a specialized ministry of www.InterfaithOfficiants.com
~ Serving people and the animals they love. ~


  • For tips on how to help children deal with grief, click here.


Animal Memorial Services

Below:
1.  Interfaith (Christian and/or Jewish) service, adapted from a service by Rev. Sandra Shaw
2.  Secular/Humanist/General Spiritual Service, adapted from a service by Rev. Sandra Shaw
3.  Interfaith (Christian and Jewish) service from "The Pet Rev", Rev. David James
4.  An informal children's service for a child's pet, inspired by suggestions from Rev. Sandra Shaw
5.  A Service of Grieving and Thanksgiving, by the Rev. Robert Stiefel
6.  A very brief five-line prayer for the burial of a pet, by Artist Alison Whitney Idrees of www.mypetloss.com.

There are places where Interfaith Animal Chaplains are not available.  Please feel free to use the following services for your own needs.  Where I have quoted others, please be respectful and give those quoted their due credit.  If you feel my services have been helpful to you, please consider contributing so that we can continue to offer our services to others.  May you find the grace to mourn with dignity and honor.  May your memories of your loved one comfort you always, and inspire you to reach out in love to others.   I wish you peace. 

Please Note:  If you have trouble printing the width of this page, set your printer settings to "horizontal" or "landscape".
~ Chaplain Nancy

1.  Interfaith (Christian and/or Jewish) Animal Memorial Service
(Inspired in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw. 
Appropriate music can be played before and after, as well as during the procession.)

Gathering Words
Dear Friends,

We gather here together to honor the beloved memory of _______________
who has recently passed.  
___________ was a much loved member of the _________ family,
and he/she will be missed greatly. 

Today, we honor ________ ‘s beautiful loving spirit,
kind eyes,
(once) playful demeanor,
and unconditional love. 
Like an angel,
__________’s presence calmed his/her family,
soothed them at the end of a long day,
and made them feel loved when they needed it most. 
As we say good-bye to this wonderful dog/cat/horse/etc.,
we are thankful for the gift we have received
of having been a part of his/her life, as well. 

Reading
To Every Thing There is a Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

Prayer
Let us pray:

Heavenly Father / Creative Spirit / Source of Peace (choose one),
We thank-you for the opportunity to have known __________
in our lifetime. 
We thank-you for the gift of his/her friendship,
and for what he/she has taught us about loving others. 
Because we are humans and not perfect,
we ask for forgiveness if there was ever a time
when ____________’s needs were misunderstood
or not attended too quickly enough.
______________ was deeply loved by his/her human family,
and we know ______________ deeply loved them as well.

Heavenly Spirit, we ask that you watch over _____________
and forever keep him/her in your loving arms,
until his family can be there to care for him/her again.
Until then, we ask that the special memories
of this beloved pet
be blessed forever and ever.

Let us say, Amen.
Amen

Officiant’s Address
I want to thank-you for inviting me
to honor the life of your beloved animal friend,  ______________,  today. 
As all of us here know,
an animal can be a very special member of a family.
Although I did not know _____________,
I feel as if I had known him/her
by the loving accounts I have heard about ____________ from his/her family
(and from the photos his/her family has shared with me).   
It is obvious how deeply loved  _______________ was,
and he/she will never be forgotten.

There is nothing else in life like the relationship we have with our animal friends.
Animals are great listeners. 
They seem to be able to understand what we are saying
when we talk to them, and they don’t argue back.
They don’t judge us,
and they don’t hold a grudge. 

I believe we share our lives with animals to learn what they can teach us:
•to love unconditionally,
•to care about others rather than our possessions,
•to remember to be playful in life,
•to remember to snuggle with those we love,
•to observe the world around us with curiosity and enthusiasm,
•to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure,
•to remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to time,
•to trust that the world will provide everything we need,
•and to remind us, “Don’t worry.  Be happy”. 

As we mourn the loss of ___________________,
who was a very special and much-loved friend,
we are thankful for these important lessons
he/she taught us about life. 

Personal Sharing
Now is the time in our service when I ask _____________’s family and friends
to share a favorite memory of ________________. 
Who would like to begin?

(Thank the sharers.)

