I am officially an Animal Chaplain!

After a rigorous 9.5-month program with the Compassion Consortium, I was just ordained a (secular) animal chaplain.

Animal chaplains are an emerging profession for people who are called to heal the relationship between humans and animals. Every chaplain is different, but what they have in common is a deep understanding of grief and loss, and how to companion people (and animals) who are going through difficult time. Animal chaplains offer spiritual care for those in crisis, ranging from pet parents who lost their companion, to communities grieving wildlife or eco-loss. This usually means we are a supportive, healing presence, a compassionate listening ear, but we can also lead rituals or memorials. Though animal chaplains can be religious, not all are (I myself am secular) but all support a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs. Our job is to offer compassionate companionship regardless of our care-seekers’ paths of life or beliefs.

This journey has been transformative and empowering in so many ways. I am emerging a brand-new (and I hope, improved) person. I am eager to continue my work exploring and addressing the areas of friction in the dog-human relationship. As an animal chaplain, I will:

🐕 Continue to support and witness the incredible efforts of those on the front lines of animal rescue.
🐕 Foster deeper understanding and communication between humans and dogs.
🐕 Advocate for respect, autonomy, and cooperative care in our interactions with animals. With a continued dedication to shelter dogs, and a special spotlight on free-ranging dogs and what they can teach us (and why we should protect them!).

This new role aligns perfectly with my mission of over 14 years—to inspire new ways of looking at and treating dogs with compassion and respect. I look forward to the continued journey and the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Making friends with street dog in Moldova (photo courtesy of Four Paws).