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Question Title Posted By Question Date
re: Are dogs allowed in church? Rob Sunday, December 19, 2004

Question:

Mr. Slavek,

In regards to David's question of 12/13 about dogs being allowed in church... Based on the description he gave of the dog's harness, it sounds to me like the dog was a seeing-eye dog, and was thus was providing a much needed service. The dog's master is likely blind or visually impaired, and would have needed the dog to guide him through the communion line. The master may have also been a member of the local Lions Club or other community service organization who was tasked with training the dog to be a seeing-eye dog.

From David's question, it sounds like the priest was aware of the situation, and everything is in good order here.

Seeing-eye and leader dogs should be welcome at mass when they are doing their jobs to assist the blind and visually impaired.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Rob and everyone,

Thank you to all that responded to my original answer about the dog.  I very nearly mentioned that it could be a service dog but ultimately decided not to since I believed that the original poster should have been able to determine whether or not it was a service dog and therefore would have mentioned it.

Also, it didn't immediately strike me as odd that the dog could be a pet since a relative of mine has brought a large pet dog to church a few times.  :-)

At any rate, it is now mentioned so thanks to all for the input.

Mr. Slavek
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