Procession or Honoring Remains
(Begin music - If there is a casket or an urn of ashes, each attendant can approach it and place a flower on it or near it, to pay their respects.  If there are just a few people, have a silent meditation until the music stops.)


Prayer - Adapted from “Prayer for Those Who Mourn”
(from the Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)

Loving Spirit,
Give me the grace to mourn with dignity. 
Give me the grace to mourn in peace.
Give me the grace to mourn without shame and embarrassment.
Give me the grace to mourn fully so that my heart will be healed.
Give me the grace to mourn out loud and cry until my crying is done.
Give me the grace to mourn the loss of the one I loved,
And to understand others when they must face a similar road.
Give me the grace to mourn with patience
And to be tolerant of my own need
to move through this at my own pace.
Give me the grace to accept that I am in mourning
And to be at peace with that while my heart mends.
I pray that my time of mourning
will be made easier through my understanding
that mourning is good for my heart.
May mine be a good mourning,
one that cleanses my heart,
and renews my spirit.
May my memories of my beloved _________ 
be for a blessing,
so that I may love be ready to love again.
Amen.

Reading
(Appropriate for Christian and Jewish services.  Other readings can be substituted.)

Let us be comforted in our grief by remembering the words of Psalm 23: 

Psalm 23 (New International Version)
A psalm of David.
  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
      he leads me beside quiet waters,
  he restores my soul.
      He guides me in paths of righteousness
      for his name's sake.
  Even though I walk
      through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
      I will fear no evil,
      for you are with me;
      your rod and your staff,
      they comfort me.
  You prepare a table before me
      in the presence of my enemies.
      You anoint my head with oil;
      my cup overflows.
  Surely goodness and love will follow me
      all the days of my life,
      and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
      forever.
(For a Jewish funeral, you can insert the mourners Kaddish here.) 

Closing Blessing
We are reminded that our bodies return to the earth,
while our spirits are set free to reunite with the Creator. 
As we say good-bye to our beloved ______________,
we express our deepest gratitude for the blessing of his/her sweet presence. 
Through __________, we learned compassion. 
Through __________, we learned patience. 
Through ___________, we experienced joy. 
Through ___________, we learned to think about someone else other than ourselves,
and learned to be both giving and forgiving. 
Through __________, we learned about friendship and loyalty. 
Through ______________, we learned about innocence, humility and forgiveness. 
Through this beloved animal, we were shown the best qualities of humankind,
and found that the highest virtue of all
is kindness to others.
Through our beloved _______________,
we were shown the greatest gift of all,
the gift of unconditional love. 
As we go forth from this day,
may these important lessons be within our hearts,
and upon our lips. 
May we remember to share them with others. 
In sharing them, we will truly honor the memory of ______________,
and keep his spirit in our lives. 

As you leave, we read from:
Numbers 6:24-26:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace."

***********

2. Secular/Humanist Animal Memorial Service
(Inspired in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)
The service begins with the sound of bells or appropriate music. 

Gathering Words/Candle Lighting
We light this candle to honor the memory of _______________
who has recently passed,
and to celebrate his/her life.  
___________ was a much loved member of the ____________ family,
and he/she will be missed greatly. 
We honor ___________ ‘s beautiful loving spirit,
kind eyes,
(once) playful demeanor,
and unconditional love. 
______________’s presence calmed his/her family,
soothed them at the end of a long day,
and made them feel loved when they needed it most. 

As we kindle this flame, we are reminded how this beautiful animal brought light into the lives of those who loved him.

Reading
Native North American prayer:
Do not stand at my bier and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush of
Quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my bier and cry;
I am not there, I cannot die.

Collective  Reading
After each line, please respond, “We will remember him/her”.
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We will remember him/her.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We will remember him/her.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We will remember him/her.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We will remember him/her.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We will remember him/her.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We will remember him/her.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We will remember him/her.
So long as we live, he/she, too, shall live.
For he/she is now a part of us.
We will remember him/her.

Meditation
Please close your eyes in quiet meditation.

Today, we are grateful for the opportunity to have known ______________
in our lifetime. 
We are grateful for the gift of his/her friendship,
and for what he/she has taught us about loving others. 

