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Tibetan monk blesses Vancouver pets

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130)  – About 70 dogs, cats, rabbits, a horse and a squirrel took part in Vancouver’s first known Tibetan pet blessing at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Constance Barnes with the garden says it was a wonderful way to bring the community together.

“Everyone was there together, and I thought ‘This is Vancouver,'” she says. “In this world there’s so much chaos, but today…we were all reaching out together. Today was an absolute gift.”

Kyabgon Phakchock Rinpoche, the supreme head of the Taklung Kagyu Bhuddhist lineage, performed the blessings. There was a $20 suggested donation to take part in the event, all of which will go towards helping animals who are in need in Nepal. About $1800 was raised.
    
Barnes says while pet blessings have been done before, there’s never been a Tibetan one in Vancouver

“I know with other faiths that this is done, so this is a first and we’re all really excited,” she says.

Owners approached Rinpoche, who sprinkled water on the animal’s forehead with a peacock feather, followed by a chant.

“People just walked away with smiling faces,” Barnes laughs.

She adds that the event was such a huge success, it will definitely take place again next year.

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