Support groups for those grieving after the loss of a loved one, or caring for an ailing family member, are not unusual.

But recognizing the strong bond between people and their pets, members of North United Methodist Church go a step further, reaching out to those dealing with the illness or death of four-legged friends.

Bob Schultz came up with the idea for the ministry after seeing an upset pet owner at a local veterinary clinic.

“This young man was crying and so we were sitting there talking and said a little prayer,” he says. “And they just didn’t expect for his dog to live.”

Soon after that meeting, the Pet Caretakers’ Ministry was launched, meeting once a month at the church. North United Methodist has also expanded its 24-hour prayer line (812-493-4487) to include prayers for pets and their owners.

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