Because we are humans and not perfect,
We must forgive ourselves if there was ever a time
when ____________’s needs were misunderstood
or not attended to quickly enough.

______________ was deeply loved by his/her human family,
and we know ______________ deeply loved them as well.
(Long Pause)

When you are ready, please open your eyes.

Officiant’s Address
I want to thank-you for inviting me
To help honor the life of your beloved animal friend _________________. 
Although I did not know ____________,
I feel as if I had known him/her
by the loving accounts I have heard about ____________ from his/her family
(and from the photos his/her family has shared with me). 
It is obvious how deeply loved  _________________ was,
and he/she will never be forgotten.

As all of us here know,
an animal can be a very special member of a family.
Animals are great listeners. 
They seem to be able to understand what we are saying
when we talk to them, and they don’t argue back.
They don’t judge us,
and they don’t hold a grudge. 

I believe we share our lives with animals to learn what they can teach us:
•to love unconditionally,
•to care about others rather than our possessions,
•to remember to be playful in life,
•to remember to snuggle with those we love,
•to observe the world around us with curiosity and enthusiasm,
•to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure,
•to remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to time,
•to trust that the world will provide everything we need,
•and to remind us, “Don’t worry.  Be happy”. 

As we mourn the loss of ______________,
who was a very special and much-loved friend,
we are thankful for these important lessons
he/she taught us about life. 


Personal Sharing
Now is the time in our service when we ask _____________’s family and friends
to share a favorite memory of ________________. 
Who would like to begin?

(Thank those who share.)

Procession /Flower Ceremony
Each of you are invited up to the altar to pay your respects to ______________.  Please place your flower next to the urn/casket/photo frame before returning to your seats.

Meditation- Adapted from “Prayer for Those Who Mourn”
(from the Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)

As we close our eyes once more
and look deeply within ourselves,
we find the reservoir of our own inner strength. 
We say to that source:

May I find the strength to mourn with dignity. 
May I find the strength to mourn in peace.
May I find the strength to mourn without shame and embarrassment.
May I find the strength to mourn fully so that my heart will be healed.
May I find the strength to mourn out loud and cry until my crying is done.
May I find the strength to mourn the loss of the one I loved,
And to understand others when they must face a similar road.
May I find the strength to mourn with patience
And to be tolerant of my own need
to move through this at my own pace.
May I find the strength to accept that I am in mourning
And to be at peace with that while my heart mends.
I know that my time of mourning
will be made easier through my understanding
that mourning is good for my heart.
May mine be a good mourning,
one that cleanses my heart,
and renews my inner being.
May my memories of my beloved _____________ 
comfort me,
so that I may love be ready to love again.

When you are ready, please open your eyes.

Reading
William Butler Yeats said:
For death does not end life but is part of it, one of nature's transformations as we work our way through its cycles. Death informs life. It is not simply the mother of beauty, it is the mother of life itself, for how could we conceive of life if there were no death? And it is only because we conceive of life that we know we must taste it lingeringly, try every flavor and nuance, drink in experience while we can. Death and life are dependent upon each other, like order and chaos, neither concept being possible without the other. So there should be no fear of death, which is omnipresent, part of life. Welcome it into your arms, for it is but rest; for you lie in nature like a heartbeat.

Closing Words
As we say good-bye to our beloved ______________,
we express our deepest gratitude for the blessing of his/her sweet presence. 
Through __________, we learned compassion. 
Through __________, we learned patience. 
Through ___________, we experienced joy. 
Through ___________, we learned to think about someone else other than ourselves,
and learned to be both giving and forgiving. 
Through __________, we learned about friendship and loyalty. 
Through ______________, we learned about innocence, humility and forgiveness. 
Through this beloved animal, we were shown the best qualities of humankind,
and found that the highest virtue of all
is kindness to others.
Through our beloved _______________,
we were given the greatest gift of all,
the gift of unconditional love. 
As we go forth from this day,
may these important lessons be within our hearts,
and upon our lips. 
May we remember to share them with others daily. 
It is in sharing them, we will truly honor the memory of ______________,
and keep his/her spirit in our lives. 

Thank-you for honoring and celebrating the life of ________________ with us today. 
Please be safe in your return home. 

