All dogs are welcome at the Perfect Paws Pet Ministry, a special service offered once a month at All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore in Danvers.
“My goal is not to fill the pews,” said the Rev. Marya DeCarlen, pastor at All Saints in Danvers. “My goal is to set the hearts of the folks here on fire with the love of God.”
Perfect Paws started five years ago as a spiritual outreach to people through their pets. The service, offered every third Sunday of the month at 5 p.m., welcomes all animals, except for snakes. Dog owners make up most of the worshippers.
“We’ve never missed once in five years,” said Jimmy Juppe, 64,of Tewksbury, who attends with his wife, Lynda, and their Yorkshire terriers, Bella Mia, who is 1, and Pallina, 12.
While Lynda Juppe attends Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Revere, Jimmy said he had fallen away from church until he started attending Perfect Paws.
“I feel these are God’s animals,” he said, cradling Bella Mia in his arms. “What a wonderful treasure to bring them to church.”
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