Tewkesbury Abbey has introduced two Labradors, Eric and Florence, into new roles as “assistant vergers” on selected weekdays, aiming to warmly welcome and comfort visitors. Belonging to the head verger, these dogs are not only greeting guests with their own badges but also serving as therapy companions within the historic abbey.
Chris Skepper, Head Verger, noted the dogs’ remarkable ability to soothe visitors, stating, “They seem to put the visitors at ease.” Reflecting on the evolving dog policies in cathedrals, Skepper added, “I think we’ve gone that one step further.”
Trained to greet and provide therapy, Eric and Florence are accessible to both children and adults, offering comfort during services such as Evensong by lying quietly on their mats in the side aisle. Skepper shared a touching example of their impact: “We’ve had a case where a lady has come to a service and she couldn’t sit in it because she’d just lost someone recently but she came and found these [the dogs] and just sort of sat and stroked them. That’s what she needed at that time – just that oasis and that calm that that presented in the building.”
Reverend Nick Davies emphasized the abbey’s inclusive ethos, stating, “All God’s creatures are welcome in Tewkesbury Abbey,” underscoring its role as a haven rich in art, heritage, and culture.
The introduction of Eric and Florence as assistant vergers exemplifies Tewkesbury Abbey’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences through warmth and empathy, marking a unique approach in welcoming all who enter its historic doors.
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