*********

3. Jewish or Christian Memorial Service
from "The Pet Rev." The Rev. David L. James


Opening Words
It is time to say good-bye to our pet_________We loved___________and he/she loved us.
We are glad that he/she is not in any pain.  We will miss_____________
Let us pray. We thank you God that you have brought us together to this place to say our farewells to one of the many wonderful creatures you have given us as companions to share our lives.
We pray now that our faithful companion____________may know your peace.
We also ask your blessing and presence for all who mourn that casting all their grief on you they may be comforted. All this we ask in the name of God the creator of all living things. Amen

READINGS
A Reading from Genesis 1:1, 20-25
A reading from Ecclesiastes (3:18-21)
A reading from Job (12:7-10)

PRAYERS
Mertciful God, we turn to you in prayer at this time of remembrance. The link of life that bound us to____________has been broken, but feelings of love continue to bind us together.
We give thanks for the gift of___________life, companionship, and memory. Help us understand how our lives have been formed and shaped by what________________was and did.
May his/her memory be a blessing. As long as we live________too will live, for they are part of us as long as we remember them.

EULOGIES

The 23rd Psalm  (New International Version)
  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
      he leads me beside quiet waters,
  he restores my soul.
      He guides me in paths of righteousness
      for his name's sake.
  Even though I walk
      through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
      I will fear no evil,
      for you are with me;
      your rod and your staff,
      they comfort me.
  You prepare a table before me
      in the presence of my enemies.
      You anoint my head with oil;
      my cup overflows.
  Surely goodness and love will follow me
      all the days of my life,
      and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
      forever.

CONCLUDING PRAYERS AND POEMS
We give them back to you, dear Lord,
Who gave them to us.
Yet as you did not lose them in giving,
so we have not lost them by their return.
Life is eternal and love is immortal,
And death is only a horizon,
And a horizon is nothing more
Than the limit of our sight.

The Our Father (for a Christian service)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

The Priestly Blessing (for a Jewish service) - added by Chaplain Nancy Cronk
May the Lord bless you and keep you - יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
May the Lord shine His face upon you - יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
May the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and grant you peace - יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

*********

4.  Memorial Service Suggestions for a Young Child’s Pet
(Inspired in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)

Children need to learn that grieving helps heal wounds.  No one should feel ashamed to grieve.  It is a normal and healthy part of life, and needs to be encouraged.  Like adults, children are spiritual people, and ritual can help them deal with the toughest times in life.  As adults who love them, offering your support can assist them to heal and love again.

A memorial service for a beloved pet can help immeasurably.  Be flexible, follow the child’s lead, and lovingly affirm all responses, no matter how silly, religiously implausible or off-topic they may seem.  Know that the child is dealing with the loss in his/her own way, from limited experience.  If the child becomes disinterested in a memorial service, postpone until another time.  Remember that children naturally have a limited attention span.  Some children will want to take time with their grief and will enjoy a memorial service, while others may want to "get it over with".  If your tone is accepting and loving, and the child is healing from the loss, the service will have met its goal, even if it was short, or not completed in full.

1.   Have an adult light a special candle and say, “We light this candle for our dear ___________.  The flame reminds us of how warm and happy we felt when __________ was around.”  (Keep children away from the flame.  If the candle cannot remain undisturbed away from the group, omit step 1). 

2.  Place a beautiful cloth on a table or stool (at child’s level) and place special pet items on it, as a visual memorial.  The pet’s collar, photos, water dish, leash, fish bowl, or other items are appropriate. 

3.  Ask the child(ren) if they know a song they would like to sing for __________.  Any song will do, if it is offered with love.

4.   “Let’s hold hands and close our eyes as we think of _______________.”
Prayer:
“Dear God, Thank-you for letting ___________ come to live with ____________.  ______________ was a good  Dog/Cat/Fish/Bunny/Etc.   _______________ loved __________ very much.  Now, ____________ has come to live with you in Heaven.  Please take good care of _____________ and give him good food, lots of petting, some toys, and other pets to play with.  Someday, when the rest of us go to Heaven, we will be very happy to see ___________ again.  Amen.”

5.  “We have some glitter (or colored sugar).  We are going to share things we really loved about ____________.  Each time we think of something else we remember about _____________, we are going to take a tiny pinch of glitter and throw it in the grass, so that it decorates the earth, just like ________’s memories decorate our hearts.”

