thanks to a number of Masterton SPCA's volunteers. Ten long-time volunteers received merit medallions as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year celebrations, which will see 1000 SPCA volunteers nationwide acknowledged for their service.

Masterton SPCA manager Val Ball said the world relied on volunteers. "It's the volunteers - it's not about the pay packets, it's the commitment and the belief in what they're doing and the support they give."

Masterton SPCA's medal-winning volunteers

Doris Nichols was one of the founding committee members of Masterton SPCA, and has worked for them for 40 years.

Kevin Ball has been involved for 25 years and is described as a very patient volunteer.

Maureen Wither works at the SPCA reception, is on the committee, and has volunteered for eight years.

Pat Dutton fosters cats and kittens and has spent 10 years on the committee.

AJ Hunter has developed the Masterton SPCA's website over the last six years.

Lesley Gibson is an inspector and has served on the committee for the last five years.

Maree Mather works in the isolation room with the cats and has fostered kittens over the last eight years.

Joy Pumphrey and Peter Pumphrey have raised around $10,000 for the SPCA over the last 12 years through music and Peter also serves on the committee.

Ross Nixon is the dog compound manager and has been working with the SPCA for two years.