Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v06n20)
Life's Ripples from Broad Ripple United Methodist Church by Rev. Timothy Rasmussen
posted: Oct. 02, 2009

We have a friend who recently added an addition to her family by adopting a bunny rabbit. This particular rabbit is litter trained, and pretty much has run of the apartment. This friend also has a cat who is litter trained and pretty much has run of the apartment. Oh, and did I mention she has a gerbil as well. The gerbil mostly stays in its cage, but occasionally gets to come out and get some exercise.
This particular friend happens to be a personal trainer, so she has it in her mind that her pets need exercise and fresh air. To accomplish this she has a leash for each of them and she takes them out in the yard to walk around. She also takes them to the apartment stairs and tries to get them to jump up the stairs to stretch their legs.
When she first told me she was doing this I thought it was kind of odd. However, I soon realized that these pets were such an integrated part of her life that she transferred her idea of health on them, and being the good pets that they are they responded without hesitation. Isn't that how it is with our four legged friends? They are such an integral part of our lives that it just seems natural to share all aspects of our lives with them.
If there is a special pet in your life you are welcome to come to the shortened version of a dog show and then stay for our annual pet blessing which will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Tim has been a United Methodist Pastor since 1973 and has been at Broad Ripple United Methodist since 2003. Email your questions/comments to
tim@BroadRippleGazette.com
tim@broadripplegazette.com