6.  If the animal’s remains are present, ask the children to draw a picture, write a note, or place a pretty rock or flower on the container.  If the remains are to be buried, include the child’s offerings in the container.  If there are cremated remains, consider spreading them at the pet’s favorite park or spot in the yard.  Use a simple prayer, like the one in suggestion #4, when you scatter the ashes.  (Note:  Each city has different regulations about how remains are to be disposed.  Check with local officials.) 

7. “Now, we have some bubbles.  We are going to send kisses to _______________ in heaven with each of our bubbles.  When the bubbles pop, we can imagine that _______________ caught our kiss in his little paw/fin/hoof;/etc.  When we want to send our love to _______________, he/she will always be there to catch our kisses.”

8.  Give the child a special trinket box.  Tell the child it is an “I love you” box.  The child can put in it anything that reminds him/her of his/her pet, including secrets and pretend things.  The box also can hold hugs and kisses, or tears.  No one ever has to know what is in the special box – only the child.  Write on the box “In memory of _________” and instruct others to be respectful of the box for years to come.  

9.  Whether the pet is buried or not, it is a great idea to have a memorial marker for your pet, which the child can go to, gaze at, touch and appreciate when missing his or her pet.  There are many such memorials available on-line under "pet memorials".  There are plaques, stones, photo frames and other items for sale.  You could also write the pet's name in wet cement, carve it in a tree trunk, or paint a special sign in a discreet place on the side or back of your house.  You can make a website for photos of your pet, or add a photo to an existing pet memorial page (there are many on the internet). 

10.  You can make a website for photos of your pet, or add a photo to an existing pet memorial page (there are many on the internet). 

Things to keep in mind when helping children (of all ages) deal with pet loss grief

  • Know that grief is a normal part of life.  Grief takes work, yet it is necessary, and allows people to heal fully from trauma and loss. The skills children learn in coping with their own grief will help them as they grow older to face the inevitable losses in life. 

  • Give the child plenty of affection and understanding, and remind them it is okay to cry.  Never belittle their feelings because it was "just a fish" or "just a rabbit" or "just a dog". 

  • If your pet has been euthanized, please do not say that “Charlie was put to sleep.”  Children may have nightmares upon hearing this, and may become afraid of falling asleep.  Tell the truth in an age-appropriate way.  It is okay to say “euthanized”.  For example, “Charlie was going to die soon anyway, and we didn’t want him to hurt anymore, so we asked the doctor to make the dying part go faster so he wouldn’t have to hurt so much.”  (Explain more only if the child presses you for more information.)

  • Remember that grief knows no timeline.  Some children may be "over" their pet's death the next day, while for others, they will speak of him or her for years to come. 

  • Religious ritual, whether it is secular/humanist, or traditional/Biblical helps children heal by allowing them to express themselves in a nurturing environment at a prescribed time and place, giving order to a confusing time.  Allow and encourage the child to have his or her own thoughts and feelings about where a pet goes when he or she has passed.  Affirm those feelings, and know they may change as the child grows and matures, based on his/her emotional, spiritual and cognitive development.  Remember NO ONE knows for sure.

  • Be gentle, respectful, loving and empathic, and your child's trauma will heal on his/her own time.  Do not judge or ridicule the child's grief.  If your child grieves excessively and does not return to normal behaviors after a number of weeks, consult a professional. 

  • Remember that losing a pet can bring up feelings of loss from other times, and respond sensitively. Adults may also have this compounded reaction.  Notice it, and be gentle.

  • Follow the child's lead before suggesting getting a new pet.  There is no way to replace a beloved pet, but with time, the child(ren) will let you know when they are ready to love again. 



**********

5.  At the Loss of a Pet or other Animal:
A Service of Grieving and Thanksgiving
© Copyright 2004-2006 by The Diocese of New Hampshire, The Episcopal Church.  Used with permission.
By The Rev Robert Stiefel
Apr 10, 2006, 08:13

Concerning the Service:
All living creatures share the same source of life and are equally subject to death. The very love we have for each other in the risen Christ is extended as a ministry of stewardship and a gift of love to the pets and animals who abide with us as fellow creatures and companions. Therefore, it is appropriate for Christians to come together in worship at the loss, whether by death or disappearance, of a pet or other animal entrusted to their charge and care.

