Pets have been remembered and celebrated with a special service.

The Chapel in the Garden (Bridport Unitarians) held a special pets day service to celebrate animal rights and welfare, in celebration of World Animal Day on October 4.

Angie Porter led the service and chose a range of prayers, poems stories and songs to help the congregation celebrate the lives of their pets.

She said: “Pets are a great way into presence, and they remind us how to walk a more mindful or spiritual path.

“I love that we made space in the service to light a candle to remember animals that have been in our lives and to celebrate and be grateful for them. 

“We are currently planning a pets' corner as a permanent memorial for the dogs and cats of Dorset.”

The service ended with everyone singing Cat Stevens' “Love my Dog” with several of the congregation’s pets in attendance – including Angie’s own dog Bruce, who was joined by Pixie, Queenie and Pretzel.

The congregation lit candles and shared stories and memories of their beloved pets as well as raise any concerns they may also have.

Many spoke of a pet at home and shared memories of pets they had loved and lost with tears in their eyes.

Margie Barbour spoke of her great love for an Irish Terrier that made it on to an episode of a popular children TV programme.

She said: “I bought Bridie when I was directing Grange Hill. I was so busy at work I had to have somebody come in during the day to care for her but like so many people, I had no idea that the love of a pet could so take over your life.

“And of course, Bridie had to appear in one of the episodes of Grange Hill, and her death was heartbreaking.”

On the first Sunday of every month there is also a children's gathering at the Chapel called ‘Kindness Club’, and the children got involved with a host of animal related activities on the day too.

Reverend John Harley, who runs the club , said: “In Kindness Club we painted animals using our handprints in celebration of pets and the animal kingdom- while the adults had their pet service in the chapel.

“It was a great chance to get messy and creative- and we enjoyed a story and a song.”

The Chapel in the Garden welcomes everyone to their service every Sunday at 11am on East Street and it is followed by hot drinks and cakes.