CHURCH OFFERS PRAYERS FOR POOCHES.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

SUNLAND - They might not assemble in pairs like the animals in the biblical account of Noah's ark, but pets arriving for the Blessing of the Animals service will find a shelter of love at Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church.

``It's a tender and sacred place to thank and ask God's protection for our animal companions who are our partners here in this world,'' said the Rev. Janet Winslow of Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church.

``The theology behind the service is that God created all of creation and so values these animals. We are charged to be their stewards, not as lords and masters, but as companions,'' said Winslow, who has a cockapoo named Abigail. ``Animals show us love and accept us for who we are. We can find God in our animals.''

The event, rained out in May, is so beloved and popular in the Shadow Hills-Sunland-Tujunga community that people called the church early in the year to ask when the annual event would be held, said Winslow.

``People move to Shadow Hills for family, space and the animals that they can have here. It has a yesteryear way-of-life feel,'' said Carrie Contreras, who has chaired the event for three years. ``There used to be hitching posts at the church, and people would ride their horses to attend church.''

Contreras said people in the area view SHPC as almost a town hall. The more-than-50-year-old church is a meeting place for such clubs as Four H and a quilt group.

``A lot of people truly think, 'That's my church,' even though they aren't members. We're a community church and we foster an open-door policy,'' Contreras said. ``At the Blessing of the Animals service we recognize the unconditional love from our pets and the love they give us. It's a friend-raiser.''

Calling the event a ``neat outreach,'' Contreras attended previous services with her three children and their dogs: Speedy, a golden retriever; Cubby, a black Labrador; and Apollo, a springer spaniel.

``It's so much fun. We have gospel and contemporary music from our praise band,'' Contreras said. ``We always have a guest speaker. Last year Martine Colette from the Wildlife Waystation talked to us about how to get along with wildlife in our area. It was pretty cool to have her.''

Joyce Davison will be the guest speaker this year, representing AHEAD with Horses, a nonprofit therapeutic riding program established in 1968.

``Imagine if you were told that your child would never walk or talk. First you would feel devastation and then you would feel determination to help your child. AHEAD with Horses is one of those programs that make that determination happen,'' said Davison. ``It's a program where we put disabled kids on horses to do gymnastic exercises. It helps their muscles. They learn balance, hand-and-eye coordination and communication skills.''

Participants are asked to think about a special prayer for their pets before the blessing begins. As she moves among the informally gathered group amid the hay bales and chairs under the oak tree, Winslow will ask the names of the pets and what their relationships are like with their caregivers.

A young person, often a middle school student on the blessing committee, walks with Winslow and gives out an appropriate treat for each pet. A photo is taken and later sent to the pet owner.

The Blessing of the Animals service will be held at 10 a.m. July 12 at Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church, 10158 Johanna Ave., Sunland. Animals must be properly restrained. Call [phone]. AHEAD with Horses, call [phone].

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Carrie Contreras, left, stands with Apollo, left, a springer spaniel, and Speedy, a golden retriever. The Rev. Janet Winslow of Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church takes hold of Cubby, a black Labrador.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer