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.

"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

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.

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.

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

Telephone Prayer Ministry

On Line Prayer Request

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.

Animal Blessing

Animal Remembrance Service

Annual Raffle to Support Animal Ministry

Pet Loss Grief Support Workshop

Jin Shin Jyutsu Workshop

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.

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.

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.

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

This benefit workshop will teach participants about Jin Shin Jyutsu, which is a gentle healing art which uses hand contact at specific locations on the body (the Safety Energy Locks) to promote energy flow and balance.This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the location and functions of the 26 Safety Energy Locks for ourselves.  Through hands on practice, participants will experience the harmonizing actions of Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help methods.  Donna will also take some time to refer to animal charts to discuss how the Safety Energy Locks may be used to promote well-being and comfort for our animal friends.  Jin Shin Jyutsu has been shown to decrease stress and muscle tension, reduce pain and stress, improve digestive issues, and decrease fatigue.  Wear comfortable clothes and be ready to relax and have fun!