For George N. Gavin, the dog blessings started since his ordination and gave himself over to his love of dogs and his interest in searching for a deeper meaning for such sweet souls on this planet.
His wanderings around New York and the Newark area (where he lives) in based on animals in general, but specially dogs. And, if you live around this area, don't be surprised if one day an older man crosses you and your dog's path on the street, and if he thinks it appropriate, he will ask your consent to give you both a blessing.
His heart always gets the best of him. It's a question of starting with the most vulnerable. Every shape, size, breed or color of abandoned dogs who cross the path of this minister (whose congregation is four legged), will go to a shelter or the basement of his house until they go to a new family (some souls of skin-not fur or feathers...) who can take care of them. And he will make sure that the rescued ones will not be the victims of some kennels' euthanasia.
Working also with a team of volunteers, the Bright and Beautiful Dog Therapy Organization (www.golden-dogs.org), he can perform the most incredible services, especially animal blessings, where the families and handlers will bring their dogs to be blessed, to pay homage to their wonderful service and help they give other humans, young and old, disabled or whole. The dogs are our "angels" in more than one way.
The prayers in his services are strongly dedicated to the dogs and their needs, like training, meals and accomodations...everything is to uplift the dignity of these loving souls in fur. His services are nondenominational, this humble man would respect your faith and tradition, and blessings would be with a hand on the dogs head, or hugging it and smiling pray: "May our God of love fill your life with pleasure and comfort, and give you always a bowl of cold, clean water and a bowl full of food everyday." This is just an example of some of his words. If the family was Jewish he will don a yarmulka and intone a blessing in Hebrew, and then when the next comes in line, replace the yarmulka with a pectoral cross and say a Christian blessing. He always starts his ceremonies going around to all the dogs before he puts on his vestments, so they can get his smell and the sound of his voice and his touch. So they can become friends before they show up in front of him to be blessed. That way he can hug and cuddle them without they're being afraid of him.
He dedicates his life to learn more about compassion, helping people, going to the vets with them and supporting people in hard times when they must say goodbye to their beloved companions. He will accompany them to the vets and say prayers on behalf of the human family, thanking God for bringing this wonderful dog into their lives, and then pray as the voice of the dog, thanking God for finding them such a loving human family to live with. That God's presence is with all of us right till the last moment, and as their souls journey to the Rainbow Bridge waiting for our moment of reuniting with them in Paradise.
He feels so deeply when you look into the eyes of a dog, you are looking into the face of God. Their blind loving and following us, unconditionally accepting us in all our limitations and weaknesses should teach us how to be able to deal with each other on a daily level, on a global level.
One incident he related to me that touched him to his roots was one of his first rescues, a small long haired daschund, blind, three legged and deaf, whose owner had died of aids and she sat on his lap for days till a family member found them. She was put up for rescue and he had adopted her with another lame German Shepherd, Roger, that day. He decided to join the Bright and Beautiful Organization after meeting it's founder, an angel in disguise herself, June golden. But during the training session George started to feel it would never work with Duchess, his little dog. She could not do the obedience part or move around wheelchairs, and he told June he would leave quietly with Duchess to allow the others to complete their testing. But when they turned around to look for her, there she was cuddled in an old woman's lap, being petted and cooed over. June shocked George when she told him Duchess had successfully graduated the program. Because as a therapy dog, the whole concept was to give love to patients and Duchess proved herself to be more than full of enough love to share around. George was overjoyed to learn this. Months passed with Duchess working every week with new patients and constantly amazing them all. George had to carry her in his arms so she could go to each patient but he didn't mind in the least.
One day he went into a sectioned off area for brain trauma patients. This section had people in comas, and one woman whom he had prayed with and her family were there. She had given birth and suffered a severe case of eclampsyia, loosing so much blood she went into a coma. She had been several weeks in a coma when George entered with his Duchess. He put her down on the bed near the woman's arm, with the family's permission. This woman had shown no response to anyone or anything since her arrival in Kessler weeks before. They were accompanied by an official from Kessler to see if this dog therapy idea was working. He watched quietly and suspiciously from the sidelines. After a few minutes, the woman started moving her hand from her side to try to pet the dog. The arm pulled the dog against her and we were all in tears to witness a miracle. Duchess had actually reached the woman's senses and prompted a reaction. The next day she came out of hr coma and a few months later after much rehabilitation, she walked out of Kessler on her own and returned to visit when she knew therapy day was happening so she could visit Duchess again. The official was suitably shocked and happy to see the results and gave permission to the dogs to keep returning to help the patients.
Years passed and hundreds of patients were rewarded by receiving the soft loving touches of their cold noses or soft kisses on their wrinkled cheeks. George's other rescue, Roger also graduated from testing and worked for years as a therapy dog till his death many years later. He has had two more rescues work as therapy dogs since and each were incredible with everyone.
Georger is hoping by his actions and devotion to inspire others to do the same as he does. To open your hearts and your home to a furry soul who needs to be loved and protected and who will return the love in a myriad of ways. Not all dogs are Marleys and so many are needing to be rescued before it is too late. Sometimes you are unaware of your own potential to do such things until you actually step up and try it and you will be amazed at how wonderfully you will be rewarded.
The Bright and Beautiful Organization has grown so much, blessed by God, since its conception by June Golden. Where once was a mere handful of dogs, a small pack, now it has reached several states and has hundreds of dogs under it's umbrella.
And for George the blessings come to so many other animals. In his brother's farm the doors are opened for children and schools where they could be in contact with the goat, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, sheep....different forms of angels.
Now, do you feel blessed enough with your dog?
By: Joao Alexandre De Assunção Moreira
Publishers note: This article was written and submitted by a website visitor. It touched our hearts and hope it encourages all our members and visitors toward joining your neighbors and helping your neighborhood dogs and people we share our lives with. If you have a woof-terful story you would like to share, please email us from the contact us page. All comments and articles are welcome at BarkMagazine.com ~ "The Voice of the Dog"
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