Meet the couple who organised a pet blessing ceremony in Much Hoole and their reason behind it
The blessing took place last weekend to thank all of God’s creatures.
A special blessing for animals took place last Saturday - and all for a very special and heartwarming reason.
Meet Carla Maloco and wife Maureen the duo behind the fabulous idea.
The pair met in the States in the 1990s while both working in the dog industry and later relocated to the UK where Maureen was head-hunted by dog breeders in Longton, and the couple set up home in Much Hoole.
Sadly, Carla, who is orginally from Scotland, suffered a massive stroke just two weeks before their wedding - and Maureen, 74, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Deciding to honour their beloved pets who give “strength” in time of need, they decided the best way to do this would be with a pet blessing ceremony for every animal.
The couple brought along their dog Luna and tortoise Homer Simpson for the ceremony which was held last Saturday from 11.30am at Much Hoole Village Hall on Saturday.
Local minister Mandy Hughes led the blessing ceremony and the event was also attended by representatives from local vets and from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Carla said: “Alzheimer’s has hit me in the face, it’s unbelievable. But the more people you speak to, the more people you realise are affected by it.
“When you’ve got a dog, you have to get up in the morning to get them something to eat. You’ve got to take them for a walk - you can’t just sit and be miserable all day - and Luna is funny, because she will also just come and throw toys at me.”
She added: “Hopefully this event will get local people together to talk about their issues, and most importantly, to celebrate pets.”
Take a look at some wonderful pictures captured at the blessing ceremony here