More Than Swallows Fly in Capistrano --- A Fledgling Animal Kinship Minstry Takes Flight!
With a vision to expand our awareness of our Oneness with all life, knowing that all creatures are loved and respected, the Animal Kinship Ministry of the Center for Spiritual Living in Capistrano Valley is a lovely new force of compassion to be reckoned with!
Established in September, 2008, the group's intention --- To honor and support the unique human-animal bond in our spiritual community through prayer, education and service --- was beautifully evidenced recently when it hosted the R.E.A.D. Dogs from the Delta Society's Pet Partners Program, during national Be Kind To Animals Week. The R.E.A.D. program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: simply reading to a dog --- but not just any dog --- each dog in the R.E.A.D. program is a registered therapy animal. The R.E.A.D. dogs spent treasured time visiting the Center's Youth Church, whose young charges all had a chance to participate in this powerful and enlightening opportunity.
The Animal Kinship Ministry of Capistrano Valley's Center for Spiritual Living, which is led by Rose Tingle, is one of many Animal Kinship Ministries blossoming in churches and faith organizations across the country. Typical offerings include prayer and grief support, resource information and many hold annual events such as Animal Blessings where partnerships with local shelters yield a significant number of adoptions. The group also has a lovely and important monthly “focus” where it highlights a cause of the month. For July, the focus is on Marine Animals with collections being taken throughout the month to support the rescue efforts of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. For more information about how you can help with the AKM’s monthly focus collections, and to learn more about the Animal Kinship Ministry of Capistrano Valley’s Center for Spiritual Living, visit: http://www.cslcv.org/news.shtml and to contact Rose, click here: http://www.cslcv.org/programs.shtml --- she would be delighted to hear from all kindred spirits --- human and non-human animals alike!