Dog collars are all about making sure your dog never strays too far off the physical path and gets lost – but what about the spiritual path?

Only, as they say, in America. If dog collars are something you only expect to see on the priest in church, you might be in for a surprise if you attend the Covenant Presbyterian Church in the States where dogs, as well as people, attend!

Dog Collars – The Clerical Collar

Clerical collars are commonly referred to as ‘dog collars’ in the UK. The term ‘dog collars’ could be considered offensive in a religious context, but in fact ‘dog collar’ has become something of an endearing term. Dog collars evolved in the Christian church when priests wanted to stand apart from other people so they would be known and recognised as representatives of the Church. Priests wore black as it signified that they had withdrawn from the colour and glamour of society. The dog collars however were white. It is said the dog collars are representative of Jesus as being ‘the light of the world’. Dog collars are detachable collars that are always white. Originally they were of linen or cotton but today can be made from plastic.

Dogs Go to Church – On My Dog!

But the ‘bone’-a-fide dog collars themselves could be set to make an appearance in more churches if the American idea takes off. Pooches on pews may be an odd concept for some, but Rev Tom Eggebbeen felt that by including dogs in his congregation he could boost the figures of his congregation. Even if it’s not just the priest wearing the dog collar! The Reverend welcomed the dogs with ‘canine prayers’ offering doggie treats. Putting the lead onto their pooch’s dog collars and taking them to church rather than for ‘walkies’ may be a new concept, but the Reverend hopes it will help boost churchgoing amongst pet lovers. He told his local press: “When we love a dog and a dog loves us, that’s a part of God and God is a part of that. So we honour that.”

Dog Collars – Priests and Pets

Pet friendly services could become a nationwide phenomenon in America, and even reach UK shores. Research shows dog owners can love their pets more than their children and in some cases dogs can even be child substitutes. The idea of addressing the deeply felt bond between man and dog in a religious setting is perhaps the way forward. The Reverend put the dog sermons down to ‘changing family structure’ where dogs and pets can be central to families and communities. “More and more people in mainline Christianity are considering them to have some kind of soul.”

At Collars and Tags, we have a fantastic range of dog collars, tags and leads to treat your pet with. Browse our website to find out more and shop online today.

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