Animal Ministry
Rev. Leslie Heckathorn
Rev. Leslie Heckathorn has been active at the Center since 1998 serving in education classes, our youth program, and praying in Grinton Chapel. She facilitated our first annual Animal Remembrance Service in 2009.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:07
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Our Vision Statement
"To inspire, honor, and respect all expressions of life through prayer, pastoral care, and education."
Our vision of prayer and pastoral care is fulfilled through the:
Animal Remembrance Service (every six months)
Pet Loss Grief Support Workshop (every six months)
Annual Animal Blessing in October
Our vision of education is fulfilled through:
Animal related workshops throughout the year
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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Donations Welcome
Donations to support the Animal Ministry are always welcome. You can make a donation by writing a check made out to the center (CSLSR). Please include in the memo section of the check that you wish the donation to support the animal ministry and then place the check in an envelope marked Animal Ministry Donation. You can mail your donation to the center (2075 Occidental Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95401) or place the enveople in the offering basket at any service.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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In Memoriam - Memories That Matter!
If you would like to submit a digital photo of an animal friend that has made his or her transition this past year please submit them to Rev. Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with the name of your animal friend and you/your families name. Please include in the email subject line "In Memoriam" photo. The photo will be posted on the animal ministry web page and may be included in a slide show presentation (as digital quality of photo permits) of animal companions at the next Animal Remembrance Service (the service is approximately every six months).
If you would like to share a story about your beloved, that can be done at the Animal Ministry On Line Community which is located on the home page of the CSLSR website. Just log in and share your story.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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Resources
The Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa has the following opportunties available for people to receive prayer and pastoral care. Each one of these opportunties embraces anyone experiencing an emotional challenge about an animal (e.g. grief, giving up an animal, etc) as well as any other type of loss.
Spiritual Counseling by a Licensed Professional Prayer Practitioner
Grief and Loss Spiritual Support
Individuals may also receive prayer support after Sunday morning services in the Grinton chapel.
Resources to help with your animal questions and concerns:
(Please click on the organization's name below to be linked to their website)
County of Sonoma Animal Care and Control - "Creating a balance between the population of domestic animals and responsible homes to care for them within the County of Sonoma."
Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County - "Dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of feral cats through local spay/neuter programs, placement services, community outreach and nation wide education."
Sonoma Humane Society - ensuring every animal receives protection, compassion, love and care.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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Upcoming Events
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:31
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Animal Remembrance Service
Services are held twice a year in Grinton Chapel
Spring: Friday, March 8, 2013 - 7 to 8 pm
Fall: Friday, October 4, 2013 - 7 to 8 pm
This service is a time to remember and honor the unconditional love we share with our animal companions.
If an animal companion loved by you, and/or your family or friend has died during the past 12 months, we invite you to add their name(s) to the Animal Remembrance Book. The names book will be at the Animal Ministry Table every Sunday after the morning services during the month prior to the service as well as at the Spiritual Support table in the social hall during the week. The names will be read as part of the service. You are invited to bring a photo of your animal companion to share at the service. You are also encouraged to bring a small memento (collar, leash, favorite toy and urn are some examples of items that have been brought) to be on the community altar table that we will create as part of the service.
Please see the invitation on the animal ministry page under In Memoriam-Memories that Matter for directions to submit a digital photo of your beloved animal companion.
If you would like to assist in the preparation and organization of the service, contact Rev. Leslie Heckathorn at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(321-8479).
This event welcomes donations.
Last Updated on Monday, 25 February 2013 19:16
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Animal Blessing
Annual Animal Blessing
Saturday, October 5, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Practitioners will be on hand throughout the morning to pray with you and your beloved animals and offer you a blessing. Well behaved animals are welcome. Any animals that have difficulty traveling are invited to arrive via photograph, along with loving stories from you. During this event we will have our annual raffle to help raise money to support the ministry. The month prior to the blessing you can purchase tickets to the raffle (you do not need to be present to win). The slide show on the animal ministry webpage shows photos from last years animal blessing. We look forward to seeing you there.
This event accepts donations.
Last Updated on Sunday, 24 February 2013 14:49
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Pet Loss Grief Support Workshop
2013 - TBA
This workshop provides a safe and tender space to be with your feelings about the loss of an animal friend. We will be using “The Kingdom of Heart – A Pet Loss Journal” as a guide over the four weeks. Each participant will need to purchase a copy of the journal. Stepping Stones Bookstore keeps the journal in stock for your convenience.I want to thank you very much for all the work you are doing in the animal ministry at the Center. When I lost my horse, Lydia, in May of 2009, I was devastated. Being able to go to the Animal Remembrance service was a blessing as it connected me to her spirit once again. I was Lydia's guardian for 23 years, one of the major reasons I moved to Santa Rosa, and the proud co-mother with Lydia of her daughter, Dakota Rose.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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Jin Shin Jyutsu Workshop
This popular workshop is offered approximately once a year. Watch for future dates to be listed.
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR HUMANS ONLY - PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PETS SAFELY AT HOME

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 23:19
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More Articles...
Our Slide Show
In Memoriam
Cassie, companion of Bonnie Black & family

Anna, companion of Powers family

Jan, companion of Powers family

Cherokee, companion of Joan Wale

Fergie, companion of Georgett & Keith Eggel

Sandy, companion of Teresa Spring
Millie, companion of Wendy Sanchez
Gracie, companion of Kathryn Jurik

Susie, companion of Georgett and Keith Eggel

Dusty, companion of Michele Cameron

Mr. Winston, companion of Michele Cameron

Katie, companion of Anna Benson

Nigel, companion of Cheleste, Daniel & Rowdy

Duke, companion of Georgeanne, Conor & Patrick Rice

Princess Keven, companion of Susan Robinson & Renee Hyde

Stella, companion of Karina Cross & Toby Boettcher

Kiawa, companion of Kristina Wuslich

Bijou, companion of Morena
Below are our friends from the October 2012 memorial service

Daniel Striped Tiger, companion of Colleen Sammis

Quan Yin, companion of Ann Parille

Marco, companion of Chloe Baskin

Marciana Roxy Lucero, companion of Lucero family

Sherlock Bones, companion of Damon & Norm Howard & family

Suleyman, companion of Meghan Gordon & family

Brandy, companion of Molly Kurland

Butch, companion of Nancy Codding

Mendo, companion of Wind family

Amber, companion of Jay & Diego Hall & Gaie I'Hommedieu