The family, household, or person(s) who have suffered the loss may make use of this service without the participation of ordained clergy, but it is appropriate that a priest be invited to preside or take part in order to give the absolution after the confession, if such is said, and to bless the people at the close.

The service is intended for celebration in a home or other suitable gathering place, including the chancel of a church or a small chapel or in the out of doors at a burial site. It is not intended for inclusion in a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

If the animal is to be buried at the close of the service, the remains are to be suitably covered before the service begins.

At The Loss Of A Pet Or Other Animal
The Officiant begins by saying:

Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People: Glory to God for ever and ever.
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

Officiant: Let us pray.

Silence may be kept, after which the Officiant says one of the following Collects:

At the Burial of a Household Pet
0 God, you created all that is, and you love all that you have made: we come to you this day in grief and with thanksgiving. We grieve the death of our beloved N., who has been our companion on the way, and we thank you for the gift of his presence among us as an effective sign of the richness of your creation and of the generosity of your love; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

At the Disappearance of a Household Pet
All knowing God, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and all the animals of the earth are yours: be with our beloved N., who has disappeared from our view and from our care. Protect and defend this your creature from all harm in this world, and in the world to come preserve her in the heart of your love; for the sake of your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

At the Burial of a Farm Animal
Most gracious, good Lord, we are the people of your pasture and the sheep of your hand: We thank you for placing us among the beasts of the field and allowing us to care for them and to receive from them food and clothing to meet our necessities. We grieve this day the death of N., and we return to you a creature of your own making, one who served as an effective sign of the generosity of your love for us; through Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

At the Burial of a Wild Animal
Almighty God, who made the beasts of the wild to move in beauty and show forth the glory of your Name: we grieve the death of this creature, in whose living and dying the power of your Spirit was made manifest. We stand in grief and awe, and we reverence the loss of that which was ours never to claim but only to behold with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

When appropriate, the following may be added:
Most merciful God, comfort NN. in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

One or more of the following or other appropriate passages from Holy Scripture may be read. A reading from non-biblical Christian literature may follow the biblical Reading(s).

  • Genesis 1:1-3; 19-25(26-31) (God creates all living creatures)
  • Genesis 2:18-20a(20b-25) (Adam names the animals)
  • Genesis 7:1-5; 8:1-19 (Noah's ark and the great flood)
  • Genesis 9:1-17 (The Covenant with Noah)
  • Numbers 22:21-35 (Balaam's ass speaks)

Between the Readings, a Psalm or hymn may be sung or said.

Appropriate selections from the Psalter are 23, 42:1-7, 104, 121, 131, 145:16-20, and 148:7-14.

The Prayer of Azariah 52-65 (Let the earth bless the Lord) - also found in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 47 or 88, as Canticle 1 or 12 A Song of Creation (Invocation, II, III, and Doxology)

  • Revelation 4:(1-6a) 6b- 11 (The four living creatures)
  • Matthew 11:28-30 ("Come to me")
  • Matthew 18:10-14 (The lost sheep)
  • Mark 12:28-34 (The First Commandment)

After the Reading(s), the Officiant  or other person appointed may give a brief homily. After or in place of the homily, those who are in attendance may be invited to speak words of remembrance or consolation.

The following form of the Prayers of the People may be used, or other appropriate prayers may be said:

In peace, let us pray to God.

0 God our Maker, from the beginning you have permitted us, the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, to name our brother and sister creatures of earth, sea, and sky: We commend N. (or this n.) to the arms of your everlasting love. Amen.

0 Christ our Savior, in your love you gave yourself to death that the whole world might have life: Console us who grieve, and by the sign of the rainbow help us to trust in your everlasting love. Amen.

0 Spirit and Giver of Life, you abandon no creature that the flame of your presence has enlivened: Abide with us in this world and sustain in us the hope that we may yet again rejoice in the companionship of N. (or this n.) in the world to come. Amen.

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

The traditional form of the Lord's Prayer may be used instead of the above.

If appropriate, the following form for Confession and Absolution may be added: